4 Weeks to replace clutch kit and valve springs. Unqualified to work on Toyota 86

I booked my vehicle, a Toyota 86, in on the 26th of February 2019 as part of a recall for a valve spring replacement and to investigate a squeaking noise when the clutch pedal is in operation.

Toyota Woodmead contacted me and informed me that I need a new clutch-kit which costs R 12,500.00 for the parts alone (rather pricey based on comparative searches). No estimate could be provided for labour.

The valve spring replacement is where things get really interesting. After working on my vehicle for more than 3 weeks, removing and dismantling the engine, I receive a call from Toyota Woodmead explaining that there are now engine problems as a result of the reassembly and that they do not know how long this will take to rectify.

On several occasions, the Service assistant I dealt with admitted that the workshop team had limited knowledge and experience working with the Subaru engine in the 86 which makes me feel even less confident in their ability to resolve this issue.

To make matters worse, Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Woodmead does not offer a loan or courtesy vehicle and thus, I have to make use of public transport (Uber, Gautrain and Gautrain busses).

At the time of writing, (17 March 2019), I still have no idea of the total cost for the clutch kit installation and no indication from the service department when or if they will be able to complete work on my vehicle. I also doubt the quality of the work done.

My advice to owners of the Toyota 86: Rather take it to Subaru. I'm sure Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Woodmead are quite capable of handling other Toyota manufactured vehicles though, but would have appreciated more accurate communication and more honesty before committing to work on a vehicle they are not fami**** with.

I await a response from Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Woodmead customer care.