(Home) (UK) Hints for new owners

Don't panic There is a lot to get used to. Indicators lights, heater/AC controls, mysterious clicks and clunks, smoke. Initially you won't know what's what. Later you'll realise how well Toyota made these cars.

Skip read through the Question and Answer threads archived on this site. They will help you recognise what is, and what is not, a problem, and if it is - how serious it is and what to do about it - without you having to post a repeat question.

Getting in and moving off. I may seem to be making a mountain out of a molehill but bear this in mind even for your first test drive! If you are the driver, unlock and open the door FULLY if possible, press the armrest button to unlock the other doors if you have passengers, and put your key(s) into the ignition lock so you don't have to hold them - and at first you'll find the ignition lock easier when standing outside. With diesel, if you're driving off immediately, you might as well turn "on" to start the glow plug heat cycle before you get in, or even start the engine at this stage then it will have warmed up that extra bit when you're ready to go.

Exactly how you get in will depend on how big and how strong you are but don't try carrying something at the same time - put your bag etc into the car so both hands are free and you can concentrate on yourself.

Make sure the seat is far enough back and the steering wheel is far enough up (mine are often not because my wife is smaller than me). At this stage I also drape the seat belt over the seat backrest so its easier to grab later. Use the grab the handle over the driver's doorway - try using either hand and see which works best for you. Left foot onto the floor just by the steering column, MIND YOUR HEAD! and pull yourself up and in. Do warn new passengers to mind their head as they scramble in.

With diesel the glow plugs are deemed ready when their dash light goes out, shortly followed by a buzzer. Except in very cold conditions it's hardly necessary to wait at all. You can't start an Auto unless it's in "P" or "N".

Idling revs should be 800. All the dash warning lights should be out except the red "Door open/tailgate unlocked" if you've centrally unlocked - to put that out lock the tailgate either by pushing its lock button down manually or, more easily by centrally locking everything again from the armrest switch. If (Auto) the "O/D OFF" warning is on then press the small button on the gear knob so that Overdrive is on - leave it like that. To move an Auto out of "P" the engine must be on, you must put your foot on the brake (since you'll be going into "R") and press the large button on the side of the gear knob with your thumb - two more clicks back and you'll be in "D", seatbelts, handbrake off etc and off you go.

Switching off and getting out. Might as well complete the picture. NEVER put an Auto into "P" while you are still moving - it's worse than engaging gear without using the clutch in a manual - likely to break off the teeth in gearbox for the Parking position. So come to a full stop, and with Auto select "P" or you won't be able to turn the key fully off and remove it - you'll also have to press the black button above the ignition lock. (If your key/lock are worn you may be able to remove the key without switching right off but that is asking for a flat battery.) Now any engine, especially a turbo diesel after working hard, will benefit from several seconds idling, with air, oil and coolant circulating and temperatures settling evenly. So, since it helps to have both hands free to get out gracefully you can leave the key in the ignition and you could even leave the engine running until you're out. It may help to move the seat and steering wheel. Leave your bag etc inside but where you will be able to reach it. Open the door FULLY, right out of your way, then MIND YOUR HEAD! When you've landed turn round and tidy the seatbelt, remove your belongings and the key - you can now easily see the black button above the ignition lock. All the doors will lock when you lock the driver's door.

So, you have just spent something like £4,000 for which you expect several years of happy motoring. You're mainly interested in the special features of your car and its value for money. So, consider spending a few hours and a few pounds on these items first:

Make a note of all the information on the VIN plate. It's behind your calves when you sit in the driver's seat but you'll need to stand outside to read it, and may need a torch. It's awkward so do it carefully once for all. Have the information with you when you go for spares etc, especially at Toyota dealers.

Check here when your model + VIN was built.

Improvements/preventative measures to consider, especially on a fresh import.

New Radiator Cap (see discussions in Cooling folder). Check the coolant level regularly, first thing in the morning while cold it should be (a) within 20mm of the base of the radiator cap and (b) the level in the white plastic expansion tank should be between the two marks - the tank must be reasonably clean inside and out, and holding a torch against the top of the makes the level and the two marks show up. Check weekly at first then no less often than monthly.

Check the tyre pressures (35 to 40 psi) including the spare. Check the wheel-changing kit by using it front and rear.

(Diesels) Add a dose of Fuel System cleaner to one fill-up.

Check all other fluids. (see Maintenace page.)

Adjust the idling, and (Autos) the "kickdown cable" to get gear changes to occur as you want them. Also (Diesels) experiment gently with the 3 fuel pump adjustments to trade off power, economy and smoke but be aware of the MOT limit on emissions.

Fit nipples (M6 thread, angled type) and grease the top joints in the front suspension to make the ride more comfortable and quieter, and avoid the expense of replacing these joints.

Coolant flush with additive and refill with good antifreeze. Possibly change thermostat at the same time. Previously fitting an Ace Answers temperature gauge modification will allow you to monitor the cooling system and show whether the thermostat is working properly, also making it less necessary to check the coolant level so diligently.

Oil flush with additive, refill and add Leak Stop additive if there is any sign of leaks, which are probably from seals dried out while the car was laid up. Buy a stock of oil - diesels need changing every 5,000km.

(Diesel Autos) Disable the EGR valve to improve power and economy.

Change the cambelt, or have it changed, unless you know it was done in the past 5 years. Possibly change water pump at the same time.