T180 Due Friday 16/11/07

[Cablechap]

A few more observations:

Went to hang my coat up off the offside back roof handle hook last week but could'nt find it - I guess because it would interfere with the curtain airbag, so will have to get something for the seat.

One for black Auris's - I noticed that all other Auris's have moulded/self-adhesive satin black strips between windows, except T180s which are body-colour painted - cost reduction perhaps - though more opportunity to get scratched.

[Cablechap]

Been up the A5 to Aldridge and back today (didn't see Andy though) and had the moon-roof cover open - forgot how much lighter the cabin becomes with it, not had one for over 4 years.

Had the radio off and seem to be noticing the rattles a bit - nearside dash almost sounds like dripping/dribbling water, and the roof insulation above the driver's seat makes a bit of noise as well right in my right ear. Thought it may be the moon-roof cover but wasn't.

Generally still enjoying it, much more relaxed than my T-Sport, and not convinced the seats are any less supportive - I think you sink slightly deeper into them than the Corolla's. Took it up to 3,600 revs very briefly, did not feel quite as quick at the top end as the T-Sport but then the engine hasn't freed up properly yet, and comparing ultimate power of 175bhp vs 190bhp.

Definately handles better on the lowered springs compared to the T-Sport lowered springs, doesn't roll as much in the corners.

[OldSkoO1]

t180 is a bit dr jekyll mr hyde

lots of torque around 2-2.5k when you hit 3 you feel like your loosing power as torque goes unless you have your foot to the floor.

You will get a lot more response if you plant your foot. Best to do that after the miles have been piled on.

But dont forget vastly opposite to a t-sport. CTS power cam comes in late on, t180 power is instant.

You just need to learn how to manage it, once your changing gear accuratly and quickly you can learn how far to rev the car to max power and then seamlessly change onto the top end of the max torque band to keep power.

Rev it too much and you waste engine output and miss the top end of the torque band. Plus lack of engine scream deludes you into thinking nothings going on. :D

[Aldridge Andy]

Been up the A5 to Aldridge and back today (didn't see Andy though) and had the moon-roof cover open - forgot how much lighter the cabin becomes with it, not had one for over 4 years.

Had the radio off and seem to be noticing the rattles a bit - nearside dash almost sounds like dripping/dribbling water, and the roof insulation above the driver's seat makes a bit of noise as well right in my right ear. Thought it may be the moon-roof cover but wasn't.

Sadly I was at work yesterday... as I am today! ;)

Nice to know it isn't just my T180 to have rattles, though around Aldridge where they seem to love to surface the roads by pouring Tar on the existing surface and then applying stone chippings, that type of surface seems to not be suited to the Auris, and showing all of it's build quality issues. When I was trying to demonstrate the problems around Toyota World Birmingham there we no roads that brought up the same problems.

[Cablechap]

Washed the T180 a few times now. The alloys keep getting covered in what looks like wax as well as brake dust. I'm guessing there is some wax in the centre hub and when the wheels get hot it melts and leaks out by centrifusion. It was exactly the same with the T-Sport when I first got it.

I've noticed that unlike the T-Sport, it doesn't spin all the power away in the damp, as already mentioned. Much of this may be to do with having a heavier engine over the front wheels.

Done over a 1000 miles...still considering the TMC engine chip if it gets to be available for the T180. Don't think I want to get a complete airfilter induction kit, probably just a performance panel filter if and when they appear.

[Aldridge Andy]

Washed the T180 a few times now. The alloys keep getting covered in what looks like wax as well as brake dust. I'm guessing there is some wax in the centre hub and when the wheels get hot it melts and leaks out by centrifusion. It was exactly the same with the T-Sport when I first got it.

Always wondered what that was... I've sat on my driveway a couple of times now polishing my alloys to remove the "waxy, glue like runs" that have appeared. I just assumed that they were the residual glue from the polythene alloy wheel protectors that the cars are stored with. They just appeared to be a polythene disk stuck to the outside of the wheel when I went to view my car fresh off the transporter.

[Cablechap]

Discovered another feature Toyota have removed in my T180 compared to the T-Sport, not a major concern just irritating:

You can no longer remove a CD from the radio/cd player once everything is turned off. Use to occasionally pop out of the house and take the disc out of the player via the passenger side without having to stick the key in the ignition etc. Now have to press the start button then press the eject - why?

[OldSkoO1]

Maybe a feature related to the start stop system itself. All electronics and power is cut from the car without the key making it more secure. Just has its downsides;

Just a though.

[Cablechap]

Auto lights: anyone know where the sensor is - by the rain sensor perhaps?

Noticed that the lights don't come on even with heavy rain in daylight - you would have thought they would - just wondering if it would help to clean the sensor more regularly.

