Faults:

Replaced the timing belt right after I bought it.

Starter problems, vehicle sometimes won't start. Mechanic says I only need to change the battery. I changed the battery, and after a month or two this happened.

I was running 100-120km/h on a national highway along Bataan, then I suddenly felt a significant loss of power, then the engine died. I tried to start the engine again, but it wouldn't start. I managed to place the vehicle on the road side and checked the engine; I found out that the solenoid switch on the starter got burned.

I ended up replacing the whole starter, and everything has went fine since then.

The cylinder head got some leaks. I just replaced the cylinder head gasket and some oil seals.

I also got a problem on the crank shaft bolt. The pulleys just got loose. When I checked, I found out that the bolt got a loose thread. I re-threaded and over-sized the bolt.

The steering veers off to the right when running. I just realigned the wheels, and adjusted the camber.

Air-conditioning sucks. But managed to fix it by general cleaning, replacing the expansion valves, filter-drier, charged the freon. It wasn't as cool as brand new, but quite acceptable and better than when I acquired the vehicle. Mechanic recommends replacing the compressor.

General Comments:

A very reliable vehicle.

Fuel economy is impressive.

Runs quite fast. It has good acceleration and good climbing ability, even if it is fully loaded, considering it has an under-powered diesel engine. Better than its competitors in its class.

Handling and cabin comfort is generally nice. A little bouncy when you're alone, but it's better when you've got passengers with you. Better than the others in its class.

Driving visibility is quite good due to a higher seating position and shorter front nose.

Looks better than its competitors during its era.

Faults:

- Knocking heard and felt coming from the lower part of the steering column.

- Water leak from the front windshield weather strip when parked/driven under the rain.

- Rust forming at the front interior flooring. (most probably because of the leak from the weather strip).

- Noisy drive train.

General Comments:

- I like the ample interior space. You would not get that from a sedan.

- Good fuel efficiency (11 - 12 km/liter)

- Low maintenance engine.