Gen 7 Oil Problem

[iceland_potter]

Give them chance to look at it and attempt to fix it properly. Under the warrenty it will probably state that you must give them an 'acceptable' amount of time to repair the fault. If it's taking too long and they haven't done the work, request a replacement or money back.

Make sure though that when you give them your car in for repair, that they give you a temp car for the duration of the repair.

sure, I'll bear this in mind, also about the courtesy car. Thanks edwardio.

[edwardio]

No probs mate. I just hope you have more luck than I did with my first one. Owned it for 3 months, though only had it at my hands for 3 weeks. So after 2 months in the garage and 1 attempt at replacing the car, I said enough was enough. My garage was crap.

Oh make sure that Vauxhall keep you updated. I only kept up to date on mine, becuase I called the garage they sent it too directly. Even then the place I bought the car from wasn't communicating with Toyota who they'd sent it to. don't be the one to do the running around!

Keep us informed.

[iceland_potter]

Just to keep you updated, the dealer acknowledged my letter and arranged for me to come to the branch I bought it from to get their engineers to top the oil up and note the milage.

[edwardio]

Well it's a good start, plus they appear to be taking it seriously I guess.

Let's just hope that your car plays ball and drinks the oil!

Keep us informed.

[iceland_potter]

I am thinking the same as you on both accounts - they are taking it seriously which is a good sign. I can guarantee the car will be perfect now for the next 6 months lol :P

[iceland_potter]

Update.

I've been checking the oil and all seemed fine, but then havnt checked over the weekend until tonight when I took it to a mates house, on the flat, waited for it to cool and checked, there is only the minimum amount in. Now the strange thing happened, I put 1l in it of Castrol 5w30, then left it 10ying mins to settle, and checked again - its measuring nearly full??? I couldnt quite understand this....

[bgorman]

Update.

I've been checking the oil and all seemed fine, but then havnt checked over the weekend until tonight when I took it to a mates house, on the flat, waited for it to cool and checked, there is only the minimum amount in. Now the strange thing happened, I put 1l in it of Castrol 5w30, then left it 10ying mins to settle, and checked again - its measuring nearly full??? I couldnt quite understand this....

The amount of oil needed to go from the min to full level is 1lt.

[edwardio]

Well for you to go through 1L in a week, there is a problem there and the garage can't argue with that. Time for them to make some calls I'd say!!

[iceland_potter]

Well for you to go through 1L in a week, there is a problem there and the garage can't argue with that. Time for them to make some calls I'd say!!

I've still got to go in on Saturday morning for them to fill it up to the brim then let me test it so they are satisfied that it's broken - I dont see any other option but to play ball with this unfortunately. Its a pain though as I'm 50 miles away from the garage.

Thanks for that bgorman - explains a lot.

[edwardio]

That's a pin being 50 miles from them. Well once they fill it up & you test it again, which I guess they'd say another week, I'm sure they'll come to the conclusion that 2 weeks and 2L of oil later put in = we need to repair this car for our customer.

I'd say when you take it back and it's done the same, that you'll be leaving in a temp car and your 'pride & joy' will be left to be repaired. I can't see them being a pain about it, as the evidence is clear. The engine has a problem, it's under their warrenty, so they have to fix it. Though if they try the line: 'lets test it again, just to be sure'. Stand your ground and say no, it's faulty and refuse to take the car back until repaired.

[iceland_potter]

I really hope its going to pan out how you envisage, I really do. I can't help but see a court case on the horizon though! We'll see, and I'll be sure to keep this thread updated. Maybe it will help someone else one day.

[edwardio]

It'll pan out ok. Just make sure that you keep copies of any documentation, should things need to be pushed.

The facts are: The engine has a fault which results in unrealistic oil use. This has even been documented within the car press industry as well as Toyota correcting the fault for owners with Service history etc. Under the the warrenty you have, a fault like this should be covered as it's a big fault. It is not a fault that comes under wear & tear like the gear box, clutch, tyres & brakes. So it is covered by the warrenty.

Therefore if they don't sort it for you, then refuse to retain possession of the car as you made them aware of the fault before the warrenty expired. If need be threaten Trading Standards & Citizens Advice.

Chances are Vauxhall will send the car to Toyota to fix for you. As Toyota do the job with documention, I'm sure that Vauxhall will request the car to be fixed but may have to pay part of the cost themselves. The Celica I had was sent to Toyota as that's where the garage I bought it from, sourced it.

