Are toyotas really that good or is it a cult?

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Syndicate_Corp@reddit

Toyota are behind on tech because everything they make is generally built to last. As with anything mass produced, there are occasional outliers, but overall they make very quality vehicles.

I've had two separate Toyotas both last 10 years or more, with minimal maintenance. I'm currently driving a 2015 Camry, no major issues, or even minor issues really. Just follow the maintenance plans, if you take care of it, you can likely get 150k-200k miles without major repairs.

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TheRoops@reddit

Any nicety beyond that and it becomes a Lexus 🤣

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i_imagine@reddit

Ironically, the rav4 we owned ended up being one of the more unreliable cars we had. It was a 2008 and it got to the point where you had to dump a couple hundred to nearly $1k in repairs every few months.

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thebeginingisnear@reddit

all the studies about car reliability always have them at or near the top. Regardless of how people in a car sub act, the data says they are consistantly among the most reliable and dependable vehicles on the road

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sneakpeekbot@reddit

Here's a sneak peek of /r/Toyota using the top posts of the year!

#1: Thoughts? | 958 comments
#2: I get banned for this | 101 comments
#3: I almost got robbed today at a Toyota dealership in Texas | 1535 comments

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museum_lifestyle@reddit

BMW is reliable these days, but the maintenance costs are higher.

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thebeginingisnear@reddit

Seems like the running joke is that they are great until the warranty runs out... then it's endless expensive problems.

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museum_lifestyle@reddit

Well most brands except a few design their cars that way, because that's what the consumer buys in the end.

They are firmly bottom of many reliability surveys.

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Pafolo@reddit

Guess you need to recheck the surveys because BMW’s ranked is one of the highest among Toyota and Honda for reliability now. The current Toyota supra is actually built off of BMW‘s Z4 and uses BMW‘s engine and everything else along with it. If BMW was that bad Toyota wouldn’t be using them for their performance line.

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DadVan-Soton@reddit

That engine is desperately unreliable. It’s funny you even pick that one as an example.

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TheJiggie@reddit

You’re talking out of your ass now, lol. It’s so unreliable that Toyota utilizes it. 😂

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DadVan-Soton@reddit

lol, go look up supra engine, gearbox, electrical and steering rack issues. Toyota are busy removing warranty cover on all sorts of parts.

Puzzleheaded_Truck80@reddit

But most of the bmws I’m seeing look awful and the prices are crazy.

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Ok_Recipe2769@reddit

The maintenance cost will get you a new rav4

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Letscurlbrah@reddit

Why? I find BMW owners are much more likely to understand the faults in the brand. Toyota people never seem to remember when 3rd generation Tacoma's folded in half due to rusty frame rails like their namesake.

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DadVan-Soton@reddit

Every Toyota I’ve owned (3) has been a lemon, including a brand new RAV4. Toyota ended up buying it back off me.

I hear the Prius is reliable, but the doors go “clanggg” when I close them getting into an uber, so I’ll never be owning one of those.

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Skodakenner@reddit

Also when they work they are so much better to drive than toyotas

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Letscurlbrah@reddit

Unquestionably.

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CAPTAINxKUDDLEZ@reddit

BMW owners of old were enthusiasts and understood.

Neonaticpixelmen@reddit

To me benz always sounded weird to me

Makes me think of the phrase "going round the bends" which means going nuts/crazy

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ChokaMoka1@reddit

Fairdinkum mate but I’d rather have Holden ute over a Merc anyday

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Don't forget the Tacoma/4 Runner frame issues. Toyota did a lot of their customers dirty with those issues

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yungwienzy@reddit

Replacing frames for free after they found them to be an issue is doing them dirty?

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TheTense@reddit

Fluid film is your friend. I coat mine every October

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rottenbox@reddit

I'm a krown man myself. Even with annual undercoating applications most friends and family wind up replacing a caliper or two by year 10-12. And that's across many brands.

Also the undercoating sprays can damage some rubber components. Krown and Honda weather stripping seem to react poorly together. Personally I'd still spray, rubber trim is a lot easier and cheaper to replace than rust.

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Beef_Candy@reddit

Our previous benz served us almost 200k before being totaled in a wicked hail storm with zero repairs outside of regular maintenance.

We've put almost 70k on our new Benz that replaced it 2 years ago and it runs like a top.

