Avensis Gearbox Saga

[canberra_27]

On the 11th July I took my Toyota Avensis to Selectagear In Middlesbrough for repair having seen their good looking website and been lulled into a false sense of security by it. It suggested they had all the latest diagnostic equipment and expertise etc. I was promised it back by the end of the week as they could do it from inside the car, they were experts and it was a common fault on the Toyota Avensis they had fixed loads of them. I rang them on the Friday having not heard from them and was told the main dealers didn't have the parts and they would not be in for another 3weeks. I Rang them on the Friday of that week and was told they had given me the wrong date for the availability of the parts. When the parts had arrived they promised to ring me to let me know how it was progressing. No phone calls again by Friday 2.00pm. I rang them, they said there was a further problem now they had fitted the parts but promised it be ready for next Wednesday, again no phone call. I rang them, they gave me another excuse, the parts and further work they had done hadn't worked, they were sure it was now the shaft bent and they were going to see what was they best way forward they were pricing a new shaft or rebuilding it somehow. I waited to here from them again in vain so rang them myself. I was told they had a shaft and it was fitted but was still no good. I was then told they needed to replace the whole gearbox with a reconditioned one, I gave them the OK and asked them to update me. Again they didn't, I rang them and was told the gearbox hadn't arrived but would definitely be with them the next day. I rang them that day, the gearbox was in but they were starting the job until the day after tomorrow, I rang them at the end of that day and was told the boss was out testing it. I rang the next day and was told he was again out. But his colleague let it slip when I was questioning him that it was not a reconditioned gearbox but second hand one from a scrap yard and it was worse than my original one and he was out trying to get another one.

I was devastated, this was my pride and joy which they had had eight weeks so far and they had lied to me and tried to con me. I contacted consumer advice who had told me to write to the company with a deadline for having my car back to and quoting the consumer credit act.

I got the car back in the 9th week and immediately took it to Toyotech in Stockton who inspected it and told me the gearbox had a major oil leak on it and a panel off which protected a major component underneath. They later found the engine bed bolts were missing and suggested this was highly dangerous and could have caused an accident. Finally I have the car back which cost me nearly £1300 payment to Toyotech to put the car right. Having driven it for approximately 100miles since getting it back it would appear there is still something wrong judging by the noise when going just over the national speed limit and a clunk from the drivers side when I go off my drive. So I will be back in touch with Toyotech next week with a view to checking it again. Anyway that's enough for now. So tune in for the next episode.

I have heard from a reliable source that Trading standards are prosecuting Selectagear on behalf of another dissatisfied customer. I wish I had known that beforehand.

Just a few questions though has anybody else had similar gearbox problems?

Has anybody else had dealings with Selectagear in Middlesbrough?

Does anybody know of any websites where I can warn others off this company?

My car was first registered in November 2005 and had done 56000 genuine miles when the fault occurred, it was jumping out of 5th gear. Do you think I have any comeback with Toyota considering

the age of the car?

Update 21st October 2011.

I was rushed into hospital the day after my last post. But have since been back to Toyotech for them to identify the cause of the gearbox noise still present and the clunking when I go off my drive.

They test drove the car with me as a passenger and confirmed the noises etc. During the test drive he suggested the hissing (air rushing noise which increased with engine speed) was the Turbo Charger. He said it was also the cause of the gearbox noise. I wasn't convinced but when we arrived back at the garage he set to work. He found a vacuum pipe loose at the back of the engine (looking from the top). He tightened the hose clip and said there you are all fixed, go and give it a test run.

I set off for home praying and listening for the slightest noise. Guess what, not a sound. Since then under all sorts of driving conditions it has been fine. Well done and thank you Mr Toyotech.

[Konrad C]

Try Honest John's site.

You could also post to the other Toyota forums.

Hope you get a result and look forward to hear the story as you update us.

Konrad

[Duffryn]

Did it have a full Toyota service history when you bought it?

Did you buy it from a Toyota dealer?

If yes to both then I am sure Toyota would have listened sympathetically to your problem in view of the low mileage - except that sadly you've now probably blown that possibility by taking it to Selectagear in the first place, assuming of course that they're not a Toyota accredited outfit.

Good Luck.

[Parts-King]

The fact you took it to a independant would virtually write off any chance of a policy claim with Toyota, so NO I doubt very much Toyota will help you out

Your issue and your contract is with Selectagear, I'm afraid you have just let the ball roll without getting estimates/quotes and things in writing, the length of time it was off the road and nobody calling you back should have made you smelled a rat!

Be very careful in slating somebody online, you still have a legal obligation not to commit libel, your best bet would be to get them to finish off all work and any outstanding issues, then see if you have any course of redress against the company. It would be good if you had a timeline of who said what and when and what was agreed, but dont hold your breath if it was just your words against theirs

Kingo

[canberra_27]

Did it have a full Toyota service history when you bought it?

Did you buy it from a Toyota dealer?

If yes to both then I am sure Toyota would have listened sympathetically to your problem in view of the low mileage - except that sadly you've now probably blown that possibility by taking it to Selectagear in the first place, assuming of course that they're not a Toyota accredited outfit.

Good Luck.

Hi there, It had a full service history. I bought it from a nationally recognised dealer in Fleet cars. (Bristol Street Motors) the cars are bought for such as health service employees who lease them for three years and get another new one. The three year old car is then sold. By the lease company. During the lease term anything that needs doing eg. Servicing etc is done.