Hi All,
Just got back from the hols. Covered a bit over 1100 miles in the last eleven days, from IOW to Norwich, Manchester, Burnley, Blackpool and back again.
Water consumption nil, oil consumption nil, fuel averaged 31.5MPG, temp gauge never moved off the usual point of just under half way (and believe me I checked!) As I had only had her for a few weeks before the trip I was well impressed. Especially as we had a full load, two adults, four kids, luggage, and ever increasing amounts of shopping.
For any new owners out there, its not always bad news.
Will probably see you all at the next jam.
All the best.

- (#10386) John Shaw, 24 Apr 04 10:15

Nice to hear good news here, we only seem to hear doom & gloom. But it's good news your's is running well.
I can only sing the praises of out Townie, an excellent vehicle with no troubles (Bet that's torn it now!!!).

Regards Rob.

- (#10386) Rob Drinkwater, 24 Apr 04 12:38

It's good to hear your news John and yes, these vehicles can be very satisfying and rewarding, provided that you understand their limitations.
Inevitably, on this forum, because, in the main, this is it's function, the faults get an airing and, only very occasionaly, do we hear much of the good side. I make similar journies and, over the past three years have never had a problem. I very rarely exceed 65 mph, I never stress the engine, I always change the engine oil at 3000 miles and I do the mandatory checks, ie, water, belts, levels etc at least once a week or, once a day before longer journies. My, better than standard temperature gauge is a great asset and so is the wealth of information which we have access to in these archives.
Three years ago, when I bought my Masterace, I "bit the bullet" and did the complete head job, ie, skim, pressure test, laminated gasket, bolts, belt etc, together with a complete clean out and inspection of the waterway system. It has paid dividends in 45,000 miles of trouble free motoring but, perhaps I am now tempting fate by my bit of smug satisfaction with one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.

- (#10386) John Davis (Leics), 25 Apr 04 01:22

That just about sums up the way Toyota seem to want the gauge to work - never moves! Waiting until you notice it move is a recipe for disaster.

The Ace Answers "Mason" modification is easy to fit. Don't think of it like fitting a security alarm. It's just 3 terminations to go under 3 screws on the back of the instrument panel, and 6 screws to release that panel. Your gauge WILL come alive and you can set an audible alarm at whatever point you regard as the normal limit. A proven design by Townace owners for Townace owners but the price goes up to £27 on 1st May.

- (#10386) Dave (Sussex), 26 Apr 04 07:23

I went to Saudi Arabia and back in mine H reg Townie 16,000kms in one month driving 80/85 in europe up and down the mountains in Greece and through the arabian deserts and back. Four of us with loads of gear. No oil loss no water loss and no oil filter change because we could not find matching filter in Saudi just changed the oil twice. How's that then.

- (#10386) Farook, 28 Apr 04 03:11

Wow !!

- (#10386) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 28 Apr 04 05:14