Toyota Avensis flywheel and oil sludge issues

[Tafia]

I am looking for a second car and the Avensis seemed a safe reliable choice. On delving deeper I see many reports of problems with dual mass flywheels on the diesels and sludging of the oil in the VVT engines.

There is a class action going on in the US over the oil sludge issue which could cost Toyota millions yet I don't see many reoprt of that in UK.

Anyone know more about this?

[HellDiver]

Good chance the sludging issue doesn't happen over here, lower ambient temperatures, and possibly better oils. The yanks still seem to use mineral or semi-syn oil on short intervals on the most part.

[cptsideways]

HellDiver said:

Good chance the sludging issue doesn't happen over here, lower ambient temperatures, and possibly better oils. The yanks still seem to use mineral or semi-syn oil on short intervals on the most part.

Nope you are incorrect

I bought my mum a 2001 VVT 1.8 Corolla, it was one owner from new, full Toyota history with 45k miles. All be it only serviced 3 times in its life!!! with the so called extended service system.

On a long drive the oil light would flicker or under heavy braking. Upon further investigation by dropping the sump pan, the oil pick up filter was completely clogged with sludge & crud. I checked the bottom end shells they were still all ok & as new. A lucky escape. New pick up filter for £30 from Mr T and its as good as new.

If buying one take it for a long test drive & watch the oil light!! Also look to find one thats been serviced every 10k miles or less. The problem seems to be a combination of bore washing, oil useage & long service intervals. The oil that was dropped out was heavily contaminated by fuel.

Toyota GB were fitting new engines for the first 5 years FOC if they were using excessive oil

Edited by cptsideways on Tuesday 16th June 13:45