GTS-R

Hi There, I have a very annoying problem that has had Toyota and the local mechanic unable to find the source of the fault. At about 50,000km and under warranty our 5 speed manual Rav 4 developed a very hard clutch pedal. Basically felt heavier than an old V8 commodore cable clutch. Took it back to TOYOTA TWICE with no fault found. We put up with it and at 70,000km it became very hard to drive and we kept stalling the car as the clutch was that heavy and was basically a switch. ON/OFF with no in between. Just after that it started to slip and before we knew it needed a new clutch. TOYOTA refused to accept any warranty claim and quoted us 2 grand for the job. We the got our local mechanic to do the job and purchased a quality EXEDY clutch. The old clutch was removed and it was worn out past the rivets. Very strange considering we have never towed and drive it with resepect. The new clutch was fitted and were told that all will be fixed. Well to our amazement the clutch was fitted but it drives exacty the same. Very heavy clutch and very hard to drive in traffic. We have since had the brake/clutch fluidl flushed which made no difference. Does anyone have any idea of what might be causing the clutch to be so hard and act as a switch. Basically like a racing button clutch. There is obviusly a fault somewhere and if we dont fix it I would not expect this cutch to last much longer either. Regards JC

Thanks guys for the info. Yes I think ULTIMA OR LEVIN is what i am after. They have all the bells and whistles. twin air bag,full electrics,sports seats,fog lights ,abs etc,etc. I am looking for very low km's under 120,000 if possible. Yes I will also have a mechanical inspection even though I can eliminate 80% of the car when I look at it. Funny thing is that I found the lancer and pulsar around 2002-2004 to be more expensive and actually very bland. Some didnt even have twin airbag or abs or electrics or full disc brakes. Toyota wins even though the car is a few years older. Regards JC

Hi Guys, I am looking at a 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA AE112R ULTIMA for my son as a first car. I would love some basic info on this model. What should we be looking out for when we inspect the car? Any common faults with the body or engine. Does it run a timing belt? If I get one under 120,000km would this be a good first car and generally reliable. How would you rate this car compared to a 1.8 L 2002 Nissan Pulsar or a 2.0 L 2004 Mitsubishi lancer. Any info appreciated. Regards JC

Thanks Guys, Maybe worth a shot. I have access to a screw punch which may help for those nasty screws. If any other possibilities come to mind please let me know. In the meantime I may try this when I get a chance. JC

Hi There, This is my first post. I have a 2002 corolla sedan 5 speed manual. I have an unstable idle intermittant but does occur every day. Stopped at a set of lights the idle fluctuates from 600 -800 rpm. The engine also feels a bit rough and I can feel a lot of vibration through the steering wheel. This is also noticed driving at low speeds.10-40kmh I cant seem to trace if this is an electrical problem or something else. Eg: SENSOR OR AIR INTAKE FLOW METER ETC It does not occur all the time but every day I drive it I will notice it and sometimes when it starts will stay like that until I stop. Any ideas on what could be causing this on the 1.8 litre 1ZZ-FE engine. Any tests I can do to try and narrow it down. Would it be something that would show up as a fault code. Any info appreciated. Regards JC