Why would anyone buy a Toyota?

[ragajungle]

Im not bashing 'Yota,(I know a lot of them are built here-BUT there HQ is in Japan and a big chunk of purchase price covers administrative work-and I would rather pay a company that is BASED in the US than Japan) I just prefer to feed American secretaries... I'm jus sayin... Ford Rules!Ford GM and Chrysler BUILT the AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS NOT KIA, TOYOTA, DEAWOO, NISSAN And HONDA.-Don't Forget it. (un-disputable)

 

[ragajungle]

News
• Toyota Considers Yet Another Recall
• Toyota Recalls, Halts Sales of Lexus Hybrid
• Judge Orders Toyota to Turn Over Internal Documents
• Lexus GX 460 Passes Retest
• Toyota Recalling Older Sequoia SUVs
• Toyota Recalls 2010 Lexus SUVs
• Toyota Agrees to Pay Penalty
• Toyota Faces Subrogation Action From Insurance Firms
• Consumer Reports Calls Lexus SUV Unsafe
• Toyota Exec Reportedly Urged Company to 'Come Clean'
• Feds Seeks Maximum Civil Penalty Against Toyota
• Toyota Faces Class Action Demanding Full Refunds
• Toyota Denies Prius Recall is in the Works
• Pontiac Vibe Sucked Into Toyota Recall
• Toyota Takes Aim At Critics
• Consumers Say Sudden Acceleration Problems Nothing New
• Consumers Describe Sudden Acceleration Experiences
• Some Repaired Toyotas Still Suddenly Accelerating, Owners Claim
• Two Toyota Models Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
• Experts: Toyota Faces Challenge Winning Back Consumer Confidence
• Survey: Toyota Image Slips Among Its Current Customers
• New York Toyota Owners to Get Help With Recalled Vehicles
• Toyota Memo Bragged About Limiting 2007 Recall
• Feds Receive New Toyota Fatality Reports
• Toyota Recalls Impact Online Car Shopping
• Toyota Plans Incentives, Longer Warranties to Win Back Consumers
• Toyota Seeks to Repair Brand As Well As Cars
• Toyota Announces Accelerator Pedal Fix
• Toyota Suspends Sales of Popular Models Plagued by Sticking Accelerators
• Toyota Announces Recall to Fix Runaway Acceleration
• Toyota Recalling 110,000 Tundra Pickups
• Toyota Raises Prices, Prius Jumps $400
• Quality Auditor Charges Toyota Cover-Up
• Toyota Agrees to Oil-Sludge Settlement
• Software Glitch Slows Some 2007 Camrys
• Is Toyota's Quality Slipping?
• Toyota Delays U.S. Sales of New Corolla to Improve Quality
• Facing Massive Recalls, Toyota Executives Promise to Do Better
• Toyota Recalls Near 800,000 for July
• Japanese Probe Recall Delay at Toyota
• Toyota Builds More Efficient Gasoline Engines
• Toyota Cuts Entry-Level Camry Price, Boosts Luxury Mode
• Toyota Sludge

S. of Golden, CO June 3, 2010

Another Toyota recall??? My new 2010 Toyota Tundra with 2,500 miles had a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway (see article below from another person with the same issues). I took the truck to Stevinson West Toyota - they took the engine apart and found multiple holes in the engine block. They are still not telling me the source of this engine failure. Toyota is telling me this is a one time occurrence, but I have been finding multiple problems with other Tundra's (2007-2010), including a USA Today article from 2007, "Toyota fixing engine failures in new tundra trucks." And, while our truck has been in the shop, we spoke with another Tundra owner (2009; in the same shop) who had a similar issue. See exact complaint from someone else who posted online 3-8-2010

Sandy of Williamsburg, VA May 7, 2010

I have a 2001 Toyota, Sienna Van with 70,000+ miles; gramma owned & driven; occasionally long distance (500+ miles) driven; usually local intown and twice monthly interstate of 80 miles. I have been a loyal Toyota owner/operator since 1986 and doing only routine maintance & repairs & very satisified with my vehicles.

