Greetings from Welsh Marches

[Sweaty Sock]

Hi all,

Newbie member here, although not new to Toyotas- prev. had a 1995 2l diesel Carina E with no faults other than old age, and still have a mechanically faultless 2003 Corolla 2l D4D with 205k on the clock.

Sadly have just bought a late 2007 RAV4 2.2 2AD-FTV which within a week has failed spectacularly in the head gasket etc. Any suggestions that don't include a match will be very welcome. Any recommendations of an independent Toyota specialist in W Mids or Mid Wales much appreciated.

I also ride motorbikes, 1980, 1996 and 2000 so not new and do all the mechanical work myself on those, and often on the cars. But it's getting difficult as newer cars become less owner friendly.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Was it a private sale or from a garage/dealer?

[Sweaty Sock]

15 minutes ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

Was it a private sale or from a garage/dealer?

From a trader in Telford. He gave me a load of flannel and fitted a new gasket, twice! His mechanic told me it needed a new engine (correct). Now he wants nothing to do with it. He says that I drove it when it overheated and its my fault that the head is warped. I know its not the case because I kept the coolant topped up and it never went in the red. Anyway, despite his assurances to put it right he's no longer returning my calls...

[FROSTYBALLS]

Toyota don't recommend repairing theme head gasket on these engines - their remedy was a new 3/4 engine.

You are covered under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 - see the 'first six months' section of https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act

Think you need to approach someone like CAB, Trading Standards or similar, for advice on how to proceed.

[Eddie G]

Welcome to TOC Sandy 👍

[PaulinhoT]

Welcome in Sandy, enjoy the club.