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I would certainly prefer to see Hybrid elements discussed in a specific forum, and of course there will be overlaps with things like styling, spare tyres, digital/analogue instruments etc. I'm interested in the things that affect a Hybrid owner/enthusiast first, Toyota second (by a long chalk). After my first experience with an appallingly poor quality and very expensive (£14k after £2k discount) Toyota Yaris in 2000, and dealing with a dealer (not my current one!) who seemed to be trying to make 1970s British Leyland dealers look good, I would never have touched Toyota again had there not been the Hybrid, which even in Mark 1 guise, I found irresistible. I had put off getting one for two years after my first test drive, but for some reason I had a second one in 2002, and was hooked. I had previously decided never again to own a car without heated mirrors (which I'd had since about 1985) and already found my ridiculously expensive Yaris didn't have them (something I was completely sure couldn't be possible), or a rear wiper (Gen 1 was a saloon). It's fair to say the Hybrid changed my life. After nearly 30 years in IT, I joined a couple of ex-solicitors in London in 2006 who were setting up a minicab firm based on the Prius, and drove one for their first year before becoming the Fleet Manager. I can't think of any other car made at the time (and only a Tesla since) that would have had this effect on me. However, even in retirement, time is my scarcest commodity, so I only focus on one forum here, plus the Prius-UK Yahoo Group (which is less active than it was). I suppose these days a wide mix of people have Hybrids, including many who aren't interested in the technology, so demarcation of forum topics is always going to be a compromise. In the early days, when Prius owners arranged 'meets', waved at each other (a rare event; for a few years I only saw one or two a month even in London, and even the first 2-3 years of the Gen 2 only one or two a week), there seemed to be a geek appeal! Many took a very technical interest in cars, wiring up ammeters to various bits for example. Some even did their own servicing - there only some things (like brakes! and the Hybrid cooling parts that need special care; oh yes, and playing with the HV bits). Some even got a letter from Toyota confirming this wouldn't affect their warranty as long as they did everything on time and used quality parts.

I was reading in an earlier post how potentially the bumpers and grille from the Japanese model the Caldina may fit our Avensis. Looking at these pics here it's quite believable to imagine they could. Some of those front bumpers wpuld possibly look pretty smart on an Avensis. and particularly that bonnet though I think the scoop would look better positioned further back than it is. Funnyily though the car reminds me more than anything of my old Legacy estate lol

According to Which? car insurance premiums for younger drivers are generally higher because they are statistically more likely to have an accident, and also claims for younger drivers are on average more expensive than for older drivers. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), car insurers pay an average of £4,135 per claim for those aged 17-18, and an average of £1,798 for those aged 46-50.

You need to get a code reader and one that can read the ABS computer codes. On my car the same symptom was caused by a fault in the the YAW RATE SENSOR fault located under the passenger seat. Only fitted on higher end models incl T Spirit. It could still be the EGR valve and if this has not been cleaned in the last 40K milles its worth doing in any case. Ian

See previous thread - http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/147454-egr-problem/ As regards this being a safety issue, in a previous thread, I posted that affected owners would need to go through the formal Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (formerly VOSA) process for reporting possible safety issues. If DVSA receive an number of complaints about the same issue, they investigate the issue with the manufacturer, and any such investigation would result in either formal recall action, the manufacturer possibly issuing something like a technical service bulletin for dealers to act upon as necessary, or it would be reported back that a recall isn't required (for whatever reason - which could be insufficient numbers of owners raising the issue). One member (who has now left the forum) did follow through this process, but received no support from other IQ owners (in the form of similar approaches to the Agency) - so DVSA reported back that there were insufficient grounds for a recall. It does seem that driving style/conditions can lead to the EGR building up deposits. Some owners have cleaned their EGR's on a regular basis. Some owners keep to using non-supermarket fuel or premium fuel. Some owners have used additives to help reduce deposits.

It isn't as clear cut as that. Yes, early models of the IQ seem to be more prone to EGR issues, but that is not to say that all early models will have problems. For an out of warranty repair you would be reliant on the manufacturer (in this case Toyota) agreeing to provide a goodwill contribution towards the cost of repair. Please note that a goodwill contribution may not mean the full cost of the repair, but a contribution. When deciding whether or not to provide a goodwill contribution, the manufacturer will want to look at the vehicle's service history, and whether it has been maintained according to the manufacturer's service schedule and using parts of sufficient quality. Goodwill works both ways - the manufacturer may show loyalty to the owner by helping with an out-of-warranty repair by providing a goodwill contribution, and the owner shows loyalty to the manufacturer by having the vehicle serviced within that manufacturer's dealer network. If the vehicle has been serviced outside the manufacturer's dealer network by an independent garage, the chances of a goodwill contribution will be reduced. If the car has been serviced by the owner, the chances of a goodwill contribution will be further reduced. If the manufacturer agrees to a goodwill contribution, they will require the remedial work to be undertaken within their dealer network. Expecting to apply duress to a manufacturer when asking for a goodwill contribution, won't be successful. Remember you're asking for them to help you financially when the vehicle is outside their warranty - so there is no legal obligation or otherwise for them to provide assistance. Having said that, Toyota is one of the most sympathetic vehicle manufacturers. So if the vehicle has a provable service history where servicing has been done on schedule and parts similar in quality to OE parts have been used (and the onus would be on the owner to prove this), they may be receptive to providing some assistance. The above comments will apply to any manufacturer.

