Heatwave

Such a shame, I didn't realise how much us consumers are being ripped off until I went and checked out Tradecarview.com. Other countries can enjoy luxury vehicles for a fraction of what we pay for ours.

I see there isnt much Toyota Crown owners in Australia. Is it possible to import the late model Toyota Crowns to Australia? It has to be complied of course. Any idea why people avoided this model (if it can be imported)? Seems to be very good value for the luxury options that it has. It may not be the best looking luxury car, but the Toyota Chaser isn't that flash either (although of a different category).

I don't mind painting it myself - can anyone recommend a type of paint to be used? Do I need a primer or just a few thin coats of white spray paint will do?

Well I finally got the parts of OzeParts.com.au. Indeed the parts are new and seemed to be of good value - until I realised the OEM side mirror assembly are not compatible with the Toyota Genuine Parts. For one, the OEM model is far simpler and since our Corolla is white - what was shipped is a black front cover which I guess is to be painted in some way or another. Pics are attached. I could see only 3 wires for the genuine mirror being snapped. whereas the OEM part has 6 smaller wires. I don't think I can interchange the innards of the OEM into the genuine mirror which is a bummer :-/ What to do.... what to do........ P.S. The parts were shipped damn quick though. Ordered on the weekend and arrived in Gold Coast, QLD by Tuesday via registered post!

First time I heard of changing oil type above 100k. Is this something attributed to wear? The manual seems to show a 10/30W oil is within its acceptable range

I don't want to start another oil discussion thread - however since our Corolla has a much newer engine than the 1998 Starlet - I wanted the engine in the Starlet to last as long as possible. Would it be ok to use a 10W/30W Semi Synthetic Oil in the Starlet EFI Engine? Want to keep it well protected but good fuel economy as well :) Your thoughts?

I agree TsvRolla. Looks like with the skill shortage Australia is facing at the moment, there will be more and more idiots out there servicing others. BTW, are those parts mentioned in Ozeparts.com.au - are they *used* items, i.e. $145 #TAA5000NAR-2482? I would assume so but the photos on their site suggest otherwise.

It looks like the OEM parts also come in complete units.

A member of our family managed to snap the RHS side mirror completely. Surprisingly, the mirror itself is unscathed. But the mountings are completely snapped - and so are the 3 power wires. I just received a quotation from Toyota service centre claiming the whole assembly need to be replaced for $490 + $120 labour. I think this is absolutely ludicrous considering the mirror assembly is fine and its only the mount that need replacing and maybe do a bit of soldering of the snapped wires. Is it possible to obtain the side mirror mount separately from Toyota spare parts? I seriously hate this *bundled* replacement when maybe a $50 part is what needs replacement. Your thoughts?

Your a lifesaver Jade :) At least I know now Toyota is dead on their money :P

The car is a ZZE122R. I took photos below for more clarity. I did not see a timing chain and both belts on the engine are well....belts

Rollamods - how often does MAP81 change his oil intervals and does he change the filter with every change? I thought prevention is better than cure so a bit of extra protection on a cheapie engine oil won't hurt and still ends up cheaper than a fully synthetic Mobil 1 oil.

Just want to bump start an old thread - I have been changing my oil recently every 5,000km since the Corolla & Starlet had done 80,000km each. I use an el cheapo Shell Helix Super 20W-50 but have added a 20% mix of Lucal Oil Heavy Duty Oil Stabiliser. I don't seem to notice the engine running worse though. I'd like to protect my engine from the cold starts as much as I can as this is where most wear occurs. I change the oil filter every 5,000km with a genuine Toyota filter. Any comments?

I spoke to a new and what seemed to be very helpful mechanic shop and asked how much to service a 100,000km Corolla 2001. I also asked to get the front brakes replaced. He quoted me $400-500 for the service which seemed reasonable enough and mentioned the timing belt have to be changed. Now a quick call to my local Toyota service centre and asked for a 100,000km quotation - they said its $175. I asked if the timing belt is changed and they said no. They said its changed at 150,000km From my experience with cars, I know 100,000km is generally when the timing belt is replaced. Just like with cheap cars, service intervals is 10,000km and more expensive cars can be 15,000km. For what reason does an average Toyota Corolla have a part that seem to outlast better cars? Where am I suppose to service the car now?

I tried the local dealership and they said the Toyota Starlet 1998 Life Service Manual is out of print - after he kindly told me the prices he finally said "Oops, we can't get them anymore..." What gives?! We can still buy service manuals for 1980 cars but not one that is made less than 10 years ago? Does anyone know where I could purchase these manuals from?

Many thanks for the reply guys - keep them comments coming. I am new to car-mod scene although I am 26 so budget is currently the big thing for me at the moment at my first professional job. I won't be racing or going fast since I am the type where if you want to mod something, do it well - better than average, i.e. should I want performance, the 100kW engine in the Corolla will have to churn out at least 300kW. Cost will be an issue but why do things mildly or halfway? So while I learn the ropes over the next few years, the Corolla will be a show-roller first rather than performance :)

I noted in the forums that a number of people are knocking Tempe tyres with regards to: * Quality of the rims (manufacturing quality) * Dodgy tires included in packages Without bad-mouthing any suppliers, does anyone know really (or even scientifically) what differs between Tempe wheel to, say an Osaka, Enkei/Advanti, Auscar wheels? If we can do a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each wheel brand and have it as pinned on the Wheels and Tyres thread, that would help a number of newcomers to understand better what is inferred by quality and performance. Tires can always be replaced easily but wheels are expensive and Tempe seems to have very good looking range of wheels than most places.

Its that time of the life of our new white Corolla Conquest that we need to replace the original factory tires. Surprisingly, a trip to the local tyre store yielded very good prices for 17-inch wheels + tires. The dilemma is, there is just way too many models to choose from, plus it doesn't help that a white car also limits on the number of models. The limitations are: * no chrome - they can peel off and just too hard to keep purrdy * 17" maximum - to avoid road legalities and keep tyre/wheel package prices below $1,500 * no spring changes - I guess thats obvious :D Does anyone out there have some idea of what wheels look great on a White 2003 Corolla Conquest Hatch? It is preferred something with aggresive but also wide universal appeal, not a "some like it-some don't" look. Comments + photos?