Milgram

Time for Toyota to try and improve fuel efficiency of the Aurion as well ?

I believe the 3.5L engine used in the Aurion is available with D4 direct injection and this is what is fitted to the IS350? With the facelifted Aurion due out this month and the economy improvements made in the Camry, it'll be interesting to see what happens to Aurion and whether it will gain direct injection.

Without sounding cynical, many fleets may turn away from Camry/Aurion because they do not have a five star ANCAP rating.

I wonder what changes they are making. This consumption seems to be more in-line with what US camry's seem to be getting. If it is better engine electronics, that would be a shame that they delayed it so much for australia.

It would be a shame, particularly as the Camry has not been performing as strong as it once did on the Australian market. It is still a class leader, but I would hazard a guess fleet sales are behind this. Whilst I like the current Camry, having driven two (an Altise and Sportivo) I found them a bit underpowered and thirsty. I think I would just pay the extra money and buy an Aurion, I can't see real world economy differing too much between them.

An article on CarSales explains the improvement in economy in more technical detail:

The 11 per cent improvement in the Camry's average fuel consumption figure has been achieved by mechanical changes including a "flex lock-up" control for the torque converter clutch to extend its operating range by including a half-engaged position, modifications to the electronic fuel injection that shut off fuel supply on deceleration at 800rpm compared with 1100rpm previously, as well as changes to the shift points in the auto transmission.

A one-way clutch has also been fitted to the alternator pulley to reduce drag on the crankshaft.

Source Article - Car Sales

1. Overthe years the centre console lights, those around the vent control, temperature control, fan control have all died overthe past couple of years. I have been able to remove the moulding but have not been able to work out how to replace these lights, does any one know how to without sending the car back to Toyota

There are only two globes for the HVAC dials from what I remember - the left bulb lights up the vent control and half of the temperature control with the right bulb lighting up the other half of the temperature control and fan speed dial. Both globes also feed through to the Fresh/Recirculation control which has a little light to help identify its position.

I recently replaced the left globe but now the right one is on the blink - it still works but sometimes when changing the fan speed it flickers or goes out completely unless you move it again.

Toyota Camry improves value and fuel efficiency

Jez Spinks, July 21, 2009

Australia’s best-selling medium car is now more economical and better value after a mid-life makeover. By JEZ SPINKS.

Toyota has improved the fuel efficiency of its locally built Camry as part of a mid-life update the company hopes will revitalise sales of the mid-size sedan.

The local car maker has made revisions to the Camry’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed automatic transmission to reduce consumption from 9.9 litres per 100km to 8.8L/100km.

The 11 per cent improvement makes the Camry more competitive in its segment before Toyota Australia starts production of the Camry Hybrid in early 2010. There are no changes to the engine's power and torque outputs of 117kW and 218Nm.

For now, the conventionally powered Camry surpasses the Ford Mondeo (9.5L/100km), matches the Honda Accord four-cylinder, though still trails the Mazda6’s class-leading 8.6L/100km.

The efficiency improvement addresses criticisms that the sixth-generation Camry, launched in 2006, was no more fuel efficient than some six-cylinder cars, including Ford’s base model Falcon and its own sister car, the Aurion.

The Camry’s makeover package was already scheduled for this year, though a number of other measures will no doubt be aimed at preventing the model losing any more market share to the Mazda6.

Camry remains comfortably Australia’s best-selling medium car, though a year-on-year decline of 28 per cent has contributing to a disappointing 2009 so far for Toyota, which has seen total sales fall by a quarter.

Toyota says it has improved the Camry’s overall value by reducing some prices and adding more features.

The base-model Altise automatic remains at $29,990* but gains side and curtain airbags, Bluetooth and a revised audio system that includes extra speakers and an auxiliary input.

Ateva and Sportivo autos are reduced by $1260 to $32,490 and $33,990 respectively, with both models now adding to their standard equipment dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and auxiliary input.

The Ateva also scores a rear-view camera and new audio system.

