Toyota Problems

Small families of two or three kids aren't a problem, the choices are many, but once the brood grows beyond that the choices rapidly diminish.  There are a few wagons that will accommodate seven, but it's really a squeeze. They might be acceptable if you only need to carry seven on occasion, but if you need to do it regularly, like most families do, you're left looking at peoplemovers.When they first began to appear on the market 30 or so years ago peoplemovers were effectively crudely converted commercial vans. They weren't very safe, they certainly weren't very comfortable, and they made their occupants feel like second-class citizens.  Those days are long gone thankfully and today's peoplemovers, like the Toyota Avensis Verso, are much more civilised.MODEL WATCH Unlike most of its van-derived predecessors the front-wheel drive Toyota Avensis Verso was based on a car, the mid-sized Avensis sold in Europe.  Given the baggage of history it was forced to carry the Avensis Verso was something of a revelation; it really wasn't that bad to drive.Compared to its primitive forebears it was easy to drive and had quite respectable road manners.  There was some body roll, but it wasn't too bad; it understeered, but that too wasn't unacceptable. Overall it followed the driver's instructions reasonably faithfully and did its job quite well.Initially there was a 2.0-litre engine, but that was replaced in 2003 with a 2.4-litre unit.  The 110 kW 2.0-litre unit struggled with the mass of the Avensis Verso, particularly when loaded to the gunnels with kids and their gear. With 115 kW at 5700 revs and 211 Nm at 4000 revs the extra grunt of the later 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft engine was a better choice.  The transmission choices were a smooth-shifting five-speed manual or a four-speed auto.It's inside that the Avensis Verso came into its own, with a clever seating arrangement that allowed seats to be moved around to suit the need to carry people or cargo.  The centre seat was fine for two, but a little squeezy for three, and the use of a lap belt in the centre position wasn't ideal.At the back the third seat was a little cramped for adults, but would do the job for three kids.  If not needed for people the second and third seats could be folded flat to open up the area to carry cargo, or sports gear, or whatever might be needed.The interior was well finished and durable, important when you carting kids around, and it was well equipped with cup holders, bottle bins, hooks for grocery bags, cubby holes and other handy little touches for everyday convenience.Toyota offered two models, the GLX and the Ultima.  The GLX came standard with dual air-conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, and a six-speaker CD sound system.A step up the Ultima was rewarded with alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather-trimmed steering wheel, roof racks and a rear spoiler.  A facelift in 2003 brought new headlamps and a new grille, new bumpers and new rear lights. The 2.4-litre engine replaced the 2.0- litre unit.IN THE SHOP Toyota might not make the most exciting cars to drive, but if it's reliability that gets you excited then it's the brand for you.  The company has an enviable reputation for build quality and reliability, but it's a well-earned one, and the Avensis Verso is living up to expectations.Little is being reported from the field, the things that are spoken of are to be expected through simple wear and tear, like brakes, tyres, wipers etc.  The good news is that there's a chain driving the camshaft to there's no need for servicing as there is on other makes.Sound engineering and decent build quality can't make up for a lack of maintenance, so check for a service record to ensure your chosen car has been regularly serviced.ON THE ROAD Like all Toyotas the Avensis Verso was competent at everything without being brilliant at anything.  It rode comfortably, steered well, handled predictably, braked securely, and performed with enough gusto not to be an embarrassment.  And like all Toyotas it was well built and nicely finished, two attributes that underpin the brand's popularity.IN A CRASH While the dynamics of the Avensis Verso were quite good for a peoplemover, they were still a compromise when compared to a regular passenger sedan.It wasn't particularly responsive or agile when put to the test in an emergency, but standard ABS anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution aided active safety.On the passive safety front there were dual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners on all models, while the Ultima also boasted side front airbags.AT THE PUMP Physical size and mass work against a car like the Avensis when it comes to fuel consumption.  Road testers reported the average fuel consumption at 12.0-12.5 L/100 km.OWNER'S SAY Don Taylor and his family bought their 2001 Avensis in 2002, having previously driven a Mazda 1300, two Golfs, a Nissan Prairie, a Mitsubishi Nimbus and two Toyota Taragos.  They have since driven over 200,000 km in the Avensis and apart from tyres, a battery and a windscreen, the only things they have replaced or repaired are the tailgate struts.The versatility of the seating/load carrying arrangements, from one seat to seven, with every number in between is particularly appealing to them.  With only two people in the car, there is a huge, flat-floored cargo space. The storage area under the floor holds a great deal and has proved very useful.They also appreciate the way the middle seat can be slid into a position that makes it possible to carry seven adults in reasonable comfort.  Many of the other peoplemovers that they have looked at over the years have not really been designed to put adults or even teenagers in the third row.Despite the impressive people/cargo capacity, the Avensis is not a particularly large car to drive, unlike some of the other peoplemovers available.  They have found it economical, reporting 10 L/100 km around town and 8 L/100 km on the highway. On a recent trip they averaged 7.5 L/100 km over a distance of 4000 km, which Don says was "very pleasing."LOOK FOR. Overall competence.. Modest performance.. Smooth ride.. Predictable handling.. Flexible interior.. Good build quality.THE BOTTOM LINEHighly rated peoplemover is a well-built, reliable and solid performer for the family.RATING75/100

