Ask an expert


kahukura7

Hi there,
I am looking at purchasing a toyota wish 2005. The person doesn't know what type of transmission it is, standard or cvt and after reading on this regarding cvt I want to stay away from them. So How can I tell if it has a cvt transmission or not? it has a standard vvti engine so does that mean it would have a standard transmission? Also they have told me the belt needs replacing on it but they weren't sure which one it has only done 75k and the belt cost $80 to purchase and apparently would only take 5 minutes to put in, any idea what belt it would be? because I believe they are chain driven and have no cambelt, is this correct?
Thank you :)

ABayliss

If this is a 1.8 litre, it's likely to have a conventional auto, but if it's a 2.0 litre, it's most likely a CVT. If it's a 2.0 litre, it will also probably be the D4 (directed injected engine) which could also suffer running problems due to a build-up of carbon.
Neither model will have a cambelt, so the belt being referred to will be a drive belt, such as alternator, power steering or air-conditioning compressor belt. It may take a little longer than 5 minutes to replace, but not a big job.

kahukura7

Thank you for your reply. For the k's it has done is it normal for something like this to have to be replaced? I am just a bit worried because it is a import and the person selling it did buy it from a dealer in Auckland at 25k.

ABayliss

I presume you are talking about the transmission? If so, no, it wouldn't be normal to replace a transmission at 75,000km, but there are no guarantees and it's not out of the realms of possibility for failure to occur at this mileage.
It's irrelevant what the previous buyer paid for it or what mileage it had done when they got it, as that has no impact on the vehicle today or how reliable it might be in the future, so don't let the seller sway you by the fact that they paid a high price or have had it for a period of time.
(I'm not sure if the 25k you refer to is price or mileage, but either way, the vehicle must go on its own merits today).

kahukura7

Sorry I was referring to the belt that needed to be replaced. And yes they purchased it when it had only done 25k (mileage).
Thank you for your replies.

ABayliss

Apologies! We were talking at cross purposes on numerous levels!
Being a rubber component, a belt will perish with time, so the mileage has less of an impact. Don't be worried in the slightest that a drive belt needs replacing (although make sure it is done). This is just basic routine maintenance.

kahukura7

Thanks for that. I was also wondering how legit the imports are in Auckland? There are a few dealers selling some with no yard just from home I assume, would they be ok to buy from? He sent me the odometer cert and the compliance checksheet. Also would it still pay to get a pre purchase inspection? Thanks