i'm about to purchase a townace here in Gibraltar and then drive it to the UK. the car in question is a Townace 2.2 Manual, Turbodiesel (1996) with 70,000 KMs on the clock. i have a mechanic who will look it over before i buy it. do the experts here have any advice for me as to what to look out for when purchasing ?? is there anything in particular i should tell my mechanic to be on the lookout for? also, any advice on the best way to drive through Spain and France would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
David Roberts - (#308) david roberts, 17 Jun 01
i forgot to ask whether i need any documentation for HM customs when i drive into the UK
many thanks - (#309) david roberts, 17 Jun 01
David
Difficult to say what to look for. Perhaps the most common problem with the Townace is the cooling system. However, as you usually only get a few minutes to give a vehicle the once-over you aren't going to spot it straight away. Just look for the obvious really. There shouldn't be any rust anywhere if it's not seen British soil. Just check that all the instruments, lights and switches etc work, including aircon. Go for a run and listen for any unusual noises. If noisy, don't get fobbed off with "diesels are noisy anyway". The Townace is pretty quiet as far as diesels go. Listen for a whine/whistle from the turbo. If there is it could be the turbo or cracked inlet manifold. All these things are repairable but should get reflected in the price. Make sure that the tyres are all to the same spec and check the spare (its viewable by crawling underneath the rear) ensure that low-profiles haven't been mixed with non-low profiles. Check for smoke. Black is easily fixable, white or blue could be costly.
Import docs - you will need insurance for both abroad and for when you get into UK. You will need docs from your seller to prove ownership, histort etc. There may be more, its many years since I imported a vehicle. Try posting on "uk.rec.cars.imports".
As for route - well depends on how much time and money you have. Never been to Spain so don't know if there are tolls on their motorways but I believe the most direct route is up the med. side coast. It's 16 years since I did the South of France trip and then it cost £40 in tolls from Calais to AIX. It'll be a lot more now. If you have the time, take the "N" roads up through Toulouse, Bordeaux and stay off the autoroutes. Lovely scenery but will take longer. Anyway, make your own choice, get a good map.
Enjoy the trip.
Regards
Ian
- (#314) Ian Dunse, 18 Jun 01
Sorry, meant exhaust manifold - either way still expensive.
Ian - (#315) Ian Dunse, 18 Jun 01
- (#349) david roberts, 24 Jun 01
Hi Folks
My husband and I are currently on the prowl for the perfect townace. We currently are looking at a few cars via mvi-services, has anyone used them in the past? Also they charging £4495 for a L reg low milege townwce in excellent condition with curtains, 8 seats does that sound o.k? They normally deal with garages rather than private sellers!
Also we did really fancy the 7 seater with the captain chairs but have struggled to find one at the right price. We have never seen the interior of a townace with the captain seats could someone explain the lay out?
One last question what would anyone recommend??
p.s do the back row of seats face forward or sideways?
- (#3451) Rebecca King, 20 Jun 02
Nice to know that you are both looking at getting a townace.
They are great fun.
I have a 7 seater 1990 royal lounge pure luxury.
I will try to attach a couple of photos.
- (#3455) Phil Cook, 20 Jun 02
Hello Rebecca,
I don't know of "Mini Services" but, in my opinion, the dealers prices are a good deal higher than private sales, but, an L reg Townace, with low mileage, at £4495, from a dealer, does not sound too bad. However, if I were buying from a dealer, I should want a comprehensive warranty in, the price, to cover against some of those expensive repairs which MIGHT be required. Look at the "cooling" or "head gasket" problems in the Ace answers listings.
I am not sure if the basic Townace is fitted with captains chairs. I thought that the seats were "bench type". My vehicle is a Masterace, ie, a Townace with some more luxurious features and this model has capatins seats. The rear 2/3 seats face forward but, the middle two swivel and can be locked into a forward or rearward facing location.
If you wanted to see some interior views of my Masterace, I can easily send you some digitals. The file size is not too big so, let me know if you wanted me to whizz some over to you.
- (#3456) John Davis, 20 Jun 02
Rebecca,
I have a 1990 Royal Lounge and as stated is pure luxury. Interior photos can be found at Steve FE Townace Nutters Site www.lunarpages.com/townace/index.htm
Good hunting and whatever interior you get you will not be disappointed.
