Hello And Advice.?

[anchorman]

They won't give details because it's not necessary to do so. We know early ones had the wrong oil control piston rings and head gaskets that were affected by high temperature. They have fixed it by the end of 2008 with production changes - its all well documented.

No manuafacturer will publish details of engineering issues unless it qualifies for a safety recall.

[CharlieFarlie]

They won't give details because it's not necessary to do so. We know early ones had the wrong oil control piston rings and head gaskets that were affected by high temperature. They have fixed it by the end of 2008 with production changes - its all well documented.

No manuafacturer will publish details of engineering issues unless it qualifies for a safety recall.

So if the early cars from 2006 to 2009 had the wrong oil control rings then that's the nail on the head...

Bad piston ring design...... Same with the head gasket design ?

Problem is is that they all would have had them... So any cars up to 2009 should be treated with a Huge degree of trepidation ....

[anchorman]

Its not new news Charlie, the bulletins have been posted many times. There were several running modifications that reduced the risk as time went on. There are very few later than 2007 that use any oil. If they don't use oil they tend not to cause problems with EGRs or DPNRs. I would advise anyone buying a 2006 model to check if the engine has been done. If not they will find out in the first couple of months if it does use oil and then they can take advantage of the warranty. I don't know anyone with a 2007 or newer that uses anywhere near the limits for oil but if they are concerned and it fits the terms they can take advantage of the warranty. If not don't worry and get on with enjoying it. It doesn't affect "any" age of car and it isn't a "huge" or "massive" risk especially from 2007 on.

Lets see what happens with the poll.

[CharlieFarlie]

Its a HUGE or Massive mistake if the car goes outside of warranty... Even if there is guidance.....

[Tony Barnsley]

I don't know anyone with a 2007 or newer that uses anywhere near the limits for oil but if they are concerned and it fits the terms they can take advantage of the warranty. If not don't worry and get on with enjoying it. It doesn't affect "any" age of car and it isn't a "huge" or "massive" risk especially from 2007 on.

Mine (Reg Date March 2007) is currently undergoing the 1000 mile test, due to them finding 'The Black Sludge of Death' in the EGR Valve (and elsewhere ???) following an Injector refurbishment.

Until I have an answer I am not going to take part in the poll, however, I did know about the issue (thanks to Charlie and this forum), but eventually I decided to 'take the risk', do I regret it?? . . . Not yet due to the way the dealer has handled it . . . Will I come to regret it?? Who knows . . . but then I am somewhat of an optimist, and was still happy to consider Charlies even after the second engine replacement

[anchorman]

That is a fair and balanced statement regarding your RAV. For somebody that was looking for a T180 I also think Charlie's RAV would make an exceptional buy. It has had the tyre issue resolved, the engine is sorted and the martians will wonder what that blue sparkle is on planet earth!

[flyboyprowler]

I may have missed this from an earlier post, but did Toyota not consider a total recall of all affected cars, when the problems became evident. I would suppose that this would not be cost effective, and start a panic due to the recall. Even now, it would not be too late to call all registered cars for an inspection, at minimum for sludge, and a compression check, which might at least put owners minds at rest. Also it would stop the "what if" happening to worried owners. Would Toyota do a free inspection if an owner requested it?

[anchorman]

Yes to the free inspection but I doubt they would recall as not all cars are effected. For instance, my first RAV used a lot of oil but never broke down as such. I knew about the oil and at the time considered it would be nicer if it didn't but not something I thought about questioning. At the time it seemed normal and I loved the car. The current owner does too. He had a petrol before and for his heavy mileage my old one saves him a fortune.