Toyota Avensis (2003 - 2008) - 2004 2.4 Engine Replacement

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Mon 7 Sep 2009 11:56
2004 2.4 Engine Replacement - hrawal
I need some advice regards an engine replacement on my Toyota Avensis 2.4 VVTi.

Approx 3 weeks ago, the engine packed up and was eventually towed to a garage with suspected cylinder head problems. The diagnostics showed that cylinder 3 was damaged and further inspections indicated suspected crack(s) in the head.

The stem valve seals were replaced and the smoke stopped but there is more damage in the bottom end.

The car has since been looked at by another mechanic who has confirmed that it is not worth his effort to rebuild the engine. He has recommended a replacement, but will not do as he has had warranty issues in the past i.e. when a replacement engine component failed, the engine supplier has argued that it was due to poor fitting. Hence he has advised I get a company to supply and fit.

The only problem I have is who should I use? I have a number of comapnies who have all stated that they can do the work, but I have heard of numerous horror stories.

One such company is offering a 5yr/60,000m warranty, but the terms and conditions state that all services must be done with the same company, who are within thier rights to charge exhorbitant servicing costs - thereby resulting in several thousand pounds worth of future costs.

Another company has been accused of obtaining the car and then falsely stating that other components are at fault - thus increasing the cost of repairs. As they have the car and have removed the engine, your hands are tied and you feel compelled to pay the rising costs.

I am also finding it difficult to get these so called specialists to provide me with a legal set of terms and conditions that clearly define the work and what is in fact gauranteed.

Can anybody please recommend an established and reputable garage/specialist?

I am desperate to get the car repaired as the rental costs of a replacement vehicle is beginning to hurt the bank account.

{correct year entered, following an email confirmation}

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 07/09/2009 at 13:37

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 7 Sep 2009 13:22
20 2.4 Engine Replacement - bell boy
why not try a recognised toyota breaker as a source of a low mileage accident damaged donor for an engine
thing is your engine sounds past redemption anyway
yes there are a lot of cowboy engine reconditioners out there, i knew one that had his engineering shop next to a main line railway and they always knew the times of the heavy express through trains so they milling working till they passed
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 7 Sep 2009 15:19
20 2.4 Engine Replacement - hrawal
Any idea where I find a recognised toyota breaker?

Does anyone know of a trusted toyota specialist in North London?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 7 Sep 2009 16:23
20 2.4 Engine Replacement - piston power
Do a google search & other breakers throughout the country will palet one up and post it to you or garage on a crate.

Find a good indi local to you and get them to fit it ask them to service the engine & timing belt if condition unknown.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 9 Sep 2009 13:15
20 2.4 Engine Replacement - hrawal
Tried the google search and it seems that this engine is pretty hard to come by.

I have been told that I can use a Previa 2.4 block and then fit the Avensis cylinder head to it. Anyone care to comment on that?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 9 Sep 2009 13:49
20 2.4 Engine Replacement - Hamsafar
Try VEGE engines.
www.vegeuk.com/engines.php
They are the only ones I would trust.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide