Comments: 1-15, 16-21
Cylinder head gone at 110-120K miles.
Radiator replaced twice.
Several thermostats replaced.
Timing chain snapped at 148K miles.
Small items like starter and alternator replaced at 100K miles.
First I will be fair, and say that this truck has serviced me well over the years since I bought it knew.
Why I am writing this review is that I feel compelled to offer a counter point to the ubiquitous "Toyota is so incredibly reliable" mantra, heard everywhere you turn.
Based on my experience, I don't find this to be the case. Yes, it's an OK vehicle, but not an extraordinary vehicle.
I bought this vehicle, paying more than for a comparable American or Nissan, giving up nice options like AC, because I believed from prevalent testimonials that this would be the most reliable vehicle I could ever own, going 200-300K miles without major engine trouble.
A new cylinder head at 110K miles?? A timing chain at 148K miles?? These are major service expenses. In my opinion these run counter to popular opinion.
I took very good care of this vehicle,
changing oil constantly and performing all the requisite services.
What happened to the "run forever", "lowest cost of ownership" ideals? What happened to the 200K+ miles everyone brags about on his or her Toyota?
Plastic guides for the timing chain where they once used metal? Single row
timing chain where they once a double row?
Let's be honest. Toyota made incredible vehicles at one time that really did support popular opinion with fact.
But more significantly they did an incredible job of weaving the Toyota legendary reliability into our folklore, leaving an indelible influence on our popular perception and reaping the benefits of legions of us unquestioning, multiplying buyers paying more for less. while they started scaling back and cheapening design, materials and overall costs.
I couldn't agree with the reduced quality levels of Toyota cars and trucks which have fallen to just slightly above average. This is attributed to when the vehicles began to be manufactured in the U.S.
Yes, absolutely. My truck was made in the US.
And now, they are going to scale up manufacturing in Mexico. So they're clearly headed in the direction of slashing costs.
Bought my 1996 T100 4x4 ext cab new in January of that year. It has 148,000 miles on it and most recently went 6,000 miles between oil changes without using a drop of oil. I replaced the timing belt at 100K and just had to replace a right front seal that was rotted. Just replaced factory fan belt and am putting on the third set of front brakes, they are averaging 75,000 miles. The auto transmission untouched and still smooth. Average mpg is 19. The antennae had to be fixed for about $80 as it quit going up. Perhaps mine is exceptional, but after a lot of use on and off road it is the best I have owned. I hope to put another 100K on it and then will probably have to buy a Tundra.
I have a 1989 Corolla with 245k/m and I'm taking it to a round trip to Florida from NYC so I don't know what problems of reliability they talk about. all I know is that the body of my car will die before the engine does.
Toyotas go and go and go... they're like the energizer bunny. as the other gent said, only make sure the oil change is done on time and you have nothing else to worry about. let see if I can make the 300.000 miles!!!
Ivandasin@yahoo.com.
I've owned 5 Toyotas from a 1980 to 1987, 2wd,, 2wd extra cab 4wd, and 4Runner. I've regretted selling each one. The early Toyota pickup set the standard, yet they do wear out. They are perhaps of the most durable vehicles in every regard.
With this experience, and the experience of 18 years in the auto industry, the newer Toyota is very good, but not the equal of the early pickups. The v6's are definitely not the motor to own. Stay away from the v6 unless you MUST have the extra power.
It's sad to see a great line of vehicle abandon its heritage, even if it's ever so slowly.
I bought a standard Toyota pick up - 1994, stripped down, I have 161,000 miles on it. I replaced the radiator once, the clutch once- I tend to ride the clutch- I have not been particularlt attentive to regular maintenance- the starter motor died a few days ago and that's it in 10 years.
The problems listed- cylinder head, thermostat, & radiator in particular speak of what may have been one problem. Was it driven over heated when these problems were occurring? This might explain the premature demise of the cylinder head. Granted the radiator should not have been a problem- though what quality water (hardness- mineral content) or additives were added? If clogged it needs to be rodded out by a radiator shop. This is ordinary preventive maintenance. Thermostats do go south once in the while. Do not drive until repaired when it happens. No, not even just "another 10 miles!")
What is the stated replacement interval for the timing chain? They like all things mechanical eventually wear. And as they wear they stretch. Comes a time to replace them. I'd hope to get 150K unless the manufacturer says earlier. But I'd be thinking of changing no later.
Not sure if these issues were contributing factors or not, but I'd sure like to hear.
I have a 1979 Toyota Corolla 5 speed. It is a piece of junk to look at. But nothing has ever been changed on it except the battery, brakes, oil, tires, and antifreeze throughout the years. It has 500,000 miles on it. It runs, but not strong, everything is rusted, windshield is cracked, carpet is all dirty and ripped, all seats ripped. But it starts up and gos every time. I haven't changed the oil in it for the last 40,000 miles. That darn thing won't die.
