Thinking Of Going From Ford To Toyota And I Have A Couple Of Questions

[pihx]

Hi.

I have a Ford Mondeo TDCI and i've always had a soft spot for the Avensis. I'm looking at getting a manual 2004 1.8 vvti wagon with 156.000km on the clock.

My first question: Is the gearbox weak in the Avensis. I've heard different reports of bearing problems and gearbox failure in the manual transmission and that the automatic is more reliable. Is there truth to it?

Second.... Is the Avensis as reliable as they say? Because that is what i need from a car right now. I can deal with normal wear but nothing big like if the turbo went in my TDCI or i would need to get new injectors.

Thanks. :)

[Heidfirst]

the pre-2005 I.8VVTi could have an oil consumption problem. presumably it's had the remedial work for this?

[Kingscurate]

I bought an 04 1.8vvt in july 11 with 44k on clock. Ihave not had an ounce of trouble(touch wood). So i would recommend, but yours has certainly more mileage.

[pihx]

Yes it has more mileage but the main reason i am considering it, is because it doesn't show it. It is a company car with pure highway miles and good maintenance. It drives and feels tight, almost like new.

The main thing i am worried about is that it's a manual and from what i hear the automatic box is more reliable.

Heidfirst.....i have heard of these problems with pre 2002 Avensis but i thought it was gone in the 2003+? I will talk to the dealership and see if it had any repair like that and if it's a warranty issue.

[Tay]

Hi there,

Oil consumption was definately still a problem until 2005, so watch out for that. I think the gearboxes were fragile on the mark 1 model but not a problem on later models. That's my understanding anyway.

[pihx]

Is the oil consumption problem repairable if it surfaces?

[T5NELtim]

Is the oil consumption problem repairable if it surfaces?

It is not diy...

As far as I can tell (having read the Toyota TSB) it is caused by gumming up of the oil rings causing a lot of oil to get burnt. Correct rectification requires new pistons, rings, and all the work that fitting would entail.

In all honesty I can not imagine that this would be economical on ANY Avensis that is affected in this way now as they will be, at minimum, 7 years old. Best bet would be engine swap.

[Red diesel]

If the Mondeos going fine - would you not consider just driving it until it breaks big style.

You might find it could keep going for ages - it seems a little silly worrying about

VVTI oil consumption issues if theres a Mondeo outside in the yard thats going perfect.

How long have you had the Mondeo - if its already done high miles with a previous owner then it might be worth looking back over the history. You might find that the works been done previously.

Probably also worth looking at stuff like Honda Accords too - the petrols have a good reputation (diesels aren't as good sadly but thats true of other makes too).

Red diesel

[Heidfirst]

As far as I can tell (having read the Toyota TSB) it is caused by gumming up of the oil rings causing a lot of oil to get burnt. Correct rectification requires new pistons, rings, and all the work that fitting would entail.

In all honesty I can not imagine that this would be economical on ANY Avensis that is affected in this way now as they will be, at minimum, 7 years old. Best bet would be engine swap.

I agree but it may have had the remedial work already done - a Toyota dealer should be able to access it's details.

[pihx]

A little update.

I talked to the dealer and the engine was replaced in 2008 so oil consumption should not be a problem. Also on the bright side, the car has 50k km's less on the engine.

Oh and i bought the car today :)

Thanks for the help :)

[Cyker]