Thinking of buying a P5...any advice?

[jthrockmorton]

Hey Guys,

So I'm getting pretty sick of driving around in a 2-door Celica and am looking for a bigger car that still has the same sort of quick handling that my current one does. Depending on how this summer goes for work, I'm hoping to get either a P5 or 3 hatch before school starts back up next fall. So I was wondering...is there anything I need to look out for/know about when shopping for a P5?

I've read about an oil leak issue with the engine and that they aren't tanks like my car's motor, but is there anything else?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[CaptainJr]

I have my P5 for a year now and it's a good choice i've made. I have not heard about the oil leaks, nor have I had any issue with that. I do have a check engine light on, but that's something with my catalytic. I do recommend this car for you.

 

[mk_slick]

I have my mp5 for 2years now LOVEN IT.. and im starting to mod.. car never had any problem.. n im hitting 200k and it run like a champ...

 

[mk_slick]

oh im just new in the forum thing will up load pic soon..

 

[hotcracker69]

weak engine mount, egr problems, intake tube rips <--- all easy solutions.

 

[Red Demon]

These motors are about as bullet proof as the Toyota motors. I've heard those 2.2's blow head gaskets a lot like other Toyotas though. Mine has 122K and runs perfect. They're not really powerful, especially with the auto, but they will run a long long time provided you do basic maintenance.

 

[nilsonov]

x2

weak engine mount, egr problems, intake tube rips <--- all easy solutions.

 

[riverzendz]

I just posted this in another thread and it gives you an idea:

Since we bought it, about 9 years ago, we've been consistently getting 24 - 29. Changed the air filter 3 times in 9 years, never plugs and wires, oil every 9 months or so with 10w/30, and tires are OEM with somewhere around 40psi. 116k on the clock.

They're great fun, small, commuter cars. Nothing, performance wise, outstanding about them but it's just a good car all around. Ours is still going strong and have no plans to get rid of it anytime. Still riding on the stock suspension, stock exhaust, brakes done once, tires replaced only once. Every vehicle will have it's quirks, no getting around that but you definitely can't go wrong with a P5.

 

[gino]

Bought new 159K ago. One wheel bearing, one timing belt, one battery, plug wires/coil packs at 150K, 2 sets plugs,
three sets pads, many LB headlight bulbs before changing to OSRAM rallyes.

Mods have produced 120 DYNOED whp, 124 lb/ft torque and consistent 31+-33+ mpg. Run Valvoline 5W/20 summer,
5W/30 winter, change every 7K. Burns a qt every 2K+ driven hard.

Would never part with it.