In March of 2010 my maint. shop said I had a "Sludge Damaged Engine" and this was a "Known Toyota Problem" for my model; gave me a print out of your report Re this problem & what I could do to keep using the Van. I then checked with other shops and had the same imput. There was/is no way I had the Money for an engine replacement. I am continuing their advice of frequent oil checks & oil changes. I then went to Casey Toyota, in town, for help with this issue since Toyota knew of & had done other replacement repairs because of a group law suite. I was told the following by D. C:

"Yes, Toyota was aware of the problem & no Toyota had not sent notice to the owners; there was no recource since my maint/repairs were not done at a Toyota facility; my service records at other shops didn't count; I was out of warrenty; I shouldn't believe everything I read on the internet; sorry". My shop has told me that much of what I was told was wrong & illegal statements.

Brett of McKinney, TX April 17, 2010

Toyota Sienna (2002) Oil Sludging caused engine rod to break. Result, 5200 dollar estimate to repair.

Isaac of Marysville, CA March 3, 2010

I had purchased a 2001 Toyota Celica gt in October 2005 to initially get to and from work, and in 2007 i noticed that the engine was consuming more oil then normal (1 quart oil = 500miles) after the oil was changed at 96,000 miles, i also started noticing a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment that was only noticeable while driving and i dont know what caused it. I've taken it to Roseville Toyota in California to have it checked out and they kept blaming it on my exhaust, even when i took a technician for a drive to let him listen to the noise, but he still said it was my exhaust.

I have taken my car to them multiple time to have them check it out and also had them do a valve adjustment to see if that was it. It's been 3 years now and 133,000 miles later I'm still dealing with these issues, except now its ticking all the time. Please help, i'm getting tired of dealing with this issue and its starting to get too expensive, having to keep buying oil every 500 miles. I am a college student and i commute to and from school (68 miles round trip, five days a week), and these issues i've been experiencing is so frustrating, and the engine ticks soo much like its about to break down, and the anticipation of when it's gonna break down is getting to be very irritating.

I had initially purchased the car knowing that Toyota was known for making reliable and durable cars like Honda, so i decided to give Toyota a try and see if it held up to its reputation, and plus it was an upgrade from my 89 honda civic that i use to have. I've experienced more mechanical problems with this car then my civic had and it was an 89. I thought Toyota was suppose to be reliable, durable, and dependable, i guess not. If i would have known these cars had soo many issues ahead of time, I would have just stayed with honda, at least i know Honda lasts longer then 200,000 miles.

Tim of Woodbridge, VA February 25, 2010

I had a 2001 Toyota Camry that leaked oil, then blew an engine due to sludge back in 2005. I went through the whole process of submitting paperwork to Toyota and the class-action process only to be denied because I could not product the receipts from when I changed my oil myself (regularly). because of the way the class action was setup, legalities allowed Toyota to not repay me for my troubles. In light of Toyotas present problems and newly discovered coverups (2010), I would gladly resubmit my claim, if it is deemed actionable by any collective seeking legal justice.

Isaac of Marysville, CA February 24, 2010

I had purchased a 2001 Toyota Celica gt in October 2005, and in 2006 i noticed that the engine was consuming more oil then normal (1 quart oil = 500miles) after the oil was changed at 96,000 miles, i also started noticing a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment, I've taken it to Roseville Toyota in California to have it checked out and they kept blaming it on my exhaust, even when i took a technician for a drive to let him listen to the noise, but he still said it was my exhaust.

I have taken my car to them multiple time to have them check it out and also had them do a valve adjustment to see if that was it. It's been 4 years now and I'm still dealing with the issue, i am also on a local forum Newcelica.org and there has been alot of complaints of them having the same issues. There is no way of fixing the issue, but to only replace the engine with one of 2003-2005 years, there was have been some people who have attemped to fix it, by replacing the internal components with one from the 03-05 years. Please help, i'm getting tired of dealing with this issue and its starting to get too expensive. I thought Toyota was supposed to be reliable, but i guess not, if they have soo many issues, I should have just stayed with honda, at least i know Honda lasts longer then 200,000 miles.

