Check the master cylinder isn’t leaking into brake booster. That’s how these old Lucas and FAG master cylinders usually fail. If that’s the case, replace with aftermarket ATE master cylinder.

From the horror stories I keep on hearing about Australia that sounds dirt cheap.

Spark plugs are never the problem unless you buy no-name Aliexpress specials. This is 2023, not 1953. Don’t throw parts at the problem.

Swap Coil #1 with another, wipe fault codes, run the engine. Did the fault code migrate with the coil? If so buy a new coil, install and you are done. If the fault stays on #1 first read fuel trims, both short term and long term. How are they?

If you see something weird with fuel trims (especially short term flickering too much), send the fuel injectors to be bench-tested as a set.

Did the tech check alternator output? Because this sounds a whole lot like the alternator is on its last legs.

The brake pads are coated and the coating is starting to fall apart due to all the heat cycles brake pads go through even during ordinary driving. It’s very common on cheap brake pads, nothing to worry about.

I am presently looking at the ltest revision of the relevant TSB (EG-00573T-TME) from Toyota regarding head gaskets for all ZR family engines. The only “special” recommendation is to use the new redesigned parts that became available in 2021 (-FE/-FAE) and 2022 (-FXE).

Unless your engine is using a lot of oil (common with early 2ZX-FXE at high mileages) or has some other issue, replacing the whole engine makes sense only if you get an absolutely smoking deal on the engine swap. Otherwise this sounds like the typical sod off quote.

Volkswagen released a software update last year to solve exactly these issues: if your car hasn’t seen a dealership in a while it’s time to plan a visit, or at least to visit an independent who has access to erWIN.

It’s the typical “death rattle” of Aisin water pumps when they get old and worn out.

If rattling happens with a hot engine, it’s most likely the EGR valve. While the 2ZR-FXE has had its fair share of EGR issues, start from the misfire: TSB T-SB-0116-15 details how EGR operations can be affected by a defective intake manifold.

Aftermarket ignition coils? Typical for Amazon specials to have at least one defective unit in them.

Check your car has the redesigned intake manifold: an intractable P030# on 2ZR-FXE engines built to early 2013 is usually a sign the old style manifold is worn out. There was no recall on these engines, just replace with the new part as needed: plenty of cars slipped through the net. TSB L-SB-0004-13

If you have the redesigned manifold, start praying.

If the car stalls at random besides misfiring, the timing chain sprocket needs replacement with redesigned part. Classic case of Toyota trying to cheapen materials and customers paying for it. TSB EG-00550T-TME

If the car doesn’t stall, check the head gasket. Toyota has finally acknowledged an issue with head gaskets on 2ZR-FXE. They usually fail between cylinder 1 and 2 or 3 and 4, but cooling channel failures are not unknown. Misfires a typical early symptom. TSB EG-005737-TME.