Comments: 1-15, 16
I just bought a Toyota Corolla made in South Africa. I believe they should recall this model or fix this problem.
Because when it is in automatic and when the engine shifts from 1st to 2nd, the engine chocks up for a while and then it is released (every time). I spoke to Toyota engineers and they informed me that this problem is common in the 2009 model, and that they are waiting for instructions from Japan.
I have driven BMW, VW Mazda and Honda and never have I seen such a problem. And never would I have believed that Toyota with the reputation of high quality performance would release such a problem, even if it is made in South Africa.
I will be filling a complaint with the consumer protection agency. If anyone wants to ask me anything my e-mail is noble_varieties@yahoo.com. My mobile number is +20122150578, my name is Tamer Mesharafa.
Best Regards.
I have no problem with the interior, it is very spacious. But the color of the seats is very boring.
Dear sender:
I have to point out for something. That your Toyota Corolla is not steptronic car, it's called MMT, manual multimode transmission, a car with manual gearbox with a new smart system designed by Toyota to give you the option to drive it in Easymode "like automatic" or manual mode without the need to shift the gears manually using clutch & pedal.
So based on the previous data, don't expect to deal with a smooth transmission between shifts when dealing with this system. I own already one and tested a lot of these Toyotas with my friends and found a variation between the gearbox responses in these cars. I've heard that the agent will have a solution soon for this issue to enhance the gearbox response, but be sure it will be enhanced & not solved completely.
In my opinion Toyota is a good company, especially their Corolla models, but about the last model, I have some concerns:
Bad Things:
1. Why have they used such a transmission idea? I can't feel any big difference from a normal AT car, driving a Mazda 3 is more fun & also powerful.
2. The air condition system requires periodic monitoring for its performance (filter cleaning - check airflow)
3. The brake system is awful - rubbish brake pads & always making sounds.
4. Some problems in the interior finishing.
Good Things:
1. Great in fuel economy
2. Comfortable ride
3. It gives you the feeling that it's a safe car.
Car: Toyota Corolla 2008 MMT - 1.6 - South Africa Factory. Distance: 45000KM.
Finally hope that my comment will help you a little.
Enjoy the ride & drive safely
ali.sabry@gmail.com
Dear Tamer,
Like Ali pointed out, the gearbox's idea is new in Egypt so we get a bit confused. I have the car BTW with the MMT & I have to tell you that I ENJOY driving. As a Mechatronics engineer, I read A LOT about the car before buying it; and I was also comparing it to the Honda Civic (if I went back in time I would buy the Corolla again).
Believe me Mr. Tamer, the car has nothing wrong.
I have had the car since July and I have done 7000 Kms with (not much coz I have another car).
To ALI, the braking system is made by BOSCH as you can see on the master when you open the hood or when you remove the front tire. http://www.4shared.com/file/102201335/f8747a01/IMG_1782.html (this is MY car & I removed the tire to check on the brakes & see how much was left)
The brakes are EXTREMELY powerful, but what confuses people is the BA (Brake Assist system).
You guys need to understand that you should remove your foot from the gas pedal when the car is shifting (because you cannot press the gas pedal while shifting in a MANUAL car), so it's the same concept.
BTW ya Ali the Corolla has a much powerful engine than the Mazda (122 hp vs 108 hp), but the Mazda has a better chassis.
If you guys need any help with the car, I would be glad to offer my help and meet any of you if you want. My name is Chadi Mamdouh & my number is 0125827412.
Sincerely.
This is Tamer again to continue our saga. The Toyota mmt problem is increasing now. The gear box heats up when it is on automatic. It gets stuck in 1st gear, which didn't happen in the start. You can smell burnt rubber (which Toyota mechanics tell me it is normal).
Why the hell should I put up with burnt rubber and change the way I drive. Plus the Toyota dealers refuse to return your money, which is obvious because everyone wants to return their car.
No matter how much you tell me, everyone (and I mean everyone) now knows it is the worse car of the year.
I'm sorry to say this; the Japanese didn't do their homework.
I'm ready to sell my call %20 lower and we are talking 2009. Just to get rid of it. Anyone interested e-mail me at noble_varieties@yahoo.com. Or if you are in Egypt 0122150578.