Bertrand of Lansing , MI February 23, 2010

I own a 2003 toyota camry. In 2008, while on a weekend ride in a neighboring city, my camry started to leak oil abundantly.I took the car to a neighboring repair shop. After diagnostic, i was told the car will probably need a new engine because the only fix the had in mind might not holp up.The car was leaking up from the top. i was told by the technician that a bolt securing the diveshaft sheared off. Bolts shot through engine causing it to fail and leak oil.

At the time, the car had less than 90K miles so i decided to seek the expertise of the toyota technician.I towed the car to the toyota dealership and had toyota expert look at it.The first thing i was told was that there has'n been any recall due to that issue. At the same time , the tech told me he has never seen such a thing on a toyota and that toyota usually last for long so that was a concern but, he suggested I to put in a new engine for me for 4500. I shpped around called my local dealership in Lansing Mi and awas able to get tha car fix for 3000 even.

Kayle of Petal, MS February 20, 2010

My 2003 Toyota Corolla developed sludge in the engine at 16,000mi. I took it to Toyota of Hattiesburg and they acted like they had never seen sludge before and wanted me to pay 400 to look at it and indicated I may need to replace the engine at my cost. I ended up leaving with it cleaning it up myself and having to put a quart of oil in about every 4hrs when traveling. The district manager was even involved. I have to make sure I check the oil often now. I need to find out more about the class action suit.

John of Augusta, GA February 18, 2010

I am the owner of a 2003 Highlander that has only 37,591 miles on it. Toyota of Augusta serviced the car for its 30,000-mile check-up and no problems were reported. Since then my Highlander has experienced excess oil consumption, blue smoke, especially on startup, check engine light issues, and failed sensors. After learning about previous model year sludge problems I decided to take the car to the local Toyota dealer to have it checked out. On 1/19/2010 it was diagnosed with an engine oil sludge problem resulting in severe cylinder wear. The recommendation was to replace the engine at a cost to me of upwards of 6,000.

Lynn of St. Louis, MO February 17, 2010

Husband is a mechanic. Few years back Dealership claimed since we had no receipts we could not prove we routinely changed OIL, filter, etc. Problem with OIL SLUDGE. This happens in the cold winter months. Husband upkept w/ oil changes, being a professional mechanic. Check engine light went on in december again. Nothing wrong per dealership. Check engine light goes on again a week ago, towed 4Runner to Pappas Dealership, where we purchased it, and the dealership originally claiming we were at fault. Now we are told that the engine needs to be replaced, due to oil sludge.
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Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/toyota_engine.html#ixzz0t9XdkqCn

....I'm just sayin

 

[ragajungle]

Something else interesting... My company terminated it's contract with Yota because of poor quality vehicles...

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Ricoh vs. Toyota

In what may go down as the biggest ‘speedbump’ in Ricoh history, a new issue has surfaced in regard to the IKON transition. As you have been reading over the past few months, IKON has been slowly assuming control of Ricoh.

Examples include the recent layoffs at Ricoh HQ, the Midwest RBS Direct branch that was closed in favor of the local IKON location, and the large Lanier Global Accounts that were ‘transitioned’ from Lanier Global Sales Reps to IKON Major Accounts. Now, a new “assimilation strategy” has been uncovered, due to a serious mistake that was actually beyond Ricoh’s control.

Yesterday, the biggest announcement was made, wherein top IKON management has assumed total control over Ricoh Americas Corporation.

You may have also seen the Ricoh (RBS) TEKNOFORCE vehicles on your local roads. These are Toyota Matrix vehicles, which are prevalent in major marketplaces and are typically utilized by Network Specialists, Service Technicians, Solutions Representatives, Engineers, and even Sales Reps from time to time. The RBS TEKNOFORCE fleet has been rolling along nicely for the past few years and the time came to replace those vehicles with new automobiles, under a very large contract with Toyota.