My 6.2l f150 has served me for 13 years and won't kick the bucket, zero major repairs and only routine maintenance. Nearing 200k.

Rather have the Benzes than anything Lexus offers, and rather the f150 than Toyotas chintzy half tons also.

It’s a mix of people overstating how much more reliable they are and people seeing Toyota and forgetting common sense like reliability varies by models . For example, outside of the the Cummins engine rams , Toyota trucks and SUVs last longer than anything in the market, but the rav 4, studiously, is behind many competitors like the crv and only slightly above the dodge Durango which has a much worse reputation.

The other caveat is the price delta of other vehicles. If the Toyota costs the same as its competitors but lasts longer it makes sense to get the Toyota but , for example, when a used Chevy Tahoe is tens of thousands cheaper than a Highlander and lasts longer. It becomes blind brand loyalty.

I’ve used this anecdote before but if you’re spending double the amount on a car that’s only 10% more reliable, you’re not really saving money.

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Megallion@reddit

What are the maintenance plans exactly? I would like to ensure my car lasts

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jolsiphur@reddit

It's mostly just at what specific timelines and intervals you need to get preventative service done.

In most cases it's just ensuring that you get your oil changed within 3000-5000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). There's definitely more to it than that, but that's going to be one of the biggest components.

The service center at the dealership will have a recommended service schedule. You can also find that information online by searching for it with the specific make and model of your vehicle.

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Syndicate_Corp@reddit

Google the specific model+year of your car's maintenance schedule, they have readily accessible manufacturer recommended maintenance schedules posted online. What pro-active repairs to do at which mileage intervals. Works great!

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lol_camis@reddit

My wife has a 2007 Yaris that has never had a major repair. Just maintenance like tires and batteries and stuff. 188k on it right now

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WetBrownFart@reddit

Not after ‘22, they’re quality has gone down hill.

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My 2014 Rav 4 uses the same gas door lever as my 97 rav 4 did. It works. I love my ravs.

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ImNotAWhaleBiologist@reddit

That’s a shame. You’d think Toyota would’ve given you a new one with the new car.

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makk73@reddit

Why?

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Filmy-Reference@reddit

Yes they are. If you think the Toyota is boring then get a Lexus. I bought mine specifically because it was built in Japan and shipped to Canada.

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Toyotatech28@reddit

It’s a cult

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thebeginingisnear@reddit

Toyota household here. knock on wood the cars have been reliability beasts. The extent of my vehicle issues since we went all toyota have been only consumables like tires and TPMS sensors. Wife and I both have over 100k miles on our vehicles (Rav4 and lexus is250), expect to get them both to 200k+ on regular maintenance hopefully.

I can't imagine the nightmare of having a car that constantly needs to be in the shop and will choose reliability over the sex appeal and fun of driving a BMW anyday. I remember my ex had a BMW, every week seemed like something wasnt working, from the automatic windows, to the key fob, to some other random electrical problem. Fun car, but giant pain in the ass. I remember one time we had a cart full of groceries but were locked out of her car cause it just wouldnt unlock even though the batteries on vehicle and key were fine.

I agree the Rav4 is boring compared to other vehicles in same class with lots of bells and whistles... but were fine with that tradeoff. Also with my wife being short and us having twin toddlers the super low trunk height was a big plus for us. Sure having monitors in the rear seat headrests and fancy screens would be nice... but the practicality, functionality, and reliability is a worthwhile tradeoff for us.

I think people who buy cars like jeeps as their sole vehicle are nuts.

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Jalopnicycle@reddit

If you're buying from a dealer Toyota Certified Used means nothing. You still need to get it inspected and I wouldn't trust a Toyota dealer sales critter with my worst enemy's life. "Never smoked in" he said while I could see cigarette ash between the carpet and door kick plate.

allurboobsRbelong2us@reddit

That's terrible luck. I had two friends with legacys. Both of them had major engine issues, one of which happened right after he bought the legacy. The other buddy bought a used tacoma after his legacy died but the taco had so many issues he ended up selling it to fund a new motor for his old legacy haha. Subaru people really do love their Subarus

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Yokelocal@reddit

Eh, what’s a little oil between you and an AWD friend?

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Lordert@reddit

Anyone with a Hyundai or Kia has highest probability of blown engines. Our household had two blow up (Sorento and Elantra). Outback is best vehicle I've owned.

