Toyota Problems

WE HAVE had a number of complaints as a result of the report we ran in Carsguide. Enough to suggest Toyota should do something about it. We're interested in hearing from other Aurion owners so we can get a more detailed picture of the extent of the problem.

IT DEPENDS on the location of the leak. If it is from the front cover it will be fixed when the belt is serviced, but if it's from the front crankshaft seal it won't be and that will have to be an additional job. It's best to do them at the same time if you have to because that should save you some money compared with doing them independently. There's not much chance of the oil leaking into the cylinders.

THE Camry is a good choice. It's a reliable model and won't cost an arm and a leg to run. I would also consider the Nissan Maxima A32, which fits your budget, and don't forget the Mitsubishi Magna. You will get a later-model Magna for the same money.

TOYOTA saw the previous complaint in our column and has responded as follows: ``The Aurion 2GR alloy V6 engine is designed with carefully matched piston clearances and offset piston specifications designed to minimise friction for maximum performance and fuel economy. It is not abnormal for this type of engine to exhibit a small amount of noise, particularly when first started cold. The type of noise is not in any way detrimental to the engine performance and will not affect the engine's durability or longevity. Toyota will review any customer's concern on noise of this type in their vehicle.'' From that you should assume that most if not all Aurion V6s have the noise, but that it's not a problem that will affect the durability of the engine in the long term.

OLDER systems generally use up to 30 per cent more LPG than petrol, whereas a new injection system uses a little less LPG, more like 20 per cent, so there would probably be a saving. A new injection system typically costs $4000-$4500. Is a switch justified?

YOU can use them without causing any damage to your engine, but long-life spark plugs are considerably more expensive than regular ones and you should consider this before installing them.

YOURS is the first to come to my attention, but we'll float the issue with our Carsguide readers and ask for their feedback. I agree with you that piston slap, if that's what it is, is unacceptable and should be addressed by Toyota.

ALL cars, including Toyotas, have problems at times, even the best in the world. Toyotas are generally reliable and the problems they have don't seem to be major ones.

DAEWOO makes the Viva in South Korea for Holden. I have had few complaints about it from Carsguide readers, which would suggest it will be a sound choice. The other cars to consider are the Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.

TOYOTAS have a bit of a history of clutch-wear issues when geared for highway work, as is the latest HiLux. But usually the problem surfaces only if you're doing a lot of low-speed driving or towing. This could be an explanation in your case, but we'll wait for other HiLux owners to contact us and see what they have to say.