mphil804

Update: I was terribly mistaken and it wasn't my timing chain that I saw at all, but my serpentine belt. So I would like to know if a small amount of rust on that would be a big problem?

I have about a month left on my powertrain warranty. Do you think that I have a case to get it either repaired or replaced on warranty because my mileage has been subpar due to slackening in the chain and possibly the rust (not to mention that it has a possibility of failing)? I'm taking the car in for an oil change next week and I wonder if I could have my dealer look into that while it's there.

Just a quick question. While I was under the hood changing my headlight bulbs, I noticed that my timing chain had a bit of rust on it and was not lubricated - at least the part that was showing. What I'm wondering is if the bit of rust I saw means the whole thing is crap and will snap at one point and ruin the engine if I don't get it maintained or replaced. I've never had a car with a timing chain before - I know that they are very durable but I never considered what would happen if it started to rust. Is there some sort of lubricant I can try to manually put on the part that is exposed? Or should I just ask the Toyota dealership mechanic to have a look at it while he changes my oil next week? Thanks for the input! EDIT: I meant timing chain, not timing belt, heh.

I have a 2000 Corolla VE, the trim model with no hubcaps. I just have the ugly 6 space wheels. Recently I was considering putting on some hubcaps to liven up the car a little bit. Can I fit (most) any 14" hubcaps to my wheel without any trouble? Or is there some rule of thumb I should be aware of?

That sounds about right. I had called a modding shop and asked them why they couldn't help me, if it was a technical or just legal problem. And they said it was mainly legal. One of the resulting problems with altering the seat would be essentially forfeiting your right to an insurance award if you get into an accident and only total the car and/or harm yourself - though I have to say I don't see the connection, except that maybe insurance companies want an easy out. : P I guess in the end I just have to live with my car until I've a.) gotten my money out of it or b.) have reached equity on the loan and can trade it in. Thanks for all the great responses, everyone - I think this probably saved me some time and a headache or two.

You raise a good point. Is there an alternative (if any) or is it possible to find a way to do this without taking it in to my Toyota dealership, which may say the same thing you just said.EDIT: I just called my dealer and they said they aren't able to do that but perhaps an aftermarket modifications shop may be able to help.

Interesting. Though I've never been pulled over and doubt that I would, in such a low profile car like mine. Though I am curious if the process necessarily requires welding or not. I'd rather not do anything too permanent or complicated to pull this off if possible.

I still have about half to pay off on my 2000 Corolla so I've come to terms I'll be using 'er for a while. But since I'm 6' 3" (yeah, why'd I buy it? hahah) space is a little tight, even with the driver's seat all the way back. What I'd like to know is if it's possible to move the seat back on the floor rockers (or whatever the metal rails it sits on are called) without actually removing those rails from the floor and drilling new holes for it. And if it is possible, would I need a mechanic's guide or would I just want to take it to a shop or a capable friend? I don't usually have passengers in the car so it wouldn't be a problem for the back seat - I just want a little extra space! Thanks for any info or insight.

How much would this cost, approximately? Also, would it be wiser to have this done by a certified Toyota technician or independent garage?

I definitely agree. But I think that my 1.8 can squeeze out more power with similar or better mileage than it gets right now...probably 30-32 mpg between city and highway driving. When I get my car back after the oil filter change, the acceleration improvement is dramatic - I just wonder if there's ways to keep that type of performance consistent instead of just a few weeks after that filter change.

I bought my 2000 Corolla used at about 58k miles - would my car need a 60k checkup too? I wouldn't assume so since I'm at 65,500 and I haven't been notified about anything like this when I last went in to get my oil changed.

I realized that my 1.8l engine is capable of delivering more power than it does regularly. This has been proven by how well it runs after an oil/oil filter change. What I'd like to know is this: what are some fairly simple, risk-free (as much as it can be) mods that will improve overall performance, even just a little? It'd also be great if they're relatively cheap since I'm on a budget. Thanks for your ideas!