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_j7b@reddit

My only recommendation on Subarus are to make sure you're getting manual. The CVT automatics are good until they break, then they'll cost you a few body parts to replace.

Other than that, I've never had an issue with a factory Subaru. Expect about 20 years out of a well serviced, well maintained example. Start modifying them and oh boy do I hope you love spanners.

No_Abrocoma_1772@reddit

Normal reaction for a non informed buyer. Ugly reliable. They do not change something thats not broken, its part of their philosophy. Lets say you begin to respect it, once you understand how good their mechanical and electrical designs are. And remember, they are number 1 brand globally.

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ghernand61@reddit

I have my dad’s car as a commuter, 2006 Corolla, only thing it’s had have been oil changes and wear items (rotors, brakes) it’s at 292k miles as of today

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Tezzmond@reddit

Toyota only use new tech when the bugs have been ironed out (VVT) other manufacturers in their haste to have the latest features release tech before they are ready (DSGs).

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Wolvecz@reddit

I think others have caught up more on reliability… I think they are less of an outlier than they once were..

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ForeverInBlackJeans@reddit

I have a 2013 rav4. It has 190k km on it (approx 120k miles) and has never needed a single repair beyond basic maintenance (oil changes, air filters, new battery, wiper blade, tires, brakes).

It starts every single day in every kind of weather without a flicker of hesitation. I only have FWD but it handles the Canadian snow very well.

misteraustria27@reddit

Not anymore. They are living off their past reliability. Lexus still are build well. Toyota has quite a few issues.

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Advanced-Candidate92@reddit

It’s not a cult Unfortunately no one will ever own a brand new FJ cruiser again. I got lucky in 2023. You’ll just have to find out with a different model. So far good. 😊 Oh yeah, I just helped my daughter get into a 2025 woodland edition. 👍

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Kahless_2K@reddit

Take a look at the rav4 xle. We love ours.

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Exciting_Delay5389@reddit

For the longest time i was a Chevy guy. My buddy at work kept saying " Buy a Toyota- they just don't break!" I did in 2015 - best most reliable car I've ever owned. Rear brakes lasted till 92 k miles- fronts till 102k miles. It came with 3 year 36k warranty new. Never needed it.

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Miss_South_Carolina@reddit

We have a 2015 Highlander with 150k miles on it we bought new. Still drives and operates as good as new. Never a single problem other than routine maintenance. I had a Tundra I bought in 2009 that I took to 300k before I got rid of it. Same thing.. never a problem.

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TW_Yellow78@reddit

New rav 4 is coming out in the next year

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Severe-Present2849@reddit

Driven a lot of brands and I always come back to Toyota. Lexus specifically.

It's the little things that just seem thoughtful and genuinely well designed for humans.

420bluntzz@reddit

I tired to kill my 05 tacoma. The frame rotted out in the end

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thelinebetween22@reddit

They're boring but reliable. I'm about to sell my 19 year old beat-up Toyota hatchback and it's managed to hold 35% of the sale price despite its age and condition. It's been so reliable.

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Smooth_Limit_1500@reddit

Buy a Honda because it’s “Just as good” That’s a mistake I won’t make again.

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Racing_Fox@reddit

My ‘87 MR2 never misses a beat even after being sat for 23 years it’s fine. Had a ‘98 Corolla that was sat for the best part of a decade and fired up first time on the second crank like it hadn’t missed a beat. Had an ‘08 Aygo too and that was solid

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projektako@reddit

TLDR, it's a cult... Some Toyotas are that good but that reality has mostly evaporated.
I worked for a Toyota dealership during the early/mid 2000s and most of the cars from the late 90s and early 2000s were fairly good. Plenty of issues with the transmissions and engine sludging that isn't talked about and common enough in a dealership. Now, as they pivoted more and more towards mass market and increased sales, they skimp more and more on proper solutions vs cheap solutions.
People SAY Toyota parts are cheap? They are NOT, but you can certainly get compatible parts cheap.
The fact is that they are no longer run by the obsessive engineering focused leaders that created TQM.
Instead it's become more and more an inflexible giant corporation less and less able to properly innovate. This shows in the issues with their products like their V6 turbos.
It's decidedly cultish as I've had friends and family ask me for advice, try alternative product, like it more and go right back to a Toyota product and complain later. Meanwhile I have friends in other brands with same or better reliability.
They are the default "appliance" choice but more and more but the best choice.

