Feeling tired maybe...

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Hi All,

We've had our Avensis t4 2.0 diesel since January 2016, purchased with 62k and now reading 66k, with no issues what so ever touch wood, other than a new Battery and rear pads, aswell as a full dealer service carried out last month.

Our concern is, we use our vehicle mostly start stop for business needs, averaging 150miles a week on occassion hitting 250miles, and a long motorway burn once a month hitting 300miles approx...but our loads can be pretty heavy carrying goods.

The vehicle pulls smooth, like a train, gears can be notchy in cold weather, but when we first got the vehicle it felt as if it sat high up and solid, recently to me...it feels a bit lower down and hard worked, still pulls though. Could it be me used to the car now?

Is there anything one could do to stiffen it up again? The suspension appears to be fine and confirmed by Toyota. Call me crazy but i'd love to replace springs and shocks. Am i worrying for nothing?

My 17year old son bless him is a month into his Toyota apprenticeship...and hopes to clean my egr today. Would this improve anything? Is there anything i should monitor 

We love our vehicle and just want to maintain her well.

I look forward to comments. Thank you.

SAMMY

[thom1983]

I'd just try putting some injector treatment or fuel treatment through to start. I do know short town can cause carbon deposits to build up in the turbo so maybe get something to flush that out too (you can get both from Halfords) and try that first followed by a bit of a thrash

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[Konrad C]

I am not a fan of modern diesels, but i think you have the correct engine and you are using it "properly". By saying "properly", I mean you are going on a long run once a month, to give the re-gen cycle a good chance to do it's thing. 

The rear springs and shocks are easier to change, so you could a firmer rating springs, adjustable shocks or coil overs, if they are available. 

When I first go my Mk3, you are higher compared to my Mk1, which I still had for a while. Now I don't feel any higher than any other car, so yes, we have become accustomed.

Measure the car height at various points, noting if the car is loaded, tyre pressures and tread depth. 

The load carrying has been great. I have only been defeated once, and had to use universal roof bars.  

I had to carry transport a wardrobe for a friend and it had room to spare, plus my tools. 

Oh yes, it's not a coffin!!! 

I sometimes carry my Dahon Cadenza 26" wheeled folding bike and still have room to spare, with the cover on and the rear seats up.

Here are my spare wheels - 

I have used the space saver once and hated it! Now I have my fifth alloy, I am much happier. Full size wheel fits perfectly. Will loose the storage tray, but hardly used it anyway. 

Picking up the tool tray today, so will edit this post when all fitted.

 

 

[+robster+]

have you got a pump up seat lever that's worked its way down, if you know what I mean

[Konrad C]

13 hours ago, +robster+ said:

have you got a pump up seat lever that's worked its way down, if you know what I mean

If you mean the height adjustment, mine is fine. I take it some sink over time? I am 6ft tall so don't need the seat high.

Sam may have a different view on the subject.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Guys...I really appreciate all the input on my topic,

thom1983...i have never been a fan of various treatments available. Although i may consider a cocktail to flush my egr if available..possibly the turbo too.

konrad c...love your shock and coil over ideas...sadly ive grown past those mods...but i totally agree that it is possible that i have simply accustomed to the vehicle, have checked my seat position and it is still up as high it goes.

I think for me its all the constant short runs and heavy loads that make me feel as if i am ruining our motor!

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Just to add guys...since day 1...ive been filling her up with Shell v power nitro !!! Worked it out to be an extra 7.00 bucks on a full tank...about that for a seperate treatment i assume, am i throwing away my hard earned $$$ ?

[Heidfirst]

32 minutes ago, SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS said:

Just to add guys...since day 1...ive been filling her up with shell v power nitro !!! Worked it out to be an extra 7.00 bucks on a full tank...about that for a seperate treatment i assume, am i throwing away my hard earned $$$ ?

I do too Sam & for the same reason (to keep it cleaner internally) so if you are so am I but I possibly have a higher ratio of motorway miles than you plus my car has fewer miles on it.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

2 hours ago, Heidfirst said:

I do too Sam & for the same reason (to keep it cleaner internally) so if you are so am I but I possibly have a higher ratio of motorway miles than you plus my car has fewer miles on it.

You have the 2.2...that must pull even more. Ive seen them fly on the motorways.

what miles has yours done if i may ask Heidfirst?

[Heidfirst]

1 hour ago, SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS said:

You have the 2.2...that must pull even more. Ive seen them fly on the motorways.

Given that they aren't badged with engine size, how do you know they are 2.2s?

what miles has yours done if i may ask Heidfirst?

44k, ~8k per year.

 

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Good point Heidfirst...i look at the alloys and gather its a 2.2...i love the look of those wheels but my other half refuses to consider the upgrade!!

44k...still a baby...but will serve you well for a long time to come!

Take care.

[Heidfirst]

35 minutes ago, SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS said:

Good point Heidfirst...i look at the alloys and gather its a 2.2...i love the look of those wheels but my other half refuses to consider the upgrade!!

You can have the same wheels on a 2.0 D or even a 1.8 petrol, usually they are by trim grade rather than engine. I would recommend not getting 18" with 45 profile tyres.

& if they are going past you on a motorway how can you tell which style of alloy they are, they are rotating too fast? 

44k...still a baby...but will serve you well for a long time to come!

Will probably get changed at 7 years so around 60k if you want to wait 27 months ... 

 

[Konrad C]

19 hours ago, SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS said:

Good point Heidfirst...i look at the alloys and gather its a 2.2...i love the look of those wheels but my other half refuses to consider the upgrade!!

44k...still a baby...but will serve you well for a long time to come!

Take care.

 

18 hours ago, Heidfirst said:

 

Sam, you sound like a girl racer. 

Your other half is keeping you in check. You need to just maintain the car you have, and save money towards the next car for the future. You only bought your car this year!

On the wheel front, you may have read that I bought a secondhand wheel/tyre in place of the horrible space saver. I would rather get a proper fifth wheel than upgrade to large wheels on the car. The thought of having a puncture then driving a long distance at 50 mph! 

I have the earlier TR spec so missed out on the "Nav" version, but I am not too fussed, as my mobiles have great Sat Navs. Plus I added a Bluetooth/USB/microSD adaptor to enhance my music and communications. The car has voice only bluetooth built-in, so the adaptor makes up for the missing kit by adding music streaming. The only upgrade that I really would like, is electric folding mirrors. 

The 2.2 is not known for it's fuel economy, especially the high powered version and a heavy right foot. 

Now when you have time, check and clean everything that effects the engine performance. Read up on some of the fixes that have brought back the oomph of other members, then update your thoughts.

Just to let you know, in a few years time, I am looking to buy an Auris Touring Sport, with either in Hybrid form, or 1.6 Vmatic or 1.2 turbo. For now I am enjoying the Avensis Tourer.

Konrad