Fao Taxi Drivers

[taximark]

Currently i have a Mk 1 Avensis that is due to be replaced in August, however although i do like the new Avensis i was wondering what problems you have encountered so far and what mileage you have done in them.

I'll be aiming to get a late 04/05 plate so anyone that uses these for a taxi please let me know.

May i just add that mine so far has done 260k ish and problems so far have been,

1, Perished Radiator (plastic mould at the top)

2, N/S CV joint.

3, lathe shaft in gearbox - but original g/box is still fine!

4, Water pump - just replaced! the mechanic didnt believe it was the original but it was!

5, Sunroof cables stretched.

6, Alternator.

7, Alternator belt snapped.

8, Ignition switch worn at the rear - replaced

9, Thermostat.

And things like ware and tear items like bushes/discs but i tell you what, i really do hope the next Avensis is built like this old one because it has been a Taxi drivers dream.

[cmia]

Problems with new avensis.

- Dual Mass flywheel. - altho toyota claim that it has been resloved on newer models.

- Front headlights bulbs burn out the bulb holder... and the light then dips.

- Alignment issues with front wheels, odd tyre wear. Needs to be laser aligned and correct chamber setup.

- Replacment of flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, release bearing and cost of alot of labour

- Front ENTIRE headlight will need to be replaced.. however other fix's is to use a Xeon bulb that puts out less heat, or do HID conversion.

- Aligment and balancing of both front and back wheels. - will fix issues with odd tyre wear.

Thats all I can think of right now.

The dual mass flywheel has an entire part list.

Toyota main dealer should beable to put the cars reg into the "computer" and tell you if that car is possible effected

by using olderparts.

I forgot to add

Mine is an 2003, old shape D4D

the flywheel problems are only supposed to be present with the older SHape d4d's

and the head light issues only effect newer avensis cars

the alignment issuse is present on both newer and older cars.

Mark your in sheffield..

Iam in wakefield..

Have alook aaround, you will see more avensis still on taxis even tho they have these small faults.

[Chris Dance]

Mine is a T4 53 plate I have had it from new.

Fog lights misting. Three pairs of those. OK now.

Headlight misting due to bulb holder failure. Headlights replaced. OK now.

VSC TRC and ABS warning lights staying ON. Wiring fault behind steering wheel. OK now.

Above: all fixed under warranty.

Great car, economical quite a bit of tyre noise on some road surfaces.

[bjw]

Stiff tailgate struts replaced under warranty new ones went stiff after a short time

Headlights are so poor they are dangerous

[cmia]

Stiff tailgate struts replaced under warranty new ones went stiff after a short time

Headlights are so poor they are dangerous

I wouldnt say the headlights are dangreous!

Yes I belive toyota has a "replacment under warranty" for headlights..

Diffrent part numbers to the orginal

[bjw]

Stiff tailgate struts replaced under warranty new ones went stiff after a short time

Headlights are so poor they are dangerous

I wouldnt say the headlights are dangreous!

Yes I belive toyota has a "replacment under warranty" for headlights..

Diffrent part numbers to the orginal

Perhaps its my eyes then but on dipped beam on country roads with no streetlights they are poor and the verso is not much better

[cmia]

Stiff tailgate struts replaced under warranty new ones went stiff after a short time

Headlights are so poor they are dangerous

I wouldnt say the headlights are dangreous!

Yes I belive toyota has a "replacment under warranty" for headlights..

Diffrent part numbers to the orginal

Perhaps its my eyes then but on dipped beam on country roads with no streetlights they are poor and the verso is not much better

Try to use .. some xeon bulbs..

find out if the car has the orginal lights...

issues with the cars, was .. the reflective materal was not grade a spec.

[bjw]

Stiff tailgate struts replaced under warranty new ones went stiff after a short time

Headlights are so poor they are dangerous

I wouldn't say the headlights are dangreous!

Yes I belive toyota has a "replacment under warranty" for headlights..

Diffrent part numbers to the orginal

Perhaps its my eyes then but on dipped beam on country roads with no streetlights they are poor and the verso is not much better

Try to use .. some xeon bulbs..

find out if the car has the orginal lights...

issues with the cars, was .. the reflective materal was not grade a spec.

The car has been traded in now and it was bought from new so it was the original bulbs but with the issues regarding the bulbs melting in the holders I personally would not do anything that would give Toyota the opportunity to say that the xeon lights had caused the problem I may just be a bit cynical.

I am not the first person to mention the poor range on dipped beam on the Avensis also I think it is strange that over the years family cars have improved but the lights have not .

I can never understand why there was two reversing lights on the old shape Avensis but just one on the new shape