Faults:

Car has had suspension issues since I bought it, it bottoms out at the front over bumps.

At 255,000km a coolant pipe blew, causing the car to overheat, this blew the head gasket and caused the cylinder head to warp, so I replaced them both.

Soon afterwards the car started to experience starting issues, it would start and then just choke and die. Sometimes it would not start at all until I took off the air filter.

The exhaust manifold cracked.

Occasionally the solenoid will stick, and I have to beat the solenoid with a stick or metal pole whilst turning the key to get it started.

The voltmeter often reads above 16V, and the JVC CD player that I installed does not work anymore. I suspect electrical problems to be the cause.

The boot is out of place and does not sit flush with the car.

The windscreen has a gap at the top and leaks.

General Comments:

The car is pleasant to drive on a smooth, flat road at highway speeds.

The engine is quiet, even with the cracked exhaust manifold, it still doesn't make too much noise.

The car corners terribly, and small bumps cause the suspension to bottom out.

It has roomy interior and a comfortable driving position.

The air conditioner does not work.

For the performance offered, the car is thirsty.

Braking is spongy.

Faults:

Had small portion of rust on roof and bonnet.

Indicator switch was broken.

Headlight bulb blown.

Center console was smashed.

Had to re-bore the rings.

The car was sitting in 1 place for over 6 months without being kicked over so most things were just so brittle and old.

Blew a bit of smoke.

Air conditioner doesn't work.

General Comments:

These cars aren't too bad to thrash around. They keep going and going.

They only have 83kW so they're not that powerful.

The fact that the SE model of the TM series doesn't have power steering is abit of a bummer. Much better with power steering.

You should be very careful about the center console. Very easy to wreck. I've already gone through 2. Very hard to find an intact center console as well. I'd recommend getting a fibre glass kit and reinforce the console.

Getting the fuel injection models would be much better than these old carburettor engines.

Faults:

With the air conditioning on, it loses power and shakes at the traffic lights.

This model also uses a lot of fuel.

I have replaced the water pump, starter motor, as well as the normal little things that go wrong with older cars.

It is slow, and the gear's jump around quite a lot.

The turning circle is terrible.

General Comments:

This car is cheap when it comes to parts, especially second hand bumpers.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 353000km just after I bought it.

Blew hole in Exhaust at 400000km

(driving on freeway)

Severe rust starting to show in November 2002 at 450000km.

Alternator stopped charging and had to be replaced at 480000km.

General Comments:

Nice, comfy to drive, gets a bit rough on your bum during long distance.

Bit hard to start on cold mornings.

The engine picks up quiet well 0-100 in 12 seconds.

The dash in these cars are known to crack in any heat over 56 degrees.

Really chews the brake fluid

(known TM Magna problem)

Does about 100km to $15.00aus.