"WOW" Toyota Prado 5VZ engine "BLOWN at 58,000km's"

[Speedz]

50% of the cost...

so how much is 100% setting you back?

you might have to further calculate how much km's you doing per service and the time frame between each service, seems like the posters above trying to pin your Prado fault to severe driving conditions which if you use it for urban start stop driving... hardly severe to me consider the Prado suppose to be build like a mini tank of the Landcruisers...

and maybe just maybe you would need a engine specialist or someone independent to give a written qualify opinion that the engine is blown due to once in a lifetime defect and not due to severe driving condition (but i'm not sure how they can prove it...?)

again i will be keeping a watch on this thread !

[jaderd]

yeah i think its generally even 10k or 6 months, whichever comes first...i think....havent got book in front of me at all.....in my scenario it isnt a real concern as i hit the k's at about same as time. GF has a suzuki swift sport............hers are 15k services or 12 months, whichever comes first........although it is reccomended that she do 7,500km interim services, i rang and queried the warranty ppl and they stated they are reccomended but not part of warranty, like you stated more so if you do heaps of dusty and hard driving and towing etc...

good luck mate

[maba]

Hi Maba,

I live in a small country town in SE QLD, and I am starting to believe we must have the best Toyota Dealership in AU. I own a 2004 V6 Camry Sportivo, that is now 5 years old and has done 70K. Ken Mills Toyota does all the servicing on it and HAS told us because it is only used on long trips to Brisbane and the like, we should have it serviced every 7500klm. I also have a 2006 RAV4, as a work car, Ken Mills Toyota services this car also, and every time I pick it up or it is delivered back to my home after a service, it is washed, sometimes they even give it a vucum.

I have an 18 year old daughter that has a Mazda Astina 1994 model. And Ken Mills Toyota has been very understanding with any repairs she needs done. Not so long ago a boot on the drive shaft was damaged, Ken Mills Toyota made arrangements to get the car to them, they fixed it, and returned the car, for the sum of $110.00. To and 18 year old girl of minimum wages saving to go to Uni, this kind of customer support and focus is invaluable.

So I guess what I am trying to point out, first of all is I do understand your pain and frustration, however I dont think we should bag all local dealers. I do believe after following this thread almost from the start, is that;

Your local dealer could have made this whole thing go away a lot quicker, if they had just thought about YOU the customer. I would not be too quick to blame TMCA, because if the initial response from Anthony Smith Toyota was a little more sympathetic that I would hope the follow through from TMCA would have been supportive to you and the local dealer.

I think this dealer needs a good kick up the ar$e from all the other dealers that are doing the right thing.

Maybe a new thread on "Dealerships? The Good, The Bad" and inform others as to where to take thier much loved motor vehicles.

Dazz

Hi Dazza,

It sounds like Ken Mills Toyota is focusing on the customer "Taking care of people/Customers" This is their strategy and it seems like it works well, Why? because you the customer is telling people about them in a positive way. This phylosophy by the dealer keeps their till ticking over $$$$$which keeps everyone happy. Can this dealership relocate to Melbourne????

I like your idea about the thread "Dealerships" The good!!!The bad!!!

Regards,

Maba

[maba]

I was under the impression that regular servicing to that degree is for vehicles which travel in dusty enviroments or tow heavy loads etc. Correct me if I am wrong!!!

You mean extra servicing for "severe conditions"?

I think Toyota need to pull their heads in. Saying you should've had 14 services is an absolute load of bull$hit! You've had it serviced every 10K, within a resonable timeframe. Conrods don't pop out the side of motors at 58K (unless they've being flogged the ring out of, not in your case of course). At least TMCA have now decided to offer some assistance. 50% parts is better than nothing. When you receive the quote maba, do a scan and upload it here so we can have a look and see if they're ripping you off.

Hi Pinzvidz,

I have requested a quote in detail "parts" "labour" all documented etc. Once this comes through then I will upload it...

Regards,

Maba

[chicaboo]

Maba, if you do follow through with a Toyota authorised repair centre doing the repairs, please don't take it back to the dealer that burned you. I wouldn't reward them with 50% of their bloated and over inflated repair cost. Although that 50% off might be the same as a regular repair by a mechanics workshop. At least if Toyota does it, they may give you a new warranty period (with heavily stipulated conditions I'm sure)?

Cheers, Gav.

[maba]

Maba, if you do follow through with a Toyota authorised repair centre doing the repairs, please don't take it back to the dealer that burned you. I wouldn't reward them with 50% of their bloated and over inflated repair cost. Although that 50% off might be the same as a regular repair by a mechanics workshop. At least if Toyota does it, they may give you a new warranty period (with heavily stipulated conditions I'm sure)?

Cheers, Gav.