The range-topping Grande is unchanged at $39,990 but now includes keyless start, rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, and upgraded audio system.

All Camrys feature LED tail-lights as part of subtle modifications to the car’s exterior, which include revisions to the bonnet, grille and bumpers.

Minor interior tweaks include new trim colours and seat fabrics, and revisions to the instrument panel.

But the new Camry won't get an improved crash rating as part of its facelift.

Executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner, told Drive the updated Camry and Aurion [due later this year] would continue to rate just four stars in independent ANCAP crash tests, despite the fact that Holden's Commodore Omega and most models of the Ford Falcon now get a five-star rating.

"There's no doubt that fleets from an OH and S [occupational health and safety] point of view are looking more towards safety features in their vehicles. Historically, we weren't great recognisers as a company of ANCAP ratings.

We believe now that it is important to have a five-star rating in this marketplace and we'll be looking at how we can fulfil that in the future. It won't happen with the facelift, though," he said.

Buttner said the changes required to lift the cars to a five-star rating were relatively minor.

"The type of things you're looking at for our product is a passenger seatbelt warning and padding around the driver's knee area in the area of the steering column cover," he said.

Toyota built 115,000 Camrys at its Altona plant last year, 23,067 were sold in Australia. The remainder were mostly exported to the Middle East.

Source Article

A few thoughts:

- Good move in the way of reducing fuel consumption, especially with talk of four-cylinder Falcon and 3.0L Commodore.

- Shame about retaining its four-star rating, I believe a passenger seatbelt warning light and Toyota paying for the pole test are the two major hurdles. I might be wrong about the seatbelt warning, it might now be included as standard?

Thanks for the help guys.

Are bushings/sway bar links an expensive job? I assume they are just rubber type cushions that would bolt on/off to absorb some of the suspension noise?

Hi All,

Just a couple of questions as I am approaching my 180,000km service.

1. I've had a squeak/knocking noise from the rear suspension for sometime, most noticeable when tackling speed humps at slow speed and when driving over bumps.

I had new shocks put on about six months ago, big difference in ride and handling but eliminating the squeak/knock would be a nice finishing touch. Should I be looking at bushings and sway bar links?

2. My steering rack is leaking and needs to be replaced. What would I be looking at cost wise for a reconditioned rack?

Thanks,

John.

1. Which insurer are you with and are you happy with them?

2. What kind of petrol do you use?

3. Where do you service your car?

4. What websites/books would you recommend for a first-time car owner? (I'm one of the few guys who is uninformed when it comes to cars and car maintenance & repairs.)

1. I am with AAMI. I suggest you shop around yourself, compare prices and packages and choose the company that offers you what you want at a price that is affordable for yourself.

2. I use Mobil 6000. I keep track of my average fuel consumption and total fuel cost, I'm currently averaging about 10.2L/100km. I own a manual V6 and my driving is generally 75% urban, 20% freeway and 5% stop/start city driving.

3. I went to the Toyota dealer for the first five services under my ownership (110-150K) as the car had been serviced at Toyota religiously by the previous owner. I found that $700-800 was not something I could continue paying as a part time worker/student and therefore I now frequent an independent mechanic who specialises in Japanese cars, namely Honda and Toyota. He is my partner's uncle.

4. I do not own any of the service manuals from Haynes or Gregorys but with the car just turning 10, I'm thinking it might be a good investment.

Just wondering what is required to get access to the globe that lights up the air direction dial - mine seems to have either come loose or blown. Is it a matter of un-clipping the plastic casing around the centre stack and removing something from the air conditioning controls?

Is this type of work something an auto electrician could do?

I don't have those problems in my area, although when I worked up at Eastland in Ringwood (VIC), I found that every time I came out to the car it usually had a new scratch or dent on it. It was hard to live with at first, but eventually I just had to come to terms with it. I caught someone one day after they had knocked my door with their door, but given there were already a few dents on the door, it was hard to prove which one was their fault.