HYPERLINK "http://www.ricohteknoforce.com/" http://www.ricohteknoforce.com/

Since Ricoh had purchased IKON and could now leverage their buying power with Toyota, Ricoh’s intent was to purchase new 2010 Toyota Venza automobiles, which were Hybrid vehicles (these cars are not even available on the open market right now). With Ricoh’s strong commitment to Environmental initiatives, the new Venza Hybrid vehicles were to be touted as “Green Machines” and driven in Japan (and all of Asia), Europe, North American, and South America.

Terms of the deal with Toyota were not fully disclosed, however, Ricoh did receive 0% Financing and they basically acquired all Toyota Venza (AWD) cars at the same price that was paid for the TEKNOFORCE Toyota Matrix (2WD) vehicles years ago.

These new Toyota vehicles would no longer be painted with the TEKNOFORCE logo, yet they would be launched as the IKON I-KARS, as part of the IKON Assimilation Strategy. As the RBS Direct Branches and IKON local offices merged, the new entity would be supplied with IKON I-KARS, accompanied by a national advertising campaign.

The Toyota Venza was specifically chosen due to it’s size, which has a larger rear compartment than the Toyota Matrix (former RBS TEKNOFORCE vehicles). The Toyota Venza would be able to hold Service Technician Car Stock, Laptops, Tools, and had enough room to fit the upcoming Ricoh A4 device (manufactured by Samsung and re-labeled as Ricoh) for delivery and install.

The IKON Assimilation Strategy also dictated that a Sales Representative, a Service Technician, and a Network Specialist would travel together whenever possible, to ensure efficiency. Not only would Service Calls be handled adequately, but a Sales Call could be made at the same location, or in the vicinity of the scheduled Service Call. The Network Specialist would also be on hand to take advantage of the Managed Print Services (MPS) hype in the Office Equipment Industry, by offering “free network assessments.”

Yet, as trouble mounted with Floor Mats, Accelerator Pedals, and Brakes, the new Toyota IKON I-KARS were not being well-received by Ricoh executives. In fact, Ricoh Corporation LTD in Japan hired their own independent vehicle consultants to ensure the Toyota Venza Hybrids were safe for employees.

While no critical problems were found with the Toyota Venza hybrids, Ricoh decided to terminate the contract with Toyota because they feared the current issues would hamper the worldwide launch of the new IKON I-KARS. However, Toyota had already completed the new artwork and graphics on the entire fleet. To make matters worse, Lexus E350 Luxury sedans had already been delivered to IKON Marketplace Vice Presidents (in the United States), which has been causing internal conflict amongst long-time Ricoh and RBS Vice Presidents, who have not yet received ‘company’ cars.

We now know exactly why those IKON executives (many of whom were named to new Ricoh positions today) received the Lexus E350 vehicles.

Now, in addition to handling one of the largest mergers in the history of the Office Equipment Industry, Ricoh must somehow resolve the IKON I-KARS debacle. Apparently, this will be the first order of business for Jim Corriddi, under Matt Espe’s direction.

Time will tell if this situation can be resolved and it may be an example of how Ricoh and IKON are able to co-exist in the future. The timing of this situation could not be worse.

A Press Release from Ricoh Corporation LTD about the impending litigation is due to hit the wires next Monday. I was able to secure an advance copy, which I have attached.

 

[chittybangbang]

I don't really want to argue with your Toyota expertise but it seems that there are people from the UK that think Toyotas are reliable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVkedyQZfwQ (you've probably seen this video, it's several failed attempts to kill a Toyota Hilux).

