Starter Motor Going?

May 23, 2005

Well after concerns re oil consumption (posted over last couple of weeks re this) (in process of investigation with garage), we put our X reg 1.8VVTi estate in for it's 60,000 mile service last Tues. All fine and dandy.

Then on Friday, horrendous noise getting worse when breakdown guys took fan belt off so towed to garage and left to be looked at this morning. Now the starter motor has gone, but thankfully will be covered under the extended warranty.

Should this have happened on a fully serviced Toyota car at this age?

What with the oil problem too, have we got a completely dud car all of a sudden.

We are a Toyota extended family , praising reliability etc etc but does the latest problems (oil and starter motor) make a mockery of our thoughts?

Please don't tell me there are more known problems with this particualr model of Avensis.

Sara

May 24, 2005

Well after concerns re oil consumption (posted over last couple of weeks re this) (in process of investigation with garage), we put our X reg 1.8VVTi estate in for it's 60,000 mile service last Tues. All fine and dandy.
Then on Friday, horrendous noise getting worse when breakdown guys took fan belt off so towed to garage and left to be looked at this morning. Now the starter motor has gone, but thankfully will be covered under the extended warranty.
Should this have happened on a fully serviced Toyota car at this age?
What with the oil problem too, have we got a completely dud car all of a sudden.
We are a Toyota extended family , praising reliability etc etc but does the latest problems (oil and starter motor) make a mockery of our thoughts?
Please don't tell me there are more known problems with this particualr model of Avensis.
Sara
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It's always depressing when something goes wrong, but starter motors do wear. 60,000 miles seems a bit early for it to be a wear issue, but it does depend on how the car is used, how many starts a day. And you haven't said what was wrong with the starter motor. Brushes wear, bearings can seize, commutators corrode and wear, loose electrical contacts can cause sparking and overheating.

Ask the garage which bit of the starter had failed.

You have an extended warranty which you (or the previous owner) wouldn't have taken out if you thought the car was never going to break down. Is life so bad?

May 24, 2005

I don't actually know aht part of the starter motor failed but you are right, it is covered under the extended warranty.

In answer to 'is life so bad?' -

Mmm decision as to whether we now keep the car or sell. The warranty is up in September and we have the oil consumption tests and subsequent outcome looming, and then the starter motor goes.

I (and the extended family) are still strongly for Toyotas but one used to say great cars, reliable, last for ages and now we are certainly questioning how long and at what cost this particular car will serve us?

Until Sept, all hopefully will be covered but what after that?

Just have see what happens over next couple of months as to what to do with this one, but already have our new 03 T4 tourer, which so far is great.

Sara

May 25, 2005

I don't actually know aht part of the starter motor failed but you are right, it is covered under the extended warranty.
In answer to 'is life so bad?' -
Mmm decision as to whether we now keep the car or sell. The warranty is up in September and we have the oil consumption tests and subsequent outcome looming, and then the starter motor goes.
I (and the extended family) are still strongly for Toyotas but one used to say great cars, reliable, last for ages and now we are certainly questioning how long and at what cost this particular car will serve us?
Until Sept, all hopefully will be covered but what after that?
Just have see what happens over next couple of months as to what to do with this one, but already have our new 03 T4 tourer, which so far is great.
Sara
Hi Sara you could try http://www.breakeryard.com for Toyota Used Parts and find another starter motor if you want . They're direct link is http://www.breakeryard.com/cars/Toyota/toyota-avensis.htm
hope this helps!
Matt
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