Life - human and automotive - is so unpredictable. When my 75-year-old father went looking for a car to retire with, he sought reliability, durability, comfort and a long warranty.  He bought a Hyundai, thinking that with a five-year warranty it should ‘see me out’.In fact, he saw it out. The Hyundai Lantra is still ultra-reliable in the hands of a mate of mine while my now 84-year-old father has moved himself and my active mother into the latest Corolla.  I would have expected my parents to drive a Mercedes-Benz in later life as a reward for their tenacity through economic depressions and wars.In fact, they chose economy in reverence to their working-class lives and have come out with only minor financial scars from their post-retirement car purchases.  You can as well. Carsguide readers with retirement looming all want new cars. Most of them want a 4WD or something powerful to tow a caravan or boat because ‘we're not dead yet’.It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you are retired or just on the point of pulling the pin on a working career, you want the least possible hassles.  We'll start this week with 4WDs and SUVs. These are some choices. They clearly aren't all that is available and personal choice will play its role. At the very least, this should get you thinking.4WD is for the adventurer who actually wants to go off the beaten track. These have excellent towing ability, diesel engine options (the better choice), a versatile cabin with seven seats that can be removed when not wanted, good safety levels and a comprehensive feature list. On the downside, they are big, less comfortable than a sedan, require more expensive servicing and repair (especially tyre replacement) and for aged limbs can be difficult to get in and out.Toyota Prado (from $55,990)Solid, high resale (and high initial purchase), great off the road and in the latest model, comfortable on the road.Engine: 127kW/410Nm 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.3 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlLand Rover Discovery-4 (from $81,990)Exceptionally competent and fitted out with excellent comfort. Fourth generation aims to rid Land Rover of quality bugs.Engine: 180kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 biturbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 9.3 l/100kmSafety: 8 airbags, ESC, traction controlMitsubishi Pajero(from $49,290)Great all-rounder on and off road at an affordable price. Better cabin package than Prado.Engine: 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.4 l/100kmSafety: 2 airbags, ESC, traction controlSUV: Don't want to go to the Outback but like the practicality of a tall wagon? The SUV usually has all-wheel drive but less rugged construction and no low-range gearbox. Some are even only front-wheel drive so save on purchase price and fuel consumption.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990)Practical, versatile and reliable with a long five-year warranty. A good allrounder. Only available as a diesel and with all-wheel drive.Engine: 145kW/421Nm 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed manual/5-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 6.7 l/100kmSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, traction controlPeugeot 4007 (from $45,490)Culturally diverse Peugeot made by Mitsubishi (it's basically an Outlander shell) in Japan with an aggressive grille and very desirable turbo-diesel engine and optional six-speed auto.Engine: 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 7.0 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlSubaru Outback diesel (from $40,490)Long-awaited diesel expands Subaru's out-of-town ability in a very desirable package. New style isn't the prettiest but is functional and roomy.Engine: 110kW/350Nm 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/AWDEconomy: 6.4 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction control

