Toyota Axio (2012 onwards): service schedule and common issues

The Axio is the saloon sister of the Fielder, with the same 1.5 litre petrol (1NZ-FE), hybrid and 1.8 litre options, a timing chain and a CVT. Looked after, it covers huge distances, which is why it's so popular for taxi and ride-hailing work. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.

Regular service

• Engine oil and filter every 5,000 km for city traffic, ride-hailing or dusty roads; up to 10,000 km if you mostly drive on the highway. Use the grade in the manual, usually 0W-20 or 5W-30.
• Air filter: check at every service and replace when dirty.
• Cabin filter every 20,000 km. A clogged one makes the AC weak and smelly.
• CVT fluid every 40,000 km with Toyota CVT Fluid FE. Not ordinary ATF.
• Spark plugs around 100,000 km (iridium).

Things that wear on high-mileage Axios

• Suspension: front stabiliser links, bushes and shock absorbers. Knocking over bumps is usually one of these.
• Engine mounts: heavy vibration at idle in D, especially with the AC on.
• AC: weak cooling is often a dirty cabin filter or condenser, or low gas from a leak, before it's the compressor.
• Brakes: stop-start city driving wears the front pads quickly; check them every 10,000 km.

Ride-hailing drivers: log every service in CarLog with the odometer reading. Reminders keep up with the mileage, and the history adds value when you sell.