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Just be careful when doing that. The nose weight of a bike carrier, plus the weight of an electric bike usually means you can only legally carry one bike as the nose weight is exceeded with two bikes

Many thanks for all your help regarding this. I went to my local dealer who was very helpful. as it turns out when I was adjusting some settings I must have changed something, there is a setting on the tablet Menu- vehicle and scroll down it switches the smart entry and start feature off and on, this is to prevent someone cloning your key. it effectively disables the key remotely so the car will only open with one of the buttons pressed and only start when the fob is in very close proximity to the start button. A bit embarrassing really but new car it would be rude not to have a fiddle. anyway it’s all sorted and I can hopefully get on with enjoying it. Thanks again

The fact that Toyota still have a reputation for reliability when almost every other manufacturer has lost theirs, esp. other japanese manufacturers, and even the germans, does say something...! Because of that I can't really fault them for concentrating on the core important areas (i.e. the drivetrain, safety), at the expense of other things (e.g. interior and infotainment).

In my previous jobs I worked for a number of component suppliers to a number of car makers - including Toyota at Burnaston. When I decided to go self-employed the car I chose to buy was as a (used) Toyota. Why? - because Toyota was my most demanding customer. Components were tested to death - and no changes, no matter how small, were allowed without very thorough testing and approval. However, problems do sometimes occur, despite the best efforts of both Toyota and their suppliers. It’s not always due to cost cutting. Rest assured that the supplier of these bushes will have been put through the wringer to resolve the issue - most probably at a large cost to the supplier - both financially and in terms of reputation. But as we all know, s…. happens. And it’s how you resolve the issue that is important.

I also like the old Lexus Landcruiser models like the LX470 etc.

In fairness it is very much luxury at the back, especially with the captain seats, the DVD and tinted windows. Only thing the Estima lacks is the swivel seats.

Hah, this reminds me of when we went looking for one for my dad - For some reason there are loads of Estima dealers on the A13/A127. I think TM UK was one we visited, as well as Autobuddies, Goodmayes Motors and Toho (Which turned out was a bit weird as the address just took us to an industrial unit and the only person there was the mechanic (?) who was preparing the cars after import for sale!) They all seemed generally okay to talk to, but then they would as they're trying to sell you a car! Don't know what they'd be like post-sale as we didn't get one in the end; Dad didn't want to deal with the potential issues with parts and insurance. They'd usually have recommendations of insurers who will insure imports (Be sure to ask for the list!), and often offer options like the aforementioned headunit retrofit. Definitely think up and write down any questions you have beforehand and try not to get too distracted; I do remember the Toho mechanic kept trying to big up the larger vehicles like the Elgrand and Alphard but they were even more ridiculous (I've seen camper vans smaller than those behemoths! ) The Estima itself is an ostentatiously luxurious land barge - The MPG is gonna be garbage no matter which one you get - Even the hybrid is just a token effort, probably just to get the CO2 rating down, as it isn't much better than the petrol ones in terms of power or economy, but it's got Lexus-levels of refinement and luxury and sooo much space. Your passengers will have the time of their lives, esp. in the more ridiculous ones like the ones with reclining 'captains seats' and electric everything It's a lovely place to leisurely cruise around in. Try and look at as many as you can as there are a mindboggling number of variants, drivetrains (2.4, 2.4 hybrid, 3 v6, AWD, eAWD etc.) different trim levels between different models and even just the seating you have 7 seats, 8 seats, captains seats, swivel seats...! I think the biggest downside the Estima has (Aside from being quite thirsty) will be the insurance as we've had quite a few members struggle to find an insurer who wasn't quoting for not only both arms and legs but also a selection of internal organs too. I don't know why Toyota never homologated them for use here - If they made a modern one, esp. with the new more powerful hybrid drivetrains, I'm sure they'd sell pretty well and insuring them would be far easier!

Some are activated carbon filters and some are just ordinary paper filters. I can buy either for my Avensis and I suppose that will apply to every car. Usually, the carbon filter is the dark grey one and the ordinary filter whiteish. They are activated for a reason. And the activation doesn’t last forever.

True... but more tread/road/contact causes inefficiency too. I found it best on a previous Yaris Hybrid to have inflation at 2 psi more than recommended. Reason for this was the tyre wear was on both inner and outer on all tyres for the first year of driving - then after 2 psi more the 2nd and 3rd year was constant even wear. So on my Corolla i have the same.

