Avensis problems

[Starensis]

Just bought 2001 MY Avensis & have found a couple of issues. First one is an annoying Tizz behind radio area ( usually Antenna cable touching IP beam on Carina's ). Anyone else had this concern?

Secondly, I find turning circle very poor, seems car will only turn moderate corners & find myself having to do 3 point turns instead. Any comments/ideas?

[Ken]

Never had that problem with the radio but if you have just bought the car get them to do it under warranty.As for the turning circle i have always driven cars of this size and find it one of the better ones and cornering we have a few rac rally stages near here and the car loves them.It might be the case you will find it better the longer you have it.:D

[Starensis]

Thanks for your reply.

I have booked in the car now for a number of issues. Main concern now is brake judder, possible warped discs.

I am getting used to turning circle & have been told by dealers that car should achieve 3 steering wheel full turns from lock to lock. I've checked it on mine & it does.

Had a Ford Focus before, Focus was better dynamically but prefer driving the Avensis.:(

[Ken]

Didn't change my discs until 80,000 and only because they started to get a lip on them,a couple of mates had the warping problem and that was because they was driving all day and then cleaning the car with a pressure washer.So the discs was going from hot to cold in seconds,they was changing them between 12,000 and 18,000 miles until they found out why don't know if that helps you some.

[Starensis]

Can anyone tell me if the 1.8 VVT-I engine has platinum tipped spark plugs fitted? I know Carina E used to have them but not sure if my 2001 my Avensis does.

Platinum tipped only need changing every 60000 miles.

What mpg should I expect? I'm getting around 35 mpg combined at the moment!

I've been told I should get 38-42 mpg on a good run & 28 mpg urban.

Any tips to improve mpg if this is below expected?. Only serviced a couple of weeks ago.

[Ken]

Yes they are platinum tipped change at 68,000.When you are driving try to keep the green ECONO light on your dash on, it makes a lot of difference to how much fuel you put in.Never worked it out in mpg but for 100miles for £11 with econo light on and keeping it off (driving like in sega rally mode) expect for 100miles between £14-15.

[TheNissanMan]

I'm still trying to figure out how to turn my Sega Rally mode off

[Starensis]

Don't have econo light! Have trip computer which gives me various info.

You sure Platinum plugs fitted to 1ZZ FE engine? Mine is 2001 model year.

[Ken]

Should tell you in your service record book if they are or not,mine says it on the same service as when you need to change your cambelt. RHAINES don't turn it off enjoy it.:D:D:D

[carinaman]

Hello Starensis,

Your Avensis 1.8 VVT-i does NOT have platinum tipped spark plugs, only the 2.0 D4 VVT-i has them. Sorry. As to better fuel economy, keep a close eye on the trip computer, particularly the one which changes every 2 seconds, follow the driving tips in the Toyota Avensis manual, be prepared to very your speeds on motorways, ie quicker downhill with light throttle use, and lose slight speed on the uphill and you should see your economy improve.

It is only the old model 1 Avensis which has the 1.6 and 1.8 lean burn engines from the Carina E hence discussions about the economy light which was a feature of the model - I have just sold my 5 and a half year old 1.8 GS with 125,000 miles on the clock and it was running great. The Toyota dealer who I sold it to said it was immaculate and couldn't believe the mileage, although this is peanuts to a Toyota.

I have just bought a brand new 2.0 (D4 VVT-i) SR . It is great and I fully expect it to run like the Carina E.

:):D

[AOI]

I think Iridium plugs is better than Platinum plugs.

http://www.denso.co.jp/PLUG/iridium-e/index.html

[Starensis]

Hi Carinaman & AOI,

I think I only have standard spark plugs, which I believe last 40,000 miles. Do Iridium plugs give same service interval as Platinum tipped ( 60,000 miles )?

I had 2 Carina E's whilst I worked at Burnaston between 1992-98 in Repair area ( I know a bit about Carina's ). Had no problems with mine either & fully expect the Avensis ( 2001 Model year ) to be ultra reliable. What comes with the SR? I know you get spoiler & 2 litre engine, but what prompted you to go for one?

Anyone beat service quote of £69.99 for intermediate & £120 for major? Been quoted these prices from Dealership in Burton-upon-trent. In Brum they want £120 & £240 respectively.

Keep the chat going, like to hear what issues ( if any ) other owners may have.

[carinaman]

There are several SR variants now. The two litre is distinct amongst them. Amongst other things, it has rear spoiler, complete body colouring (handles, rub strips, bumpers, mirrors etc.), front fogs, sports grille, Le Mans black cloth interior, chrome gearknob, all round electrics, 10 spoke 16" alloys, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control, chrome door entry gaurds, etc.

My reasons for buying an SR are many. Aside from the car itself, I wanted the two litre direct injection petrol and I much preferred the way the SR looked to any of the others in the range. Also I did not like the velour upholstery as I have doubts about its longevity. The SR has basically the same spec as the GLS and CDX (minus tape player.multi-changer, sunroof and leather interior). The SR does not have Sat. Nav. which is really the only thing missing.

There are a few niggles which at 400 miles on the clock I hope my dealer will iron out quickly - mainly trim issues and a tizzing noise behind the steering column - more of a rattle really - think it is the stereo controls on the wheel.

