Thinking about buying a used Toyota Mark II (1992–2007) in New Zealand? We've documented 24 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, 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.
24
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$450–$2,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota Mark II faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
011JZ-GE Timing Belt Failure on Neglected Examples
CriticalCommonEngine $450–$5,500 to fix
The 1JZ-GE 2.5-litre inline-six uses a rubber timing belt that Toyota specifies for replacement at 100,000 km intervals. On JZX90 examples imported into New Zealand with incomplete service histories, the belt is routinely found well beyond this interval. The engine is an interference design, meaning belt failure causes piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic internal damage. Oil contamination from a weeping valve cover gasket accelerates belt degradation significantly.
Symptoms to notice
Engine cranks but will not start — indicating belt has already jumped teeth or snapped
Ticking or light rattling from the timing cover area at idle, worsening when cold
Oily residue visible on the outer surface of the timing belt when cover is partially removed
Rough idle or misfires caused by ignition timing being thrown off by a stretched or skipped belt
What to check
Check belt tension with light finger pressure; a correctly tensioned belt should not deflect more than 10–15 mm. Inspect the valve cover gasket area above the belt run for oil weeping. Ask for written proof of replacement with mileage and date. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the timing cover inspection plug or lower cover section to visually assess belt condition — look for cracking, glazing, fraying at edges, or oil contamination.
Where to look: Front of engine behind the plastic timing cover, driver's side of the engine bay
Ask the seller
“Can you show me documentation of when the timing belt was last replaced and at what mileage?”
“Has the water pump and idler pulley been replaced at the same time as the timing belt?”
“Has any oil leak from the valve cover or cam seals been repaired before it could contaminate the belt?”
02TEMS Suspension Actuator Failure and Ride Height Error
MinorCommonSuspension $400–$2,800 to fix
The JZX100 Mark II Tourer V is fitted with Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS), which uses electric actuators at each corner to switch damper firmness between Sport and Normal modes. The actuator motor assemblies are prone to internal motor failure and seized rotary valves after more than 15–20 years of service. A failed actuator causes that corner to default to its hard stop damping mode, resulting in noticeably uneven ride quality — one corner feeling significantly firmer than the others. The TEMS warning light illuminates and the system cannot complete its self-test, and replacement OEM actuators are scarce, often requiring second-hand units or conversion to non-TEMS aftermarket coilovers.
Symptoms to notice
TEMS warning indicator illuminated on instrument cluster
Noticeably harsher or stiffer ride at one corner versus others
Clunking sound when TEMS mode is switched between Normal and Sport
Suspension does not respond to Sport/Normal button changes
Uneven body movement over bumps from side to side
What to check
Press the TEMS Sport/Normal button while stationary and listen for the faint clicking response from each damper actuator — absence of clicking at one or more corners indicates actuator failure. Bounce each corner and compare damping resistance — significant variation indicates a corner stuck at hard or soft setting. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check for the TEMS fault code using a compatible Toyota diagnostic scanner (OBD-I protocol on JZX100).
Where to look: Individual suspension damper actuator units — mounted at the top of each shock absorber, all four corners
Ask the seller
“Does the TEMS warning light come on, and does the suspension respond correctly to Sport/Normal switching?”
“Has the TEMS system been inspected or any actuators replaced?”
“Has the vehicle been converted to aftermarket suspension, bypassing TEMS?”
“Is the ride noticeably uneven between the left and right sides?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
22 more documented faults on the Toyota Mark II
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 24 documented faults for the Toyota Mark II, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Toyota Mark II 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 Mark II?
+
We've catalogued 24 known faults for the Toyota Mark II, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. 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 Mark II?
+
Most single repairs on the Toyota Mark II fall between $450–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 24 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 Mark II?
+
Yes. A Toyota Mark II 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.