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Avensis T180 - buying advice please


KAR 120C
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I am considering buying a 2007 Avensis T180 with 142,000  miles recorded. The engine was replaced under Toyota warranty at approximately 90,000 miles but has developed a water leak. I understand these engines suffer with head gasket problems or is this a myth? My experience with Toyota cars is very limited, but I really like the older Avensis model. Can anyone offer advice regarding this intended purchase?

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Hi Michael, welcome to TOC,:smile:

Do you know where the water leak is? It is common for the water pump on these cars to weep.

As for head/head-gasket issues :

The synopsis is that a small % of all AD series engines in the Avensis built before the end of February 2009 do develop head/head-gasket issues. Toyota had a free remedial programme in place but that is no longer in operation due to time constraints (the youngest would now be 9 years old) & your potential car wouldn't have been covered either at 142,000 miles.

There is anecdotal evidence that the risk increases with the engine power & that therefore the 177bhp version as the most powerful may develop the issue at a higher rate than others.

The official Toyota-sanctioned fix was a part-engine replacement as they do not recommend skimming (although we do know of people that have, apparently successfully) & the cost of that would be more than the car would be currently worth.

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Hello and thank you Heidfirst.

Your comments regarding cost to repair confirm my fears.

I am told the leak is near the front of the engine. I believe it is on the right hand side. Does this help with your diagnosis?

 

Michael 

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right hand side looking at it from head on or from behind?

Obviously you haven't yet seen the car yourself. If you do, look for signs of coolant spotting around the expansion bottle (the toyota long-life coolant is pink but if they have been replacing it it may no longer be). A "sniff" test should be able to diagnose whether there are exhaust gases passing into the coolant. 

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Understood.

 

On the right when stood with your head under the bonnet!

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Another thought, is the lower powered version of this engine easily and directly transplantable? I understand there are fewer issues with this engine and better fuel economy?

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Could be water pump, the expansion bottle is front left if standing at front of car facing it.

I don't think that transplanting an engine & ECU etc. is viable unless you basically got the car for nothing.

The lower powered versions can still develop the issue albeit anecdotally at a lower rate.

They can be great cars, it just depends if you are financially in the position to be able to write off/replace the car should you be 1 of the small % of unlucky owners.

 

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Thank you for all your help Heidfirst. I have decided not to purchase the car. It is a shame because they are beautiful vehicles. I am just not in a position, at the moment,  to write off the few pounds it was going to cost .

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