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1sixxpac@reddit

Toyota trucks not to buy? None of them, not a bad one in the batch …

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PucThePuc@reddit

It's not a nice ride at all, but they are very reliable.

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Apprehensive-Desk194@reddit

Definitely a cult. People hear Toyota and get all riled up. Literally the only "good" thing about them is reliability. And that's debatable and for older models only. They are antiquated, badly painted, slow, boring, bland, ugly, uncomfortable, cheap pieces of shit.

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Spencer-And-Bo@reddit

Have had accords and camrys break 300k miles with nothing but brake pads, oil changes, and gas.

secondrat@reddit

Toyota is definitely the reliability leader.

But most cars these days are way more reliable than they were 30-40 years ago.

I find most Toyotas to be boring and overpriced. I have had great luck with high mileage Mercedes. Even my Alfa Romeo’s all have high miles on them. If you maintain a car properly they will last.

https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Resources/Images/QIRAlpha.png

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null640@reddit

They have higher warranty repair costs and lifetime maintenance costs than... Drumroll...

Tesla.

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JollyGreenGigantor@reddit

Cult. Most cars will last to 200K+ with basic maintenance these days.

Toyotas can last longer than most if you're bad at maintenance schedules, which is the only perk for them. Also tends to mean people will push maintenance farther out or ignore it completely because it's a Toyota. Or overload the weight ratings of the truck with toppers and gear in the case of Tacos and Tundras.

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null640@reddit

Stelantis is a notable exception.

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West_Prune5561@reddit

Why not both?

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null640@reddit

Depends upon the year.

Last 10, their quality has dropped off a cliff, per objective measures.

If you do not know anything about cars and aren't prepared to invest the time in learning which make, model and year of a car is good and what the risks are / things you need to watch out for then yeh, buy a Toyota.

If you want something that is no frills and no fuss but will last a very long time and you're prepared to pay a premium for that, buy a Toyota.

If you don't want to regularly service your car (every 6 months) and basically not appropriately maintain it, buy a Toyota.

For everyone else, Honda and Mazda are also great. Depending on your price range, Nissan can be quite good too. Depending on your preparedness to incur maintenance costs and upfront cost, BMW and Porsche are excellent.

I would stay away from most car brands owned by VW though and most British, Chinese and American car brands though.

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Friendly_Care5245@reddit

If by British you may be referring to Mini? Since 2019 they have made some of the best and most reliable cars on the market. Some years JD power and consumer reports have them ranked top 5 in reliability…above Honda.

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Raven_25@reddit

Mini, MG, Jaguar, McLaren, Aston Martin, even Bentleigh to some degree. Only outlier is RR but if you have the budget for that, I'm sure you'll do your research as it costs as much as a house.

Because they ignore that lots of other cars are also reliable.

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KevinDean4599@reddit

Toyota makes a quality reliable product. what other vehicle in a similar price point is so amazing that it's worth dealing with issues? I have a hybrid Rav4 and love everything about it. it has everything I want in a car. Vehicles are depreciating assets so I refuse to dump a bunch of money into something that's going to be a headache and drop in value like a rock in the first 2 years.

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chromhound@reddit

Both

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ItsAllJustAHologram@reddit

I have a 2006 Hilux, it's crossed deserts, worked on my farm since new, over 400,000 on it. One clutch and new injectors, nothing else. They're very very good cars, but it's as slow as a wet week and devoid of anything belonging to this century. I will NEVER sell it. It's a beast!

Having said that, buy the car you want to drive, not what your husband wants.

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Sufficient_Steak_839@reddit

Too bad the Hilux isn’t available in many western markets.

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Sufficient_Steak_839@reddit

It’s a cult. See their impotent sputtering rage anytime a brand other than Toyota leads in reliability evaluations.

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Spiritual_Ratio2912@reddit

In 2010 I bought a new BMW 5 series for $60,000. By the time I paid it off in 2017, i could only get $2000 trade in value for it. It had so many problems. Deteriorating wire harness, repeating fuel pump problems, dash board lights. I had it dealer maintained until warranty expired.

Then I bought my 2018 Toyota Highlander for $42,000. Will be paid off this summer. I have never had any problem with it. Ever. Nothing. I see 2018 Highlanders with more miles than mine selling for more than $20,000.

