Toyota Corolla Problems

I ASSUME you've tried different pumps. The rate of delivery can vary. Try easing the nozzle out a fraction from the filler neck, though it does seem your car has a problem, possibly with the venting of the tank.

FIRSTLY, you have a gem. The 4A-GE engine is regarded as a classic and much sought-after to fit in Mini Clubmans. There are no major problems to be concerned about with the engine. Secondly, the engine is a free-spinning design, the piston tops are relieved to provide clearance to the valve train so there shouldn't be a problem if you break a cam belt. That said, anything is possible if you break a belt at high engine speed, when you might stretch a valve stem enough to make contact. High-mileage cars can have a problem with fifth gear, but don't panic, it's not something to be too concerned about.

AT THE moment the Europeans lead the way with diesels, driven on by European countries that provide concessions to car buyers to go diesel and reduce the dependence on oil. Though local makers are all looking at diesels, there are no plans to introduce them. Probably the most interesting new diesel model to arrive here is the VW Caddy Life, a Golf-based people mover. All cars sold here with diesel engines have the latest technology. There's little to pick between them.

DEPOSITS do build up on injectors in time, making the engine run rough and causing loss of power. Some dealers recommend cleaning them as a precaution, but I would be reluctant unless the engine is running poorly. The cost you have been quoted is far too high. An injector-cleaning specialist would typically charge about $100.

NO IT won't cause wear on the gearbox, but it's not a good idea on safety grounds. He's got no chance of getting out of the way should something happen that puts him in danger while he's sitting there in neutral. It's much better to be in drive with an escape plan just in case.

YES, it is reasonable. A 4 per cent discrepancy is well within the allowable tolerance of plus or minus 10 per cent. Cars are assembled from thousands of parts, all of which have their own individual tolerances and these stack up as the car comes together. If the odometer is reading the way you describe, you should not have a problem. At 100km/h your average speed will actually be 96km/h. In other words, your speedo is optimistic, which is the case with most cars.

I can imagine that it's an annoying habit and I would also like to fix it if it was my car. Does it happen when the airconditioning is turned off? The reason for having the idle speed up when the engine starts is usually to ensure it doesn't stall when under the extra load of ancillary systems such as airconditioning. If that's the case, I would expect it wouldn't happen when the airconditioning is turned off. As for the fuel consumption, 10 litres/100km is on the high end of what I would expect. Something like 8.0-9.0 litres/100km is what I would expect. Contact Toyota direct on 9647 4444.

THE jury is out on the Viva. It simply hasn't been around long enough to enable a judgment.

The Dunlops are regarded as relatively quiet tyres and are unlikely to be the cause of your complaint unless there is a misalignment problem with the rear suspension. If there is, the tyres could be wearing unevenly which could cause a noise problem. Other than that, the most likely cause is the body structure of the Corolla and its lack of insulation which allows the noise to be transmitted through to the interior. In that case, changing tyres is unlikely to achieve the sort of improvement that would satisfy you. Check the rear wheel alignment and adjust if needed. Other than that, I reckon you're stuck with it.

THE car should not roll backwards if the torque converter is working properly, though the ZR engine does need a lot of revs. Take it back to the dealer and get them to check the operation of the automatic, but also try holding the car on the brake -- perhaps with your left foot when you are stopped -- so it has more pulling power when you accelerate on a hill.