SR180 Buying Guide?

[MintyCymru]

Hello all.

I've used the search for this but so far no joy - forgive me if I've duplicated.

I currently own a Corolla Compressor, love the car, love the looks. A recent change of job description means that I will be required to do more motorway miles. Just not the Comp's forte that.

I've decided to look into an SR180 as a replacement, Budgeting around £4k. I basically need a small commuter with reasonable economy (I know these aren't the best) and a little spirit for the weekend, I'll probably get a Chiptuning Nitro box so I can switch between Eco and Mapped for whichever occasion.

I need to know what to look for when buying, any common faults and how to spot them, your help here is gratefully appreciated.

Also, what are these like at motorway cruising speeds? The Tsports 6th is under geared for this and as such is quite noisy. Wouldn't really want that again.

 

I'm in south wales so if anyone here close to me has one and would like a meet up so we can look over each other's cars - if you're interested.

 

Thanks!

[FROSTYBALLS]

One thing to be aware of is the possible head gasket issue - 

Thought to only affect a small percentage of vehicles, but it is a possibility. If looking at a vehicle within the affected range, msy be best to check whether it has had a replacement engine.

[MintyCymru]

Thanks  I've heard about the head gasket issues, the age that I'm looking at though should mean that if there were issues they've have developed and had to be fixed by now.

 

Just in case, if one has issues and the owner "isn't complaining", what are the best ways to investigate and spot it?

[FROSTYBALLS]

14 minutes ago, MintyCymru said:

Thanks  I've heard about the head gasket issues, the age that I'm looking at though should mean that if there were issues they've have developed and had to be fixed by now.

Not necessarily the case - there are still instances of head gasket failure occurring, and sometimes outside of the period (7 years or 111,846 miles, whichever occurs first) that Toyota provided coverage for the issue.

[Heidfirst]

7 hours ago, MintyCymru said:

Just in case, if one has issues and the owner "isn't complaining", what are the best ways to investigate and spot it?

Obviously check coolant level. Look for spotting around the coolant expansion tank. If you can run it look for bubbling in the expansion tank.

Buy from a trader - you have some legal recourse then under consumer legislation if the car has problems, with a private sale you have none.

[MintyCymru]

Good suggestion, I'll aim for that. Thanks

Anything else? How are they on clutches (are they dual mass?)

[Heidfirst]

Pretty sure that they have a DMF. Clutches don't really seem to be any more of an issue than any other similar diesel but it will depend upon driver & use.

[Guest]

Hi, I found myself in the identical position to you - I went from a Compressor to an Auris SR180 - honestly, don't bother :)

Sent from my iPad using Toyota OC

[MintyCymru]

Hello mate!

you bought your Comp the same time as me - we talked vie PM a little.

 

What was your experience of the SR180 then?