Hi Gav,

Initially 50% off "parts only" sounds exciting but when you breakdown the quote it will be interesting. Labour will be inflated which reduces the % they quoted. You are correct the local mechanic will charge far less. I have 3 quotes from Local mechanics who were recommended by the engine supplier. I will compare with Toyota quotes against the local mechanics and report back to Toyota Motor Company Japan for further investigation.

Regards,

Maba

[chicaboo]

I feel they should compensate you regardless of your choice of repairer/installer for the engine.

For them to say they will meagrely reward you only if you go through them seems like blackmail...

Gav.

[Lemon01]

We have 2001 Turbo Diesel which just over a year ago ended up with a cracked head and block. All log book services done. We do 4wd and do tow - it's a 4wd award winning vehicle backed by Toyota's reputation......Dealership, Toyota Australia and Toyota Japan could not explain 'how' or 'why' this problem occured but we had to foot the bill to fix. We have just received our car back today for a brake problem that we presented the dealer wtih for the third time before they have actually found and fixed the problem. Their 'technician's' had previously inspected with no fault found......We are left with a very bad taste in regards to Prado's and Toyota and will not be giving up on looking for some form of compensation. Have you had any luck?

[maba]

We have 2001 Turbo Diesel which just over a year ago ended up with a cracked head and block. All log book services done. We do 4wd and do tow - it's a 4wd award winning vehicle backed by Toyota's reputation......Dealership, Toyota Australia and Toyota Japan could not explain 'how' or 'why' this problem occured but we had to foot the bill to fix. We have just received our car back today for a brake problem that we presented the dealer wtih for the third time before they have actually found and fixed the problem. Their 'technician's' had previously inspected with no fault found......We are left with a very bad taste in regards to Prado's and Toyota and will not be giving up on looking for some form of compensation. Have you had any luck?

Hi Lemon01,

I have persisted with Toyota Japan and Australia. So far TMCA has now offered to pay 50% of the cost of parts required to rectify the vehicle.

Regards,

Maba :)

Edited February 25, 2009 by maba

[maba]

Hi All,

From this point of the thread I have removed the detailed e-mail responses from TMCA and TMC for the obvious reasons. I will post back all details in future.

Regards,

Maba

Edited March 28, 2009 by maba

[maba]

Edited February 25, 2009 by maba

[chicaboo]

Can I please ask, are you not the owner of this vehicle????

Why on earth does he ask this for? Let alone add 4x? to express some sort of dismay on his part...

Smokescreens...

Gav.

[maba]

.

Edited February 25, 2009 by maba

[Speedz]

*sigh*

as usual, good luck with the response!

[maba]

.

Edited February 25, 2009 by maba

[maba]

Hi All,

The issue has now been resolved, TMCA offered 50% off the Warranty price of parts only. I have declined the offer and will be repairing the vehicle at my local mechanic at a lower cost.

Thank you to all members who have supported me.

Regards,

Maba

Edited February 25, 2009 by maba

[Speedz]

Good luck with the rebuild and keep us inform of the progress!!!

[chicaboo]

Hi All,

The issue has now been resolved, TMCA offered 50% off the Warranty price of parts only. I have declined the offer and will be repairing the vehicle at my local mechanic at a lower cost.

Thank you to all members who have supported me.

Regards,

Maba

Why not seek for TMCA to contribute 50% towards your independent repair cost? Surely it's all the same to them, maybe even better?

Otherwise it just sounds like they insisted to inspect your vehicle, and had it while you could've followed this course of action all along.

Gav.

[maba]

Hi All,

I have made a decision to have the vehicle rectified using a second hand Hilux motor through a company who specialise in this field. I have sourced an engine with 80,000klm's which is currently being fitted. It was difficult to source an engine from a Prado with less than 140,000klm's but given that the Hilux adopted the 5vz engine in 2003/2004 etc it was easier to source an engine with less than 90,000klms. The only issue I had was the fact that when fitted into the Hilux the engine delivered only 124kw and torque was slightly less. After discussing my query with a number of mechanics they assured me that once the engine is fitted along with my original components and computer (there must be a technical name for this????) are fitted the engine will deliver the 132 kw and torque will adjust. Hope so!!!!

If anyone has experienced the above scenario? l would appreciate feedback

I will update the thread when I have picked up the car with details and given it a test drive...

Regards,

Maba

[chicaboo]

Hi Maba,

When you have the ancillary running gear for the Prado attached to the Hilux motor, it will most likely run the way you expect it should. When car manufacturers engine dyno their motors, they have the ECU, induction and exhaust attached for the vehicle it's being rated for. The only reason the motor would perform differently would be because the Hilux may have had lower compression or such. In which case, even if it does, your Prado ECU will probably adjust to make it run the way it expects it should anyhow.

