1986 Toyota Van 1 ton cargo van 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

An excellent performing and long lasting vehicle

Faults:

The only thing that has EVER gone wrong with this vehicle has been a blown water pump at 234,463 miles.

General Comments:

This has been one of the most fantastic vehicles our family has ever owned. We bought it brand new with W.S.U. cougar colors put into the interior when it was converted by the dealer to a passenger van from the cargo version. We have gone all over the 48 states with it and still do to this day. It is now configured back into a cargo configuration as we use it to help move extended family members in many different states now. We have remained a very loyal Toyota family due to the outstanding cars that Toyota keeps putting out year after year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2003

1986 Toyota Van LE from North America

Summary:

A good performer with excellent reliability

Faults:

Brakes seemed to have needed replacement earlier than expected.

Replaced the transmission at 83,000 miles.

Replaced muffler twice, the last one at 88,000, but this is expected in western New York.

General Comments:

We bought this van when we had our first child; it was brand new at the time (both the child and the van!). The dual captains chairs in the second row made getting child seats in and out very easy. It performed well for many years and at the 16-year mark I'm finally ready to sell.

As other reviews have pointed out, the turning radius is unbelievable and it can get around places my Honda Accord can't come close to.

Since I have kept it in good condition the cloths seats and interior look almost new. The fabric used in these vans at the time had to be of a quality unmatched in today's cars.

I feel I haven't really put the van to the test yet as it has only 101,000 miles. If anyone has any questions I can be reached at jsthay@yahoo.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2003

1986 Toyota Van Passenger 4-Y EC from North America

Faults:

Replaced Alternator @ 79,000 miles.

Replaced faulty engine temperature sensor @ 94,000 miles.

Replaced Windshield @ 108,000 miles.

Replaced; fuel filter; distributor cap; 3 drive belts; PVC valve; spark plug wires; platinum NGK plugs; upper and lower radiator hoses; PVC grommet and thermostat all @ 127,000 miles.

Replaced Windshield (again) @ 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

Being our third, of now 4 Toyota's (my wife drives our wonderful 99 Tacoma extended cab PU), this may very well be the most reliable of the bunch!

With our second child we outgrew our Corolla Wagon, but may never find this kind of room again. As the At-home-dad I've often felt like a buss driver with the "Cab-over" effect of this mid-engine vehicle.

The driving height and panoramic view through that comparatively large windshield often tempts me to charge admission! Thus the need to replace it twice. Though the slope, or front angle of the van looks somewhat radical, its windshield actually has less slope than most cars, and seems prone to more severe rock damage.

The growing kids and I (occasionally Mom too) frequently load our mountain bikes, cooler, and selves, with room to spare. The high ceiling has often seemed like wasted space, until loading those bikes. We recently loaded 9 full grown, hand dug Blueberry plants into it, along with assorted tubs, shovels, and boots. I literally had to slam the back hatch to cram everything in! Too bad the "One-wheel-drive" couldn't get up the dry grass hill to where I planted them, I completely agree with it's inability's off dry pavement.

But what a cruiser on our local "Blue highways." I've never checked or cared about gas mileage, any smaller engine wouldn't work, so I've assumed it's getting the best mileage possible. And as I tell the kids, "Anyone can drive a V-8, it takes a real driver to finesse a 4 Cylinder!"

The 5-speed manual sold me, I wouldn't have anything else. The idea of 4-wheel drive (which I don't have) makes me forever envious... The U-turn ability has quickly erased many a mistake!

We've had the back seat removed for years now, that usable interior space, and the nice low bumper clearance, makes my SUV friends drool!

We've actually had a recent inkling to replace it, but because of the instant interest of 3 close friends to purchase, we've reconsidered (human nature), and after reading all these magnificent reviews... I think we'll keep it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2003