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Khalid, If this is the case - looks like one is 'damned if you do- damned if you don't'. Is this an emerging trend for 'sealed for life' transmissions? What other motor vehicle manufacturers are moving this way?

I had a chat to my regular independent service workshop (see previous post) who looks after my Aurion, re the issue of ' sealed transmissions'. His policy is to advise all of his clients who have vehicles with 'sealed transmissions' that they should be serviced every 80,000 Km. He offers to do this, but it is up to the client whether permission is given to do the service. He strongly advises clents who have vehicles doing regular heavy work (e.g. towing caravans) to have this regular service. They can still opt out if they wish. This seems good to me and I will be adopting this recommendation.

Mark, Steve, Trent ( and anyone else who would care to comment) This is all interesting stuff. I have a 2008 model, which has now done 160K. Still goes well. Regularly serviced by independent operator (local Repco franchise) who does a real good job. The car does mostly highway work, with 10% of the time pulling a 850 Kg (loaded) tandem box trailer. Should I ask him to do some sort of regular auto. trans. service using recommended lubricants, despite the 'sealed for life' claim?. Thank you.

It would seem to me that many brands of cars (and other vehicle types) are depreciating very quickly these days. As Australians are purchasing one million new cars etc. annually and have been doing so for a few years now, in my opinion this has impacted heavily on the used car market. Brands that are not popular are almost impossible to sell (e.g. Chinese stuff) and cars over 15 years old are now not much more than scrap value. No one wants older Holdens or Falcons any more Fortunately Toyotas are holding their value better than most, but are still falling away rapidly. Similarly Mazda, Hyundai and Kia have improved their image since the older generation cars. We just have to get used to the fact that most used car values go through the floor relatively quickly no matter what brand you choose. Get used to it! What do others think?

Mr. Mad Doc. http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research/used/details/2007-toyota-aurion-at-x-auto/SPOT-ITM-280090 Looks like $6-7K

Mr Mark 'Firezuki', Thanks for the info. My Aurion has 160K on the odo. so another 300K to run before a major overhaul. R J E

Mr. Firezuki, Not specifically a reply to your query. However I ask a question. After 640K are you still on the original motor? is the motor in good shape? What about the rest of the mechanicals? I guess the seats are looking a bit the worse for wear. Any other comments you have on the overall performance of your Presara? Regarding the transmission - would it benefit from a trans. oil change as discussed recently in this forum? Thank you.

I use the speed readout from the aftermarket GPS that is in my Aurion, to accurately set the cruise control at 99 -100 kph on the open road. It is interesting to note that many drivers are travelling at around 5 kph below the limit, and I am sure they are not aware of it.

Is it only the plastic parts in the bumper assembly that are damaged? I had what I term moderate to severe damage to my rear bumper from a trailer that was not properly attached. I took it to a local panel shop that does plastic welding and reconditioning, and he repaired it for a few hundred dollars. Also matched the paint from the code on the door pillar, and one would never know that it had been damaged. Have you looked at that alternative?

I purchased a mid 2008 Aurion S/H in 2012. After reading this thread I had my local independent mechanic check the staus of the suspect oil pipe. It was still the rubber unit. My mechanic checked with local Toyota dealer who advised that no recall on this item had ever been issued to this dealership. However the replacement metal pipe is freely available as a spare part. I am having the changeover carried out as a precaution - I pay all costs. Car now has 125,000 km on the odo. Better to do the upgrade sooner, rather than have an oil loss disaster at an inconvenient location, and also risk severe engine damage.

I own a 2008 Aurion Touring model, and have found the fuel consumption calculator to have quite wide error limits, and I always consider the fuel consumption figures to be 'approximate'. The Distance to empty is also very approximate. it tells you you have only a few k's to go when there is around 15-20% still in the tank.

I had the same problem. I then noticed that a small object had somehow fallen into the space where the lid retracts, and prevented it fully opening. It was quite difficult to remove it.

I had the same experience as Prodigy 107. I made an initial enquiry to the dealer in November. No response. I made another enquiry on the Toyota Australia website - going to the recalls page. No response again. I copied all my details, and this timemade a written application to my local Toyota dealer which I personally handed in. Voila! vehicle booked in and checked out within two days.

It's a buyers market. No one pays the full asking price these days. Many sellers are willing to drop $2K on a car of that value to make a sale. Haggle! :P

Regarding 'reputable' car service centres- I have had a good deal in recent years from workshops that are affiliated with Repco. My local guy (NW NSW) has an electronic analyser which has all of the specs for all popular cars stored in it. This database is upgraded every year. He can quickly check out most popular cars and let you know how it fares on his machine. Maybe I am misguided, but check this group out. ^_^

I would take the car to a reputable workshop (not necessarily a Toyota dealer) who can do a full diagnostic test on all of the electronic functions of the motor in your car. He will tell you whether any of the various sensors on the motor are out of spec. Maybe it is the O2 sensor. I used to have a Magna and Mitsubishi recommended replacing the O2 sensor every 100,000 Km. as they gradually wear out. Not sure about Aurions though.

I have an '08 Aurion Touring model (purchased S/H) and the boot light does not work. All the wiring seems OK and also the bulb. Is there a switch to control this light, which is rigged to the boot hinge or other fixture? If so could someone let me know where to look?

Many independent service centres are able to service late model vehicles that are still in the warranty period. However I understand they must use approved parts, and trained labour. My local Repco service has a large sign to this effect in the reception area. In the event of a mechanical fault in the warranty period, the manufacturer is duty bound to do the repairs. I understand that this is Commonwealth Law, as restricting vehicle service to brand dealers only is illegal under the Trade Practices Act. Maybe a lawyer type could elaborate further. However my guess is that a Toyota dealer would get narky if a warranty job was to be done on a vehicle that has been serviced legally elsewhere. I for one will take the risk.

I regularly use the local Repco Service business for my vehicle service and repairs (including 2008 Aurion). All the latest diagnostic gear is on hand, and they have the specs. on hand for all popular vehicles. Charges are reasonable. A comprehensive report is given after each visit, with details of the work carried out, and items that may require attention in the near future. They have my vote.

I use the local Repco Service workshop, and find that they are very thorough and reasonable in price. Obtain a quote from them.

I have recently purchased a 2008 Aurion Touring sedan. At this time everything is looking good. However I note that although it has alloy wheels, the spare is a steel wheel. Where can one of these alloy wheels be purchased? If possible, I do not wish to pay full retail from a Toyota dealer Tyre condition not important, as I can transfer the tyre from the steel wheel. Any ideas appreciated.

I have recently purchased a 2008 Aurion Touring - having upgraded from a 2004 Magna. I trust the Aurion will be as reliable as the Mitsu - I did not put a spanner on it in 100,000 Km. I prefer big 6 cyl. cars for long distance touring - more comfortable and relaxing on long trips. My previous Toyota experience was with Land Cruiser diesel table tops on the farm. Good rugged workhorses.

I am a newbie member - Just upgraded from a 2004 Magna to a 2008 Aurion Touring. I note that the standard horns on the Aurion are not much good, even though they are a matched pair. I upgraded the Magna from a factory horn to a pair of Stebels and never regretted it. I assume one can do the same with the Aurion. My question is: Does the wiring system on a 2008 Aurion Touring with twin horns also include a relay? If so it will make installation much simpler- just a matter of unplugging the standard factory units, and plugging in a pair of high class horns. Any advice appreciated.