New Owner, Few Queries

[ahappychappie]

Hi,

I have just purchased an Avenis Tourer - 2.0D (126HP), TR, manual (10 plate), 5000 miles, 5 months old. I've a few questions hopefully you can help me with...

Noise - I'm really surprised how noisy it is. When accelerating through the gears, from about 1,000 rpm to about 2,000 rpm the engine sounds so 'rattly' - to me it sounds like I'm driving a ford transit! Do others find this? Just wondered if its previous owner had driven it very hard and this may be a reason thus something that could be looked into? Once you're at a constant speed and cruising the car is very smooth and very quiet.

Locks - the doors lock automatically (not a problem), when I switch the engine off and go to unlock the back doors to get the kids out they're still locked - is there anyway to set it so doors unlock automatically when the engine is switched off - the manual seems to indicate this but I can't change it. I know I can obviously press the switch, but I keep forgetting...

Oil - bit confused which oil spec I need. I always carry a spare ltr of Oil - my previous Passat was quite an oil burner so old habits die hard!

It's a TR spec - but without the Sat Nav, I think it just missed the change of spec as TR now has Sat Nav as standard? Did Toyota also change engines at this stage, I downloaded a brochure from June 09, the engine spec seems different - but if anything the older engine seems more economical, perhaps its to do with emmissions?

I can't see a 12v socket in the boot - I found this handy on my old car, I presume it's not hidden away somewhere strange?

Apologies for the lengthy post...

Thanks in advance.

[Jan&tone]

Welcome to TOC, I'm sure that someone will answer your Avensis queries reasonably quickly - failing which you can always call your local Mr T for advice...

Good luck

[headhurts]

mine sounded really noisy from new but has quietened down considerably, have now done 2300 miles.

i am told they have piezo ignition which is noisy until hot, i too keep forgetting to push the unlock button and have to re-open the door to let me in the back.

no idea about oil but as of yet mine has not used any so i am not overly concerned.

the spec changed in 2010 an i have the latest engine, i know this because there was a c*** up with regn due to the new eu5 spec but i cannot tell you how many changes but possibly someone who is a technician may see post and reply.

regards, Robin

[Thermal]

Hi,

Noise:

Sorry, can't help with that, I have a petrol version, which is extremely quiet, smooth, and economical.

To compare, on mixed town/motorway 20/80%, it does between 6 and 6.2 liter/100 km, (which is ~45 - 47 mpg).

Locks:

The annoying locks can be either switched off by the dealer, or you can do it yourself as follows:

(Don't touch any switches, brake- / clutch- or gas pedal, once this procedure started)

1. Close all doors

2. Gear in Neutral

3. Ignition off

4. Switch the ignition on (do not start the engine!)

5. Press and hold the "Door unlock" switch for > 5 seconds.

6. Release the Door Unlock switch

The system should now respond with a lock/unlock sequence (click/clack)

7. Don't touch any switches and start the engine

8. Drive a short distance until > 25 km/h (or the equivalent in miles/h)

9. Stop the car, switch off the ignition, and within 10 seconds:

10. Open the left *) front door.

The locking should now be switched off.

*) Note, that this is the procedure for LHD cars, in yours it might be "10. Open the right front door".

Oil:

Keep a close eye on the oil level during the first 10.000 miles/kms.

Then you know its oil consumption and whether or not to keep the extra bottle.

SatNav:

Don't worry about the missing SatNav, buy a quality aftermarket piece.

I haven't seen many owners here enthousiastic about the built-ins, and its map updates are very expensive and not updated regularly.

12V:

There is no 12V socket in the boot, unfortunately.

There is one hidden in the centre arm rest though, but it's 0V with the ignition off. :(

[speedwaydthom]

I have a TD4 2.0 Tourer which is coming up to 2300 miles.

Like you I was surprised by the clatter up to circa 2000 revs, particularly when engine cold. Typically when a quick getaway is needed in busy traffic to enter a roundabout or slip into mainstream traffic from side road. This does seem to improve when engine has warmed up. One of my mates who knows more about cars than I do tells me that the noise is linked to turbo valve (sounds like tappets to me but I believe modern engines no longer have such things). I have changed my driving technique to avoid this noise and now change from 1st to 2nd at the very earliest opportunity and accelerate up through 2nd and 3rd where necessary.

Having said all of that, I have started to enjoy driving this engine, which whilst more sedate than other cars I have owned, is certainly a pleasure on longer journies and becoming familiar with cruise control operation has helped to maximize fuel consumption as well as improve the driving experience.

I have accepted the locking door issue and now make a point of pressing the switch when exiting the car or when I am parked to pick up my youngest son from school.

Can't help with oil question yet I am afraid.

I agree with a previous poster that its annoying not having the 16V point in boot, but the one in central armrest is convenient for most things.

My experience so far with this car is very positive and my dealer experience with Hodgsons Newcastle was first class.

Hope this helps

[saniasamah]

is there anyone in particular we nee d to deal with at hodgkins toyota metro retail when i go for servicing as in someone who will go out of their way for a customer

[PumpkinSteve]

is there anyone in particular we nee d to deal with at hodgkins toyota metro retail when i go for servicing as in someone who will go out of their way for a customer

There's a nice & helpful girl that works on the servicing desk called Tracy...generally though all of the staff are decent, except from the 'hosts' (people who stand around making tea all day) who are a total pain in the ****.