Another thing, the car windows seem to mist up much too easy compared with the T-Sport - anyone else found that?

Getting slightly more rattles in the car - will probably empty it to rule out my own stuff as the route cause.

Knocking on 2000 miles - looking forward to the chip...and the diffuser. Won't load up photos until rear moulding added.

Will have to compare with T-Sport from memory - as it has got a new owner now, but did take a few photos before-hand with both cars together so will upload them.

One thing I haven't got use to is protecting/cleaning my hands at the pump. Petrol evaporates quickly from the handle whereas diesel has been on everyone I've picked up. Also, my fuel cap doesn't click when you twist it - T-Sport did - is it faulty?

[GreyRacer]

Auto lights: anyone know where the sensor is - by the rain sensor perhaps?

Noticed that the lights don't come on even with heavy rain in daylight - you would have thought they would - just wondering if it would help to clean the sensor more regularly.

I had my auto lights sensor reset by the dealer at this first service. Much better now.

Another thing, the car windows seem to mist up much too easy compared with the T-Sport - anyone else found that?

Not a problem I've found unless we get in wet. The AC takes care of that though.

Getting slightly more rattles in the car - will probably empty it to rule out my own stuff as the route cause.

No rattles yet. Just a squeeky cpassenger chair.

Knocking on 2000 miles - looking forward to the chip...and the diffuser. Won't load up photos until rear moulding added.

Yes I want the diffuser to. Hoping Parts-King will post soon on this.

I won't be chipping as don't want to intefere with warranty.

Will have to compare with T-Sport from memory - as it has got a new owner now, but did take a few photos before-hand with both cars together so will upload them.

I only miss both of my old T-sports for one reason. The lift. Otherwise the 180 has it beat in all departments.

One thing I haven't got use to is protecting/cleaning my hands at the pump. Petrol evaporates quickly from the handle whereas diesel has been on everyone I've picked up. Also, my fuel cap doesn't click when you twist it - T-Sport did - is it faulty?

Wear the free gloves and keep a couple of spares under the filler flap just in case the garage has run out.

My cap clicks properly.

[OldSkoO1]

Can someone confirm this

I was under the impression that chipping the car did not invalidate any warrenty. I thought you were allowed to modify your car and if anything happened the garage would have to prove it was the fault of the chip or modification.

[T600]

Can someone confirm this

I was under the impression that chipping the car did not invalidate any warrenty. I thought you were allowed to modify your car and if anything happened the garage would have to prove it was the fault of the chip or modification.

IIRC advert for a T180 chip on Parts-King's website specifically says that it will not invalidate warranty.

I don't think I'd buy one from anyone who couldn't guarantee that warranty would still be valid.

[Cablechap]

Parts King will have to advise - it may mean if you bought your car from Parts King in the first place - other dealers may not take the same view. I guess it is at your risk - the Parts King one is supposed to not be detectable if you remove it before visiting your dealership. Definately advise your insurance company though.

[Cablechap]

Spent yesterday adding the new alloy pedals and armrest extension. See from the photo pedals and scuff plate look good together. Armrest still isn't high enough for me but good to used when operating the handbrake.

Other photos of my T180 with chrome strip, exhaust trim, and painted rear mud flaps - work well with side skirts I think. See my old T-Sport and T180 together (yes, my gutters need cleaning).

Might go for the door rubbing mouldings next - more confidence when parking at the shops.

Toyota Motorsport do a sports steering wheel - anyone considering it?

[Cablechap]

Just to confirm my choice of T180 was the right one, I visited the Peugeot garage to look at the 308 GT 136 diesel/150 petrol. It's got one or two nice features that wouldn't go amiss on the Auris.

The GT gets 18" wheels (style not unlike SR/T180), xenon headlights/washers, half-leather, bluetooth, rear air vents, full panoramic glass roof, rear parking aid, tyre pressure sensors, and mats.

Unfortunately for Peugeot, it looks like a child has designed and styled it - the proportions are all wrong, that grill is just terrible, and the droopy side mirrors aren't any better. It does however have a smart rear diffuser come number plate moulding.

Picked up a brochure which bizarrely doesn't have any 0-60 specs (must be poor).

Glad to get back in my T180 and drive home content.

[GreyRacer]

Just to confirm my choice of T180 was the right one, I visited the Peugeot garage to look at the 308 GT 136 diesel/150 petrol.

Glad to get back in my T180 and drive home content.

Your Auris may develop a few sqeaks and rattles but it will never fall apart at the seams.

[Johan007]

Agreed, Auris is the best all round choice with the best running costs and Japanese reliability (I have only ever known one French car owner never to have electrical problems!). The Auris is a car your brain chooses to buy rather than your heart (I rejected to buy my house mates gorgeous mint scooby for an Auris) I do wish I had the money for T180 though.

