The Toyota Mark II i, a common sight as a grey import in New Zealand, is known for its comfortable ride and spacious cabin. Many owners appreciate it as a dependable family sedan. This guide provides insights into typical maintenance needs, potential issues to watch for, and tips to keep your Mark II i in good condition.
Mark II i owners may encounter some typical issues as their vehicles age. Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are a reasonably common issue. Automatic transmission problems, such as delayed or rough shifting, can also occur. These issues tend to surface around 150,000 to 250,000 kilometers. Keeping a close eye on these potential problems can help owners plan for necessary repairs and budget accordingly.
When taking your Mark II i for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, be mindful of a couple of common watch points. Rust around the rear wheel arches and wear in the lower ball joints are points often checked by inspectors.
Owning a Mark II i comes with its own set of experiences. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity.
Maintenance Matters: Adhering to the recommended service schedule can preemptively address potential problems. Changing the automatic transmission fluid at appropriate intervals, even if not explicitly stated in all service manuals, is often recommended by experienced mechanics to prolong transmission life.
Under the Hood: Several components require periodic inspection and potential replacement. These include the drive belt for the alternator, distributor rotor, and potentially the camshaft and lash adjusters, depending on wear. Seals, such as the oil seal for the oil pump and the rear crankshaft seal (rear main bearing seal), are also important to keep an eye on for leaks. A timing oil seal kit may be beneficial when servicing the timing system.
Driveline Focus: The CV joints are subject to wear and tear, and the clutch pressure plate and clutch slave cylinder (if equipped with a manual transmission) should be inspected for proper operation. An automatic transmission filter kit is typically replaced during transmission servicing.
Electrical & Safety: Replace the reverse lamp switch if your reverse lights are malfunctioning. The knock sensor, while usually robust, should be checked if engine codes indicate an issue.
Ride & Handling: Pay attention to the condition of the rear bump stops as these affect ride comfort and handling.