As with all these new "technologies" perhaps it is a rare occurence, but as you said, who will have to pay down the line? As an example most Rover 75's and Mg Zt's will not be economical to repair at main dealer prices if ecu failure or head gasket failure. Any car at 7 years + old isn't worth the cost of even one major failure. That is how manufacturers do business now. Change at 3 years+happy dealer, happy manufacturer, + you have paid for 3 years servicing t main dealer rates. Don't change and they have still got you for servicing in the warranty period + the big bills that are liable to arrive afterwards. My own choice next time will be small-medium sized hatch with unstressed non turbo petrol engine, ie Hyundai i20 or 30 or similiar with long warranty. Don't forget, lease the car and problems not yours!

Could the advent of electric parking brakes be anything to do with rear disc brakes? By using an outside force, perhaps the parking brake's applied with more force than would otherwise be the case.

It's accepted that the handbrakes on these can fail if the brakes are hot and not enough force is used.

How many have read the handbook which says 'press footbrake whilst pulling on handbrake'.

I got the wife to pull up the handbrake and then press the footbrake while still applying pressure to the handbrake. She's convinced!

The reason why car manufacturers are fitting this pointless device is a matter of cost and perceived additional showroom appeal. Of course it has no real worth whatsoever.

The deletion of the bowden cables and lever associated with a mechanical handbrake constitute a cost saving of materials and assembly labour - with the added advantage of easy conversion from LHD to RHD. This is always a nuisance as far as vehicle makers are concerned (notice how many cars use a LHD wiper set up - including M-B). So much for safety engineering.

A further point against these electronic parking brakes is that, in many cases specific software and an interface cable is required to retract the caliper pistons. This rules out a DIY pad change with simple tools for many owners.

These devices are very much a solution to a problem which, for the user doesn't exist.

659.

Hi Avant.

It's a 2009 Toyota Avensis.

I was reluctant to disclose because I have nothing but praise for the dealer, apart from the parking brake issue, I am so happy with the car and the service offered by the dealer that I have recently changed my wifes car to a Yaris.

Toyotas now have 5 yr warranty in UK IIRC so you would have been covered for longer if you buy in 2nd half of 2010