New Rav T 180 Problems Resolved?

December 13, 2007

Back in March I took delivery of my brand new Silver Rav T 180 only to have a bad burning clutch smell on the second day when I reversed up a drive. It was taken to the local dealer, checked and pronounced OK! No more problems on that account.

A short while later I experienced severe clutch rattle and what I felt was too much gears noise. The car was taken to the dealer and a new part fitted that cured the clutch rattle. Gear noise, I felt on slowing in lower gears was too pronounced for a so called premium car.

At the same time the steering developed a clonking on extreme turn especially when slowly reversing. Again I had the car checked by local dealers who confirmed nothing wrong and vehicle was safe.

Not satisfied, I started a lengthy trail of correspondence with Toyota GB customer services over the problems, all the time reserving the right to reject the car as of unmerchantable quality and setting deadlines for responses to letters and for works to be done. The matters outstanding were passed to even their European Departments for consideration.

I was finally advised that the degree of gear whine is normal for these cars due to the complexity of the gearbox and that the noise made by the steering was again normal for this model. I should point out that I have this in writing, just in case a problem should occur when I come around to selling the car.

For my troubles I received Service Vouchers for the first 2 services and as a gesture for slow responses to my correspondence I was offered a free choice of a gift from their catalogue. ( accepted a pair of £82 Bolle Sun Glasses ).

10 months down the line, I have to admit that the gear noise has eased and I wait for the stearing clonk when turning! I think I would miss it if it wasn't there. The car has had two trips to Spain and I have to say is a great motorway cruiser. 6th gear in Cruise Control and there is no need to change gears even on fairly steep inclines. Returned 35 MPG at constantly over the speed limit (oops!) didn't mean that, 4 up with cases. Very comfortable, easy to drive with power when you really need it.

To sum up, I like the car more and more the longer I have had it.

Only gripe left - Needs an auxilliary socket for MP3 rathet than Toyota taking the hard disc route (supposedly for better quality but at odds with the rest of the market).

Miked

December 13, 2007

Miked

I'm really glad you've got your problems resolved. There's nothing worse than thinking you've been sold a "Friday afternoon" car! :(

Like you, I notice some whine when slowing, but this has eased with miles on the clock. The T180 is one amazing car on the motorway, on a trip to York I touched 3 figures on the speedo and didn't notice! :rolleyes:

It was a shame it took so much effort for Toyota to realise your problems, but at least you've saved over £300 on future servicing :lol:

Wish you many years of T180 motoring (don't forget fly past those inferior XT3,4,5 & XTR owners :P )

Bryan

December 13, 2007

Miked
I'm really glad you've got your problems resolved. There's nothing worse than thinking you've been sold a "Friday afternoon" car! :(
Like you, I notice some whine when slowing, but this has eased with miles on the clock. The T180 is one amazing car on the motorway, on a trip to York I touched 3 figures on the speedo and didn't notice!
It was a shame it took so much effort for Toyota to realise your problems, but at least you've saved over £300 on future servicing
Wish you many years of T180 motoring (don't forget fly past those inferior XT3,4,5 & XTR owners :P )
Bryan

As much as 3 figures? Was that in 5th or 6th?? Got to that stage in 3rd gear but haven't managed to get a clear run for 5th gear! I'll need to look up the T180 engine spec (jist for interest).

December 13, 2007

Miked, glad you've resolved your problems, and are now enjoying your T180 :thumbsup:

December 14, 2007

Miked

Mine makes a strange noise a little bit like a ratchet clicking noise but only on over-run and only in first, second, third and fourth (these are on a different layshaft to fifth, sixth and reverse). It's never got any worse but it irritates me.

I personally would dig in with the steering knock. It may have been acceptable with a Morris Marina but you didn't pay Morris Marina money. You may have to be a nuisance to get it sorted.

Good luck.

PS Duncs/bothy

Done a ton in mine (not saying where) with about half a ton of wine in the back!!!

July 16, 2008

Miked
Mine makes a strange noise a little bit like a ratchet clicking noise but only on over-run and only in first, second, third and fourth (these are on a different layshaft to fifth, sixth and reverse). It's never got any worse but it irritates me.
I personally would dig in with the steering knock. It may have been acceptable with a Morris Marina but you didn't pay Morris Marina money. You may have to be a nuisance to get it sorted.
Good luck.
PS Duncs/bothy
Done a ton in mine (not saying where) with about half a ton of wine in the back!!!

July 16, 2008

Miked
Mine makes a strange noise a little bit like a ratchet clicking noise but only on over-run and only in first, second, third and fourth (these are on a different layshaft to fifth, sixth and reverse). It's never got any worse but it irritates me.
I personally would dig in with the steering knock. It may have been acceptable with a Morris Marina but you didn't pay Morris Marina money. You may have to be a nuisance to get it sorted.
Good luck.
PS Duncs/bothy
Done a ton in mine (not saying where) with about half a ton of wine in the back!!!

124mph on my speedo, 119 on my tom tom..XT4(chipped+K+N) no funny noises and 45mpg, and with the extra weight of a spare wheel on the back :thumbsup: p.s see Kingo for chip, 136 bhp + min 20%, anyone know where i can get a T170 Badge :yes: