Faults:

My little Paseo has been a pain lately. First the alternator ($160), next the water pump - $50 for the pump, $168 for installation. I barely bought a clutch for $104.

My main issue right now is the blue exhaust smoke - probably worn piston rings. Then an oil leak which comes from where the top timing cover meets the bottom. So she is using a good amount of oil. I'm debating on replacing the oil seal and re-doing the top gasket (the bottom was done with the water pump). Oh and to find out my tranny might be going out from the previous owner. Obviously he didn't take care of the car.

I love the car, and I'm excited to get her running properly. I am tempted to sell it after and buy another car. But in other words, a great little car.

General Comments:

Good little car.

Faults:

I never thought that I would have purchased a vehicle with over 200,000, and to think it would have lasted as long as it has -- with only scheduled maintenance necessary to keep it running reliably and with heart.

I bought my Toyota Paseo in 2005 or 2006, when I started college, and had to commute on an almost nightly basis, approximately 120 miles round trip (4 to 5 nights a week). I kept up this pace for the first 3 years I owned my vehicle, changing the oil religiously every 3,000-4,000 miles.

What things have gone wrong with my car? Nothing. Just what always needs to be done to any car -- oil change, brakes, tires (I have been through about 2 sets -- and going on my 3rd) etc... my little car has 287000 miles, and has not missed a beat since I purchased it.

I do not plan on selling my little car, it will be living out its days as an experimental vehicle for alternative fuels. Oh... it has run on 50% E-85 and 50% Gasoline for a while now, and no complaints either -- without any engine modifications!

One thing wrong? It's super tiny, but what it does not have in size, it makes up for in heart! Just now my car is needing some engine work done, and my mechanic said "let's see if we can get it to go to 400,000..." we will give it a try, and I will let you know how it goes. Thanks Toyota :D.

Faults:

Alternator $170.

Radiator, thermostat, hoses when purchased $200.

General Comments:

Bought this to serve as cheap and reliable transportation as I finished my nursing degree.

The most honest way to describe this car is "holy crap, this thing is cheap and reliable". Even on -30 mornings in MN, this thing fires right up!

The worst mileage I have gotten with this car is 33 MPG, and the best is 41 MPG on a road trip.

I figured I would get rid of it when I finished my degree, but I am keeping it. I just get in and drive, never wondering when it will let me down. I will drive this thing until it pukes, which will probably be many miles from now. I think the body will rust out far quicker than this engine/tranny will quit.

Faults:

I did ninety five percent of the work myself:

Oil pan, $75, 7/2008.

Front struts, $100, 11/2009.

Front pipe $300 - Replaced by a shop, 7/2008.

Catalytic converter, $70, 7/2008.

Front brakes (rotors and pads), $40, 8/2008.

Back brakes, $45, 7/2010.

2 power steering pumps, $20 each, 6/2008 & 9/2008.

Alternator, $35, 4/2010.

Starter, $30, 9/2009.

Tune up, $40, 6/2008.

Radiator, $80, 11/2008.

2 tires, $75, 2/2010.

Power steering return hose, $27 (hardest part ever to find), 8/2010.

Stabilizer pins and bushings, $6, 3/2008.

Air intake, $35, 4/2010.

Battery, $60, 11/2009.

Both oxygen sensors, $17 & $23, 8/2008 & 5/2010.

Washer fluid pump, 10/2010.

General Comments:

I loved this car. I had a Chevy S10, but wanted something for the winter because the truck was terrible in the snow. I got the car for $500, because the power steering pump blew and the guy's daughter didn't like it without power steering. I taught myself to drive stick on this car.

It was a great car and needed a lot of repairs, but I wanted something that I could practice on. Before I could really drive it legally, I had to put a front pipe and catalytic converter on it.

Shortly after, I put power steering in it, and then a new oil pan.

Then I decided to do the brakes, because I had got the parts at an amazing price, and just figured why let them go to waste.

The return hose on the power steering was leaking, and I ran the pump dry one day and blew the pump so I had to buy another. Then I patched the return hose with plumber's epoxy.

Shortly after that, the radiator sprung a leak.

Her first winter went over well, minus the battery had a bad cell, so any time it got cold out, I had to jump it. I could have changed it, but it was an ongoing argument with my dad about the battery being bad. So I had to carry an extension cord and jump pack around.

Summer came and went, and then the starter went, and then I realized that the struts were in terrible shape. I got the struts for 25 dollars a piece, and then had to get dealer seat plates at 20 dollars each. They only cost two stitches in my dad's head when his brother accidentally dropped one on his head.

Winter went well and the car needed better tires.

Spring came and opened a new can of worms. First the air intake completely deteriorated and I could only locate three stock intakes in the country. I ended up getting a cold air intake on ebay because it was cheaper.

The back brakes began making a tiny bit of noise, so I replaced them.

I did an oil change in March, and had a blond moment where I forgot to put the oil fill cap back on. One day on the way home, the car was smoking and I figured I had a stuck caliper. I got out and went to see if the rotor was turning blue (rotors turn blue if a caliper if frozen) and I saw oil on the bumper. I freaked and got the hood open and there was oil everywhere. I thought I finally blew it up, until I saw a light smoke coming from where the cap should have been.

I ended up locating the fill cap stuck in the radiator fins and called myself a few names. A couple days later, the battery light came on.

My dad and I again argued about the problem. The brake light was also illuminated, so he said it was something with the brakes and causing the battery light to come on, since they were side by side. I said it was the alternator going and the brake light was on because they ran off the same panels. Took it to a shop to get diagnosed and the oil all over fried the alternator. So I carried a couple batteries in the trunk and a charger.

Summer went fairly well, other than the car constantly leaking power steering fluid and gallons of power steering fluid was getting expensive. I bought three different hoses and they were all the wrong ones. Finally a local auto parts store located three in Oklahoma, and was able to get me one.

Shortly after that, I was on my way to work and backed in and cracked the exhaust. I then came to terms that it was time for a new car. At this point, the car needed a resonator pipe, back struts, ebrake cable and control arms.

The engine and transmission were great, but the repairs were becoming too much. I ended up giving the car to my brother, so I still get to see it everyday.

The car handled well and was perfect for me as I hardly ever have passengers. The back seat is very tiny, and would be hard for anyone with children older than preschool age.

There are some blind spots, but the car is a dream to park. It fits anywhere.

My Paseo had multiple tricks, such as to get washer fluid, you had to stick the head of a screw where the button was until it sparked, then spin it. Or wiping down the windows with an eraser to prevent frost in the morning.

I loved that car; it shifted beautifully and it never had any sort of an engine problem. The engine and transmission were reliable, but everything else was falling apart on it.

The seats were comfortable, and I took it 100 miles away to my cousins house many times without a problem.

I would buy another in a heart beat. It was a great car to learn on. I think everyone should own an older car so they can learn how to be stranded, and learn some basics on car repair.

I will miss this car when my brother parts with it.