If Vauxhall try & get you to foot some of the bill, if there is one, refuse. As the car was sold in that condition to you & not labelled as 'sold as seen'. Therefore the car was sold in a road worthy condition and 'fault free' & should a fault happen you have 3 months cover, as this is classed as a suitable time frame for a fault to appear that is not from general/miss use.

I know it's hard not to think that it will have to get to 'legal' matters, but it shouldn't as you are within your rights and within your warrenty.

Do you know how Vauxhall sourced it?

[iceland_potter]

Thanks for the comforting words. I believe they bought it from an individual who wanted to part-ex it in for a new Vauxhall.

I might also add that they didn't tell me about this owner, they told me it had "2 previous owners", but by the time I had my V5 logbook through from the DVLA, it had 3. The dealer conveniently didn't include the owner that was currently listed on the logbook as an owner. Turns out this guy only kept the car a matter of months. It makes me wonder whether he knew what was wrong...

[edwardio]

Yeah he traded it in because he knew of the problem after he'd bought it. Not only that, but why trade in a great car for a Vauxhall! I've had 2 Astras, yes they're ok but they don't come close to a Celica. Anyway!

Mind you it comes in handy for you, that they said 2 owners when it's had 3. That's selling something under false information and therefore handy ammo!!

I'd say you're going to be ok mate and that they'll get it fixed for you. As it's under warrenty, but also they're a dealer and therefore they wouldn't like Watchdog or someone like that broadcasting that they sell fault cars & lie to customers!!!!!

[iceland_potter]

I visited the dealer today (Friday 7th March 08) who agreed to look at my oil level and top it up to the brim to do their test.

Whilst I was there I also mentioned to the "Business Manager" that I was also unhappy at a few other issues with the car. To my surprise he asked me to walk him and an engineer round the car to inspect the things I'm not happy with. I suppose even if they dont fix them for free in the end, at

By the way when the mechanic tested the oil, it had lost 300-400ml of oil since Tuesday!!!

[edwardio]

Well to have that much vanish from the engine within 4 days, they can see that it's a very bad problem.

That's good that they wanted to look at everything else, as if it is things that they should normal sort out and wasn't, then they're putting their rep in a bad light. Add those little things to the engine problem and I'd say they'll sort 90% or everything out for you mate.

[iceland_potter]

Hi all, update time.

I had a call from the dealer telling me that they'd replace my gas boot struts for free, but that they wouldn't replace anything else. They said the headlights condensation didn't matter as this was just cosmetic.

Its the thing I least wanted sorting out, but I suppose its progress at least, and one more thing to making my car perfect.

The dealer also asked me to drive the car for 500 miles then to come to them to test the oil, I'm going to try and fit this in with doing the oil test there. I personally now want to find out from Toyota what their thresholds are before they realise this as a definate oil consumption issue. To nudge the dealer along a little, I also sent them the below letter in tonights post recorded.

Dear Ms ***,

Further to my letter dated 27th February 2008 regarding the oil consumption problem in my Toyota Celica (purchased from ****), I would like to update you on the dissatisfaction I have with the situation.

I visited your ***** branch on Friday 7th March 2008 to see the service manager ***** and let ****; a mechanic and an apprentice check my oil level and top it up so its at the maximum level, then taking a note of the milage reading on the car.

I appreciated the effort all three people went to, however I’ve today been informed that Friday was ******’s last day at the business. This has made me extremely unhappy as there is now no-one senior at the branch who has an in-depth knowledge of my situation with the oil consumption issue in the car. I feel this could have been easily resolved should the sensible decision been taken to allow someone else to perform these tasks who will be working for ****** at least for the medium-term future. I would be grateful for someone’s name at ****** who can be my point of contact for this issue.

It has been suggested that I drive 500 miles to ensure the oil consumption issue falls outside Toyota’s guidelines. I have tested the oil on the dipstick every day since Friday, and I have seen the amount of oil decrease by approximately 150-200ml in 110 miles. I will perform the test in full as advised by ****** at ******, but I am writing to make you aware that the problem is almost certain to require remedial work on the engine with this rate of oil consumption, so I would be grateful if you could consider your course of action before I next come to visit your ****** branch. I anticipate this will be Saturday 15th March 2008.

