Faults:

When I first got the car, a few things needed to be fixed.

A few main things were the radiator, tires, brake pads, and headlights.

Just recently the transmission has started to act up, so I have decided to change the car into a manual.

General Comments:

I love my Corolla SR5 Sport more than most cars.

I honestly love its acceleration and top speed. I have actually reached 110 miles per hour with this car.

The only real situation I really have a hard time trying to do, is making my car look really nice, because there's hardly any accessories for this car.

I've set up my car pretty good so far, but my next major task, besides the transmission, is to put blue neon lights under the car, so I can really shock the Honda and Acura drag racers. When they see that light turn green, and my car's rear wheels burn out, those guys will left in the dust trying to figure out how the hell an 86 beat their car.

Faults:

First clutch changed at 147000 km. Current clutch still operating since then.

Replaced constant-velocity joints at 290,000 km.

Regassed air-conditioning refrigerant to current type in place of CFC-harmful older type, at 290,000 km.

Power steering pump replaced at 369,000 km.

Replaced front brake hoses at 360,000 km.

Rust starting to show at rear wheel arches.

Fuel gauge never did work properly since I bought the car. When fully topped up, the gauge goes to zero. It then picks up when tank if half full.

General Comments:

Generally, the car is very reliable, and gives trouble free motoring.

Fuel consumption is around 7.5 to 8.5L/100 km.

Normal wear and tear items (eg. brakes, tyres) weren't mentioned above. Otherwise, these items normally wear anyway, so they're not major faults.

Interior is very well designed, especially the space in lift-back models (Seca). It is amazing what can be transported when the rear seats fold down.

Engine is proving to be the ultimate reliability factor, outlasting all other components. Even now, it doesn't smoke, and when I check the oil, it doesn't show any usage, unlike my previous Holden Camira, which I had to top up every week with oil.

Faults:

The car has developed some minor rust in the A-pillars (it does sit outside in the sub-tropical Auckland weather). This was fixed and painted for NZ$200.

I suspect that although the motor may probably go on for ever the body has but a year or two remaining.

A reconditioned radiator was required at 130K - also inexpensive $200.

All other wear (tires, seats etc.) seem to be very light. Everything is made of plastic which helps.

Irritatingly, one of the rear tail lights seems to full up with water from time to time - I have replaced the wiring loom once ($10 second-hand) and despite sealing the unit with silicon have been unable to stop this problem. It does rain here a lot though.

General Comments:

The car cost NZ$2000 to purchase. It is very inexpensive to run, very cheap to repair and seems to use very little fuel indeed.

The car seems to survive on basic maintenance only - a set of plugs, an oil filter and oil every 5K with tires etc. replaced as required.

The engine is fine for around town use, and some open road driving, but is unable to keep up with more modern vehicles (without really pushing it) on twisty, mountainous B roads (however it is fun trying to keep up).

Total running costs for a year would be as follows: 2 services @ $100 - say one repair @ $200 and $10 petrol a week to cover around 200K per year.