On older models is much better positioned next to the even better joystick gear shifter. I use ev mode button every day as I drive constantly downhill and have my hybrid battery topped up so often 🔋👍

There are two main types of tyre noises from car tyres: 1. The faulty wheel bearing noise (whining) - this comes from under inflated tyres or some all season and winter tyres. Usually happens on very smooth asphalt and or at lower speeds . 2. The rumble noise - this is happening when tyres are over inflated or too hard as been aged, or has protector deformed, the noise can be more prominent at rough asphalt and at all speeds. Best to stick close to the recommended values. Correct tyres pressures are responsible not only for safety, better efficiency and handling but also for suspension, bearings and shocks longevity and perhaps your plastics inside the interior. Make the tyres rock hard and you will kill all of those above 😬

My guess you tried either a GR Sport or an Excel. Design and below have less hugging seats.

It does show a difference in culture between a japanese horn and, say, a german one. Definitely more of a polite "Pardon me sir" than a "GET THE F*** OUT THE WAY YOU **$&$%& *%$£& OR I'LL &$"$%$£ YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!" I sometimes feel I need a variety of horns for different situations, e.g. "Hello is anyone on the other side of this single-lane blind corner??" and "Excuse me fellow driver but the lights have changed!" and "Pardon me fellow driver but if you could pull forwards just a touch I'll be able to get past you into this left turn" and the always useful "I'M RIGHT HERE USE YOUR *$£#@#%£ EYES INSTEAD OF TURNING INTO THE SIDE OF ME WITHOUT LOOKING YOU BLIND **$%&$* IT'S MIRROR SIGNAL MANOEUVRE YOU IGNORANT #@+=$£&!!"

I've tried it a few times in the past 4 weeks that i've had my car and i love it. I have to force myself to go back to normal. My advice, don't try it.. 😂

I am new to the forum. I have been a Mazda Bongo owner for the last 12 years, loved the car , but it has now got to a stage were I have to replace with a newer car. I have been researching, and have come across the Estima / Alphard/Vellfire , and since I am a big fan of Japanese imports ( such great value and great cars ) We are looking for a family car, with two kids, we ca use as a run around, and then being able to take on a few road trip each year. I have just starting my research now, so would love people input and reviews of these cars. So far the Estima has interested me the most, looking at spending around the 10,000 mark, but nor sure if the hybrid v petrol is there much difference in fuel costs, and is it worth the more money ? The other aspect I would love to know more about is there much difference in the year types, anything I should be looking for? Is there a better year than others? So far I think 2010 fits my budget I love in London, can anyone recommend a good dealer to go and look at some cars? I am planning to go visit TM UK trading , anyone had any dealings with them? Thanks for your help, would love to read any ideas and input people could give me.

Having watched the car care nut he speaks of a battery air filter on the back seat somewhere. Is this applicable to the UK corolla and if so where is it

Presuming you bought it from a dealer, I'd query the fault with them with regard to them sorting it.

The point you're missing, Tony, is that manufactures continuously cut corners on the basis the public are fools so won't know any difference. Your Auris bushes for example will have gone through many changes till now, so it's not really like for like. The part is so basic it must be a batch, i would think that were manufactured with the defect and all the staff involved didn't notice my previous Mazda was a good example of old technology for the automatic gearbox and a few other bits and pieces of if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and sometimes that's the best way forward. Keep trying to cut costs, with new stuff always end up with a heavy price to pay with breakdowns/recalls at best and loss of life at worse

Estate for me. Just myself and used to the space, as had several Volvo estates from 2002. 740 was my first bought car in 2002 after passing my test in 1999, then 240 and 940. Have an Auris TS. James.👍

Checked and mine doesn't seem to have that bump

If you have an obd adapter like Carista and android phone you can download app that allows you to check battery temperature, modules , voltage , cooling fan speeds etc, all these may help you out. Android apps : Hybrid Assistant, Dr. Prius . iOS app Carista works great 👍 When is hot outside temperatures 20C° and more you have to use AC to keep your cabin cool and the cooler air will also cool down the hybrid battery.

Which is the later/upgraded head unit with Apple Carplay/Android Auto as standard. See the following re the retro fit arrangements -

That 'puck' shifter is one thing I really really wish they'd kept - The gigantic PRNDB lever they use in the newer cars is such a waste of space (And I mean that literally, not figuratively) and is just objectively worse, since it does nothing mechanically - It's just a needlessly large switch to tell the ECU what to do! re. the modes, I find I can't use Sport/Pwr mode with mine as it makes the accelerator far too sensitive; Makes doing tight low-speed manoeuvres trickier as if you breath on the thing suddenly you're doing 30mph! Part of the reason I stick with Eco mode is for that greater pedal precision at lower speeds; If I want to go fast I'm going to mash the pedal anyway so the other modes don't make so much difference to me there.

