m_luke

...and I missed out on another one... Looks like you guys had fun. -m_luke

...what do you get when you start not checking forums because it seemed like it was dead??? You miss out on big events like this... what an absolute shame for me :( -m_luke

Not only do they not connect, the opening does not properly align with the positioning of the exhaust. I have seen a number of TRD Aurions where the bottom portion of silver highlight on the rear bar of the exhaust opening has turned black! Having seen what Darius has done and the size of the (exiting) exhaust pipe on those Varex cannons, I think you may need to cut out that section to fit the cannons and ensure that it will not turn black. -m_luke

1. Dannywss-Aurion or camry (maybe, if there is enough cars) 2. Darius 3. Kolourhero 4. m_luke - since I'm nearby 5. 6. We all drive 'family' cars... not hoon cars...

From what I hear, the boys in blue use this stretch of road to perfect their car handling skills. -m_luke

See you there! -m_luke

Sorry to say this, but you'll need to go a lot further than that - looking at over 20,000k for fuel economy to be really noticeable and over 40,000k for the engine to be really freed up enough to feel the true amount of power that the engine has got. -m_luke

Thank you to all those who turned out for this cruise despite the poor weather. TOC Vic was represented by Camry, Corolla and Yaris and we mixed it up with others from the likes of Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault. Hope you all enjoyed the route, especially the long twisty hill climb all the way to the top, I sure did! For those who missed out, looks like you all have to wait until next year! -m_luke

...such a shame that I am now reading about this post AFTER 8pm! -m_luke

Fitting gearboxes from older generations is certainly possible... I bet that in the new 200 series Landcruiser, they fitted the Aurion 6-speed auto to the 4.5L twin turbo diesel V8, whilst the 4.7L petrol V8 is using the 5-speed auto from the Gen1 Kludger (which itself was also used in the Gen5.5 Camry SE [with 3.3L engine] in the states) I think Toyota have probably fitted the Auto from the Gen3 (Mk3) Camry into yours. Although I drive a Gen5.5, the transmission (and engine) is the same as that fitted to a Gen4. Only in the Gen6 Camry and Aurion did Toyota fit completely new engine and transmission. -m_luke

They indicators do make a noise, albeit not very loud. Even on the Gen5 and Gen 5.5 it is like this. Too much sound deadening, I think! -m_luke

Have heard about this club, but when I went to their page it was the same as most... lots of Falcodores and was a little afraid of running into idiot drivers. -m_luke

Guys, This cruise is still going ahead, albeit at a different date (a lot sooner that originally planned) I'm trying to organise some food for all of us so please PM me before Wednesday, 16th January 2008. -m_luke

Marcus - 2005 Camry Sportivo V6 Don't think I will be able to cruise with you, but may be able to make your final photo shoot.

I have not seen any Yaris drivers turn up at any of our previous meets/cruises, but you are always welcome. For this event, I strongly suggest you to join in as you will definitely have fun. I used to be the only Camry driver to turn up to the Melb events until Akuma came along and now Darius. -m_luke

Akuma and myself are both Camry drivers with Darius being an Aurion driver so you won't be the only one. CB radio is definitely recommended as Optus mobile phone coverage is pathetic. -m_luke

Another good thing about white is that it is a non-metallic, matte colour so it is actually cheaper to manufacture so if you are indeed after a white coloured Aurion, then this fact gives up a little extra ammo to bargin. -m_luke

The Aurion engine is chain driven, whilst the Avalon engine is belt driven; think it needs to be changed at around 80k, best to check your service manual. -m_luke

Sephanite, you know me, I'm always down for something like this. Having been on this cruise, I strongly recommend all Melbournites to leave this date free and attend; you will seriously regret this if you miss out. I would rank this route next to GOR for its demanding, yet exhilarating roads, breathtaking scenary and best of all, minimal traffic. It is well organised and run and you will be safe knowing that those on this cruise all drive with a mature attitude - no idiocy actions here. Come on, you guys! -m_luke

So far, the main difference I have found between FWD and RWD (other than having to drive them differently) is tire wear, unless you swap tires front and back after every, say, 10000k; Gen5.5 Camry V6 owner... Saw a TRD Aurion at a local shopping centre about a month ago and when I checked the tires, the fronts had much more wear than the rear. Needless to say that the way you drive has a big factor in tire wear. About the lagging at low revs, its the same in the Camry V6, power (and torque) starts to come on from 2.5k and from 3k you really start feeling it and it's the same in the Aurion - I think its just a characteristic of Japanese vs. American vs. European designed engines. The Aurion in particular is very interesting where if one is travelling sedately with the trans in tiptronic mode, the lag is much more noticeable when having to shift a gear or two lower to bring on the revs for overtaking. It's as if the ECUs controlling the trans and accelerator don't have enough processing power to action your upshift and hard accelerating request!

Just let me know when and I'm up for it. There are some nice roads over that way connecting Warrandyte, Eltham, Ringwood and Kangaroo Ground although Warrandyte-Ringwood run is well known by everyone including the-boys-in-blue. -m_luke

I knew about the BeastClub one for a while since they canceled their previous one at Doncaster a couple of weeks ago. I agree that BeastClub can get a little out of hand with their massive turnouts; mostly dominated by Commos and Falcons. I rocked up to one of their meets when they were a little smaller and saw a little alcohol around... that turned me off. Don't know anything about the Auto Pilots one, may join in. How's your new Aurion? -m_luke

I have been keeping track of your story with great interest and you should be commended on 'sticking to your guns' as a little light seems to have shone through with your case having reached the Regional Manager. Two things I have learnt through reading are (1) stick to your guns and (2) ask them to report it to senior management I think all manufacturers loath to deal with these cases, but Holden and Ford seem to be more forthcoming to lesser cases albeit with help from CarsGuide, but even they can't do anything with Toyota; all they say is keep badgering them and hope that they will do something! I'm not too sure how much the ACCC can do as I don't think there are laws to deal with such cases, which could be why manufacturers are simply doing everything through warranty as these consumer laws do exist. All I can say, is Good Luck and hope that you and the Toyota will arrive at an agreeable settlement. Please keep us posted as I (can't speak for everyone here) would really like to know your outcome. -m_luke

...and it is in a lighter car - Camry is much larger and heavier than corolla even when it was in the used in the Gen5/5.5 models -m_luke

In light of what Omnipotent has said, perhaps there should be more cruises like the 'Cross Port Phillip Bay cruise' or perhaps some night cruises starting in and around the city and incorporates a varied mix of roads. I guess the reason why cruise meet/departure points are in the east is that there are more challenging roads here than in the west; apologies if I have generalised - don't want to turn this to an east vs. west vs. north vs. south east debate. -m_luke