Toyota 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.

I WOULD rule out the Commodore immediately because its six-cylinder engine will be too thirsty for your budget. But any cars fitting your price range will almost certainly be unreliable and expensive in the long run. Even though you're stepping up in price range, $5000 will buy an old car that is only marginally better than the cheapies you've been driving. You'll be better if you can spend $10,000 on a car that's still got some life left in it. I'd recommend a five-year-old Nissan Pulsar, Ford Laser, Mitsubishi Lancer or Toyota Corolla. They will still accommodate four and will be much cheaper to run than the Magna, Camry or Commodore.

LIKE anything used, there is a risk. Though you might be told a motor has done 30,000km, there's no way of knowing the truth, so a warranty is important. Fitting a rebuilt engine is the best course, but the risk of fitting a second-hand imported unit is worth considering given your car has such high mileage and won't be worth much anyway.

NO THERE won't be any adverse effect on your engine, and with sequential vapour injection you won't notice any difference in performance. You can use an upper cylinder lubricant for a little extra protection as LPG is drier and therefore harsher on valves and valve seats than unleaded petrol, but it's a precaution rather than a necessity. Running the engine on petrol once a week will prevent the seals in the fuel system from drying out and hardening.

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.

FEW modern engines use oil, and the consumption you are experiencing is high. Talk to the dealer, and if you are unhappy with its response contact Toyota's Customer Assistance people and register your complaint. Take an accurate record of the oil usage. It's no good going to the dealer if you have no hard evidence to back up the claim.

IF HIS priorities are reliability and costs, I would recommend a Toyota Hilux, either a diesel or a four-cylinder petrol. But I'm guessing he wants a little more zip. If he wants a Holden or Falcon ute, then the six-cylinder models are the way to go. They are equally reliable, but the Holden will be a little cheaper to run. Lowering the suspension would cost $500 to $1000, depending on what he wants done.

WHAT you have is more a curiosity than a classic. Even with its very low mileage, it's still regarded as a used Celica by the trade, and it's not yet old enough to be considered a classic by enthusiasts. Whether the Celica will ever be considered a true classic is open to debate, but that's a matter that will be resolved in time. An average 1990 Celica SX is valued at about $11,000, but yours may attract a higher price because of its low mileage. I would think $15,000 is not out of the question. There are a number of ways to sell it: the classifieds, specialist magazines or by auction at one of the specialists such as Shannons.

THE trade would probably value the vehicle about $6000. You might get $7000 if you are patient enough to wait for the right buyer to come along. Though the car has done only 50,000km, whereas a similar car driven regularly would have done almost 200,000km, it is still 15 years old, and time takes its toll. There is every chance the buyer may have to spend money on it to get it into top running order. Having said that, the Cressida really was a quality car, and anyone who appreciates just how good they were would probably jump at the chance to buy it. The best way to sell it is through the classifieds.

YOU can cause a problem putting too much oil in the sump. The crankshaft hits the oil as it rotates, which can put extra load on the engine, reduce performance and increase fuel consumption. It can also cause the oil to froth and cause problems in the lubrication system. However, adding an extra 200ml probably won't have too much effect.