Toyota Kluger Problems

Your car is six years old, so you would expect some wear to have occurred in that time. I'm not surprised that Toyota refused to replace the part free of charge, but I would have thought they might have come to the party for part of the replacement cost. The knock in the steering shaft is not uncommon. 

Before buying the tow vehicle you should establish what you want to tow with it. It would be a good idea to decide on the caravan you want to buy and from that determine the total weight you want the car to handle, that is the weight of the caravan when it is fully loaded ready to travel. I say that because a car rated to tow 2 tonnes means you will only be able to tow a relatively small caravan. A diesel will be more economical when towing, and if that were your priority then I would go that way. I would suggest you consider a mid-sized SUV, like a Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Territory or a Toyota Kluger.

You're right to be dubious. Ask yourself, and the dealer if you dare, is Toyota's paint so poor that it needs this so-called protection, is the quality of its leather so appalling that it needs extra care, is the carpet rubbish and in need of special care. I think not. It's upselling, plain and simple, and I wouldn't part with my hard-earned cash for something that isn't needed. If you really want it get the dealer to throw it in for free.

It's most likely the steering shaft as the dealer has suggested, it's quite common and Toyota has recalled a number of models for just such a knock. Have the dealer replace the shaft and press for compensation from the company.

Take it to another mechanic who knows Toyotas and have it assessed. I have seen reports of a whining noise coming from the front differential and transfer case. I doubt that it is the automatic transmission itself.

It's interesting that the dealer has told you there is a problem, but Toyota denied it. I reckon I would believe the dealer in this instance, and suggest that Toyota is fobbing you off while they scratch their collective heads and try to work out what's wrong. I reckon it's an issue with the lock-up torque converter. Press for a solution.

Toyota's Beck Angel says: "Orders for the new-generation Kluger have substantially exceeded the limited supply. The lead time for Kluger from the United States is longer than we're used to from Japan or Thailand."

It's a common problem and one that is normally fixed by the dealer when reported. Go back to the dealer and ask him to repair it. At the very least Toyota should supply the replacement part free of charge.

It’s the first I have heard of a “rattle” clause. If that is the case it is totally unacceptable. Their injectors are dodgy and they should cover the cost of replacing them. If they refuse to come to the party and continue to stick to their laughable “rattle” clause ask them to show you the clause in the warranty document that came with your car.

The Kia Carnival gets The Tick, every time, in that price range. And with four kids you will find that a proper people-mover gives far more flexibility than an SUV or even a converted van.