Dear Scotty Kilmer
I have been using this car after buying it a year ago. It is a Toyota Corolla Axio 2011 model, ex-Japan, 40,000 km mileage, used abroad and I am the first owner in my country (Kenya).
I have the following problems particularly when car is fuelled, and tank is full or after use it is below E.
The car misses, it’s sluggish when slowing down or de-aacelerating. Also when pressing the gas the power is not great. Another symptom is in the morning, when starting and coming out of the gate, the car, when putting foot on the gas paddle feels like it is labouring, not shifting to higher gear. Once it catches speed and is in rhythm it Is fine.
During rest of the times, when fuel is half way in the tank, the car runs well, is buttery smooth and flies when accelerating with no issues even when slowing or de-aacelerating.
A mechanic is offering to check transmission fluid, flush, check spark plugs, do tuning, check fuel filter…
Should I go ahead with the mechanic as suggested by him? I don't want more problems or existing problems to be compounded. I appreciate your advice. Thanks.
FYI My previous car was a 2003 NZE Toyota Corolla ex-Japan which I bought it and used it for over 11 years without any trouble (touch wood!). I had no issues, no engine, mechanical or any problems. I only had to do regular service, change worn out parts, change Shocks, do body works; that's about it. I am told that new Corollas are CVT transmission and I cannot compare to my old NZE model.
General info:
The Toyota “Corolla” Axios is NOT related to the Corolla. It’s built on the B platform, that was used by the European Yaris, Scion xD, Urban Cruiser and other small cars.
You have a problem with the EVAP system. What is the year of the car you are asking about? You never said. Have it scanned for codes. Your mechanic is just guessing at this point. He doesn't actually know what he's doing.
@Doc. The year of the car is 2011.
Get it scanned for codes and never let it get lower than a 1/4 tank of gas. Doing this will destroy your fuel pump, if it's not already damaged or malfunctioning.
@Doc, I will try and do as suggested but the Mechanic is coming to pick the car. I have however told him not to open up before testing and identifying they problem. I don't know if it helps but when I last fuelled my car, that is few days ago, it filled up 34 odd litres. The refill before that it filled up 38+ litres. I am consistent when I fuel up the tank, which is at the point the fuel gauge points to a certain level. Thanks
Just to update. The car was attended by the mechanic. It is fine. Unfortunately it got involved in an accident. Was hit by a reckless motorcyclist and damaged the Bumper and Bonnet. Got it fixed and running fine now. One symptom I get on and off, and this is from the beginning when I bought the car, is that when pressing the paddle, at times it feels like something is blocking under the paddle and the car moves sluggishly. It seems the earlier symptoms as per this post is felt.
BTW I researched and this car is a 2011 10th Generation Toyota Corolla, E140 model, narrow body (Japanese variant) sold under the Axio name.
Is this car good to keep? For how long? I've had it now for 2 years and it's done in total about 54 000 kilometers.