Used Toyota Tarago review: 1990-1996

Before Toyota released the space-age Tarago in 1990, people movers were fairly crude devices based on commercial vans. For the first time there was a purpose-built van for families with the attributes of a regular family sedan.

Model watch

The smooth bubble-shaped Tarago had widely spaced wheels, one at each corner, and passengers sat low down and inside the track so they had a much lower centre of gravity. All that meant greater safety and stability, better dynamics, and much more comfort.

To help get the centre of gravity down Toyota laid the fuel-injected 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft four cylinder engine flat under the floor. Access for checking the engine's vitals was through the bonnet.

Peak power was 102kW at 5000 revs, torque is tops at 208Nm. Toyota offered a choice of five-speed manual gearbox or electronically-controlled four-speed auto transmission, with a column shift and drive was through the rear wheels. There was also the choice of a four-wheel drive model.

Inside there was comfortable seating for eight. Access to the rear seats was through a kerbside sliding door, or the rear lift-up hatch. At launch there was a choice of base GLi, four-wheel drive RV or luxury GLX models. GLi came with power steering, AM/FM cassette, tachometer, and central locking.

The GLX also had four-wheel discs, alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, front driving lamps, power windows and velour trim. An upgrade in 1994 added cruise control, remote central locking and ABS to GLX standard features.

In the shop

The Tarago's body generally remains tight and taut in the long term, but look for bumps and scrapes that suggest neglect. Rear hatch struts can lose their lift after a while.

To keep maintenance to a minimum the 2.4 litre engine has a timing chain instead of a belt that would need changing on a regular basis. It does, however, have long-life spark plugs which cost plenty when you do need to have them changed. Unfortunately it is such an awkward time consuming job that many mechanics simply don't do it.

Check the engine's vital fluids to make sure they're fresh and clean, a sign they've been regularly checked and changed as necessary.

Crunch time

The Tarago led the way with a reasonable crumple zone ahead of the cabin. The GLX got a standard driver's side airbag in 1993.

Owner's view

Anne Dwyer and her family bought a 1992 Tarago eight years ago. It had done 90,000km when bought and now has done 260,0000km with no sign of trouble. Anne says she it has made moving her family of five much easier.

John Eliezer brought a 1990 Tarago GLX for his wife, and rates it as one of his best ever buys. It is used mostly as a driver-only vehicle but is fantastic when the family moves about together and is very popular for school car pool runs. It has had two starter motors and three sets of rear door struts.

Craig Power has owned a few Taragos. His 1991 car did 100,000km on LPG without hassle.

Rating

15/20 Safe, solid and reliable for the large or extended family with plenty of room left for whatever they need to take with them.