It is not a cult. It is a reality.

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Captain_Aizen@reddit

No they aren't anything special and yes it does have a cult following for a very specific audience. Toyotas are loved by frugal people who do not care about luxury or features at all or quality and are only concerned with a car that has an engine that will run the longest amount of time with the cheapest and least amount of maintenance required. Although they are starting to lose their Frugal audience because the prices of a Toyota are getting so out of control from the dealership. But you are absolutely correct they are boring as beans and many of them rattle around like you're driving in a shoe box. Toyota's are usually the preferred car for people who either Drive commercially long distance or do food delivery or rideshare because they plan on pounding a million miles on that car while making Dirt Cheap wages and Toyota vehicles sort of fit the niche for that. Toyota's are usually not the car for folks who want the driving Experience so to speak.

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Shadowfeaux@reddit

My coworker had a Tacoma and put 70k miles on it and then blew the motor. The kicker? He didn’t do a single thing maintenance related other than brake pads once to pass inspection. He was somehow still on the original oil from the factory, etc.

Also - as someone who services their own vehicle most of the time. I do think Toyota makes more of an effort than other manufacturers to make their cars more easily serviceable.

The Toyota love can definitely come across as culty - but I think that's just because they've built their reputation over 50+ years of quality, pragmatic engineering. They have their misses. However, I think that most people who buy a Toyota and live with it for a long time tend to come to understand why they have such a cult following.

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mmmmmyee@reddit

Fully fledged Toyota cult dude here. I’ve torn my corolla apart a handful of times and going through it each time I see small details that I can tell where they changed some small detail of something from one year to another (when upgrading said parts like suspension arms, crank rods, gears, heads, etc.). Everything is so intentional. Even block design where extra bracing was added as an afterthought(?).

The car was fine leaving the factory but they still found ways to continue improving things despite the cars meeting their specifications.

You can tell how kaizen and their other engineering/company philosophies play into their finished products.

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Liftweightfren@reddit

“Don’t fix what ain’t broken” sums up Toyota quite well imo.

WanderingWithWonderr@reddit

Really that good. Along with Honda.

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General1lol@reddit

Toyota is good but Honda is just as reliable and eat to work on. Honda doesn’t have the Toyota tax either. Suspiciously, I didn’t see it mentioned in the top comments.

My sister and friends hondas need more work.

When I was a BMW Technician, I did alot more work on BMWs under 5 yrs old.

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wallygoots@reddit

Data is good. Carcomplaints.com has a seal of awesome for reliability kings. Toyota's list is very long, especially 4runners and Seqouias. Other data suggest their dependability is high. I own a 1996 Rav4 2-door. It just keeps ticking. We own a 2015 Avalon which is a very nice car to drive. Our Pilot is near end of life at 200k and the Toyotas are no where near end of life at 200k. They hold their value better than other cars so if you plan to buy a new car frequently rather than drive it into the ground, resale is higher.

Everyone else here can address other models, but currently Toyota makes the worst full size pickup on the market (yeah yeah, you can argue against the Chevy because of the 6.2L and the transmission).

The twin turbo V6 in the Tundra is absolutely awful and grenading randomly. It’s so bad they’re replacing all Tundra motors.

Go watch the Car Care Nuts tear down of the engine - he’s 100% a Toyota guy (and a Toyota master mechanic)… even he is pretty taken aback by how bad it is.

Toyota does make mistakes, again, as evidenced by the Tundra.

That said, the Corolla, Prius, Camry, and RAV4 are pretty bulletproof.

The current Tacoma and 4Runner seem pretty good, but I’m not completely sold on either.

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jwallin2007@reddit

They are so good they turn people into cult Toyota people - if that makes any sense?

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KawaZuki_Dylan@reddit

I bought a 15 Corolla with 90 something thousand miles on it in late 2021. It’s now sitting a little over 200k and the only thing I’ve replaced outside of fluids, brakes and tires is front brake calipers last week. The sliders seized up pretty bad but that could have been prevented if I greased them periodically like I should.

