Likes
- It’s basically a Corolla with a V6 engine, what’s not to love?
- That V6 is the legendary 2GR-FE, statistically one of the most reliable V6s ever made.
- Being based on a Corolla, it’s a practical, liveable hatchback.
Used Toyota Blade Master review
2007 - 2012
Dislikes
- You can only get them as grey imports, which brings with it some concerns.
- Being a V6, it loves to drink petrol.
- You can only get it as an automatic.
Stuff you should know
The Toyota Blade Master is a sporty, hatchback that was sold exclusively in Japan from 2006 to 2012. It was marketed as a more luxurious and performance-oriented version of the Toyota Blade, which was itself a rebadged version of the Toyota Auris.
The Blade Master was fitted with Toyota’s 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6, an engine that is statistically one of the most reliable petrol V6s ever!
Only the V6, front-wheel-drive Blade Master was eligible for import to Australia, however, all-wheel drive, as well as 2.4-litre 4-cylinder-engined Blades, were available internationally.
In terms of design, the Blade Master featured a sleek and sporty exterior with a prominent front grille, flared wheel arches, and a distinctive rear spoiler. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with leather seats, a premium audio system, and a range of advanced features including a navigation system and a rearview camera.
Despite its performance-oriented nature, the Blade Master also prioritised safety, featuring a range of advanced safety technologies such as vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.
While the Toyota Blade Master was never officially sold outside of Japan, it has gained a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of luxury, performance, and reliability.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
Nothing really goes wrong, (that’s not to say it won’t, though)
Even with the Corolla this is based on, there are odd sporadic faults here and there but nothing that we’d call a common fault.
Although one thing to keep in mind, while this does share a host of components with other locally available Toyota’s, meaning parts should be easy to get and relatively affordable, many of the body panels are exclusive to the Blade Master so if you have an accident, getting replacement parts can be a challenge, and can become expensive.
Interior:
It’s much the same story, nothing really goes wrong.
There are reports of faulty cruise control on the Corolla/Auris that the Blade Master is based on but we couldn’t find any reports of this issue being reported amongst Blade Masters.
Mechanically:
There are not really many Blade Masters around so getting accurate reliability statistics isn’t easy. However, its fairly safe to say it’s at least as good as the sum of its parts.
The V6 petrol, the 2GR-FE is in a wide range of different Toyota and Lexus models and usually much larger ones like the Camry/Aurion, Lexus ES & RX350s and even the Lotus Evora.
In all of those applications it is considered to be very reliable. In fact, statistically one of the most reliable modern engines ever made.
The transmission is basically lifted straight from the Camry/Aurion so you’re unlikely to have any issues with that either.
Exterior:
Nothing really goes wrong, (that’s not to say it won’t, though)
Even with the Corolla this is based on, there are odd sporadic faults here and there but nothing that we’d call a common fault.
Although one thing to keep in mind, while this does share a host of components with other locally available Toyota’s, meaning parts should be easy to get and relatively affordable, many of the body panels are exclusive to the Blade Master so if you have an accident, getting replacement parts can be a challenge, and can become expensive.
Interior:
It’s much the same story, nothing really goes wrong.
There are reports of faulty cruise control on the Corolla/Auris that the Blade Master is based on but we couldn’t find any reports of this issue being reported amongst Blade Masters.
Mechanically:
There are not really many Blade Masters around so getting accurate reliability statistics isn’t easy. However, its fairly safe to say it’s at least as good as the sum of its parts.
The V6 petrol, the 2GR-FE is in a wide range of different Toyota and Lexus models and usually much larger ones like the Camry/Aurion, Lexus ES & RX350s and even the Lotus Evora.
In all of those applications it is considered to be very reliable. In fact, statistically one of the most reliable modern engines ever made.
The transmission is basically lifted straight from the Camry/Aurion so you’re unlikely to have any issues with that either.
Exterior:
Nothing really goes wrong, (that’s not to say it won’t, though)
Even with the Corolla this is based on, there are odd sporadic faults here and there but nothing that we’d call a common fault.
Although one thing to keep in mind, while this does share a host of components with other locally available Toyota’s, meaning parts should be easy to get and relatively affordable, many of the body panels are exclusive to the Blade Master so if you have an accident, getting replacement parts can be a challenge, and can become expensive.