[iceland_potter]

Another update : the dealer just rang to say they can't fit me in to do my boot struts or check the oil again until 3rd April, which is 3 weeks from now. By my calculation I'll have run out of oil at the start of next week (by which time I may well have the dreaded knocking noises) so I told the dealer that I need to be seen by Saturday coming. She's going to have a word with her manager now.

[edwardio]

Them saying they'd replace the boot struts is a very good thing. I'm having a nightmare thinking about what to do with mine, as they're a pain to get off. Plus it saves you about £250!

That is crap about needing you to drive 500 miles. The way your car is losing oil, 1 day is enough or 2 at the most is enough to see the problem. The letter is spot on though. I think they might start to become a pain, as they might have worked out how much it's going to cost them!

If you have to wait until April for them to do it, I suggest you keep receipts for all the oil you buy from now until then and when you put the car in, request they refund it!

[iceland_potter]

Them saying they'd replace the boot struts is a very good thing. I'm having a nightmare thinking about what to do with mine, as they're a pain to get off. Plus it saves you about £250!

That is crap about needing you to drive 500 miles. The way your car is losing oil, 1 day is enough or 2 at the most is enough to see the problem. The letter is spot on though. I think they might start to become a pain, as they might have worked out how much it's going to cost them!

If you have to wait until April for them to do it, I suggest you keep receipts for all the oil you buy from now until then and when you put the car in, request they refund it!

£250?! i had no idea they were worth anywhere near that much! I think the part company Partco near where I work quoted me under £100 for the pair although I could be wrong. Good though, i'm glad i'm getting something of value out of them. I hope thats just for starters.

An update anyway. I've decided not to send that letter above as I had a call from the dealer. After they refused to see my car to check the oil level, a chap has agreed to become my contact on this issue, and asked me about the current oil level, and then agreed to scrap the 500 mile oil test. This is good news to me as it means I dont have to break a sweat to try and get to the dealer before it runs out. The chap also said that I should keep my reciepts for all the oil i've purchased. He said he would refund it :)

Anyone know what the best oil to use is with this problem please? I've read different things, i've got some Castrol GTX Magnatec 5w30 i'm using at the moment.

[edwardio]

I use that oil in mine, it's good stuff.

That's really good news about the contact & the oil refund!

The struts, well they're £180 a pair from Toyota (aftermarket ones can be got for about £105 a pair - sgs Engineering). Then you've got fitting and VAT on top. I got quoted about £250 from a Toyota specialist garage. If they're going to do it for you, let them!!

[iceland_potter]

Hi guys : interesting update.

I just had a call from the dealer who say they have researched the issue, and contacted Toyota about this problem, and straight away Toyota have advised that the issue I have is a known problem with my series engine. Toyota want just under £3,000 for the work, and are not willing to help towards the cost of the work.

The dealer then told me that its unfortunate as my warranty with them only covers a maximum of £500 worth of work in one claim.

To this I responded that they have 2 options, to argue it out with me, and have it end up in court and the local press; or to just pay up and send my motor to Toyota.

I'm waiting for a call from them after they speak to the managing director there.

[edwardio]

That's what Toyota said to me about my old Celica. They said it would be better just to replace the engine.

I'd say that the garage will probably offer to refund the car, as they won't take that hit in the pocket. Then they'll bodge the car, sell it on & hope it lasts until the 3 months warranty runs out. That way they get something for it at least.

If they say they can't pay that much to repair it and don't mention a refund, demand it, get the cash and walk away. The other option is the replace the car like for like.

So I'd say, give them 3 options instead:

1) Repair the car.

2) Replace it like for like.

3) Refund.

[iceland_potter]

I would far prefer they repair it, its a beautiful car. I look forward to speaking to the dealer again this afternoon, after I get my new Toyos!

[edwardio]

I know they're lovely cars, but I'd be surprised if they pay out £2500 over their warrenty figure for a new engine. The other option they might take, would be to 'replace' the engine. By that I mean just taking an engine out of another Celica and dropping it in yours, but the only problem with that is you don't know how it's been treated or the mileage (unless you seen this documented).

I'd say get your money back and look for a new one, as I've been there and done it and I can't see them pay out £3000. However I know you've bought stuff (eg. tyres), so I'd say get them to replace it like for like. Though demand a temp car until they replace yours.