Corolla 1.4VVTi 2006

[Phil Hunt]

Evening, 

First posting on here as I am in a bit of a predicament. Nearly three weeks ago and with only 52k miles on the clock my Corolla 1.4 decided to drop a piston on the M5 after work one evening. 

Now considering I thought Toyotas were pretty much bomb proof and that this is my first experience in 36 years of motoring in owning a Japanese car  to say I am totally gutted is an understatement. There were no advance warnings other than about 1 minute before when it spluttered two or three times then carried on as normal before shedding its insides on the slow lane and hard shoulder. My problems however are only just beginning it seems. Having searched Breakerlink for a replacement 'bare' engine and been offered 11 in one morning, I now can't find any garage / mechanic who can be bothered to quote me or show willing to strip out the old one, refit across all the essentials to the new bare unit and put it all back together in my Corolla and get her running again. 

I live in Gloucestershire, near J13 of the M5 and would appreciate any feedback from Toyota owners on here and especially hoping to receive contact details of any Toyota specialists around here who would be interested in doing the work for me, they may even have a bare engine to sell and fit. The car is on my drive at home and will therefore, need towing to the garage as well please.... 

Any suggestions will be gratefully received or this little Corolla will be off to the scrap dealer...

 

Thanks in advance.  Phil Hunt. 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

Moved to the Corolla club.

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Well thats certainly not a regular thing, cannot remember ever reading about a  Corolla doing that before .

Have to wonder what its service history  /oil has been like and if the 53k miles is true ?

Afraid I cannot help with a suitable garage in your area, but would think the cost of an engine and all the labour needed would exceed the value of the car, and of course you are fitting an engine you have no idea of its history or condition  ( regardless of what the seller may say, as thats a minefield in its own right)

As its not a job for yourself think I would be inclined to say try selling it to a Corolla enthusiast and put your money towards another one, as have to say think  you have been very unlucky.