The 2 litre D4 has Iridium spark plugs (as opposed to the Carina E's Platinum-tipped ones). Toyota quote the life as exactly the same as Platinum.

The servicing prices sound very similar to the ones I expect to pay, and similar to those I paid on my Carina E.

Having worked at Burnaston, how much confidence do you have in the product produced there? I have a lot and I have no insider knowledge like yourself.

Thanks.

[AOI]

Regrettable,it's said that the service interval of Iridium plugs is the same as the standard plugs. (ToT)

However,as for the "Iridium TOUGH"(brand name), it lasts about 60,000 miles because a platinum tip is used for the ground. (^_^)

Regards,

[Starensis]

[Starensis]

I joined Toyota from onset in 1992 ( left in 1997) & can say that it was an eye opening experience!

Attention to detail was obsessive & quality of vehicles was top drawer. You can gauge in-house quality by amount of vehicles that are diverted to repair areas. I worked in Repair area for 5 years & struggled for work due to high quality build.

There were obviously faults that slipped through the net, but they were never majors.

I now work for Ford & am entitled to substantial discounts on all their vehicles. I now own 2 Toyota's, 1998 Starlet & 2001 Avensis, that says it all. I did own a Focus but always knew I wanted to stick with Toyota's.

Just to finish off. All manufacturing companies now use TPS ( Toyota Production Systems )! Unfortunately, Burnaston has lost alot of member Knowledge over the past 6 years due to other companies poaching & trying to play catch up. I think this is where quality from the plant has tended to fall away slightly.

Only area I can critisize now are the dealerships. They range from Average to Poor. Workmanship is only slightly better than Ford & was a major talking point at plant when I was there.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your SR whilst I enjoy my Sat Nav. I'm sure you will.

Cheers.

;):D

[carinaman]

Thanks for your reply.

I am glad you have confidence in the Burnsaton plant. The SR has, of course, a few niggly build related points, all of which I expect to be sorted when it goes in to the dealer next week.

My dealer is Arnold Clark Toyota, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow and they have been consistently excellent. I have a great relationship with the after sales manager and the garage manager is never too busy to spend time answering any questions. My previous Carina was serviced every 5 - 6000 miles and every problem or flaw was picked up early every time, sorted without fuss and bother. My dealer is almost entirely the reason I bought the SR. I knew that the backup would be excellent.

I have used several Scottish Toyota dealers and have found them all to A1. Sorry other users experiences are not to the same standard.

I hope you enjoy your SatNav - I will just have to put up with the old crappy road map!

[PeterNem]

Servicing every 5 to 6K? Ouch, thats going to cost a bit! Maybe this is the reason the dealer liked you!!

[Starensis]

Even though service intervals are 10,000 miles. I always, as a minimum, change oil & filter every 5-6k. After all it only costs £25 ( oil £20 ) if you do it yourself.

I tend to do all my work myself or ask a mechanic friend to do it. Services now are only oil & filter changes & brake checks anyway! I just ask a mechanic friend of mine to stamp the book.

How much were they charging for your 5k service?

Just arrived back from my local dealership & must say they were superb! I think it was due to all the e-mails I sent to Toyota GB & dealership HQ complaining about their customer service!

Had a look at new Avensis whilst waiting at dealership.

At last a car which has combined CD player & tape deck in cabin, factory fitted!

Looks the dogs dangly bits. Perhaps I may be tempted in 2-3 years.

:D

[ivorgoodun]

I fell in love a metallic black Avensis 2litre SR (2000 m. yr) at an independant dealer's. It was an ex Toyota G.B. fleeter with f.s.h. and only 22,000 miles. Needless to say at £5995 I was a little scepticle.

I had it HPI checked and ran it through my trusted local Toyota dealer with anticipation of finding out that it was two cars welded together or similar woe!

It turned out to be near perfect (very minor paint scratch) and a genuine bargain. 4 thousand miles and two months on I am thrilled to say it has just had new brake discs, drums, shoes and pads fitted free of charge at dealers suggestion following a routine service. Slight surface rust they said. No doubt it didn't actually cost the dealer anything as they probably claim back warrenty works. However, in the past I have had other dealers refuse work under warranty, even when it is clearly justified. The old 'Fair wear and tear' being the usual get out clause.

Although not scintilating to drive it is a smooth, spacious, comfortable, economical and an all-round competant drive. I hope to enjoy years of happy, trouble free motoring!

[speed]

hi,

I m a new owner of toyota Nadia 2.0 (hope u guys heard before) and under the hood is a 1st generation D4 engine. Wonder what type of petrol u guys used as I know D4 is very ultra sensitive to petrol type. So here in asia when I use Shell V-Power/Super the engine timing will irregular so the only choice is ESSO/MOBIL Regular RON92. However I still have this irregular timing problem when after the engine running hot. Any idea what should i do and tips.

Thanx

[stuartboldy]

Ive got the avensis 2.0 SR VVTI on an X plate,great fast drive,however occasionally the engine management light comes on and the VSC turns itself off and the car goes into "get yourself home mode",ive been told its to do with the A/C fan not working properly,as i only get the problem when using the A/C,and when i do the A/C isnt very cold..........any ideas?? email me at s.boldy@btinternet.com if you know why this could be happening.

Cheers