My new 150

[johnv Member Find all posts View Profile Close johnv]

Well, got to finally pick up the new 150 today. V6 petrol GXL Auto in graphite.

First impressions - boy the 120 was a good car! The 150 is growing on me - or maybe I'm just sorry to see the 120 leave.

After driving the 20 odd km's home, had a real burning smell coming from the rear end. Sure it was the aft dics brakes. First time I was up around 100kmh felt like there was vibration in the vehicle - almost like the handbrake was on. Then the smell. Will be bringing it back to the dealer tomorrow to check it out.



Now thats a garage full I'd love to keep.



johnv

[BenTas Member Find all posts View Profile Close BenTas]

Re: My new 150

Well done Johnv,
Looking good !
You missed a good day the other week up at the lakes, but we're trying to organize another jaunt in early November.
Is it just your photo, or does there look to be a large gap on the rear right hand side where the bumper meets the body ?
Does'nt look quite right.
You'll be most happy I'm sure. My mate that I thought may have being interested in your 120 was looking for one with a few less k's. I tried to convince him on yours, as the accessories and upgrades made for a good deal.

Enjoy the new Bus, cheers
BenTas.

[johnv Member Find all posts View Profile Close johnv]

Re: My new 150

My impressions after one week and a 1000 klms.

Cruise control is a vast improvement over the 120. It was impossible to drive in moderate hilly country with cruise control on - always kicked back 1 or 2 gears to get over a slight rise. Find the 150 just kicks out of overdrive and cruises over hills easily.

I'm not a big bloke, but getting in and out of the vehicle seems harder

Trying to find the switches below the steering while driving can be hard eg ODO switch.

Overall, really happy with it. As is mentioned elsewhere though there are a lot of useless features like the fuel consumption date displayed twice.


johnv

[Bert Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bert]

Re: My new 150

Good day Johnv,

Picked up my 150 2 days ago and drove 5 kms home. had the same issue of the burning smell. did you have yours checked out and what was the issue?

cheers,

Bert

[johnv Member Find all posts View Profile Close johnv]

Re: My new 150

Bert,
Sorry for the late reply. Am travelling at the moment.

Brought it back to the dealer first thing next morning. The vibration at 100kph seemed to have disappeared, but when I arrived at the dealer, the burning smell was very evident. Got them straight out to see it for themselves. They got a mechanic out straight away who suggested the handbrake might have been badly adjusted.

Anyway they gave me a loan car and when I picked it up he said it appeared to be the handbrake.

Has not been a problem since.

johnv

[Bert Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bert]

Re: My new 150

Hi Johnv,

thanks for reply. i called Toyota service here and spoke to the service Engineer (apparently he used to built and maintain racing engines). his advice as to run it for a few more days and if the smell diminishes, then it is just the bedding in process for the brakes. it turned out to be the case for me. I've done 320 km now (highway and city driving) and it doesn't smell anymore. i park it in the garage and when it smells, I'll know about it.
since he mentioned his experience with engines, i took the opp to ask about the running in process for a TD engine. his advice was to run it the way we normally
drive. don't labor it- i.e don't let it stay on high gear when going up hill with it loaded up. on flat roads, vary the speed constantly 80 to 100 kph. he emphatically stressed not to let the engine idle for long periods. "that's the worst thing you can do to it!" he said. in conclusion, he said if you drive it sluggishly, you get a sluggish engine, if you push it (not hard) then you get a strong engine.

one thing i didn't get a chance to ask was whether we should change the filter and engine oil at the 1000 km service.

cheers,

Bert

[Bert Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bert]

Re: My new 150

well, now about after a month and 1200kms of city driving, found the hand brake had to be pulled up to max just to hold. reckon the pungent smell wasn't brakes bedding in but hand brakes wearing out? had contacted the service manager via email about this and other issues too. will post when and what he replies.
:shock: