2003 Toyota Highlander Blue/White smoke from tailpipe

SLISAR

MEMBER
2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

One day last month my oil light came on. The next day when I started my car, blue/white smoke came out of the tailpipe and has been doing this since each time I start the car. We're using about a quart of oil a week. The Toyota mechanic says we have slug in the motor and the cost of repairs is going to be a minimum of $2,800. Our question is: Should we repair or are we better off to trade. We're looking at a 2009 Kia with 30,000 miles as our trade. It was a lease vehicle. Thanks for your advise!

Sunday, October 11th, 2009 AT 11:06 AM

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi slisar,

Thank you for the donation.

As a matter of fact, quite a number of Toyota engine do have sludging problems and there were some legal implications.

If you google around for engine sludging, you would be able to get some info on the problem. There were some legal implications and you could check with the Toyota dealership on what they can do for you to reduce the cost of repairs.

2009 is an almost new vehicle so would definitely be a better choice but then again, in terms of reliability and usage, I would go for the Toyota. I have very bad experiences with Kia vehicles so I would not go for them if it is my choice.

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Sunday, October 11th, 2009 AT 1:27 PM