[darcane]

Originally Posted by daverods

If you are reading this you are most likely a Toyota owner or have owned one in the past. I have grown up with Toyotas my entire life, mainly because my dad was a fully certified Toyota mechanic. We all know that 90% of Toyotas older cars are virtually indestructible, unless they fall victim of being hit by a large truck.

The BS is getting deep here...

Toyota makes decent enough cars, but there's no need to deify them (well, maybe the GT-86/FR-S/BRZ. Damn, I lust over that thing!). I've done enogh major engine repairs or replacements on Toyotas to know that they are no where near indestructible.

Originally Posted by daverods

I have a handful of theories as to why this might be happening.

• Unusually high idle on cold start (2000rpm)
• Warm idle speed of 1000rpm (seems a bit high)
• Known vacuum leak on intake (intake pipe is broken right after the fitting on the throttle body )
• Alignment issue with front suspension (had rotten right lower control arm replace 4-5 months ago without re-alignment )
• The front of the car sits considerably higher than the rear (looks about 2-3 inches) essentially turning the car into a sailing ship on the highway when it is slightly windy (my guess is front springs were replace with aftermarket springs that are for the wrong application)

• High cold idle is probably not a big concern by itself. This is a small percentage of your driving time, unless you do a lot of little trips.
• Not sure of your car's specs, but this sounds high.
• Uh... yeah, fix the leak. That is likely the cause of the high idle and could cause unusual driveability problems, maybe even low fuel economy.
• Yes, check that. Significant alignment issues will also lead to unusual wear patterns on the tires.
• yes, this is hurting you a little. Lower just the rear and aerodynamic drag increases.

I'd fix the vacuum leak first and get an alignment and see what it does. If it's still low, look for other maintenance problems and adjust driving habits.