Clive
- (#3462) Clive, 20 Jun 02
We have a Royal Lounge for sale at the moment if you are still interested ?
H reg,low miles,7 seats-captains chairs,all elecs etc etc.
£3250
Let me know if you are still on the prowl
- (#4022) Angi Winter, 28 Jul 02
I am contemplating buying a 1997 liteace/townace royal lounge- 7 seater, dual ac, sun roof etc. Can any one provide some feedback on their performance?
Any special difficulty?
Would be grateful
Rupert in Jamaica
- (#6211) R. Kinlock, 28 Nov 02
Do you really mean 1997 and not 1987? Not familiar with models so new.
- (#6259) Ian Dunse, 28 Nov 02
1997--- chasis number sr400047118
- (#6306) rupert, 2 Dec 02
SR40? that's not a townie like ours. It's the Noah- lookalike with the short bonnet...
- (#6307) david miller, 3 Dec 02
Or perhaps not... Certainly it has an "S" series engine- overhead cam with belt and hydraulic tappets.
a BIG improvement on the "Y" series...
- (#6308) david miller, 3 Dec 02
Hi I am currently about to trade my immaculate Sportrak for an equally Immaculate Townace Lounge but am a little perturbed by the horror stories on this site of exploding cylinder heads due too overheating, is it a recognised weakness and what steps can be taken to avoid.
This is an immaculate (really) 1991 Townace turbo diesel showing 114K which I think roughly equates to about 71 thousand miles. It appears to have every conceivable extra including the fridge and everything works. Asking price is £2850 but the vendor will accept £2600. Is this a good price?? what sort of consumption can I expect from mixed driving. Can the TV tuner be used with some sort of convertor as per some imported radio tuners. Can the speedo also be similarly converted. Can service spares be bought from your average Toyota dealer?
Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks
George
- (#7347) George, 23 Feb 03
Phew, so many questions, so little time to answer them, many of these topics are covered in great detail on this Ace Answers website so visit there for more detail, but here goes:-
1) Yes the head gasket failure is about the only achilles heel these fine vehicles have, but with some precautions, trouble can be avoided, topic coverd in great detail on above website.
2) 71 K miles isn't too bad, some lower examples around, but if the rest is good, mileage isn't an issue, but get a warranty if it's from a trade source, otherwise take it for a good long test drive, with lots of high speed & hills to test out the cooling system, if it starts to get a bit hot, leave it & go & find a goodun', price is OK too.
3) MPG will be around 20-32 for a diesel, abysmal for a petrol.
4) TV tuner can't be converted for UK use, but can accept a composite signal from say a DVD, but remember the TV is NTSC standard, and we use PAL in the UK, so a DVD player would need to have NTSC output to match the monitor.
5) Not a legal requirement to have a MPH speedo, but you can either buy a stick on face to go over existing speedo, odometer will still read kilometres, or you can get an electrical convertor that makes speedo read 1.6 times less, so existing face reads mph in effect & as from date of conversion odometer reads miles, added to previous kilometres.
6) Toyota dealers fully support Townace & other imports, all parts available, but you may have a wait as most not stocked in UK, regular service kits available from your local factor or good car accs shop, just look at the site above for the part numbers you need, do oil & filter every 3000 miles (5000Km) to keep the diesel engine tip top.
Most of all, read fully Townace.co & this site as well as the others linked from these sites to really learn alot about your new car.
Hope this helps, regards Rob.
- (#7348) Rob Drinkwater, 23 Feb 03
Cheers Rob, it is a 2.0 turbo diesel so I can probably live with the consumption. I am cautious about imported cars as I previously owned an imported Honda Civic which caused problems with certain service items.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction though.
- (#7349) George, 23 Feb 03
The likes of Honda & Nissan don't recognise that inported cars exist, or at least Nissan do, but they cahrge you for looking up the parts, whetehr you buy or not. Toyota on the other hand DO support their import vehicles, if you go to a dealer & tell them what vehicle you have, they will simply switch to the Japanese CD & look up whatever you want, however always go armed with lots of info, like chassis code, chassis number, build code etc, as there are so many variations of the 'ACE' series, they'll never find your bits without this info. As regards the regular sevice items, I wouldn't use Toyota, but buy the ADL Blueprint equivalent from your local factor, if you let me know your nearest major town, then I can let you know your nearest stockist. HTH Rob.
