(Home) New buyer

Im just bying a 91 derv turbo townace the owner says the only problem is the heater is cool at low speed is this a common problem ...? how do i fix it

- (#5860) Garry Brown, 20 Oct 02

Could be a blocked heater matrix, could be an air lock in the heater, could be something more major with the cooling system, as you have probably noticed the cooling system is about the only achilles heel these vehicles have, so check it out thoroughly before buying, if it's an airlock then you should be able to get that out by running the engine until warm, with the rad cap off, adding more coolant as the air bubbles come to the surface. If it's a blocked matrix, then you may be able to clean the system out with a preparatory cooling system cleaner, then refill with correct mix coolant. But it could be more sinister if the head gasket had gone for instance, this you may be able to diagnose before purchase, take the pressure cap off, start the engine, if you get a steady stream of bubbles coming to the surface, then this suggests that the compression pressure is escaping into the coolant. I would advise you to take the vehicle on quite a long test drive, go on the motorway or other fast road & drive at 70-80 mph for quite a way, if the temperature gauge goes anything above half way across, then walk away from the vehicle & go & find a good one. HTH Rob.

- (#5861) Rob Drinkwater, 20 Oct 02

I have been looking around for a suitable vehicle to satisfy the following:-
1. family of 5
2. going to gigs with a drum kit, a p.a. and God knows what else.
3. loading up with camping and climbing gear and going to the S. France up the Alps
4. Generally carting all sorts of hobby related sports gear.

I guess that I am looking for an economical van with windows that can carry people when required in comfort, a modern day sort of VW camper ( without the cookers and stuff)


Never considered a Townace, thought initially about all the modern MPV clones ( they do not posess the space they boast) and even a VW camper ( trendy and posey but...), but the town ace caught my eye when I saw one on the road and as toyota tend to make the type of cars I like (i.e. I turn the key and it goes Bbrmm - that all I want to know about the engine)I came across your site in a quest for background before parting with x thousands of pounds.


What is the fuel consumption of townaces (diesel) ?
Which are the best models to look out for ?
Spares and repairs seem costly when browsing your emails, are they?
Much difference in 2wd and 4wd versions ?


any advice appreciated

Thanks

- (#6469) phil, 22 Dec 02


Thanx rob committed to buying car already incidentaly is immaculate and only £2600 just need to hope its not the head

- (#5893) Garry Brown, 21 Oct 02

If it's that cheap, then you can afford to do a head job on it anyway, if it's really good condition, depending on mileage it should be £3000-£4500, so don't look a gift horse.........Rob.

- (#5894) Rob Drinkwater, 22 Oct 02