Nitti3

Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a 3rd Gen, and from looking at engine bays something is always leaking. Something between 110-160k miles. Which gaskets should I worry about? As in which are detrimental and cost alot to fix? Can you guys point them out with pictures as well please? And how much I can expect to pay? If it's 2 or 3 hours of labor, I don't mind doing it myself as long as I don't need special tools to get it done.

Also I plan on changing all the fluids on the car, would the ones for my 2000 corolla work?

Thanks

LeX2K

If you are replacing the cylinder head cover gaskets (common leak source) also replace the camshaft seals. As for fluids don't use a different model to determine which ones are correct use the owners manual for starters.

Need to know the year of your car to recommend fluids.

Nitti3

Is it different for each year or just the vvti models? I'm looking at a 2001 and 97

LeX2K

All the fluids are the same for those years except the transmission fluid the 2001 takes Toyota T-IV instead of Dexron. The U140E transmission is not as robust as the previous generation so make sure it has been regularly serviced. If the fluid is black then consider looking elsewhere.

Nitti3

Right, I've been seeing alot of replaced transmissions on ads for 3rd Gens, what goes bad? Is it preventable? Valve body? Solenoids? Are there a good amount of signs before the Trans goes bad?

LeX2K

It's preventable simply replace the fluid every ~30,000 miles less if you drive like a bat out of hell. Not sure exactly what fails probably the clutch packs among other things. When working properly the U140E shifts very smoothy you should barely be able to feel the gear changes.

When I bought my ES the fluid looks quite bad after doing a complete fluid replace with Royal Purple ATF massive difference. The fluid was dark brown, one thing the transmission does that seems to be inherent in the design is decelerating to around 35mph causes a noticeable downshift like the computer wants engine braking. Before I did the transmission service the downshift was harsh now it is noticeable but not bothersome.