steve139

Guys, I think it would be a good idea to make a list of problems we have with the Corolla Sportivo. I am overseas at present (and unfortunately don`t have much time), but maybe someone can compile a list. Maybe one of the members has a friend/family member who is a lawyer, and can give us some "pro bono" (free) advice on how best we should approach this matter. Best to do it right the first time. Maybe Dept. of Fair Trading...or another body - Engine (141kw output) - overstated - Rattles (gear selector) - Toyota supposed to be working on replacement - steering pulls to right (but apparently wheel alignment is OK) - high fuel consumption - engine noise Well...just for starters.... Steve

Guys, I have never been satisfied with my Sportivo since the day I got it. Resales values will be hit quite hard, because the car has not lived up to buyers expectations. Toyota should rectify problems this forum has raised (at the very least) and offer some compensation to owners for misleading them when promoting the car as capable of 141kw, as part of that they never disclose in advertising (TV and News) that you have to hit such a high rpm range (lift) to achieve that. The new Sportivo looks great (as do many of the other versions I have seen over the last 3 weeks in Japan) , and I think it will be difficult to sell our Sportivo with the new release quickly approaching. I am in Tokyo until the end of the week, but would like to join in the discussions about taking some action against Toyota Australia. Cheers Steve

Lucio, It is most definitely a faulty shocker. My left one went first in Dec, then the right one failed in Feb. Should take about 3 days for new one to come in. You will though have to take it back to dealer for them to determine it is a shocker, and wait 3-4 days for one to come in. They seem to fail fairly quickly, no noise, then clunk clunk. you will probaly find the handling of the car is shocking aswell. Youll notice a huge difference once fixed. cheers steve

So far I've had the following warranty repairs - new steering rack - left shock replaced - right shock replaced - handbrake adjustment (didnt hold car on a slope when new) - gear selector cable (Toyota Head Office tell me that a new cable is being designed by Toyota (out in another 3 months). - the engine ticking noise (goes away when clutch depressed) is related to the gear selector cable rattling (so I am told...who knows). Steve

should check with dealer. Some will replace both shocks, while others will only replace them as they fail. Worth getting both done as my right shock failed 2 months after my left. Bloody nuisance taking it back in each time.. Steve

Guys, Just to let you know....both front shocks have failed (leaked)on my Sportivo. I haven't lowered the car or anything, it is still stock standard (no mods). I have really only driven on freeway and around city, no rough roads. Toyota have replaced shocks under warranty. If you guys hear any knocking sounds or car doesn't feel stable, then worth getting them tested right away. Mine deteriorated quickly once I first noticed the noise. The dealer doesn't always carry these in shock and replacements can take up to 5 bus. days. Cheers Steve

I accidently (of course) chipped the dash board of my car. Can anyone recommend a repairer ? Thanks Steve

I run my Standard (Bridgestone) tyres at 32kpi - any more and the car seems to bounce along the road when i hit a small bump, any less than 30, and the car seems sluggish/heavy at take off. 30 might be fine in the wet

My best is 740km (98% highway). Toyota say should get 8.5 l/100 (combined) but the best I can do is 8l/100 all highway. Red Fuel light seems to come on very early, with about 10 litres still in tank. Although its bad for the car, I drove 80l on red light then still had 5 litres left. was in the country late at night and fuel stations had closed.

I'd be keen for a long cruise on Sunday. I'm in the city, went to Newcastle last weekend, but the Gong might be good. Cheers Steve

Well worth getting paint protection but make sure you haggle with the dealer. The markup (profit to dealer ) is about 70%. So if they say the cost is $300, say you wont pay more than $150 - they will probably do it for that....see how you go

looks like I'm changing to Vortex. Have used Optimax since new, and performance and fuel usage is all over the place. I only drive my car on weekends, so maybe the fuel is "going off" sitting in the tank for a long time (as mentioned earlier). High moisture content is a worry aswell. Might run this tank low, add some injector cleaner and fill up on Vortex. Any comments?

Thanks for your advice guys ! Re: Noise in front end of car. Service department said it is a faulty "power steering rack". They are replacing it this Friday, and suggested that as there are so many in stock at the moment that would suggest it is a common problem. So one to watch out for. Toyota claim the brake noise when reversing was "normal". I said B/S## and they are looking at it further. I said it is not normal for any new car to make that sound and if other cars are doing it (per the number of people with similar concerns on forum) then it must be a design defect and they should recall and replace what ever is causing it. Will keep pu up to date Steve

having same problems with my brakes (only when reversing). Getting it checked out tomorrow.

My Sportivo idles at 1500 when cold and drops to 850-900 once warm. My problem is it seems to take so long to warm up.

Have had my Sportivo for 5 months, have done just over 3500kms (so still pretty new). Have a few problems. - highway fuel consumption 9.2 litres/100 (they claim 8.5 city/ highway) - light knocking sound from clutch (goes away when clutch engaged) -I think front left strut has gone, or missing a "rubber" - brakes skweel well when applied in reverse - long warm up time - even on very hot days. Anyone else having any problems ? Would appreciate if you could let me know. Steve . Sending it in to dealer tomorrow. I'll let you all know how I get on .