July 2011
Hi everyone
Just thought I share my thoughts on the Toyota Prius I rented last weekend. I normally drive a Ford Mondeo 2004 - 2 litre Petrol. I apologise if anything I say has been mentioned before. I'm going to compare it to my own car which may not be fair.
Fuel consumption
Definitely a strong point. Driven at normal motorway speeds it averaged 56 mpg over 300 miles. My Mondeo would do around 35 to 37. I was driving at 75 indicated - the GPS showed the speedo to be over-reading by 5 mph.
Space
Boot tiny, otherwise similar room for passengers and seats comfortable
Gadgets
Very good Sat Nav, head up display is a distraction to be honest. Cruise controls on a stalk. I prefer them on the steering wheel as they are on the Mondeo. Also felt on such a new car there should be a way to see what speed is set and a speed limited should be included too. No way to see the engine revs.
Driving
Now this car is best for being driven sedately in town. Yes it cruised easily and quietly at 75 on the motorway. However accelerating from roundabouts you can still hear the engine holding high revs as the speed catches up. And if you're going to keep up with traffic you'll have to keep your foot firmly planted. The Mondeo is in it's element powering through the gears. This thing is tortuous while accelerating.
Verdict - nice car but not that fun to drive. Will get a diesel next time. Read more
Started the car one evening but when I tried to start it the next morning it appears not to recognize the key. Cannot unlock steering or start engine. Does anyone have a solution for tlhis problem. Read more
If you can't turn the key in the lock then spray some WD40 into it and then try to be a bit aggressive with the key turning it back and forth. They will usually go. Obviously don't go silly and break the key, but I've had loads of these and by being a bit forceful with the key whilst pulling on the steering wheel at the same time usually does the trick. With the ignition on if the transponder chip is not recognised then the engine management lamp will flash on and off continuously.....
hello,
I have bought a 2005 ford focus 1.6 tdci i have only had it a week and ive noticed what looks like a splurge of oil may have leak out from a rubber hose. The hose may be coming from the air inlet going to intercooler.... Read more
thanks for the reply.
i took it back mechanic more or less confirmed what you said. I think you're right about the focus, i should have paid the extra and went for a golf....
I'm asking this question on behalf on someone I know with a 2002 Ford Maverick (2 litre petrol). They had some electrical issues a little while ago, and then discovered that when the windscreen had recently been replaced it hadn't been sealed along the bottom and water had been getting in. Windscreen was replaced and the issues stopped but now it has a nother issue (may not be related of course) where the started motor kicks in whilst driving. So far it's done it 3 times and stripped the cogs so needed a new starter fitted each time. Read more
I parked my car outside of my house on the road blocking a low level curb. I returned to my car to find a perking notice had been issued.
There are no markings on the road to indicate that I should'nt park there. Is it legally correct that I can be issued a parking notice in this instance? What should I do? Please advise.... Read more
That DO NOT above referred to a post about parking in general and not about dropped kerbs.
You haven't mentioned where the alleged offence took place? rules in London are stricter and a slowly moving outwards round the country....
Hello Read more
I have just purchased a new car. Notice that the Passenger Seatbelt has Chewing or Bubble gum in the strap.
... Read more
I've used WD40 to soften gum and scrape it away carefully with finger nail. Use a cloth to apply it - don't spray WD40 everywhere! You might need to wipe a damp cloth over patch afterwards.
we have a ford courier 1.8 diesel thats just come back from the garage in bits we have managed to get it to turn over and it seems to want to start but it seems like theres not enough fuel getting to the cylinders we've read the haynes manual and timing wise everything seems to be a,ok according to the manual bt our pulley are slightly different and theres no bolt holes on them so dont know for definate if the timing is ok
... Read more
Are you getting any smoke from the exhaust when to try to start it?
Hi all, i have had a problem with this car for 6 months now. The engine management light sometimes comes on when i would put my foot down in 4th and 5th gear which would force it into limp mode.
I have had the FAP fluid topped up and also has been on a diagnosis and they said boost pressure sensor was the problem. I never let the garage do any of the work as i just wanted the diagnosis from them, as i can do the work myself. Also the fact that he wanted to strip the engine down (turbo) to see actaully what the problem was as he didn't know.... Read more
these 307's have 3 different engine' codes Rhy-Rhs-Rhz..Any how if your turbo is whistling it's past it's sale by date. Your turbo boost solenoid valve is to your left standing in front of vehicle at the bottom of engine. Ifind the best way to check these is with a small vacuum gauge or vac pump check vac at input port side of valve engine idling reading should be approx 25/26 inhg ish then check vac at output side of valve check at Map sensor plug disconnected key on no 3 terminal has a 5v feed Terminal 1 earth terminal 2is signal return wire yo ecu. If you can back probe terminal 2 plug connected engine idling should show a voltage of approx 2.1v's when revved should show approx over 3 v's Regards Mickeybo
Browse
5* EuroNCAP with 88% adult occupant protection. Nothing wrong with the safety. Just cheaply made to keep costs and weight down. Otherwise I guess this might be a 30k car?? :)
Interesting comments above about lack of integration on Toyota's infotainment systems. That's the one big area that disappointed me on my old Avensis. Toyota seem to be about 10 years behind on an area where car manufacturers are often slow anyway...