Hello Tamer;
This Ahmed Farouk. I've had the same car for 4 months now, and I don't have the problem you are talking about.
Did you try to drive using manual mode M? And if you didn't like M mode, you can use ES, it will be like the Normal and see if it's still stuck in 1st gear or not?
MMT for me is very good and I enjoy it too much.
Regards
Ahmed Farouk.
Hello guys :) (Tamer, Chady & Ahmed)
It seems that this model of Corolla "South African" might be good or bad according to your luck :) "2eraf ya3ny"
I'll tell some facts that happened to my car to be honest and conclude.
1. I'm hitting the 50000KM soon, I think none of your reached that mileage yet, so anyway I hope that you all continue to 1000000KM without any problem.
2. At 8000KM I had to check the A/C unit and change the filter, cause I was told that it's a big mistake to keep the ventilation button not working, it must be active all the time "to prevent getting air from outside the car.
3. At 22000KM, Brake pads "teel & tanabeer" required to be changed by Toyota Egypt, and changed at 40000KM due to non availability of the parts.
4. At 45000KM I had an accident, but with no effect on the car mechanics or engine "Thanks God"
5. At 45500KM, I was driving the car in E mode, and suddenly the car switched to Normal Mode "N". Gearbox disconnection due to clutch overheating as indicated in the catalouge, took the car to Toyota Egypt and they changed a part in the gearbox called "Actuator" inside the insurance.
6. After that, the A/C is not working in addition the car is like chocking "bet2ata3" as it working only with 3 spark plugs.
The car is now in Toyota Egypt and waiting for the technical decision.
Maybe I have a bad luck with this car, I don't know.
To Mr. Tamer, do the right thing, and make a journal ad on El-Waseet sir, this will finalize the issue isa as it seems you are fed-up with the car.
To Mr. Ahmed & Eng. Chady: Hope that you will always enjoy your cars, drive safe to 10000000 Mileage :)
Oh no, I read the above message that was only intended for 3 recipients.
Now Tamer and Chady are after me! "2eraf ya3ny"
I've recently bought a Toyota Auris 2008 1.6 RS MMT... is there a specific way in which to drive this car in the ES mode? Perhaps a guide or something as I too am experiencing the gear getting stuck in 1st.. For now I have figured out that when you feel the gear wanting to change one should remove the foot off the gas as if you're changing the gear. Then to regain speed, going uphill you have to press your foot down flat on the gas to gear down... I do however need to know if the designers have published a guide as to how to drive this car properly?
Hi.
That is Ahmed Farouk again, I believe the car is perfect and gear MMT is amazing if you understand how it works and take its sense as it is a new way of driving.
I have some of my friends that have the same car, and all of them are happy with it, and I think in some cases problems may be due to manufacturing problem, and this can happen with any car, and it's Toyota Egypt mistake that didn't tell the people what is MMT and how to drive it.
I know some persons bought the car from a car showroom and try to drive the car as normal automatic gear, and have been stuck many times and complain about this gear box!!!
I hope all of you enjoy your car.
To Tamer, if you can't live with this car, the best thing is to sell it.
Hello
This is Dr. Hesham ElBadawy
Client # 19 in Egypt for Toyota Corolla 2008
I had received it in the beginning of Feb 2008
Up till now I didn't face "Thanks to our God" the N problem.
Practically, the gear is doing well because I am trying to use the "M" mode in case of speeding up or getting U turn or what we call "Teshed" for something or you are hurry.
The MMT is useful, but the big mistake is to use it as a regular "Mechanical automatic Gear", because of the MMT is a modified " Electrically controlled semi automatic Gear". In addition the pedal is not a mechanically tension wire but it is a sort of electrical resistance " to be changed according to the pressing position". Also, the N problem had been discussed in Toytota owners' club on the web since 2004!!!.
N problem is very common in MMT gears if you have the following:
1- Sudden pressing on the pedal
2- Continuous pressing after using brakes
3- The process of stimulating the car in a racing action
So, in order to avoid it, you have to use the M mode in the previously mentioned situations
Also, in the case of are announced by a beep or you will see a red gear in front of you in the front panel " the part of the counters and singes which we call it TABLOH"
Finally I am so happy for using my car up till now "RABENA USTOR"
Best wishes and regard.