That's something I had'nt thought about so will have to do some calculations. The batteries weigh 2.15KG each and can be removed and carried in the boot and I can remove the seats from each bike but that's about it really. I am not sure yet what the max nose weight is for the Aygo but I suspect it's around 50KG like the Yaris according to what I found on a website earlier. If that's the case then I don't see this as an option to be honest, thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Is this the cabin filter which is found behind the glove box?

Range is irrelevant really as this can adjust depending on drive style, type of driving, etc. What people need to know is the fuel consumption you're actually getting - which is why I suggested you do a brim to brim calculation of mpg which is more accurate than the car's estimate.

Not necessarily - depends when the changeover to the next model year occurs. For example revisions to the range (dropping the 1.2T and bringing in the 2.0 hybrid) were announced in October 2019 and customer deliveries commencing January 2020, and the 2022 model year was announced in December 2022, with customer deliveries commencing when stocks of the existing models were reduced. Europe doesn't follow the same model year system as the US - where the next model years are announced August/September of the current year.

the corrosion re-appears when the vehicle isn't used for a few days and the braking action sounds like there is sand on the discs until a have braked a few times.

I would be surprised if it didn't fit, there is still some room left in the Aygo with both ours loaded so you should be fine.

May be a wheel bearing. Does it change when you turn the steering wheel. This is about the only significant problem I've seen on any of our Prius. Front one went on an 08 reg Gen 2, and a rear one went on a 59 reg Gen 3 We had these two cars for about 320k miles in total

That's the trouble with all these options, it's too easy to inadvertently make a change to a setting.

If you are listening to music / radio the sound dips slightly when the beep alarms you... and on the infotainment if you have the nav map on you will see a small icon showing you the cam / speed and on the road it will start getting closer to you.

It is best not to overfill and stop on the fist lock out. You can ruin the filtering and breathing system if you overfill.

Really.?...who says.?..My V6 runs happily on E10 though I confess I do pop in some E5 every so often..so surely you would use E5 and forget about the expensive 102.

I reckon your's will more likely be early to mid June. Can't see it being in transit but ETA 1st July!? Mines showing as the 5th July and still sat in processing.

If it's the same as mine, go into the MyT app, swipe right to left on the picture of the car. Choose Car Settings and turn Privacy Mode on. If you want to turn it back on for other users, do the same and turn it back on after your journey.

If that is true they really need to sort it as there are some really good quality E-Bikes selling for a lot less.

Yeh there was no politeness about my Merc horn. Was like something from Mad Max. Long press for shouting horn. Short press for polite horn. How hard can it be to implement that?

I hear Moskvich is being resurrected 😂😂😂............

Not really sure what the problem is Garry, could be something drawing current from the 12v battery when the car is stationary and locked up ? The dealer should be able to pinpoint the problem using the fault codes. Interested to see what the problem is, keep us posted 👍

On my Volvo and Landrovers I always used Autoglym Leather Care Balm. Usually applied it twice a year with good results, would recommend 👍 My RAV4 has SofTex synthetic leather which does not need the same care as real leather.

I have an Auris Hybrid and use Power mode when wanting a quick getaway at a busy Island/junction etc. The other day even got a bit of tyre squeal from it for the first time. TC can't be turned off on my car. I drive in Normal mode mostly as prefer the pedal feel. James.

The 2 litre hybrid doesn't need sport mode, it's more then quick enough in normal mode. It's basically a gimmick copied from other manufacturers ( the German ones mainly )

+1 for prestone. Works great

On the auris it's behind a vent facing the door at the side.

Lucky escape there then 😉

I was thinking the same previously but the roads in uk currently are in they poorest condition ever and no wonder with that unnecessarily huge amount of salt and grit everyday in winter and millions of vehicles., having a spare tyre can be a life saver. I have in my boot spare tyre space saver, compressor, a can of sealant, and the magical puncture repair strips that many doesn’t like but I am confident I can complete my journey without need of any help in case of puncture issues.

The last puncture I had was caused by a severe pothole strike which tore the sidewall. Fortunately I had the foresight to buy a spare wheel, jack etc and keep them under the floor. I was on the move again in less than 15 minutes. The TRK is only good for simple punctures - and a total waste of time if you need to get somewhere on a deadline (which I often do). A spare wheel is the solution for me any day of the week. But as always, it’s horses for courses.

Most people would prefer a new car with a spare wheel these days. The inflation kit normally supplied is rubbish. Keep the spare wheel for piece of mind if nothing else.

War Story. Catching the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherburg. I topped in with fuel at the service area on on the M3. Somewhere I picked up a piece of metal the size of an arrow head. By the time we reached the ferry terminal the tyre was flat. I git through the check-in and did a rapid unload of the boot and a wheel change. With an inflation kit we would have missed the ferry. With roadside rescue we would have missed the ferry.