Probably 99% of the time or more, premature clutch wear is caused by something an operator of the vehicle has done through ignorance or abuse. That's why you're not getting anywhere with the manufacturer or dealership yet. It would be like bringing back a new Mustang stage III complaining that the rear tires are wearing out prematurely claiming the tires are defective. The natural response would be 'yeah right' even if there were something wrong with the tires. If the clutch is wearing out too fast, something is keeping it partially applied much of the time. Often times that would be someone with a habit of resting their foot on the pedal. A linkage, master or slave cylinder problem would be other likely possibilities. Next time you have it fixed, make sure that they check that all the pressure is off when it's supposed to be. OEM tires on new cars often times aren't the greatest. Sometimes you couldn't buy a set like them from a tire store if you wanted to. Also, looking in from the outside, smoked clutch + worn tires = an indication of abuse. Remember, the mechanics you tell this story to don't know you, they know cars. Your original tires were probably just cheap tires. Your fan problem could be from the switch, a relay, or resistor. If I had experience with your car I could tell you the likely cause and where the component was, but I don't. Sorry.

To those searching for more on the Toyota engine oil sludge or gel matter, please see the following links: http://www.toyotaoilgel.com http://www.uc2.blogspot.com http://www.autosafety.org Follow "toyotasludge" on Twitter.com Watch the Toyota Sludge video on YouTube.com at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs7WI2s-CVw If you have blue/white smoke from the exhaust, especially on start up; check engine light on; excess oil consumption or sudden disappearance of engine oil; failed emissions control components such as the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter; a thrown engine piston rod; or complete engine failure, then be on alert! Notify Toyota via CERTIFED letter with return receipt requested about your problem and ask for full repair coverage under Toyotas Customer Support Program for Engine Oil Gelation. Speak up loudly online if Toyota refuses to honor this program or continues to blame you in the wake of proper vehicle maintenance. If Toyota is totally unresponsive in the wake of a failed engine due to engine oil sludge build up, consider going to the following web sites to voice your concern: http://www.ConsumerAffairs.com http://www.RipOffReport.com Regardless of the Toyota response, be sure to file online vehicle owner complaints at: http://www.autosafety.org The Center for Auto Safety http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Just to make it clear, the Toyota engine oil sludge problemthe one that has attracted so many defamers to follow me around the internetis STILL a problem. There are many later model Toyota models showing signs of the same problem. What is worse, Toyota owners are reporting continued deception at Toyota and Toyota dealerships. Far too many Toyota owners are being told they do not qualify for the CSP repair cost coverage for one reason or another. Still other Toyota model owners who have sludged engines are being asked to pay thousands in repair costs despite proper vehicle maintenance. This is wrong! Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution Charlene Blake cblake@erols.com charleneblake@cox.net

As far as buying American-Toyota has a mfg plant in Georgetown Ky, and it my po dunk town there is a factory that makes the interiors for Toyota-this plant employs over 4oo people, and no telling how many the plant in Georgetown employs. You can't get much more American than something that comes from Kentucky.

Yes---and I just did yesterday. Mike and I own a Toyota Tacoma (2005) and we love it. We have no issues, no recalls on it, except the floor mat thing, but we had already put in all weather mats, so the issue was not one. I had a 2005 Subaru Outback Limited and with the new baby coming, we found that car to be very tight. I purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander yesterday. It's a smoother ride than my Outback, tons of room, and even for a base model, it has tons of features (heated seats, sun roof, 3rd row seating). My parents own a 1990 Celica with 150K miles on it. All they've ever had to do is an oil change. With that being said, Toyota is offering tons of incentives on new cars right now, but I recommend buying a 2008 model if you want. Most of the body styles changed in 2008 and are still what they are making in the 2010 model. Teresa---I'm coming to Lorton next Saturday if you want to check out our Highlander. It's perfect for a family of 4 (and our 2 big dogs). :)