Add WD40 or similar to free any bolts along with a breaker bar or torque wrench for leverage. The caliper bracket bolts can be stubborn. Also a couple of M8 bolts of at least 2cm long. The disc may be stuck to the hub, and the bolts are screwed into the disc to force off the hub. Emery cloth or sand paper to clean the hub mating face, ready for the new disc. This is a simple job.

Hi Terry. I feel cars today have so many systems that constantly use power from the battery i personally would put the battery on charge before you leave it for several weeks as once the power level of the battery drops too low the alarm system will go off annoying your neighbours and quite possibly you will loose some presets on your car, like radio stations. Because you want to leave your car so long i don't think an 'older' trickle charger will be ok but a more modern type, an 'intelligent' one would be safer in regards of overheating/fire. I have no connection with this company but something like:- http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-mxs5.0.php would be good for your needs and don't forget to leave your keys a long way away from the car when you go away. A friend of mine has an Aston Martin DB7 and has one of these chargers but a different model as they are prone to the battery going flat when the car is left for too long and the car is actually built with a charging socket in the boot. Aston Martin sell this make of charger with their own label on it and of course charge a lot more money because of their badge. I know of a guy that leaves his Porsche in airport car parks for say 2 weeks and uses a solar panel behind the windscreen, less tint in the glass, to make sure his car will start when he wants to use it. Let us know what you decide and how you get on. (Oh and thanks Colin for your reply and comment) Regards Mike.

Not by enough normally to warrant some of the higher dealership premiums commanded most of the time though.

Ive been offered a "delivery" pack on a 6 month old ex demonstrator Yaris. The salesman tell me it includes Superguard protection on the paint and upholstery. They want £475 for it. Is it worth it or am I paying through the nose for a bit of polish. Does this stuff actually work? Does it have to be applied from new to be effective. They also mention a tyre club but I'm unsure what that gets me. Thanks Riggers

My honest opinion is that it's a total con for the price charged. I used to run a bit of a back street garage and one of my regulars used to do this service for the dealers. He would just give me the products he used on the cars but bearing in mind the cars are new or almost new it is hard to see any difference. He would just do the main bits that showed, be it the paintwork or the carpets etc and miss out the corners if you like. You are much better off buying the products yourself and doing the job properly.....obviously you can get the products from Halfords (Don't forget your club discount card) or any similar type shop then and least you know you got into every nook and crany. In say your house and you spill blackcurrant juice then you know it will stain your carpet but Scotchguard definately helps stopping the stain setting in but in the real world how many drinks get spilt on the floor/seats of your car. If you are keen just buy the products and do it yourself as long as you are able and save yourself a lot of money and no doubt you will have some left to re apply at a later date. Mike.

A very familiar fault, caused by the EGR valve becoming clogged. I have added the following links from the forum: http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/146344-avensis-t180-22-d-4d-cat-p2002-code-vsc-trc-engine-warning/ http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/110560-avensis-d4d-2004-t-spirit-lack-of-power-engine-management-vsc-trc-lights-on/ http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/134708-2005-d4d-power-loss-under-2k-revs-egr-clean/ And a youtube clip: Search for EGR in the and lots of responses will appear. Also there is mention of the MAFF sensor causing issues. Get codes read via OBD2 code reader.

Its an ex demonstrator coming from another branch so I havent actually seen it yet but the pictures I was sent clearly showed mats and other stuff fitted. I have made it plain that the car must be as described and that if they remove stuff its game over. Terry

It's because you somehow messed up the link you posted...

As far as I'm aware, mats are included if you buy the Protection Pack (additional cost), but they aren't included within the 'base price'. This has been the case with any new car we've bought - whether Toyota or another marque.

Thanks for the insight. I have decided not to have it despite the salesman pestering me to have it (very counter productive), he eventually came down from £500 to £200 but by then I was against it. My car is always garaged and my old one at 10 yrs old looks pretty good when it gets its semi annual wash. The salesman was making a big deal about mats being included in the deal but I have since discovered are included in the base price anyway. As you can imagine his credibility is now very low with me. Terry

Well done J. Here's your T shirt, congratulations.

This video is exactly what he`s done...the keys were in the car, keeping the brakes pressurised...working on the rear brakes caused the fault. all is now well, but i`ll be keeping an eye on all the warning lights and display. I take your point on using toyota for service and repair too.

1997-2002 fits perfectly with the lifetime of the T21/T22 Avensis..... mind you I've no idea how easy or difficult it would be to get hold of Caldina parts seeing as it appears to be an exclusively Japanese model

According to Wikipedia, the first generation Caldina (1992-97) was Japanese estate/van version of the Carina E, and the second generation (1997-2002) was the Japanese version of the Avensis estate. After 2002, the Caldina took a different direction and ceased to share body panels with the Avensis.