The only solution to your problem might be to garage the car overnight if you are able to.

The shifter is worn in parts too, but at $220 (price Toyota quoted me for a new geniune one), I'm happy to live with it.

I might invest in a wheel cover, there are some that are plain black at the local Auto shop which would suit fine. I rarely leave the car in the sun (and if I do, the wheel gets covered). I'm thinking the previous owner might have treated the wheel and gear knob with something and hence it was spared from much wear.

I hope this helps the sales locally of the Camry. I've noticed lately they have dropped below the 2000 units per month mark, and overall this does not help Toyota, who has lost leadership in the light and small/medium classes (Yaris and Corolla respectively). Even with a facelifted Yaris, the Getz is now infront and with the new 3 out soon, it'll be interesting to see how Corolla fares.

Since I bought my car, I've noticed slowly the black paint on the leather wrap is coming off, particularly on parts of the wheel I hold whilst driving. I did a Google search and it appears to be a common problem with any car with a leather wrap.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is it worth using an automotive leather conditioner to soften up the wheel a little? - it has become a bit "dry" looking and slippery over time. Any ideas on what a motor trimmer would charge to re-wrap the wheel?

Any help is most appreciated, thx.

Mines a 1995 Camry, I had to get new front tyres for rego, all good.

Noticed after a couple ov days that the car was pulling to the right,

had to keep the steering wheel about 10 degrees to the left to go straight, (hard at the best of times for me)

So off to get a 4 wheel alignment today, ($65 at Bob Jane Edgecliff)

But still the problem persists.

Twice when I have had wheel alignments done the steering wheel has been off centre afterwards. The first time it was Bob Jane and they were not exactly happy about having the car back, but none the less after some firm talking to them they corrected it within five minutes.

I had a wheel alignment done last week as I had new struts fitted and the wheel was "cocked" to the right slightly. It came back and the steering wheel was off significantly to the left now - I had sore wrists after driving it to work. This time it was Tyrepower and I asked to speak to the staff member who did the alignment - he apologised and fixed it the next morning. He told me it is a five minute fix and that it was his fault.

I've been told I need to get my steering rack replaced, it appears it has leaked onto the boots. I'm currently at 170,000kms, am I best to go a reconditioned rack or buy a new part?

I've noticed a few other tendencies of late with my car. When cornering, there is noticeable bodyroll, significantly more than usual.

I've also noticed that when it is windy, the car feels less stable and there is noticeable swaying, particularly at highway speeds.

Recently in my 99 Camry, I've noticed the rear suspension has been "thumping" a little bit more instrusively over certain surfaces. The back also seems to "thump" slightly over speed humps even if they are taken at slow speed.

I had some noise from the front suspension traced to the strut mounts sometime ago - the mounts were replaced and the noise has disappeared. Is it possible the rear mounts have worn out too or should I be looking at something else? I have noticed the back wheels are quite rough when going over speed humps - it tends to be a fair bit harsher than the front.

the one in Nunawading were the first one, I will try the one in Glen Waverley to see what happens

I would avoid Nunawading Toyota.

I had my timing belt replaced and the belt cover was not refitted correctly after the changeover. The bottom of the cover was unclipped and was flapping as the car drove.

I took it back to have the problem fixed, only for them to have the car for an hour and come back and tell me they did a quick check on the air filter cover. I corrected them, telling them to take it back to the workshop, get underneath and check the bottom of the timing belt cover - they told me there is no cover in Camrys.

When I told them I worked for a rival car maker, their attitude changed and the car was looked over again and "fixed". As I later found out, the cover was not refitted properly so my own mechanic did the work free of charge.

Whilst I am a big fan of Toyota and swear by my Camry, their strong points are things like quality, reliability, resale and low running costs making them a good "point a to point b" car. These cars are not sex on wheels and traditionally fleet managers and Generation X are the ones interested in reliability, low running costs and quality.

