Buying Precausions

[bzn]

Hello everybody!

Since the CTS is an interesting piece of machinery, but unfortunately it is not very reliable, I think it would be reasonable to collect most of the major breakdowns (and, of course, the possible ways to find them in the car you're inspecting) anyone's had into one topic so that people who are considering buying a used CTS will be more confident!

[chenks]

who says it's not very reliable ?

[R6TH M]

I was thinking the same thing? Not often you hear of a toyota not being reliable

[PaulT]

Touch wood haven't had any problems in three years.

Some people have complained about clutch problems so I guess it's possible there was a bad batch in there somewhere. Not sure if it's known when exactly the problem cars were made.

There were also rumours that early engines might be prone to breakages in the mechanism that switches cams, but that seems to have been a problem mainly with the 2zzge in the early Celicas. I've heard of the odd case or two of bent valve camshafts, but that doesn't seem to be a regular problem.

The fitting of the radio and central air vents into the dash is sometimes a bit ropey and needs sorting.

No other issues immediately spring to mind, but check back though the forum.

Paul.

[montee]

i agree - the CTS IMO is reliable.

PaulT's probably covered the issues

-clutch problem is probably arguable - you get the smell but even a replacement clutch doesnt fix it so....... but should be done under warranty. mine was. no difference... oh and selling mine BTW - mmmh - you live in moscow, forget it;-)

- radio dash trim not 100% fit

- cam bolt - but don't know how you could check this b4 buying

[Blacksheep]

I've done 21,000 miles trouble free in my Corolla, no rattles, no gaps, everything works so i would say i'm very pleased, my missus also drives a Yaris SR we have owned for over 4 yrs and I cannot say enough good things about that car either, haven't even had to change a bulb in it yet, fantastic..

Read an interesting thing on the wall in Bridgend toyota on the weekend toyota's first car produced was 1936 since then every 20sec on average another car has been made thats over 90,000,000 cars...

I would imagine you learn a thing or 2 building so many...

[Johndcfc]

Had mine 7 months, cant really fault it - cept the grands worth of insurance but its worth it...

[nrgizerbunny]

check gearbox

[johnb]

Had my cts three & a half years,was great apart from the radio not fitting right.

Had it replaced under warranty and was fixed.

Now got the compressor and is GGGGGGGGGreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wilber]

Hello everybody!

Since the CTS is an interesting piece of machinery, but unfortunately it is not very reliable, I think it would be reasonable to collect most of the major breakdowns (and, of course, the possible ways to find them in the car you're inspecting) anyone's had into one topic so that people who are considering buying a used CTS will be more confident!

the corolla ts is as reliable as a t34 tank. Don't know if you may have problems getting the correct fuel out there in russia as need minimum 95 octane unleaded fuel over here unless toyota have modified engine management systems to cope with different fuel grades. with all cars some have problems but when you look at how many have faults, to how many made, probable less than 1% have trouble and that's normally sorted out by the dealer quickly. ( remember 10% of all electrical goods are returned as faulty from new )If you take one for a test drive no major noises,drives well, full history,including service history, looks well kept then you won't go far wrong.

[bzn]

Great to hear!

Sorry if I hurt anyone by saying the CTS is unreliable, it's just that last time i wanted to buy a CTS (2 yrs ago) i logged on to the forum and there were lot's of issues about reliability.

It is true that there is a lift bolt problem. The problem is even bigger here in russia, where most of the cars are crap and so the drivers are not very big masters of shifting. I know a guy who has made three mishifts in a celica TS and had to rebuild his engine every time after them.

Concerning bad fuel, the fuel pump really does get a hevy job back here and the catalyst also needs replacing every couple of years...

Anyway, thanks for the good news, looking forward to finally making my dream of a CTS come true!