Yep, its true. Reason being because its got a Li-Ion battery rather than the normal Prius having a NiMH battery. The Li-Ion battery accepts charge from regen braking a lot better than a NiMH battery does. Only other Hybrid in the UK range with a Li-Ion battery is the Prius+ I believe.

yep will take a few photos when i get it cleaned up a bit more - i hope to have it back on the road in the next couple of weeks

Very possible done it myself on stuck bonnet catches etc

Like Tom said and then get the wd40 handy lol I forgot to ask can you hear the central locking mechanism working when you use the fob

Do you normally use the childproof lock function on the back doors? I've had doors sticking that responded to a good kick. Lie along the back seat and kick the door panel (in your stocking soles if you're worried about damaging the trim) while someone pulls hard on the door handle outside.

Treatments like Supaguard, Diamondbrite, Gen-3 Glasscoat, etc have divided opinion in the past. Usually it includes a paint sealant, fabric protector.and sometimes alloy wheel treatment to protect against brake dust. Some think it is worth it, other don't. Really down to personal choice, and whether or not you are content for the dealer to do it or to try yourself. It does tend to be one of those options that is quite lucrative for the dealer, unless you can negotiate the price down.

any colour carina! ;-) So since last update, i have painted the steelies black - prepped with steel brush on the drill to get all the crud and rust off used Rustoleum thinned a little with white spirits and given three coats with the gun, no primer - finish is extremely good - i was amazed, its great paint. removed the throttle body and cleaned it up, also cleaned up the air control valve, this was jammed and it was resulting in a high idle - maybe 1200/1300 revs. its down to normal now. changed the fuel filter also. otherwise have been giving my little spare time to the avensis, its going through a lot of oil and firing up errors , changed the oil today and filter and also added an oil treatment - while doing it noticed a little leak from a nut so a few turns on it and i hope that may be the (partial) cause of the oil loss - i know the vvti's use a bit so i think its a combination of burn and leak.

the brake line leak is in an awkward position for me to patch so will get it to the local mechanic to do that job - lately i have managed to paint the bonnet - it was my first time painting and i learned a lot - came out ok, certainly an improvement :-)

A quick update on this, being doing a bit lately, misfire was injector number 4 - gave it the screwdriver test and she wasn't firing, so i replaced it, bit of a fiddly job but i was able for it (im learning lots on this project :-) ) - i was careful to get the same colour one from a breaker as i read thats critical, think it was 30 euros. I sourced and fitted a new lambda/O2 sensor - simple job, two bolts and one connector and in a very accessible location. Again it had to be a particular sensor, critical for the lean burn system in the car, so it was a bit of a search but eventually got one from a breaker, £20 plus a few bob to post it to me. Oil change and filter, plugs, coolant and air filter also changed. will need 4 tyres to pass NCT (MOT) but it will be a couple of months until i get around to doing that. I have managed to get it indoors into a garage nearby so its out of the elements - so i have been inspecting the paint - i polished with Farecla and then a coat of wax - did the two front wings and they came up very well - so i think a good wash, polish and wax and she will look decent. Except the bonnet - this panel has lost most of of its lacquer - if i cant source a red bonnet in good condition it will need painting which i am reluctant to do as it will surely stick out on an 18 year old car - The exhaust was broken just after the middle box (silencer??, cat?? not sure) i patched it with some sheet metal and some 2 inch claps and some gun gum, improved it a lot but its still blowing a bit - i just got a welder so when i have a bit on confidence i will try welding it properly. Will get a few pics next time i am working on it.

think i may have a sensor sourced - will try grab at weekend - could also be injectors - but will try the sensor first and then if that doesnt cure it will try rotate a new injector -

thanks guys- finally got some time at the weekend to have a look. I got a code 21 on the OBD when i jumped the terminals - as i suspected its a fault with the Lambda/Oxygen sensor. seems these are particular to the Carina E and you must get the correct one - e.g. the one from the 1.8 auto wont work in the 1.6 manual etc. something to do with the LeanBurn system in the car, so i am contacting the breakers to see if i can get one cheap (so if anyone knows a 1.6 manual laying around..... :-) ) But i will also try change the plugs and leads too as @fastbob suggests - Otherwise i was inspecting the paint, as you would expect from a red car thats been sitting about for a few years, its a nice hazy shade of Pink. So i got out the polish and wax and tried a patch on the read quarter - comes up great! I spoke to a mate who does body work about the bonnet and he says it will need spraying, which i dont want to do, so will keep an eye out for a use done in red. The exhaust is really loud. the hole is near the cat - so not sure if it can be repaired but i am going to take it out and see, my father in law is pretty handy with a welder so I will get him to take a look As you can expect from a car of its age thats not on the road, its not worth much - hence the budget approach to this job, but its an interesting project for me, i will gain some knowledge and i kind of like the car, its been in the family since new.