MR2 Roadster Engine problems (2004 model)

[Lynni]

Hi there,

Hope someone can help. Recently (5 weeks ago) bought a lovely little roadster from reputable garage but know very little about cars, ie. put in petrol and drive (sure you get the picture).

Well, on test drive a couple of things came to light including engine management light (?) and ?replace cambelt. Was told car did not have cambelt (is that right?) and they sorted light stating that fuel mixture was too rich (could that be so?).

Everything has been ok but haven't done many miles just pootled around home with low revs. Yesterday had 9.30am appointment and decided to take roadster. After about 2 steady miles from home on 'A' road engine management light came on so just tucked in behind a couple of wagons, a further mile on heard what sounded like stones hitting bottom of car so looked at gauges - temp was off the scale!!! Very alarmed but unable to pull off road so switched on hazards, popped into neutral and coasted car as far as I could to get off road whilst carefully scanning road to ensure I wasn't flicking up stones etc. Well road surface looked clear but engine noises continued.

Once off the road I stopped, jumped out and thought - what the hell! Engine cover roasting so thought leave well alone.

Anyway, rang garage immediately (still under warranty) and they arrived within 10 mins. They again asked what had happened and smiled at each other (stupid woman hey?) before popping the engine cover, stating that there wasn't any water in it (!) and refilling the reservoir from a watering can. When I carefully enquired where the water had gone, (cos surely that was checked before the car was sold?) they said that I shouldn't worry, there was probably a leak (well yeah!) and that they would take it back to their garage and check it all out. One guy got in, said temp was now half-way, turned car around and gunned off down the road only to stop after 500 yds, temp was sky high again and there was no water left! Got lift home and waited.

Later rang garage who said mechanic thought there was an 'air bubble' in the supply (?) would that be right? They also stated they would look at it again today but I don't know what to ask, how to check etc and don't want to be stuck with massive bill if engine fails at end of warranty period (3 weeks left). Bought car in good faith and just want what I thought I paid for, I understand that things do go wrong but ... I am reasonable, honest!

So, any hints or tips please. Many thanks in anticipation of your help and sorry if I've offended anyone with my ignorance. Ta

[OlberJ]

Simple answer, demand they take it back and give you your money back.

Head gasket, warped head, oval bores, bent crank, dissintegrating pre-cats, dud o2's. Could be any and all of those.

Sounds like the garage knows it has issues, these engines can (they use a lot of oil and aren't maintained properly) be a nightmare.

I'd get my money back and get another Mr2 from elsewhere pronto.

[Lynni]

Thanks for that, have spoken to the garage but they refuse to refund, stating that once they know what problem is they will fix it, but haven't had time to look at it again today. I was told I should 'phone tomorrow http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/imgs/8.gif

[stevieturbo]

Lynni said:

Thanks for that, have spoken to the garage but they refuse to refund, stating that once they know what problem is they will fix it, but haven't had time to look at it again today. I was told I should 'phone tomorrow http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/imgs/8.gif

Contact local trading standards or citizens advice.

The car is clearly not fit for purpose and a response of "I dont know what's wrong" from them is not acceptable. If they dont know, they need to pay someone who does or offer you a full refund.
Which given the engine has now been cooked might be the more sensible course of action to pursue, as the engine could be scrap.

But seek legal advice immediately, and do not tolerate any nonsense from the seller.

[Lynni]

Sorry about this (and thanks for your advice to date), called into garage at lunch, they say that they can't find anything wrong with the car, that they have had all the hoses off along with the head gasket, have tested it with diagnostic machine etc, driven it fast and hard along motorway and cannot replicate problem including noise.

They state that the water system must have had an airlock but that the system is now primed and they cannot foresee any further problems. The garage have also stated that they are prepared to extend the warranty for this problem for a couple of months but they are happy to 'help' out with any further problems!

Feel snookered!

[OlberJ]

You're not snookered, you can take it back and demand your money back. You are within your rights.

The fact they've stripped down the engine and replaced the headgasket before completely removing any airlocks seems like they are either at it or don't know how to bleed the system.

Seek legal advice and take the car back to the garage.

[lexusboy]

The engine in these can be quite difficut to bleed so an air lock is possible but they are also notorious for oil consumption so your best bet is to take it to a Toyota dealership as there as an extended warranty on the engines as its a known fault and get them to check it out properly and any costs incurred just throw back at the garage

[Lynni]

Thanks again, all your input is very helpful. Am planning to visit garage again this evening but have arranged to have full investigation work undertaken by my usual garage - I really trust them so I'm hoping that they cannot find any problem either.

Remain confused as to where the water went to but ... well what do I know.

Cheers