Thinking about buying a used Toyota Caldina (1992–2008) in New Zealand? We've documented 15 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, fluid leaks, 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.
15
Critical
$700–$3,500
4
The turbocharged 2.0-litre 3S-GTE in the GT-T and GT-Four is quick but has a known weak spot: spun main/big-end bearings and shattered oil-pump gears, often the result of hard driving, boost tuning or neglected oil. A failure here means an engine rebuild. Many of these cars have been modified, which raises the risk further.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
The entry 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE fitted to base Caldinas is famous across the Toyota range for oil consumption once the oil-control rings clog, sometimes burning oil quietly enough that the level gets dangerously low between services. It's cheaper to live with than to fix, but check the level and top-up habits.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
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 15 documented faults for the Toyota Caldina, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Toyota Caldina 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.
We've catalogued 15 known faults for the Toyota Caldina, covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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.
Most single repairs on the Toyota Caldina fall between $700–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 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.
Yes. A Toyota Caldina 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.