m_luke

Wow. Things have certainly moved along after not checking in for about 2 years. Good to see that there is now a Monthly meet and that the Victorian/Melb chapter is still alive and kicking. I'm also surprised that Garage Cafe is still around - lots of wonderful VIC TOCAU memories there.

What a wonderfully foggy morning it is today - should turn out to be very good weather for a drive up the Dandys, especially Mountain Hwy. ...only I have assignment work :( . Why did I get myself back into Uni??? Have fun guys. -m_luke0

The cruise control system as fitted in our cars (Gen5, Gen5.5, Gen6 and Gen6.5 Camry/Aurions) are all basic speed control systems that work perfectly well on flat roads. On uphill roads, depending on gradient and torque output of the engine, it will force the transmission to downshift if it senses that it is not keeping up with the set cruise speed, which if you are not expecting the downshift action may cause a slight panic moment for the driver. This is particularly the case with the 4cyl models where a surging effect can be felt when travelling over minor undulations with cruise control set because it is unable to maintain the set constant speed. On downhill roads, as described in a previous post, the cruise control does nothing except cut all throttle input. For Gen5 and Gen5.5, because the throttle is controlled by throttle cable and part of the cruise control system consists of a mechanical device daisy-chained onto the cable, the device simply releases the throttle cable to a point that it believes is zero throttle input, but in fact there is still a tiny amount of throttle input being registered hence one can still feel throttle input. This is probably one reason why Gen6 and beyond switched to drive-by-wire technology where zero throttle input actually means zero throttle input. The cruise control systems where brakes are applied on downhill roads are actually called Active Cruise Control systems where the it can instruct the braking system to apply the brakes; Merc S Class and high end Lexus technology. Previous posts also mentioned the experience of a 'speed hold' function when the car is travelling downhill. This is completely separate of the cruise control system and is actually a function of the auto transmission as fitted to Gen6 Camry/Aurion and beyond and is something that Toyota Japan have fitted to a lot of their auto transmission cars, I think, 2 generations ago. -m_luke

Exactly the reason why I do some of the gear shifting myself!

I'd say take it back to a Toyota dealer for servicing at least once for any of the minor service stuff as they can find and check for any uncompleted Toyota Service Bulletins that you and I and the general public don't know about, but are done to correct whatever the issue is. -m_luke

Quite a marketing spin you've put on there Seph! ...got to take the rolla out some time, so why not this one. -m_luke

Very much a dilemma... although I'd be careful up there at this time of year. -m_luke

Am also on the stock Michelin Vivacy tires with 38psi at the front, 35psi at the back; drive alone about 98% of the time; 99% of time in city traffic. Have tried 36psi at the front and found that steering feels inaccurate as there is more flex in the sidewalls, but is offset by a slightly more comfortable ride especially going over bumps. 36psi sounds better for the 4-cyl model as the engine is lighter. -m_luke

Updated List 1. BKS 2. Guni 3. Jaderd 4. lateralus 6. Kenji 7. m_luke

If you are starting from TMCA HQ and wanting to get onto the Westgate/Monash from Montague St, then you'll need to reroute as that onramp has been and will be closed for some time. Either get on from Todd Road (near the Shell servos) or go past the Casino, under the Art Centre and get on via Swan St bridge. I don't think you can get on via Power St. -m_luke

I have to agree with SupaTouring, you really have to keep haggling if you are serious about trade ins; the dealers find it hard to offload these and because of the new car sales boom in previous years as well as cars coming out of leases, it is even worse for sellers in the used car industry although very good for buyers as there is a very big choice. With fuel prices the way they are, it seems we are going the way of Europe where 2.0L cars like the Mondeo are considered large cars and diesels are everywhere! Toyota seems to be doing the right thing utilising a 6-speeder in order to keep real world fuel consumption down and the press have applauded this when compared to Commodores and Falcons - one reason why Holden is bringing Active Fuel Management to their V8s and retuned their V6 and Ford rejigged their auto trans. Despite all this, V8 popularity has never really waned. You can still get relatively good fuel economy as long as you are light on the throttle and just ride the wave of torque at low RPMs. Aside from the fleet cars, take a look at the retained value of the Mazda 6, Subaru Liberty, Honda Accord and perhaps Nissan's Maxima. You may be in for a rude shock at first, but if you think about it, it actually makes sense if you think about who buys these cars. -m_luke

The smarter way would be to have a look online and see if there are catalogues for these places, esp at D*ck Smith, JB HiFi and the like and see if they are on sale. -m_luke

the latest list : 1. BKS 2. Guni 3. Jaderd 4. Kolourhero 5. thegourou20 6. Mopp (as if I would miss it) 7. lateralus (about 93% sure) 8. Jaems 9. TOYTRD 10. akuma (pm for taxi service from airport) 11. Ravvvie:) 12. osodvs 13. m_luke - it's been too long... (Nice choice for the cruise route) NSW. 1. xoom 2.M_M 3.Tats 4.Big Pete 5. JVN11L QLD 1. Northy 2. DJKOR 3. Silvabullit (not 100% but about 80%) 4. Evo7 5. SuperDave 6. whitestivo SA/WA. 1. (WA) trdsaads 2. 3. 4.

Count me in. I hope it won't be a disappointment like most other events - all enthusiasm on the forums and 80% no-show on the day! -m_luke

I pumped the types up to what was written on the tyre placard - 35psi, I believe, on all four corners before I set off. The smaller tyre profile was also my initial thought, but I guess I never expected such a dramatic rise in ride harshness having driven the test car over a variety of tarmac roads in Melbourne from freeway/motorway, suburban roads and streets to inner city streets with and without tram tracks and crossing over tram/railway crossings. Obviously, the even stiffer suspension must having been a factor. -m_luke