Advice needed please

[Dr T]

I have a Toyota Avensis 1.8 vvti and bought it new 3 years 8 months ago. It has 85,000 miles on the clock. I noticed the engine management light come on at the end of last week and it was seen today. Upshot is that the entire Engine Management System (ECU) and the catalytic converter needs replacing at a rather pricey £1200.

I bought a Toyota partly because of its reputation for reliability and I just don't think that a non-wearing part like the ECU should just break, especially at such a tender age.

So,
a) should it have broken
b) is this a common problem with this car
c) what should I do next - get it fixed with them or go elsewhere???
d) do I have a legitimate cause to complain about it?

Many thanks in advance and apologies for posting this in two fora

Alex

[Robin Hood]

Could well be worth enquiring here:


http://www.ecuexchange.biz/

[thong]

common fault

[Mr2Mike]

I'd want a second opinion, preferably from a good independent specialist. Fact is that ECU failures are not that common, but dealers will very often "diagnose" them as the cause of all sorts of problems.

[Dr T]

Many thanks for the advice - I shall definitely seek a second opinion.
Cheers