I could not agree more. Part of the reason I submitted a rotten review of my 1988 Toyota pickup I bought brand new (not posted yet -??? why is this???) was for the exact same reasons. What is this BS about Toyota being so great? It's simply not true. They are average at best. I've owned many Chevys also and put just as many miles on them and had fewer problems than with Toyotas. I've owned 2 Toyotas - also brand new (one was a handmedown from my parents) I'm 46 yo and put my share of miles on cars. Toyota is waaaaay over-rated. And both Toyotas *were* made in Japan so I don't want to hear this made is US BS either. My cylinder head was rebuilt twice. This MAJOR engine work. The truck never made it to 200K. It's sitting in my driveway. It smokes and the starter system is shot. It has multiple other problems waiting to be worked on. Infiniti is great and warrants lots of praise. Toyota is average to below average, but for some reason (is it a conspiracy or something?) they get these rave reviews by everyone. Well, not this guy. Sorry.
I own a 94 Toyota 4wd, automatic transmission, 22RE motor, with 157,000 miles on it. Man, that thing runs like a charm. My brother owned it before me and the only major thing that has ever been replaced is the rear end. I am going to put a new radiator in it soon and we have had a valve job done to it at 140,000. As long as you keep everything maintained and keep it tuned up, I don't see how this this won't run forever. We replace the oil every 3,000 miles and it comes out just as clean as it was when we filled it up. I don't care what yawl say, I'll be a Toyota man forever.
The original post mentioned the dual row, rubber coated steel chain guide in the 22R engine until the mid 80's. This was a superior setup. The plastic guide in my 1994 was slapping so hard against my timing cover I took it in to the dealer for repair. When I learned of Toyota's design change to the 22R I was very disapointed. I am not saying Toyota is a bad car. But I agree that it has been scaled down from what they made at one time. On a scale from 1 to 10 I would give my Toyota Pickup a 7. But honestly, my neighbor has a 2000 Ford Ranger at 100K and no probs. I am now awake to the fact after owning a Toyota that one must not jump on this Toyota is best non sense. Look around. Be open minded!
I live in Namibia, and Toyota is a legend in this country.
I personally have had two pick-ups, a single cab KZTE and a 2.7 petrol double cab (2001 and 2002, respectively). Both vehicles impressed me, but the KZTE was by far the best vehicle I ever drove. Effortless power and low fuel consumption. I drove up steep mountain passes with and without double axle trailers, and it just went on and on. Services were done by the book, and the agents are really excellent in this country.
Land-cruisers are king here, but the hilux does not stand far behind. I would recommend any Hilux, new or old to anyone. They may now be as soft and comfortable, but will surely last longer than your average car.
Friends of ours are missionaries in Angola and Zambia, and prefer the older diesel versions, with the asthmatic non turbo 2.4 diesel (circa early 90's). Some of them have now more than 500 k kilometers on the clock with only your most basic service and poor diesel quality alike (common in Africa).
If your Toyota tranny or engine goes, pop in 2nd hand Lexus V8, sort out any small teething problems you might have and enjoy 300 horses under your seat.
Viva Toyota, give me any Toyota tomorrow, beats anything hands down on reliability, period.
I agree with the original poster, and I also agree with the person that says keep an open mind.
I've had several Toyotas, and I've generally had good ownership experience; like all machines problems do arise from time to time, depending on the age and overall condition of that vehicle when I bought it. Don't expect a 15-20-25 year old vehicle to be 100% trouble free. One must use common sense.
I agree Toyota quality is not what it once was, especially in some of its lower end models. By the same token I've had a few poor ownership experiences with some American vehicles, and I'm not ready to write them off yet because I had a few incredible experiences with American products... I beat them, neglected them and they were bulletproof, tough as nails. Don't be a lemming, use common sense when buying, because not all Toyota is great, and not all American is scrap.
I have a 1994 Pick up made in Japan. Have 130,000 miles on it and have not replaced starter, timing chain, or have had any bad heads.
So far have replaced heater/AC blower motor and a new clutch around 106,000 and speed/odometer around 115,000 miles.
I drive a Toyota Hilux, 3.0 L non turbo engine model 2002. It had served me well. I'd tortured my pick up loading as much load it can carry. I carry loads up in the hilly terrain. I had no serious problem with it. I had changed battery once, disk brake twice. At 120,000 Km I have not encounterred any problem. The only problem was the immobilizer and the remote keys should be replaced. For medium to heavy task I would recomend Toyota. What I do with my Toyota cannot be equated with the Ford rangers, Storm mitsubishi, Mazda Fighters or the Nissan frontier. Why.. all those are urban in nature and would not dare to do the task I assigned to my Toyota. Though sluggish, the towing power is there.