Dr. Hesham ElBadawy
Associate Prof. & Head of Network Planning Dept
Executive Manager for Mobile BTS Auditing Project
National Telecommunication Institute, Cairo, Egypt
heshamelbadawy@gmail.com
I am Michel Saad and live in Athens Greece.
I bought my 2008 Toyota Corolla 18 months ago and have done so far 19,000 Km. They told me it is made in Japan.
I fully agree with Tamer, this is the worst car in my life. I have been complaining about the performance of the MMT since day one. It is not smooth, and very jumpy and noisy. It feels like riding a horse. Also sometimes gets stuck in the first gear.
I contacted Toyota Europe few days after receiving the car, they transferred my complaint to Toyota Hellas (Greece) who sent me their chief engineer who was very friendly and understanding, but tried to convince me that there is nothing wrong with the car and that MMT is like that.
Since then I have been to Toyota workshop 4 times and have met 2 engineers and one workshop superintendent. They all said the same thing and I have been expressing my dissatisfaction again and again.
As a conclusion, I am very frustrated and cannot believe that Toyota has produced such a rubbish system and is thinking seriously of selling it at any cost and will not buy Toyota again. My e-mail address is misaad@hotmail.com
Hi!
I just want to join in - I am a new victim of Toyotas MMT saga!!
I was operating a 2000 Yaris with Automatic gear for 200.000 km without any problems.
Now having received the new Yaris with the MMT gears, I am very dissatisfied with the driving performance - acceleration has very large dips in the acceleration curve when the gear is changing - and if acceleration is demanded there is in most cases no gear change to the next lower gear - the acceleration is therefore not like you would expect from a 100hp engine its more like from a 40hp engine.
The MMT is a total misconception and I would fire the engineering team which decided to use that drive train if it would be my company.
I want to warn any new potential car customer - don't buy this useless piece of equipment!!!
I am currently trying to return my car and look for another alternative competitive product.
Best regards,
Peter Chalupny Germany (e-mail peter.chalupny@gmx.de)
Hi, I am from Bulgaria and I also have the 1.6 vvti with MMT. So far I have done 8000km. I have the car from the beginning of April.
I have no problems with the transmission so far, but if Toyota has a campaign on changing the transmission. I will change it to fully automatic or if they offer a CVT transmission I will go for the CVT.
Some times it smells on rubber from the clutch, and if I am not in ES mode and I have pressed the gas pedal, it will shift the gear from 1st to 3rd or 4th, which is annoying.
I will give you some tips for driving your car.
When I am stuck in traffic, I will change the gear from E to N neutral and when I have to move I will change to E again. It is easy and you will save your clutch from wearing out.
When the gears are changing, release the gas pedal and the change will be more smooth.
The other problem is when braking. The gears will change downward and the feeling is annoying.
My e-mail is momchilganev@mail.bg
BR Momchil.
Mr. BR Momchill,
I AGREE with you on certain points like:
1- releasing the gas pedal while shifting (which I mentioned in my previous post)
2- moving from E to N in traffic.
However, I DISAGREE with you about:
1- On E, the car is trying to save fuel, so if you rev the first gear, the next shift will be 3rd (the car is trying to keep the rpm down) BUT if you want to rev why don't you put it on Es or M??
Oh and BTW: I managed to make the car shift normally (1,2,3...) on E (not Es or M) while revving up to 4-5 RPM ;) The trick is to understand how the transmission computer thinks :)
2- When you brake hard, the car shifts down to give you ENGINE BRAKING and NOT to annoy you and I repeat, the car's brakes are extremely powerful and especially in tough situations.
Eng. Chadi Mamdouh.
Dear all.
I have bought the same Corolla with the MMT from Toyota Egypt, and the big surprise with me was not the gear box; it was in the horse power of the car. When I bought the car they sold it to me as having 142HP, now they are saying it is 124hp… Really I can’t believe that. Next time I will get a car from the cars that are coming from the gulf region as they are much better; at least they are manufactured and assembled in Japan.
Regards,
Ashraf.
Hi all AM nour
I have had a Corolla since last November, and till now no problems at all. The car has done 12000 and I think that car (MMT) is the best one of the Corollas.
Thank you for reading.