maba

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My 2003 Prado GX has exactly the same crack. I also have a couple of very small cracks (1cm long) on the top of the dash. I believe that there are a few around. Toyota agreed to pay half to fix prob which was appreciated, being out of warranty, but it is more than disappointing that they haven't remunerated the full cost as it appears to be a concealed factory defect that surfaces after about 4-5 years. Any opinion? Hi, How much did you have to pay? Did you have to do anything special to get Toyota to pay for half of the cost? Regards Colin Hi, If Toyota has agreed to pay for half then they have admitted to the fault therefore they should pay to rectify the issue in full, Why should you pay for half? the part is faulty!!!! having said that if the issue is apearing on multiple cars then perhaps a voluntary recall should be initiated. Regards, Maba

I had a boy............thanks for asking. It sounds a little promising, considering they requested further information. Lets hope they are really looking at it and not just blowing wind up your ***** to make you feel they are doing something. They really need to do something about a component failure. You can't simply have engines failing due to component failures. What would a new engine cost...just out of curiosity??? They should be able to fit the bill for that at least considering they fessed up to the component failure. It just seems logical. Hi Ontrak, New engine was quoted at $15,000. New bottom half at $10,100 and second hand at $7,000 with 150,000or so k's almost 100,000k's more than my motor. Regards, Maba Anyway keep us posted.

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Hi, Please read my thread on the 4x4 Kluger/ Prado topic. My thread is called 58,000klm's blown engine. All details are posted there. Thanks, Maba

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Hi, These are the stories that need to be exposed even to the point where dealerships should be named to educate us the "CUSTOMERS" and keep the dealerships on their toes. Why should dealerships get away with these scenario's!!!!! Do they have the right to rip people off????? In your mums case Why rotate tyres that need replacing? "GENERAL CHECK OVER" I would ask the dealership to give you a breakdown!!! I read this as "We (dealership) dont really know why we are charging" Regards, Maba

Thanks Gav, I had an issue with Mazda myself, I purchased a Mazda MX5 new with hardtop which I reported the hardtop with a hairline crack aprox 2 inches long in the paint in the front corner. The service manager said "virbally" that we will look into it further at the first service. Guess What happened at the first service???? They replied "How do we know that you didn't drop the hardtop yourself" Well how do you compete with that!!!!!! Regards, Maba

You are correct, the 5VZFE that was used in the Prado was also used in the Hilux, VZN167-172 (2002-2004 I think). Knowing Toyota, it is most likely that the sump would need to be changed, but as far as I know the rest of the engine is the same, at least similar enough to allow the block + head + internals to be swapped and the plumbing/electricals remain from before. Don't quote me though, I'd consult a mechanic (or even Toyota themselves) before making any firm decisions. Thanks, My aim is to get an engine out of the 04 model which would get me a lower milage engine. Thanks for your reply. Regards, Maba

Hi, I had my first two services at Chadstone Toyota and both times had a good experience. I must say a dealership should be judged by their actions when things go wrong, as soon as dealerships need to fork out $$$$$ for their mistakes things turn sour and the customer is targeted for any minor thing that could have contributed to the problem. After the experience I had with Anthony Smith Toyota I have a different outlook to dealership servicing. Here is the link Visit My Website read it its an eye opener. To answer your question regarding dealership pricing yes there is a difference between dealerships. Regards, Maba

Hi, Point one you are asking how many k's should the engine be good for? Read my thread 58,000k's Blown engine to give an idea what I have been through, something may stand out in my story to help you. Regards, Maba

Hi Jo, Slightly different scenario, But I thought at 58,000k's I would be fine with my Prado but The engine Blew up and needs to be replaced. Its hard to accept when you have forked out almost $60,000 when purchased new. Toyota Australia were not helpful at all as well as the dealership (Anthony Smith Toyota) especially the issue I had with them and leaking oil over my driveway first drive back from the dealership after service. Full details are posted on my thread listed 58,000kl's Blown engine. In a nut shell I will never trust dealerships with my vehicle, I will find a good local mechanic who can look at my vehicle from a customers point of view rather than putting you in the production line at the dealership to cash in at the end. I will be taking my story to the highest level possible Nationally as well as Toyota in Japan etc WHY Japan because Toyota Australia were not interested. keep in touch on my thread for progress. You can only be in a position to judge a company or dealership when issues arise and how they deal with them, dealerships should look at problems as an opportunity to improve their skills/knowledge as well as their product but there is no profit in it so you and I are a problem to them. Regards, Maba

Hi Gav, It sounds to me that you have been let down big time!!!! I am reading between the lines. Do you care to share the details. Regards, Maba

Hi, I own a 2001 Prado which has blown its engine at 58,000k's and now searching for a used engine to replace mine. I have been advised that the Prado 3.4lt petrol engine was adopted by the Hilux at one stage to boost sales and I could use this engine with one modification required the sump cover needs to be swapped. If anyone has any advise regarding this scenario please advise. Regards, Maba

Hi, I have been advised that the Hilux adopted the Prado 3.4lt petrol engine to boost sales and I would be able to fit this engine into the Prado with only one modification. The engine sump cover needs to be swaped. Has anyone experienced this scenario or know more about this. Please advise. Regards, Maba

Hi, I have been advised that the Hilux at one stage adopted the Prado 3.4lt petrol engine and it would be suitable to fit into the Prado with one modification the sump. All thats required is to remove the sump cover of the Hilux engine and replace it with Prado sump cover. I have been advised that it is very easy to find an engine with 60,000k's with service history which would replace the original engine with same k's. If anyone has experienced this scenario please advise. Regards, Maba

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Hi, Thank you for your recomendations, I have contacted "ENGINES PLUS" and they have an engine available with 89,000k's. Engine has been inspected and passed but my concern is that the engine does not have a service history. Should I be concerned???? I have been quoted for this engine $4,200 fitted. Regards, Maba

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Hi Gav, I have no idea how its done and I was hoping to get some advise before I search for a mechanic to reco my engine. I have posted a reply with details of the result between Anthony Smith Toyota and myself under Prado 4x4 category. Regards, Maba

Hi, I am in the market to recondition my Prado engine after it had only travelled 58,000k's. If you have any advise re: a recomended mechanic etc I would appreciate it. Thanks Maba

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I'm with ya "ontrak", I am also thinking of buying a toyota (used not new) and have been put off by this thread, I am looking at the Prado being smaller than the 100 series. Thinking of traveling north up the east coast with a reliable 4wheel drive. Even though most reviews on the Prado are pretty good THIS thread is putting me off ! On Trak, I friend of mine owns a Ford Fairmont Ghia 08 model and his issue was this....His electric seat was not functioning so he took it to his dealer for repair and guess what? The electrical cmponent was missing from under the seat!!!! They are fixing it though..... Regards, Maba

Well, I have been advised that Friday 9th Of January I will be getting an answer from Toyota Australia. I will be calling TMCA first thing in the morning to discuss the issue, I dont think the dealership would have admitted to Toyota what happened at 54k service therefore they need to know. I will post my results tommorow night. Outeredge, you and many others are keen to know the dealership but at this stage I think it would be unfair to expose who they are!! Regards, Maba