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well done anchs,al-ways great posts

I have owned a lot of cars over the years and our T180 remains the only one that stubbornly refused to respond to careful driving with much better fuel consumption. Driven without too much concern on a mixture of roads, it delivered ~30mpg - with a featherlight touch on the motorway I'd be lucky to see 32mpg. Ours didn't have the replacement engine, which could have been a factor.

Just seen that anchs had made his 10,000th post. Wow. Thats a great deal of practical advice and knowledge given freely to us lesser morsels over the years. Good on you mate ...and thanks.

A BIG thanks from me too Anchorman. This forum would'nt be the same without you

How much!! You can buy a good quality denso replacement with correct plug for around £60-£70 , 5 mins to fit. Unplug then undo, refit and plug in, job done.

My 1998 1.8 leanburn on last fill could only get in 52 litres after doing 403 miles of mixed driving over 3 weeks. I usually average 380 miles and fill close to 50 litres. I zero the trip counter at every fill up. The fuel gauge is just around 1/4 mark.

Go to installation manulas on here and have a look http://www.toyota-tech.eu/

I agree with wass. There is also the requirements of the Highway Code to consider when deciding whether or not to have brake lights showing while stationary in traffic. It is not a simple issue.

I use the left foot operated parking brake when I stop with the intention of moving on such as at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic whether I am on a hill or not. I use the "p" position on the gear lever in conjunction with the left foot operated parking brake only when i am parking I do not use "P" for anything other than parking. I have been a member of IAM for more than 25 years and I dont consider that I am any more right than anyone else. I passed the IAM assessment in order to improve my driving skills but dont consider that I am any more capable than any other driver.I just assume that other drivers who arent members of IAM just never felt the need for more training to increase their skills. Whether to use the foot operated parking brake or not has its pros and cons. Some people just find it extremely dificult to use and are probably quite a lot safer in not using it. Some people could use it and prevent dazzling other road users with their brake lights but cant be bothered... In modern driving , maybe some people who arent dazzled by brake lights think that the car in front of them is about to move since they dont see any brake lights..... I dont think there is a right answer because there are so many ways to see the same issue.

I've only been on here a short time,and have found Anchs guides and advice very helpful. Thanks mate.

The gen3 Prius has Hill Start Assist which is the best thing since sliced bread. No need to involve the handbrake at all. The Prius keeps the main brake applied while you move your foot over to the accelerator. With regard to "what to do when stationary", there is a massive thread about this where it was hotly debated. Basically you have 3 choices (or combination of): 1. Keep your foot on the brake. Pros: Easy Cons: Blind the person behind you 2. Press P Pros: Can take your foot off the brake. Cons: Have to reapply brake to select D when time to go. 3. Apply the foot operated handbrake Pros: Can take your foot off the brake. Cons: Car is still in D See what you are happy with. I do option 2. YMMV

Now, why did I buy a RAV? Was it to drive up Snowdon? No, if I'd wanted to do that I would have bought a Landrover or similar agricultural 4WD. Was it because I wanted a competent, high seated, reasonably robust, versatile, reliable and comfortable vehicle that could cope with the woeful road conditions where I live and the occasional fall of snow that stops most people getting around, for a reasonable daily running cost......................? Much of these 'tests' is down to 'spin' [pun intended], tyre choice, familiarity with the vehicle and driver competence as far as I can see.