What is a grey importIt’s a vehicle – new or used — that is legally imported outside the manufacturer’s official import channels.HistoryIn the mid 90’s the various state motoring regulatory authorities and the federal government agreed that a scheme — should be put in place to allow Australians to buy used vehicles from overseas that were never sold in Australia.  The initial focus of the scheme was performance vehicles such as the Toyota Supra Twin Turbo, and Nissan Silvia Turbo. The cars became known as grey imports due to the vast number of grey-coloured cars arriving here as they were often the cheapest available in the auction houses of Japan.  The scheme now also covers any car manufactured before 1989 as well as many people movers, and various diesel models.The rulesCars brought in using the grey import scheme must go through a compliance process on arrival in Australia to conform with ADR requirements, including changing to Australian standard tyres, emissions control gear, and AC gas.Only certain models that are in some way different to any locally delivered example are allowed to be imported under the scheme.  Any other models are hard to comply as the car must go through full ADR testing including a full crash test process.  Some regulations have been relaxed in recent years – for example, the forced replacement of every seatbelt.Why buy a grey import?Most of the models available through the grey import scheme are heavily optioned compared to comparable models in Australia.  High performance turbo engines, rear wheel steering, all wheel drive, and multi-zone climate control air were all common as early as the 90s on even basic models in Japan. Basically, if you could buy a comparable model in Australia you would have paid more-for-less.  The cult status of many grey imports also makes them appealing.  The current plethora of Nissan Skylines on Australia’s roads attests to grey imports popularity.  Choice of turbodiesel powerplants has also driven the grey market when looking at 4WDs and people-movers in car yards.Owning a grey importBack in the early days of the scheme, when grey import dealers were few and far between, it was extremely difficult to acquire spare parts for many of the plenty of spare parts dealers and many manufacturers such as Nissan are able to bring in brand new parts from Japan to suit.  There are also a multitude of specialty vehicle clubs and web forums devoted to these cars with members who are only too happy to help out with parts — or even help with entire engine swaps — for a very reasonable price.The true costsMany people fall for grey imports due to the bang-for-bucks factor.  Cars such as the Nissan 180SX offer great looks and performance for a bargain basement price in comparison to say a Subaru WRX of the same year.  The trade-off comes when you look at the lack of any service history, and possibly wound back odometers.  A full mechanical check (pre-purchase) is a must!Most non-diesel grey imports coming from Japan will require premium unleaded as the quality of fuel in Japan is higher than Australia. And like any performance car they will also need love and attention in the service department too with frequent oil changes.One of the biggest turnoffs for people looking to buy a grey import is the cost of insurance.  There have been a lot of insurers who simply cannot insure them due to their underwriters refusing them. In recent years the situation has relaxed with even heavily modified performance grey imports being insured by several big name insurers.  You should expect a slightly higher premium, or excess at least, than an Australian delivered model, especially if the ‘T’ word – turbo — is added to the end of the model name…SummaryDue to the number of grey imports in the country now and the cult status they have gained no one should be turned off buying an import.  Do your research, trawl the information, get a proper inspection and you could be driving away with a unique, and extremely well-equipped car at bargain price.Top 10 grey importsNissan 180SX and Silvia variantsNissan Skyline and Nissan Stagea Wagon variantsNissan Elgrand People MoverToyota SupraToyota Hilux SurfMitsubishi FTOMitsubishi DelicaMistubishi Evo IV and VHonda Civic Type R EP3Toyota Soarer / Lexus SC400 

The world's largest carmaker has bowed to global safety pressure and announced a massive recall of its flagship future car, the Prius hybrid.  After bungling a safety threat to more than eight million cars in dozens of countries over a faulty accelerator pedal, Toyota confirmed in Tokyo yesterday that it would recall more than 400,000 hybrids.The local implications of the recall are relatively minor, as Toyota Australia has only sold around 1700 of the latest-model Prius, with cars in dealer stocks taking the total to 2378.   But the damage to the brand's reputation, particularly in Australia where it has been number one for most of the past two decades, is impossible to calculate.Toyota has always stood for rock-solid reliability and safety so the two recalls, particularly the one triggered by fatal crashes in the USA, have done considerable damage to its brand."Toyota Motor Corporation has undertaken a thorough investigation and we are taking the appropriate course of action in the interests of our customers," the head of sales and marketing for Toyota Australia, Dave Buttner, said yesterday as he confirmed the recall of all 2010-model Prius."There have been no accidents linked to this issue reported in Australia. No other Toyota or Lexus models in Australia are affected by this recall."The Prius recall, announced in Japan by company president Akio Toyoda - grandson of the Toyota founder - involves a car that has always stood for the future of Toyota. The Prius is now into its third model and, in Australia, the same petrol-electric power package is fitted inside the Hybrid Camry that went on sale yesterday.The Prius problem was first reported in the USA, where owners complained of a strange feel to the braking system. Only two Australian owners have reported the problem, from 111 complaints worldwide.Toyota says it is the result of a delay that occurs when the car switches from regenerative braking - which captures energy from braking to recharge its on-board batteries - to the conventional braking system.  It says the solution to the problem is a relatively minor software tweak, which will be done free-of-charge to cars in Australia.

After a series of safety problems that has seen more than eight million cars recalled, including the current model Prius, Toyota may have to target the Corolla’s steering.The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 83 complaints about the power steering in 2009-2010 Corolla.  The reports say the cars veer left or right at speeds over 64km/h. Six crashes that resulted in 10 injuries are being investigated. The spate of recalls and safety scares may have an impact on the auto giant’s brand image, and credit agency Moody’s is tipped to be reviewing Toyota’s rating.