I had a 94 Wrangler. Rust got it at 190,000 miles. Sold to a Jeep yard and kept my powertrain for a different project

I have a 2011 Sierra SLE. 215,000 miles, bought at 170,000. It’s been the most unreliable, and the only things I’ve done is replace a shitty bottom of the line battery, a few sensors, and a fuel pump

According to the internet I should not have gotten as much out of these vehicles as I did. I did absolutely nothing special with them

TL:DR- cars aren’t glass. Do your basic maintenance, fix a light when it comes on, watch your fluids, and look at things before you buy them.

There is a Toyota tax. Toyota knows this. They also know they have a cult to protect their brand image when they start pumping out an unreliable product, I personally do not believe trusting a company is not a safe move anymore but that’s beside the point. The reliability is based in fact and experience, but with basic maintenance understanding and money on the side to not ignore issues when they’re past your skillset you will own a reliable vehicle

On the other side of the coin, a lack of basic maintenance will also screw up the most reliable vehicle- Toyota or not

Cars are machines like any other. Treat them like so. Inspect before purchase, treat them well, and when time comes to jump to another it’ll be clear

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poochlips@reddit

My recommendation is to start researching the vehicles in your market. YouTube videos, articles, Reddit posts. If you like that, run the VIN, look for recalls, make sure the paperwork on it checks out, no accidents, etc. If that checks out, find a reputable shop if you don’t have one already and have it inspected. Toyota could make a lemon just as Hyundai could push out an Elantra that’ll run until the sun burns out, you just have to dip your toe in the pool before you jump in

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ZealousidealAnt111@reddit

They try to keep things simple and continue to use outdated technology for a 5-10 year vehicle lifecycle. The rav4 is definitely outdated, but it’s simple and isn’t likely to break.

If you’re a person who keeps a vehicle for 5-10 years it makes sense, if you get a new vehicle every couple years then it is a waste and you’ll dislike how overpriced Toyotas are with how little tech they have

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Worth_Reply_6002@reddit

I don’t know. I’ve had over 100 vehicles and the only one I have kept is a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. Had it since 99. I’ll never get rid of it. Here is why: compact pickup so small like a Corolla in width. 5 speed manual. Manual j shift transfer case with low range. Manual crank windows. Has power steering and ac :) no cruise. Elite status.

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jreashville@reddit

I’m in a sixteen year old Corolla and it’s never broken down.

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Disastrous_Ad2839@reddit

My uncle who was a mechanic for Toyota then Lexus which basically is Toyota and now he is a civilain contractor for the Air Force. And he stands by this statement: if your Toyota is under 100k miles, it is almost brand new 95% of the time.

There is also a tiktok or reel my gf showed me where this dude is going around asking mechanics from different dealerships which car brand is most likely to get you to at least 200k? I think most of them mentioned Toyota.

Maybe a decade ago. Modern vehicles are way too close in comparison. Ok, minus Land Rover, Jeep, Fiat, Jaguar.

What I hate about Toyota is their user tech and their interior finishes. Cheap materials and tacky. Even Lexus these days use cheap crap interior.

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MOTRHEAD4LIFE@reddit

Can’t say cheap my mate had to get a new cable connector to some old pos corolla and that shit was 50€ for a fucking cable connector

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Pogichinoy@reddit

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Owned mostly Toyotas and Hondas (old) and they’ve been solid.

Don’t expect recent Hyundai levels of styling but Toyotas are built for purpose.

Currently driving a Prado and it’s bulletproof.

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austxsun@reddit

Almost all vehicles are designed to the same specifications, it’s the manufacturing that they excel at.

Unfortunately, a lot of Toyota's newer cars have turbocharged engines or are hybrids so I don't think they'll last as long without some major expenses of replacing the turbo or getting new batteries for the hybrid if you hold on to them long enough but I'd still pick Toyota over any other brand.

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mordehuezer@reddit

They're good cars AND people overhype them. Extreme emphasis on overhype, and that's the reason the they suck to buy. Pay extra for a shittier car that MIGHT last forever if you actually care about that. If you don't like the look/feel of a car I don't see why you'd buy it, especially if it's overpriced.

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Mikeg216@reddit

Little bit of both

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However in my personal opinion, Mitsubishi, up until recently, actually out does Toyota in reliability, if you can bare the increased fuel consumption.

Can't really kill a magna/380 and non Evo lancers are similar

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Butt-Dude@reddit

Jury is still out for me. It’s the first foreign car I’ve owned. 2018 corolla is good so far. Just oil changes after 3 years and 60k miles (I drive a lot for work). I guess that’s a slightly better track record than chevy’s I’ve had. Way, WAY better than the one cadillac I had.

