Thinking about buying a used Toyota bB (2000–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and body & rust. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
8
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$300–$1,800
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota bB faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
013SZ-VE Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
CriticalOccasionalEngine $800–$2,200 to fix
The 3SZ-VE engine in the QNC20 bB uses a timing chain rather than a belt, but the chain and tensioner are known to stretch prematurely when oil changes are infrequent or the oil level is allowed to drop. A worn tensioner cannot maintain adequate chain tension, causing chain slap against the guide, variable valve timing errors, and ultimately timing skip that causes valve damage.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or clattering from the top of the engine on cold startup, which may diminish after warmup
Check engine lamp with VVT or camshaft position error codes (P0011, P0016)
Rough idle or misfires on cold start
Loss of power and increased fuel consumption
What to check
Cold-start the engine and listen closely to the top of the engine for chain rattle during the first 10–20 seconds. Ask about oil change frequency and maximum recorded interval. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD scanner and check for VVT-related or cam timing fault codes.
Where to look: Timing chain and tensioner at the front of the 3SZ-VE engine behind the timing chain cover
Ask the seller
“How often was the oil changed and was it ever run low?”
“Any rattling or ticking on cold start?”
“Have any engine warning lights appeared?”
021NZ/2NZ oil consumption on high-km imports
MinorOccasionalEngine $200–$2,500 to fix
The first-gen bB uses Toyota's 1.3 (2NZ-FE) and 1.5 (1NZ-FE) engines — dependable, but on high-mileage JDM imports they can start using oil through worn rings or valve seals. It's usually a top-up-and-go issue rather than a failure, but a tiny engine run low on oil wears fast, so check the level and how often it needs oil.
Symptoms to notice
Oil low between services
Wisp of blue smoke on start-up
Burnt-oil smell
What to check
Check the dipstick level and colour and ask about oil top-ups. Watch the exhaust on cold start. A clean, full dipstick and regular servicing are good signs on a budget import.
Where to look: Engine / dipstick
Ask the seller
“Does it use oil between services?”
“When was it last serviced?”
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
Body & RustMinor
ElectricalMinor
6 more documented faults on the Toyota bB
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Toyota bB, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Toyota bB with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota bB?
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We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Toyota bB, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota bB?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota bB fall between $300–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota bB?
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Yes. A Toyota bB inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.