* struts (replaced)
* brakes (worn quickly - replaced)
* headlights (replaced)
* air-conditioner (air ran hot although freon added and re-added, but still no leak found)
* the engine (soon to possibly be replaced)
I faithfully get the oil changed every 2500 - 3000 miles. However, on friday the oil light came on, the car stalled yet immediately restarted. I got it across the street to an auto shop where they thought it was a switch - replaced but it wasn't the answer and noted concern about oil pressure. The light went out but they suggested I take it to Dealer for further evaluation.
I got it to the dealer where it sat for some 27 hours, I kept calling until I was finally told service checked it and I needed a new engine!
Asked about what diagnostics were used and told none because the service person had some 15 years experience and simply started it up, listened and heard a slight noise from engine and to tear it apart to see if it was the oil pump or anything else would be nearly as much as simply getting new engine installed - so why bother? Thus, they could get me a new (really turns out to be a used engine) and install it for me, (estimated some 25-30 hours of labor plus engine ($1800 - 2300).
No answer given to why this slight noise never heard by them before with all the other service items (see above repaired in last 2 years) or oil changes!
Anyone else with this engine problem as they state, I'm their only case and thus must be something I've done to this car.
You need to find out if your engine has sludge. The dealer should pull the valve cover in your presence so you can see for yourself. Sludge will be obvious - build up of black goo. If your engine is sludged, you are protected by an 8 year unlimited mile policy that covers the full repair/replacement costs plus a free loaner/rental car. For more information on Toyota sludge try these sites:
Www.yotarepair.com - go to "Sludge Zone" where you will find links to some articles about the Toyota sludge problem.
Www.cartrackers.com - has ongoing arguments about sludge problems.
Www.thecomplaintstation.com - go to "T" at top of page then go to Toyota. Here is a lot of information on Toyota sludge including a huge list of others who have had recent sludge problems.
Msn community ToyotaOwnersUniteforResolution - I don't have the web address, but if you put the above in a www.google.com search you will find the site.
Www.edmunds.com - go to discussion and search for sludge and read through the many archived problems on sludge.
Www.nhtsa.gov - file a sludge complaint with them.
Www.nhtsa.gov - file complaint here if you feel you have been unjustly denied coverage for repairs either under warranty or the special sludge policy.
Yep, this is a great car! It has 140,000miles and the engine and transmission are factory and still running smooth. We did our first tranny flush at 139,000miles. We changed out the factory spark plugs at 135,000miles! The factory plugs were still good too! The coolant is still original, and there is no coolant loss of coolant! It does not eat/leak engine oil either. Everything else in the car works wonderfully!
The only expensive repair was the rack&pinion at 85,000miles, which would have cost us $1,000. But luckily we purchased 100,000miles warranty costing us only $100.
Other than that, starter, alternator, l/r cvboots, timing belt, and both valve cover gaskets were changed between 80,000-138,000miles. The 3 rear spark plugs and rear valve cover gasket was a b*tch to change.
Awesome car... and well built!!!
BTW, we swear by Toyotas, we have 5 of'em parked in our driveway.
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