Interior:
It’s much the same story, nothing really goes wrong.
There are reports of faulty cruise control on the Corolla/Auris that the Blade Master is based on but we couldn’t find any reports of this issue being reported amongst Blade Masters.
Mechanically:
There are not really many Blade Masters around so getting accurate reliability statistics isn’t easy. However, its fairly safe to say it’s at least as good as the sum of its parts.
The V6 petrol, the 2GR-FE is in a wide range of different Toyota and Lexus models and usually much larger ones like the Camry/Aurion, Lexus ES & RX350s and even the Lotus Evora.
In all of those applications it is considered to be very reliable. In fact, statistically one of the most reliable modern engines ever made.
The transmission is basically lifted straight from the Camry/Aurion so you’re unlikely to have any issues with that either.
Should you buy it?
Well, yes absolutely, in fact, way more people should be buying these, if you can find a good one, but, it does come with a warning.
The Blade Master G is a grey import and while many grey importers are completely honest, there are some dodgy operators out there and we know of circumstances where original odometers have been swapped out for odometers showing lower kilometres, service records and histories have been doctored and some cars are simply not in the condition that they’re advertised in.
Obviously this isn’t exclusive to the Blade Master G, this goes for all grey imports but, as awesome as these may seem, it is absolutely critical to have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out before you buy one.
Yes, you should buy a Blade Master G, but only if it’s a good one like this and only if it checks out as being completely legit, if it does and you buy it, congratulations, you’re officially a car person
Well, yes absolutely, in fact, way more people should be buying these, if you can find a good one, but, it does come with a warning.
The Blade Master G is a grey import and while many grey importers are completely honest, there are some dodgy operators out there and we know of circumstances where original odometers have been swapped out for odometers showing lower kilometres, service records and histories have been doctored and some cars are simply not in the condition that they’re advertised in.
Obviously this isn’t exclusive to the Blade Master G, this goes for all grey imports but, as awesome as these may seem, it is absolutely critical to have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out before you buy one.
Yes, you should buy a Blade Master G, but only if it’s a good one like this and only if it checks out as being completely legit, if it does and you buy it, congratulations, you’re officially a car person
Should you buy it?
Well, yes absolutely, in fact, way more people should be buying these, if you can find a good one, but, it does come with a warning.
The Blade Master G is a grey import and while many grey importers are completely honest, there are some dodgy operators out there and we know of circumstances where original odometers have been swapped out for odometers showing lower kilometres, service records and histories have been doctored and some cars are simply not in the condition that they’re advertised in.
Obviously this isn’t exclusive to the Blade Master G, this goes for all grey imports but, as awesome as these may seem, it is absolutely critical to have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out before you buy one.
Yes, you should buy a Blade Master G, but only if it’s a good one like this and only if it checks out as being completely legit, if it does and you buy it, congratulations, you’re officially a car person
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Style:
5-door hatchback
Engines:
3.5 litre V6 petrol
Power:
206kW (3.5 litre V6 petrol)
Torque:
344Nm (3.5 litre V6 petrol)
Transmission & drivetrains:
6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel Consumption:
10.6L/100km
Length:
4260mm
Width:
1760mm
Height:
1515mm
Kerb Weight:
1745-1755kg
Body Style:
5-door hatchback
Engines:
3.5 litre V6 petrol
Power:
206kW (3.5 litre V6 petrol)
Torque:
344Nm (3.5 litre V6 petrol)
Transmission & drivetrains:
6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel Consumption:
10.6L/100km
Length:
4260mm
Width:
1760mm
Height:
1515mm
Kerb Weight:
1745-1755kg
Body Style:
5-door hatchback
Engines:
3.5 litre V6 petrol
Power:
206kW (3.5 litre V6 petrol)
Torque:
344Nm (3.5 litre V6 petrol)
Transmission & drivetrains:
6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel Consumption:
10.6L/100km
Length:
4260mm
Width:
1760mm
Height:
1515mm
Kerb Weight:
1745-1755kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
No manufacturer warranty as it is a grey import. Some import companies offered warranties when these were newly built.
Servicing:
6 months/10,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of March 31st, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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