Know the drivetrain
Toyota and Lexus hybrids are generally known for their reliability and durability, but certain models have faced issues related to their drivetrains due to design flaws or particular components that may not perform as well over time. Here is a example:
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The Toyota 2AZ-FXE engine is a variant of the 2AZ-FE, specifically designed for hybrid vehicles, such as:
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Toyota Sai between 2009 – 2017.
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Lexus HS 250h since 2009.
While the 2AZ-FXE shares much of the same underlying technology as the 2AZ-FE engine, it is tuned and configured for use in hybrid systems. Here is one of the problems associated with the Toyota 2AZ-FXE engine:
Excessive Oil Consumption
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Problem: Similar to the 2AZ-FE engine, the 2AZ-FXE engine has been known to experience excessive oil consumption. This issue became especially prevalent in earlier models , where owners reported that they needed to top off oil levels regularly, even with relatively low mileage.
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Cause: The excessive oil consumption in the 2AZ-FXE is typically due to worn piston rings or defective valve seals, which lead to oil burning in the combustion chamber. This can be exacerbated by the fact that the engine operates under unique conditions as part of the hybrid system, with more frequent transitions between the engine and electric motor.
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Solution: Toyota has acknowledged the oil consumption issue in certain years and has been recalled and extended warranties for affected models to replace the piston rings or the engine block. If the engine is no longer under warranty, a complete piston and ring replacement is a costly repair.
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This is just one example. The golden rule of choosing a car—"Do as much research as possible about the model online and have the car professionally inspected" Pre-purchase.