10th May 2008, 20:05
17:26.
Toyota makes superior engines?
How come Consumer Affairs is overrun with complaints of Toyota engines failing at less than 50,000 miles?
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/toyota_engine.html
I have NEVER had any of my domestic engines fail, and I always keep them to over 200,000 miles with no trouble. Explain to me how Toyota engines failing at under 50,000 miles are superior to my engines.
11th May 2008, 11:13
Good point 20:05. None of our domestics has ever had an engine or transmission failure at all, EVER. Some made over 300,000 miles.
In all fairness, the one Toyota we owned did hit 100,000 miles with no engine problems, but we were dying of boredom and traded it.
The determination of "superior" is very subjective. To some people an engine is "superior" to another if it lasts 50,000 miles, while the "inferior" engine goes over 300,000 miles.
`import owners love to refer to their "refined" and "sophisticated" engines. Of course, these terms are synonymous with "trouble-prone" and "expensive to fix". The "old fashioned" and "outdated" GM 3.8 push-rod V-6's are still some of the best and most reliable engines ever made. The basic engine design of our in-line 6-cylinder SUV dates back to the 1930's, yet it puts out 275 horsepower, is silky smooth, and gets 24mpg on the highway at 75 with the A/C on and a full load of occupants. In 6 years it has never had a single repair.
I'll take an "inferior", "unsophisticated" engine like that over a "refined", "superior" engine that lasts less than 50,000 miles any day.
11th May 2008, 21:49
20:05 I can explain it easily: GM, Ford, and Dodge have had, per 100 or 1000 vehicles sold, WAY more recalls and problems for failed engines than Toyota ever has. Turn your comment around completely and it begins to make sense. Toyota's are the ones that will go 2 or 300,000 miles flawlessly. GM makes the ones that blow up in 60,000 miles due to head gaskets and many other just as serious issues.
12th May 2008, 12:33
We've owned over 30 domestic vehicles from all of the Big Three. Not one has EVER blown a head gasket in up to 320,000 miles. I have no idea where such ideas come from.
12th May 2008, 13:47
Buying every few years, I have yet to have a domestic engine failure, but I have had engine/trans issues with the imports in the adjacent area in my garage (my wife's) lately. I have very likely owned many more vehicles in my 39 years of driving (I am 54) than the individual that has owned few vehicles on here. The newest imports literally stunk at her home.
12th May 2008, 17:54
21:49 care to comment on 20:05 comment? Of course not... you have had limited new vehicle ownership lately, and you believe that the 2008 vehicles with higher production are equally built to the level of care long ago. I can understand that if I actually kept my 1995 import to this day, but I did not. I bought many more and lived with them; the longest I got rid of at 100,000 miles when I had to buy a heater core dumping fluid all over my passengers legs, front end work, A/C went and then timing belt. That was minor compared to engine and trans issues later. Never had all those issues with domestics. I sold them with the drivetrains intact and are still likely that way.
12th May 2008, 19:12
Not my GM's. Not my Fords either. None of my domestic vehicles have ever had a head gasket failure, or any other type of engine or transmission failure.
I cannot believe you are even bringing up head gasket failures in an attempt to defend Toyota. Toyota is the head gasket failure king. Everyone I know who has or had a Toyota has had a head gasket failure, on both 4 and 6 cylinder models. Are you completely unaware of the particular problems Toyota's have historically had? Bad example.
13th May 2008, 16:23
19:12 No, it was a good example. You're just unwilling to admit all of the domestic head gasket failures, which doesn't surprise me any.
Head gasket failures on Toyota 4 cylinders huh? Let's use Toyota's 22re motor as an example. That is a far, FAR better engine than any of the Big 3 have even attempted to make. There is no comparison. If GM, Ford, or Dodge ever made an engine that was a fraction of as good as that one, they wouldn't be in the pitiful shape that they are in. Need I mention the Grand Am? Or do you not know about the endless head gasket failures those death traps are well know for?
You can keep trying to criticize Toyota if you like; it makes no difference. They'll continue to embarrass the Big 3 with a far better product, as they always have done.
14th May 2008, 10:17
"Need I mention the GRAND AM"!! Yes, why don't we. I am a member of a Grand Am club and currently drive one with 75,000+ miles that has never had one single repair. These are some of the best, most reliable cars GM has built. They embody great handling, rugged reliability and sporty styling. I know of a number of people who have driven their Grand Ams well over 200,000 miles with no engine or transmission problems. If people have never owned a domestic, they should refrain from posting inaccurate comments.
17th Nov 2008, 15:46
My 2002 Tundra has 230,000 km (143,000 miles). Still not 1 problem ever, except the lock mechanism on the gas cap ($75). It has never been to a shop, other than oil change and tires. A colleague sold his (for $8000!) at 470,000km (~300,000 miles). I asked him what should I be prepared for in the future for repairs on mine - he said NOTHING EVER. He quickly corrected himself and said "oh yeah, I had to get a new battery".
We buy GM and fords at work, only because we need 3/4 tons and 1tons for towing etc - constantly needing fixing.
5th Dec 2008, 23:02
A trouble-free rig after 300K miles is a example of good maintenance and care, nothing more. Even the lowest rated car can achieved such numbers. Especially with good road conditions and climate, like in the southern states.
Toyota's reputation in Canada is different: They will never reach high mileage because of their poor structural integrity. Degraded pavement and potholes will cause body stress they can't suffer. When I bought my 4Runner, I was convinced I had the best. A rugged look, big tires and high ground clearance. A Cherokee was a grocery getter to my eyes. Time to go off-road! I got stuck in a off-camber position, came back 2 days later, start the engine and blew one engine head. Oil starvation they said! Over a high incline in low gear, the rear axle exploded. Dealer diagnosis: Abuse.
10th May 2008, 09:16
No, Toyota shouldn't make lawn mowers. Most people want to get more than one season out of a lawn mower.