- (#7350) Rob Drinkwater, 23 Feb 03
I am about 30 miles North of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
I have just contacted the seller, private not dealer, to arrange a suitable test drive as you suggested. He is adamant however that the vehicle doesn't overheat.
Incidentally what is the recommended mileage for the cam belt, assuming cams are belt and not gear driven.
Cheers
George
- (#7351) George, 23 Feb 03
Cam belt is due at 100,000 Km (about 62,000 Miles), but if you don't have very good evidence of when it was done, I would get it changed as a matter of course. I Changed ours at 80,000 Km (50,000 miles) just to be sure.
Andrew Page have a branch in Newcastle, address below,
Unit 15
Brough Park
Possway
NEWCASTLE
NE6 2YF
Tel
0191 224 2345
Fax
0191 2243243
Manager
Andy Cullen
But they may have one nearer, go to the following site & there is a list of their branches, they stock ADL & can help you on service parts, braking etc.
http://www.andrewpage.com/depots.asp
Hope this helps, regards Rob.
- (#7429) Rob Drinkwater, 25 Feb 03
Thanks for that Rob, In any event I took the plunge and bought it. One thing I hadn't previously noticed was the TEMS light on the speedo which indicates 'soft' but 'hard' when I brake, is this normal? I can't seem to find a post concerning it.
Finally, I know I have read an article concerning the 'idle up' switch, but I can't find it now. What is this for, why would mine not seem to do anything when I operate the switch.
You obviously spend much of your time coming to the aid of people like me and your help is much appreciated.
Cheers
George
- (#7430) George, 26 Feb 03
Well done on taking the plunge & buying the Townie, I'm sure with a little TLC you won't regret it. TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) is a basic form of active suspension, not fitted on all models of Townie, but excellent if you have it, the models without it seem to have slightly harder suspension, so perhaps are a little harsher in their ride.It is correct for it to show 'soft' when in normal driving, but switches to 'hard' when braking, this is to stop the front end diving so much under braking. You'll find that if you brake from a crawl it will remain 'soft'. You will also find that if you corner fast or suddenly it will also switch to 'hard' to stop so much body roll. This is achieved by a speed sensor taken from the speedo feed & a steering column sensor that detects how far & how rapidly you have turned the steering. I know this system is good & how it work because the alarm fitter damaged the wiring from the steering sensor, and the system didn't work for a few days, in this time I had to take some evasive action & nearly turned turtle, but the same manoevre with the TEMS working resulted in nothing more than some extra body roll. The Idle up switch operates under certain conditions only, namely when the engine has come off initial automatic revs increase after starting, only when the heater fan is on, it operates a small valve under the passenger seat, this allows a vacuum to draw a diaphragm unit back on the throttle housing thus increasing the revs by a few, it is there to aid heater effeciency when in traffic etc. If it doesn't work when the fan is switched on, then it could be a faulty switch, a faulty solenoid valve, or a disconnected vacuum hose somewhere. To check if it's a vacuum problem, try putting the air con on, do the revs drop or rise? also if it's 4WD, does it drop into 4x4 OK?
Let me know following these tests & I may be able to help further.
HTH Rob.
- (#7431) Rob Drinkwater, 26 Feb 03
I'm going to look at a Townace on Monday with the intention of buying it...it's in the garage at the moment having a new 2litre turbo diesel fitted. I've been dying to own one for a couple of years now but don't have the faintest idea about what bad points I should watch out for...any advice or information would be very gratefully received...thanks!
- (#11099) Louise, 9 Oct 03 18:56
Hello Louise.
The place to go for more information than you can imagine is this Ace Answers website
There you will find links to the online Hand book and the archives, provided by Dave Mason. The Board Of Knowlage, provided by Mark. And Rob Drinkwater’s site.
There are quite a number of scare stories, but don’t be put off. Not all Aces overheat at the drop of a hat, and good routine maintenance can prevent it.
Good luck on Monday.
dave Bright
- (#11100) dave Bright, 10 Oct 03 2:52
Are you taking a mechanic/know all/moral supporter with you?
If not where are you, some one out there may be willing view it with you.
- (#11101) Clive, 10 Oct 03 3:01
Thanks guys...I don't have anyone to take with me, apart from my kids and they know less than I do about Townaces...it's in Newport, S.Wales...anyone out there able to come along with me?
