The 1999 Mark II is a solid Japanese executive sedan built on Toyota's legendary inline-six platforms (1JZ/2JZ). Most issues stem from age-related wear on 25+ year-old rubber/plastic components and transmission concerns rather than fundamental engine weaknesses.
Automatic Transmission Failure (A340E/A341E)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping, Delayed engagement when cold, Whining noise from torque converter, Burnt ATF smell
Fix: Toyota A340 series has weak direct clutch drums and worn valve bodies. Rebuild requires 12-16 hours, replacement/rebuild of clutch packs, bands, and often the torque converter. Many opt for used JDM replacement (8 hours swap) but condition is unknown. Prevention: fluid changes every 30k miles religiously.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
VVT-i Cam Gear Failure (1JZ-GE/GTE)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling from timing cover on cold starts, P1349 or P1346 codes, Loss of low-end torque, Check engine light
Fix: VVT-i cam gear internal actuator seizes or oil control valve fails. Requires timing cover removal, cam gear replacement (OEM ~$400 part). 6-8 hours labor. Often catches people off-guard because engine otherwise runs fine. Use quality oil and change every 5k miles to delay this.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Lower Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Wandering steering, Inner tire wear, Play in wheel when jacked up
Fix: Front suspension uses pressed-in bushings that crack and separate with age. Ball joints develop play. Most replace entire lower control arms ($150-250 each side with bushings installed) rather than pressing. 4-5 hours both sides including alignment. Do both sides simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Turbo Failure (1JZ-GTE/2JZ-GTE models)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 130,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on deceleration, Excessive shaft play, Whistling or grinding noise under boost, Oil consumption increase
Fix: CT12/CT15 turbos (1JZ-GTE) or sequential turbos (2JZ-GTE) fail from oil coking or bearing wear. Single turbo 1JZ rebuild/replacement: 8-10 hours. Twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE is nightmare access (14-18 hours) due to sequential setup. Many upgrade to single aftermarket turbo on 2JZ. Catch it early before shaft scores the housings.
Estimated cost: $2,000-5,500
Power Steering Pump and High-Pressure Hose Leaks
Common · low severityTypical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: PS fluid puddles under engine, Whining when turning, Stiff steering when cold, Fluid on alternator/accessories
Fix: High-pressure hose from pump to rack develops pinhole leaks or end fittings weep. Pump itself can leak from shaft seal. Hose replacement is 2 hours, pump is 3 hours. Leaking fluid often drips onto alternator causing secondary failure. Address immediately when spotted.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Ignition Coil Pack Failure (wasted-spark coils)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Misfire codes P0300-P0306, Rough idle, Hesitation under load, Poor fuel economy
Fix: 1JZ uses three coil packs (wasted spark design, each fires two cylinders). They crack internally or develop carbon tracking. Misfires often intermittent and worse in wet weather. Replace all three at once (~$300 in aftermarket coils), 1.5 hours. OEM coils are $150+ each but last longer.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Engine Oil Consumption (worn piston rings/valve seals)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 180,000+ mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup, Burning 1 quart per 1,000 miles, Fouled spark plugs, Oil smell from exhaust
Fix: High-mileage 1JZ/2JZ develop oil consumption from hardened valve seals or worn rings. Valve seals: 10-12 hours (heads off). Full rings require disassembly (40+ hours if doing proper hone/measure). Many just monitor oil and top off if consumption is under 1qt/1000mi. These engines tolerate it surprisingly well.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Yes, if the transmission shifts cleanly and maintenance records show religious fluid changes — the engines are bulletproof, but the A340 auto and age-related wear items will cost you if neglected.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.