Presenting problem - jap import with sudden driving problems - hesitation, slow to go thru gears, had to be heavy on the accelerator, odd over-revving etc. Car had up-2-date service stickers.
This car has had 'unusual' driving conditions ie being driven in japan - so the transmission, which is supposed to be 'sealed for life under std driving conditions' needed cleaning out. New transmission oil filter obtained for $35NZ and oil flushed out taking care to flush it by disconnecting the hose at the bottom of the oil cooler at the front of the car then run the car while pouring new oil in. Lots of carbon and dark oil. No pieces of paper which show that the rear gear cones had died, thank goodness. Cleaned transmission oil pan out and replaced filter. Drove for 100km and then another flush and new filter again. Put in Mobil 1 transmission oil.
Replaced air filter which looked like it had never been changed - but this moved the air flow sensor which did not like the experience! led to the odd over-revving at certain speeds.
Replaced fuel filter behind driver's wheel. The old filter had never been changed in over 100 000km of driving. It was a miracle the car drove at all, it was so blocked. New fuel filter was about $30.
Car response 90% improved. Needs a bootstrap restart to computer and adjustment of air flow sensor and will be totally right.
Hope this helps some of you out there.... just because it is sealed doesn't mean that it can't be cleaned and sorted by you for small expense and effort.
Our local parts importers and service departments have been very helpful indeed.