What you need to know:
Hi Paul, I want to buy a Toyota Premio model 2004 but I need to know how good it is and the fuel consumption. Patrick.
Hello Patrick, Toyota Premio was launched in 2001 as a successor of the Toyota Corona and its first generation runs up to 2006. Its ‘cousins’ the Allion replaced the Carina. Premio comes with three petrol engines: the 1.5 litre 1NZ-FE, the 1.8 litre 1ZZ-FE and the 2.0 litre 1AZ-FSE D-4.
Your choice of engine may be guided by power and fuel economy. The 1.5 litre gives a modest 109 horse power and a fuel economy of 8 km/ litre in city traffic or 16 km/ litre on the highways. The 1.8 litre provides 132 horse power and a fuel economy of 9.5 km/l in city traffic or 15km/ litre on the highway.
The bigger 2.0 litre engine with Direct four fuel injection is more efficient with better engine power: 152 horse power and the best fuel economy: 10 km/ litre in city traffic or 16 km/ litre on the highway. This is thanks to the D4’s more fuel efficient technology. In case you choose the 2.0 litre D4 you will have to be very strict on regular maintenance. Fuel economy statistics provided will also be affected by your individual driving style, condition of the vehicle tyres, engine service as well as quality of your fuel. The Premio engines shown come with the Variable valve timing (VVTi) system which alters camshaft profile to improve fuel economy and power. This system is sensitive to quality of engine oil especially with regards to preventing deposit and sludge formation which affects the oil pressure actuated VVTi system. All the three models come with reasonable comfort features such as the power windows, mirrors and seat adjustment, air conditioning, a radio with CD. Stylish looks are complemented with walnut wood impression and chrome finish interior. Whereas the dashboard and door handles are ‘plasticky’, you still get a bargain for what you pay. Safety is enhanced by the anti locking brakes (ABS) and dual front airbags and inertia reel seat belts (SRS).
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Hi Paul, My Toyota Kluger 2.4 litre consumes 9km/litres on the high way, I have replaced plugs, air filter and done full service but there is no change. What else should I do to improve this fuel consumption?
What is the average consumption for this type of car? Where can I access a computer diagnostic tool services?Ambrose E
Hello Ambrose, the 2.4 litre Toyota Kluger’s official fuel economy statistics are 8.4 km / litre in city traffic and about 10.9 km / litre on the highway. These figures can be slightly altered upwards or downwards depending on the kind of fuel used, style of driving and engine service or tyre condition. The 2.4L Kluger may not be as fuel efficient as you may think because the small engine has to maintain high engine revs to gain momentum as it carries the big SUV. Quite interestingl the bigger 3.0 litre V6 Kluger provides a fuel economy result of 8 km / litre in the city traffic and 10.2 on the highway. This is because it uses lower engine revs to gain the same momentum hence using almost the same fuel but giving you bursts of greater power. In your case, a computor diagnostic check is a good start to rule out oxygen sensor failure or any other engine management component. Should you find the car engine with no fault then you may need to re examine your driving style on the highway or any of the other factors above.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for the good advice. I drive a Toyota Rav4 model 1996. However, it has a problem with the hind door making noise and failing to lock due to the spare Tyre fix on it. Because of this problem, I want to change the car. I have three car options in mind; the is Mazda tribute 2.0 cc, Harrier 2.2 cc, Toyota Kluger 2.4cc. Advise me on maintenance cost, availability of spares, resale value and durability(hardness of the body) since i drive mostly on murram bad roads- Joseph
Hello Joseph, your RAV4 door hinges or rubber door stopper may need adjustment or replacement. The Mazda and Toyota vehicles you are looking at are all sturdy with reasonable road handling manners. Arguably the Mazda Tribute and Kluger may take the first and first runner up trophies for off road and on road handling, comfort as well as durability. Unfortunately when it comes to maintenance cost and reliability, the Mazda Tribute has the worst score, particularly after 100,000 kms. Mazda parts market both new and used is still young and small in Uganda. You may need to import parts for the Mazda. Toyota on the other hand has a stronger parts support both with the dealership and independents. The Kluger and Harrier have a better resale value than the Mazda Tribute for reasons mentioned above.
Hi Paul,
I have a Raum 1998 model, but of recent whenever I apply the brakes mostly on a sloppy ground, it makes a squeaking noise, had the brake pads checked but the mechanic told me the brake pads are fine, he polished and dusted them but the irritating sound is still there, what could be causing it? Regards, Sandra.
Hello Sandra, squeaking brakes can be caused by the quality of brake pad material especially if it has bits of metal in it. The squeaking is a sign of damage to the brake disc rotors.This is particularly common with some cheap brake pads which cost between 60,000 - 150,000/= On the other hand the more expensive brake pads such as those sold at Toyota Uganda cost between 250,000 and 300,000 but are manufactured from materials that dont damage the disc and are less harmful to the environment (dont produce excessive soot). Seldom badly worn out discs due to delayed brake pad replacement develop a ‘lip’ on the edge which squeaks when you replace the brake pads. You may need to inspect the brake discs, skim the edge or replace them outrightly in case the reduced brake disc rotor width does not allow skimming.
Ask the mechanic: By Paul Kaganzi
0772316145
send sms: mycar (space) your comments and questions to 6933, or email them to [emailprotected]