Good luck,

Gav.

[maba]

Hi Maba,

When you have the ancillary running gear for the Prado attached to the Hilux motor, it will most likely run the way you expect it should. When car manufacturers engine dyno their motors, they have the ECU, induction and exhaust attached for the vehicle it's being rated for. The only reason the motor would perform differently would be because the Hilux may have had lower compression or such. In which case, even if it does, your Prado ECU will probably adjust to make it run the way it expects it should anyhow.

Good luck,

Gav.

Thanks Gav,

Your advise confirms that I have made the correct decision. I'll keep you updated once I drive the car.

Regards,

Maba

[maba]

Hi all,

My 2001 Prado has been fitted with a second hand 2003 Hilux 5VZ FE engine with 80,000k's on the clock. I had a hard time finding a 5VZ FE engine out of a Prado with less than 140,000k's therefore the Hilux option was looking good. I have so far travelled 200k's since the engine was fitted and it runs beautifully (touch wood) Total cost was $ 4,300 which included the following, engine, fitting, full service/tune, Timing belt, Radiator flush (Toyota radiator coolant used)12months 20k Warranty on motor/6months 10k on labour, Free service/Inspection after 1000k's, Tow from home to workshop.

To cut a long story short, originally TMCA investigated and concluded that they were not going to contribute to rectify the engine even though the cause was a Component failure (Con Rod) so basically I was told to "GO AWAY" I persisted through Toyota Japan who eventually through TMCA offered 50% off parts only, great outcome but when you receive the quote it didn't look to flash. The offer was based on a long motor $15,500 or short motor $10,100. Naturally I chose the quote for the short motor which came in at $7,500 offer incusive. I payed $3200 less than Toyota's quote, yes its not exactly comparing apples with apples but having sourced the right engine I think I am way ahead..

Regards,

Maba

Edited April 1, 2009 by maba

[pinzvidz]

Thought I'd jump on to see what the outcome was Maba. Good to see it's sorted. On the other hand, I bet you won't be too keen on purchasing another Toyota product now. Toyota only have themselves to blame, word of mouth can travel quite a long way...

[RON LILL]

Hi,

I own a 2001 Toyota Prado VX with 58,000km's in immaculate condition which has been fully serviced by Toyota since new, the car has never been off road or towed trailers etc. Unfortunately this afternoon the engine has "blown up" and requires reconditioning. I find it very unusual for a car with such a great reputation and kept in immaculate condition mechanically as well as cosmetically to have blown its motor. The last service I had experienced the following scenario, the car was serviced at 54,000km's by Toyota, I picked up the car drove home and noticed a significant amount of fresh oil which leaked on my driveway. I immediately called the service department and they arranged to tow the vehicle back to the dealer to rectify the issue. The question remains was there enough oil in the vehicle for the 25km trip back home from the dealer? Could this have contributed to the engine's damage? Your thoughts/Opinions will be greatly appreciated.

How much would a reco engine be worth?

Maba.

Maba,

Suggest that you may have some redress under the Trade Practices Act 1974. Statutory warranties, In short Manufacturers warranties are only Voluntary warranties, and after these warranties have run out you still have Statutory warranties. Manufacturers Warranties do not Negate Statutory warranties. If you contact your State Department of Business and Consumer Affairs, or The ACCC , on their web site, they may be able to steer you in the right direction. Good Luck, RTON LILL

[maba]

Hi,

I own a 2001 Toyota Prado VX with 58,000km's in immaculate condition which has been fully serviced by Toyota since new, the car has never been off road or towed trailers etc. Unfortunately this afternoon the engine has "blown up" and requires reconditioning. I find it very unusual for a car with such a great reputation and kept in immaculate condition mechanically as well as cosmetically to have blown its motor. The last service I had experienced the following scenario, the car was serviced at 54,000km's by Toyota, I picked up the car drove home and noticed a significant amount of fresh oil which leaked on my driveway. I immediately called the service department and they arranged to tow the vehicle back to the dealer to rectify the issue. The question remains was there enough oil in the vehicle for the 25km trip back home from the dealer? Could this have contributed to the engine's damage? Your thoughts/Opinions will be greatly appreciated.

How much would a reco engine be worth?

Maba.

Maba,

Suggest that you may have some redress under the Trade Practices Act 1974. Statutory warranties, In short Manufacturers warranties are only Voluntary warranties, and after these warranties have run out you still have Statutory warranties. Manufacturers Warranties do not Negate Statutory warranties. If you contact your State Department of Business and Consumer Affairs, or The ACCC , on their web site, they may be able to steer you in the right direction. Good Luck, RTON LILL

Hi,

Fortunately the car has now been sold. I have completely lost confidence in the Toyota Brand and will never own a Toyota again.

Regards,

Maba