[Cablechap]

Looked at the Subaru WRX SL, then the insurance, then the fuel economy, then the road tax, then my brain kicked in and Auris was chosen....With a chip fitted there's not going to be alot in it performance wise (not enough for me to care about anyhow) and you're not driving around in car that says race me or pull me over.

[Cablechap]

Getting the light window tinting done Friday. Going for an all over including small front ones. Piccies to come.

Update: Having 50% light at the rear/rear-side and 75% (legal) light at the front doors/'A' quarter lights.

Just over £200 fitted, plus £18+ insurance hike for remaining 9 months, (£25 per annum, then).

[Cablechap]

Spent yesterday adding the new alloy pedals and armrest extension. See from the photo pedals and scuff plate look good together. Armrest still isn't high enough for me but good to used when operating the handbrake.

Other photos of my T180 with chrome strip, exhaust trim, and painted rear mud flaps - work well with side skirts I think. See my old T-Sport and T180 together (yes, my gutters need cleaning).

Might go for the door rubbing mouldings next - more confidence when parking at the shops.

Toyota Motorsport do a sports steering wheel - anyone considering it?

This is the steering wheel I'm considering - looks smaller than standard, don't know the price though.

http://www.tte.de/popup/TF1/cm_auris_E15_s...nterior_TF1.htm

[Johan007]

Getting the light window tinting done Friday.....£18+ insurance hike for remaining 9 months, (£25 per annum, then)

And not to mention de-valuing your car, making it harder to sell and arguable making you look no older than a 17 year old (unless you are 17 already in that case you will learn from your mistakes). Apologies for being harsh but save your money for decent upgrades...

Toyota Motorsport do a sports steering wheel - anyone considering it?

I agree it looks a little better than the standard one but much more comfortable holding the wheel in the racing driver position, I like it. I can not seem to navigate to the page on the website... how much is it?

[Cablechap]

Getting the light window tinting done Friday.....£18+ insurance hike for remaining 9 months, (£25 per annum, then)

And not to mention de-valuing your car, making it harder to sell and arguable making you look no older than a 17 year old (unless you are 17 already in that case you will learn from your mistakes). Apologies for being harsh but save your money for decent upgrades...

Toyota Motorsport do a sports steering wheel - anyone considering it?

I agree it looks a little better than the standard one but much more comfortable holding the wheel in the racing driver position, I like it. I can not seem to navigate to the page on the website... how much is it?

Hi Johan007,

You are of course entitled to your opinion and I know what you are getting at but it is very subtle. The tint is a professionally applied film which is removeable so no de-valuing and it is a light tint which still retains properties for reflecting the heat in the summer - one of the reasons I've invested. It is nothing like the really dark tint (probably 10% light through) that is standard on the SR180 which I personally don't like but is fine if you have bought a SR180. I'll post a new photo when I get time and you may or may not revise your opinion, either way I'm content with it.

Not sure of the steering wheel cost - but agree it looks better than standard. Looking at SR accessories price list - there's a steering wheel for about £250 plus fitting but the part numbers are different from the TMS ones. You can access the images through http://www.tte.de/cm_auris_E15_TF1.htm under Sports Interior Parts.

May invest in the diesel tuner Spider Toy 6 chip next like Rich3 already has. 37.5bhp (plus 75nm) for £375 sounds good value.....http://www.dieseltuning.co.uk/toyota-diesel-tuning.html....an upgrade you may consider decent. :D

Sort of wish Toyota would offer all these performance options/accessories themselves, but what can you do?

[Johan007]

I am sure I will change my mind when I see it.

I like the dyno graph on dieseltuning.co.k and you see that it is not a simple resister - I wish they had more graphs and made it more readable. I should be getting mine chipped but waiting to see everyone do theirs first.

[Parts-King]

I can do the 2.0 D4D chip kits no problem, however our T180 kits are different. Not the same as other companies offer. The T180 kits have had to go back to the manufacturers in Germany, as when you give them a bit of stick (4,000 RPM) they are bringing the VSC light on! (don't ask, very embarressing)

Anyway, 2.0 D4D chip kit £375. PM me if interested

Kingo

[Cablechap]

The only thing I didn't consider was that I wear polarising sunglasses to cut down glare which inherently show up bands of the colour spectrum in the film at certain angles similar to the curvature stress points that are visible in the rear screen.

I have asked dieseltuner for a torque/power development graph but there is none available. The chip I'm interested in provides peak torque of 370nm at between 2400-2800rpm. Standard is 300nm at 2000-2600rpm. Don't know about peak power of 215ps as yet, but would guess it is likely to be around 4k, as standard is 177ps at 3600.

If you email them again you may get the figures though not the graph.

PS: Use to live in Aldershot when I was an army brat - many many many moons ago.