A car enthusiast and Generation Y is into gimmicks, latest design trends and style - the Camry does not really fit the bill for them although the image of the Camry is improving with every model. Fortunately, the Australian market has some 50 manufacturers offering products and therefore the market is able to make their choice accordingly.

I have worked for a rival manufacturer and jealousy also plays a part in the labelling of Toyota drivers. There are folks out there, true car nuts, who refuse to believe the market is voting for reliability and quality over performance and style. These people are quick to point out the majority of Toyota sales are now fleet, sales that once Holden and Ford held without question. I have talked to people in fleet sales and many businesses are moving over to Toyota because of running costs, reliability and most importantly, resale value. Its becoming a bit of an uphill battle against the big T and if you look at their 2008 sales, the gap between Toyota and Holden/Ford is growing each year.

Auto Barn had a special on the Phillips Blue Vision headlights the other week and I am curious to know if they are a standard fit into a Gen 4 Camry.

From what I can tell, they are Halogen and 12V but the gas inside operates at a higher temperature thus the colour of the light emitted is not the standard yellow.

the wonders of genuine toyota parts and service.

For sure - even better was the pump was sent to the same company that does reconditioning for the dealership in question. Goes to show.

My rear main oil seal is leaking at 160,000kms. I go to an independent mechanic and he has seen a few Camrys do this. He gave me an explanation about why it happens - something to do with the type of seals Toyota was using at the time. I have also seen this problem mentioned in numerous used car reviews.

Do not go to Toyota. Find yourself a quality mechanic and not only will you be charged less on items such as labour but you will also find they do a better job.

I had a minor leak from my power steering pump and was quoted $800 by Toyota to recondition the pump. My mechanic quoted me $250 for reconditioning (inc. labour) and under $800 for a new pump.

Spotted a Corolla Sportivo Turbo (AE112R?) on the Eastern Freeway tonight around 5:30pm. Could not see the driver as my lane was moving much quicker.

I actually spot one of these during the daytime in Box Hill parked just off Station Street - its usually there everyday without fail. Nice to see a few around given there are only 100 of them.

Not long after I bought my car, I drove over to Adelaide with a car load of three. It was a 35 degree day so the air conditioning was on and off the whole way and there was significant headwinds. On the trip over to SA, I managed 720km from about 55L of 95RON. Most of the driving was on the highway save for about 10km at the beginning when I drove to the Western Ring Road here in Melbourne. I ended up stopping in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills as the climb up from Murray Bridge along the highway really made a difference to the fuel consumption and the light kept coming on and staying on longer each time.

On the way back, I did the whole trip on just under 3/4 of a tank and managed to travel around Melbourne for another 150km on the remaining quarter. Again, car load of three and hot weather saw the air conditioning at all levels throughout the day. A big plus was the first 60-70km of the trip was downhill through the Adelaide Hills, something I'm sure made a difference.

The fuel economy of my car never ceases to amaze me in city traffic and I'm surprised even with 160,000kms on the clock, it is still quite efficient. I travel 75km each weekday (round trip to work) and about 100km over the course of a weekend. This week, using Mobil 8000, I achieved 572km on just over 57 litres. Not bad considering 80% of that was in city traffic and I am not overly conservative with acceleration. My average consumption for the week is around the 9.97L/100km mark.

I myself am male, but my girlfriend drives a 1999 Vienta VXi. Her older sister bought it new as she needed a car that could travel between Melbourne and Central Victoria on a weekly basis. It has done just over 130,000kms and as it has only really done highway travel, runs very well.

I find the automatic 1MZ-FEs take a little while to get going at low revs, but once past 3500rpm they seem to really go. I much prefer the extra take off you get from a manual however there is no comparison for refinement between the two. The extra insulation and comfort suspension make the VXi a lovely cruiser, just a shame the engine is so quiet because it makes such a lovely note.

Noticed tonight much to my annoyance that the globe lighting my hazard light switch has blown. Someone told me you cannot replace these globes and I'll have to live with it. I'm after a second opinion, hopefully some good news!!