Faults:

So far I have had to replace the shocks, springs and brakes. The driver seat is starting to tear down next to the seat belt clasp.

The only problem is that parts are hard, yet almost non existent for this model in Australia.

General Comments:

This is by far the best bang for buck I have ever driven.

The interior is remarkably large for such a small car.

Small, fast, and the handling is superb once lowered with stiffer springs.

Faults:

The only faults I have with the car is that the plastic (air bag) steering wheel is obviously not up to the Australian sun, as it has started to deteriorate.

I've noticed the same problem with one relation's Starlet of approximately the same vintage, but not with a 1996 model which has the original non-air bag steering wheel.

General Comments:

The car has been fantastic fun from the moment I bought it.

It has always been economical to run and great to drive.

The only reason we're looking to change cars now is simply because the Starlet is too small for our future needs.

We'll definitely be back to Toyota, though!

Faults:

Collapsed engine mount.

Faulty electric window.

General Comments:

This is a fast and reliable little car, great fun to drive.

The front seats are great, but the rears are only suitable for short trips.

It is a very economical car for a turbo.

Faults:

The rear-view mirror and parcel shelf rattle.

Driver's side seat belt buckle has become sticky, making it difficult to buckle occasionally.

General Comments:

It has no power steering, but it handles so lightly that it doesn't require it.

The front seats have enough room for me - I can sit comfortably despite my 194 centimetre frame.

Surprisingly quick off the lights for a 1.3 litre engine.

Excellent 360 degree vision.

Grey bumper bars are rather ugly.

It gets quite noisy at speed.

Faults:

There have been numerous problems with the driver's side CV joint, but this is likely to be due to an accident that it is believed to have been involved in as a rental car.

Otherwise, it has just needed oil changes and new brake pads.

General Comments:

I am thoroughly satisfied with this car, and I believe that it is ideal for anyone who needs to keep running costs down and who does not require a lot of interior space.

It has never let me down except on one occasion when I accidentally left the headlights on (unfortunately, it lacks a warning system for this). It has always started first time in the mornings.

Fuel economy is superb, and minimal maintenance has been required.

The steering can be a tad heavy (this model lacks power steering), but having good tires makes a significant difference. The car is extremely maneuverable. Overall handling is very good, and the car holds the road well.

I don't think it would hold up too well in an accident but the responsive steering and throttle are, in my opinion, valuable active safety features.

Beyond 100 km/h, the revs pick up a bit and the engine begins to loose confidence and economy. The low gearing does, however, ensure smooth acceleration at urban speeds. From all accounts, it is worthwhile to choose the 1.3 litre model over the 1.0 litre, the latter of which seems to lack 'get-up-and-go'.

I can only describe this car as fantastic. These days, there are not many cars that make you want to keep them for years and year, but this one does.