- (#11102) Louise, 10 Oct 03 11:01
Yipee!! I am now the proud owner of my very first Townace...she's having a little bit of cosmetic surgery done in the next couple of days and i'll be picking her up on Saturday...just need to get my sewing machine out and run up a few pairs of curtains and she'll be ready to go!...now all I need is a few suggestions for names for her...
- (#11204) Louise, 14 Oct 03 18:08
thelma?
- (#11205) Clive, 15 Oct 03 2:53
Nice one Clive, I like it!
- (#11206) Louise, 15 Oct 03 17:54
Hi Louise, if you're making curtains would you make some for me too???. If you have as good an experience with your ACE as I have over the last two years with mine you will be well pleased!!! Our Master Ace is known as Bouncer (if you dive an ACE on the IOW you'll know why)
- (#11207) phil perryp, 15 Oct 03 18:48
Sorry can't spell should say drive
- (#11208) phil perry, 15 Oct 03 18:50
No, I think dive is right for some of the roads on the IoW.
- (#11209) Clive, 16 Oct 03 3:00
My townie won't be ready until Monday now but thought this would be a good time to ask if any of you can recommend a reliable garage/mechanic in the south Wales area...also I need a new stereo...thanks!
- (#11247) Louise, 18 Oct 03 13:34
what part of south Wales? I am coming to the hills half term love it. Nearly moved to Oystermouth on the Mumbles some years ago but ended up on the IoW, not quite the same. If you can't find a garage there we have a very good selection of Toyota friendly lads on the island so come for a holiday and get your cruiser serviced while you're here
- (#11248) phil, 18 Oct 03 20:32
Hi - I live in Newport, South Wales, but don't know much about Townies, except what I have learnt from my old cruiser and from the helpful folks on the BOK. I go to Ryburn Toyota in Maesglas for my servicing, etc. They may be expensive, but they are excellent. I have to use a "proper" place as I have to comply with my Warrantee. I have been to cheaper places for MOT work with my Space Cruiser, but ended up paying twice for botch jobs. I recommend Ryburn, plus you can go back and complain if you are not happy and they HAVE to put it right
My last trip to them was when a Wheelie Bin Idiot worker smashed my back light casing, leaving a lovely green mark along the back. It cost £109 for the casing and the work, but I will be getting my money back from the Council someday. They ordered the part and fixed it next day. They even give you a lift home and back again, or a courtesy car. 'Hope I've helped - Jo
- (#11249) Jo, 18 Oct 03 22:17
Thanks Jo, i'll bear that in mind.
Phil, i'm just up the road from Newport. I've not been to IOW for a few years now and getting my townie serviced there would be a great excuse for a holiday!
- (#11250) Louise, 19 Oct 03 4:13
Hi Louise hows your new wagon not seen any GRRRRs so must be ok.
Made my curtains yet??? you can bring them when you come over for the van to be serviced weather heres nearly as wet as Wales today
- (#11321) Phil Perry, 22 Oct 03 16:47
Hi Joanna and Louise,
Just a bit of info given to me by family in Blackwood.
I told them I now had a Townie and that there were some owners near Newport looking for someone near that could repair or supply parts for townies, They suggested H.C.Capels of Pengwm, Nr Blackwood should be able to help, they Import and repair vehicles at a reasonable rate. Sorry I haven't got their phone number but it should be in your local directory.
HTH
Regards Wyn (Caernarfon)
- (#11400) Wyn Hamer, 26 Oct 03 17:37
Phil...been too busy to make my own curtains, let alone anyone elses but i'm on holiday for a week and should get them done in a day or so...then i'll send you some pics, just to make you jealous!!
- (#11401) Louise, 27 Oct 03 18:21
Louise...If you've time to make one set then twos just a litle bit more and you can come to the ace jam in the New Forest and give me them!!! just joking. Hope your curtains look great instead of GRRRR. Unfortunately we did'nt get to our friends in West Wales this week other commitments at home but will be in the Valleys before too long and all the best.
Please, send the photos I would like to see what I'm missing.
- (#11402) phil, 28 Oct 03 12:42
Phil
Curtains are now made but couldn't figure out how to fit them onto the sliding hooks so they just kind of hang there...look nice too! Unfortunately i'm not able to make the New Forest jam so i'll take some pics and send them to you instead!
Lou
- (#11507) Louise, 31 Oct 03 13:48