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Engine design fault

Just recently bought 2002 reg 1.6 Toyota Corolla. It's done some 70,000 miles.

Am now alarmed to come across information such as on this site, which is detailing what seems to be an inbuilt design fault on the VVti engine.

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It seems nobody is quite sure exactly what the problem is with these VVti engines. It looks like Toyota are *not* being 'upfront' exactly what they know about the problem. Although if someone has a full Toyota service history they are willing to do free remedial work on the engine.

A Toyota owners club abroad, is saying they think the problem is caused by not enough oil escape holes being drilled in the pistons. So excess oil is gumming up the 'oil scraper' rings which when losing their pressure against the piston wall are causing excessive oil consumption.

Is there anything I should be thinking about doing in this situation would you say? I really cannot afford to take a big financial hit at this time on this car. Someone mentioned using a higher grade petrol as a precaution. Do others here think this is a good course of action please? And any other suggestions I would be grateful for.

Reply to
Dave East
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use the exact correct oil and change it regularly. I always recommend good grade fuel non supermarket fuel, it seems to make a difference that can even be felt on some cars. Shell seems to be the best available, but most branded fuels should be good enough.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

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Thanks Mr Cheerful, shall do as you advise.

Have just increased my anxiety about my new purchase since discovering these further observations:

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My Corolla has a full Toyota service history stamped at a Toyota Garage, and is next due an intermediate service for 9 years (or 90,000miles). It has done 70,000 miles which people are reporting that this trouble can start at this milage.

Is it worth paying a lot extra and continuing to get the services done at a Toyota Garage? In the hope that Toyota might be more sympathetic to what seems an inbuilt flaw in the this 3ZZFE VVti engine, if it decides to play up? Thanks.

Reply to
Dave East

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all depends what they actually charge ! A reasonable general service at an independent will likely cost 150 or so. Ignore the 'full service 30 quid' places. At a Toyota dealership they have access to all the latest info. and updates and if needed the right equipment, including the ability to reprogram the ecu, etc. etc.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

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Thanks. I phoned Toyota and they want £170 for the 9yr service. They would not automatically do a ECU reset he said, because there was no 'recall' for this vehicle when I gave him the registration.

It seems to me that there are some reasonable looking local garages around that will do the service for £90 or so. Knowing how Toyota have charged me before, that have even made their staff embarrassed by the cost when queried; I'm wondering really what the advantage if any, would be for paying that extra money. Since I don't have money to throw away at the moment. Thanks for any further advice.

Reply to
Dave East
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On a 9 year-old everyday car, I wouldn't dream of using a main dealer for servicing. I personally prefer using a mobile mechanic for stuff I can't do myself; that way, you can see what they are doing, and query why if needed.

The amount you would save by not using a main dealer would pay for an OBD- II scanner so you could check for stored codes and reset them yourself in addition to accessing lots of other data. In fact, you could use an independent mobile auto-electrician and still be in pocket.

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

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most independents will have a big drum of cheap oil that goes in everything. Especially in your position (ownership of a car that has exhibited an oil related fault) it would seem sensible to use the right stuff. Over a year the difference between 170 and 90 is not exactly huge for the likely peace of mind. UNLESS you really know of somewhere that is actually a reliable independent, most use one real mechanic and several school leavers. I know many garages that are generally considered good, but I know what actually goes on, and cannot think of anyone I would really, fully trust in all respects.

Reply to
Mrcheerful
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I know it must seem like I'm banging a drum here, and really it's not a particular big thing for me, but if you use a mobile he will be only too happy to pour in whatever you supply him with. What's more, you can watch him do it...

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

I'm not sure I'd trust a main dealer to use the correct oil. Charge for it, yes.

I do trust my local specialist, though. I've yet to catch them out - unlike the main dealer.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

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Chris i'm really glad for your drum. It's exactly the right answer for my situation. I dont know why I didn't think of that for myself.....just not bright enough. Like you I like to see what people are up to when working on ;my motor.

The next question is how to find a good one in north west London. The same problem as finding a dentist, but with dentists everybody has got one so you are not short of recommendations. But i dont know anyone who is using a mobile mechanic. How to find a good one?

Reply to
john hamilton
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I'm not near enough to help I'm afraid.

There's always NVS:

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My son had good service (pun noted!) from them, but they are not much cheaper than a main dealer. Might be worth getting a quote just for comparison however.

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

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