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Averen@reddit

lol not a cult

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User_Name_Is_Stupid@reddit

My Dad has a 2000 Tacoma that runs as good as it did 25 yrs ago when it was new. Mom had 2 Camrys over 20 yrs. I had an FJ Cruiser that gave me no issues, and have a 5th Gen 4Runner now.

Toyotas are boring and outdated because they focus on Reliability first and foremost.

rodon25@reddit

2011 venza. 110k miles. Aside from fluid changes and a set of spark plugs, I've done a pad slap on both axles, pads and rotors on the rear, all 4 struts, rear hatch struts, rear sway bar bushings, and a couple repairs to heat shields. Basically all maintenance.

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rodon25@reddit

2012 tundra, about 65k miles. Original pads still have 4-5mm on them, original rotors are fine. Haven't replaced any shocks/struts. It does have a cam tower oil leak which is a pretty big repair, and a common issue for that era, but most people just keep an eye on their oil level as it isn't serious. Still mainly maintenance/wear items.

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Jaymac720@reddit

I just bought a 2021 RAV4. I’m gonna keep it for a long time. My dad still has a 2004 4Runner workhorse car. It still runs perfectly fine with like 280k miles on it

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TheReaperSovereign@reddit

A camry might outlast you but the new Tacoma is a disaster and Toyota can't even pay people to buy the Mirai.

Car forums like to generalize brands but that doesn't really work. Toyota has some good vehicles and some bad ones

And when you talk used, service records matter. Region too. The engine on a Toyota may be fine in 10 years in the midwest, the frame will have rust on it though

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Old_Assist_5461@reddit

For me it’s the solid feeling of the suspension and the minimal maintenance. They definitely don’t have the bells and whistles that you will find in other brands, but I’m just here for the ride and not having to put more money into something I already own. Whenever I’ve been in between trucks I’ve test driven Ford Ram and Chevy and just didn’t like the ride. This and I had a Toyota last 333,000 before giving it, fully functioning to a friend.

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runtimemess@reddit

Depends.

Do you want a car that you're going to drive forever? Yeah, they're pretty good for that minus the odd model with known issues.

If you're someone who likes to churn through cars every 7-10 years? You probably won't see much of a benefit aside from decent trade in value. My advice for this kind of owner is just buy something like a Hyundai, Kia, or Chevy. You'll get rid of them before you run into any major problems anyway and get some good included tech and modern interiors.

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redhtbassplyr0311@reddit

I like my 2022 Toyota Highlander much better than my previous 2021 and 2022 Kia Sorento's. The reason I had two back-to-back model year Kias is the 1st one became a lemon and the 2nd was a replacement under lemon law. Unfortunately, the 2022 Sorento had both some of the same problems and then some different ones that the 21 didn't have and I got rid of it after 2 months, not wanting to go through the process all over again.

It's very debatable if their overpriced but i think they are right now. I don't think their that ahead of the competition, and I also don't think most people keep their cars for long enough to justify the price anyways. However it's totally subjective right now.

That being said they are a very "safe" option. Like you really can't go wrong getting one, it's more if you just feel like your missing out on a more fun car.

Lov3I5Treacherous@reddit

Giantmeteor_we_needU@reddit

RAV4 is rather unimpressive SUV like most Toyota vehicles, people don't buy it to be wowed by the luxury interior or mind-blowing performance. Most people buy it because RAV4 is one of the most reliable compact SUVs on the road and holds resale value very well over the years. If you find it too boring and outdated check out Mazda CX-5 with 256hp turbo engine.

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cessna209@reddit

They are that good, generally. Definitely can’t go wrong with a RAV4 for reliability.

Currently own a Tacoma and recently owned a Scion (Toyota) tC. 15 and 20 years old respectively and never had any mechanical issues besides basic maintenance and one rusted exhaust section.

Additionally, Honda and Mazda also have a well-deserved reputation for reliability if those are more your style.

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FLIPSIDERNICK@reddit

They are mechanically reliable. They are mostly very boring looking vehicles and aren’t very comfortable. Quality of interior materials has remained mediocre throughout their storied history.

So while they are mechanically one of the best vehicles on the market the worship they get is cultish for sure.

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ScroogeMcDuckFace2@reddit

reliability over shiny