Need Help And Advice

December 4, 2007

Hi everyone.

By the sounds of it this may be a common problem, but I thought I'd share just to get some advice for my situation.

A Little History:

Loved the new style of celica ever since they came out so when it came time that my car was going out of warrenty I took the plunge for the first time into the used car market. Unfortunatley Celicas were still very much of a rarety in this area so when a reputable dealer locally had a few available I jumped at the chance to test drive a few. Settled on a nice Silver 140bhp 1.8, premium package and thougt I had got an absolute bargain. Had what appeared to be a full service history, Y plate and only 59,000 on the clock. All seemed fine in test drive dealer actually let me go for a run myself so didn't hold back, engine sounded great through all the gears, oil was fine. Few issues that dealer said he would clear up (paint chips, stereo and heater) and did. :rolleyes:

So chuffed to bits with my new purchase :D , 2 month later however engine was starting to get a little noisey done just under 1000 miles. Decided to take it to a garage that I was friendly with to get the 60,000 service done a little early.

What a shock awaited me. :o I was told that the car had under a litre of oil left in it and that even though the book had been stamped by tax registered garages, it was unlikely that much servicing had taken place. As they were friends they spent a lot of time on it for me and so while angry at the fact the servicing had not been good despite initial apearances everything would hopefully be fine :unsure: .

Next day my heart sank when I went to shops as a low rattle noise appeared from engine :( . Took it back to my friends garage who said that the engine must have been run dry at somepoint and that the new oil was not a thick as what they took out so noise may have been masked. Recommended that I let Toyota have a look for prior history experience may have a quick fix or know exactly what part needed fixed.

So thanks for sticking with me so far!! :)

Got the car into Toyota who phoned me an hour after dropping the car off to say it was ready for pick up and they had topped up the oil and they would speak to me when I came in. :huh:

They explained to me when I picked the car up that my car was burning oil excessively and that they would replace my engine for me :D :D Or so I thought.

They just needed me to get some figures for them so they could determine exactly how much oil I was burning so if I could bring it back after another 1000 miles. :huh:

That was 2 month ago and today after just over 1200 miles I took the car in. They are now saying it is right on the limit and has burned 1.1L of oil and doesn't qualify. And even if it did due to a millage not being filled in correctly in my service history I would only qualify for a 60% payment of the £2000 bill to replace the engine (still better than nothing...).

Bit angry and feeling like I may have just wasted 3 months and may have done further damage to my engine running it with the rattle. Toyota have asked me to come backk after another 1000 miles but unsure what good this will do if condition does not deteriorate.

What is the best course of action regarding Toyota and repair. The car is in great condition other wise so would just like to fix it by what ever means.

Please help and thank you again for reading this. :)