I'm aware of the oil issues that some of Toyota's 3.0L v6 engines had, but it's a rare occurrence and the other 99% of those 3.0L v6 engines can (and have) gone 300k+ miles with standard maintenance. I've never owned one of the 2.4L I4 toyotas but they have a pretty good track record as well. In terms of cost of parts, a lot of the Taurus parts (and the Taurus itself) is made in Mexico, that will bring the price down. Most Toyotas sold in the US are made in the US or Japan, that will bring the price up. I think you got incredibly lucky with your Taurus, my dad had an Aerostar with a 3.0 and the engine was a piece of junk (never driven hard but needed 2 new engines, one before 100k miles and the second at 145k miles).

I don't know if Toyota's newer cars are as reliable as they used to be, my understanding is that Ford reliability ratings are about even with Toyota's at this point which means Fords have become better or Toyotas have become worse (probably both).

Vehicle reliability seems to be more based on these factors than brand:
1. Build quality/craftsmanship
2. Maintenance
3. Not being hard on the vehicle (drive like a granny, don't race it)
4. Avoid first year models (including redesigns)
5. Least complex

Honda and Toyota have spent more money recently on advertisement, but built their reputation on reliable vehicles.

All I have to say is.. I have a 97 camry v-6(1st year model) no sludge no nothing and 215k.great car.Never had to do anything to the motor.
My'05 Honda Ody is also a 1st year model and has been a problem child since new.So much that I will consider something else next time.This is my 4th Honda product and the build quality is so so.

Much of Ford is UNION. Toyota is much NON-UNION, that tells you something about how they treat the Employees.

Yeah I think nissan worker voted 3 times not to be represented by the UAW.That say a lot.

 

[press 1 for english]

Much of Ford is UNION. Toyota is much NON-UNION, that tells you something about how they treat the Employees.

If the Big 3 were non union then prices would drop and half ass employees could be fired immediately instead of going through a lengthy process when a union gets involved.

 

[press 1 for english]

I've never owned a Toyota, but I would like to have one. Toyota may not "need" a union, because their workers may be treated fairly, and much better than the sweat-shop Big Three companies treat their employees.

It's all about the Benjamins – it's all about the money. Corporations may say it's fiscally risky to bring in some types of innovations to improve their products or to streamline their systems. They may be more worried about the bottom line of their shareholders and their own investments. Union management is willing to make some accessions in their bargaining positions as long as their cut, their portion of the pie isn't threatened. So who is looking out for whom?

There is something to be said when the UAW launches a "campaign" to Unionize Toyota plants. Toyota workers are not treated like shit.

The Big 3 are Sweat Shops???????? That is so false that I won't respond any further.

 

[darkspork]

ragajungle,

I have not met one person that hasn't been happy with the reliability of their Toyota. I find a lot of people complaining about their Volkswagen, Dodge, Jeep, Chevy or Ford. I'm not going to post Ford horror stories I've found on the internet because there are just as many (if not more). Every manufacture has it's lemons. Like I said, the sludge is an issue that effects maybe 1% of Toyota owners, the stories you have don't even represent a fraction of a percent.

It's not like the big three haven't had problems. Everybody knows the story of the Ford Pinto; the car which would explode if hit too hard. Instead of doing a recall Ford decided the potential deaths would cost less. In the 90s Ford was the company with lots and lots of recalls, and there was also the Firestone issue. I've seen people complain about the A4LD transmission, does that mean all Rangers and Fords are junk? Heck no, I like my Ranger, and I bet there are people in this forum that have had no problems with their A4LD.

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse.

 

[straycat]

Sounds to me like your bias is getting in the way. I was comparing 4x2 trucks and not 4x4s.
When I get in a truck "feel of the road" in the steering wheel is important and the toyo and Ford were equal.......brakes were equal........the both rode busy but that is expected in a truck. Remember Ford will always have $3000 to $4000 rebates and deep factory to dealer discounts to boot.
Since my nephew is 18 a major goal was how cheap to keep and Toyota doesn't even come close to the Ranger in complete cost of ownership.
The Toyota V6 and 4.0 Rangers are gas hogs and for a young person commuting to and from school that would be a poor choice that you have to live with once you drive off the lot.
Sure some people think the sun rises and sets on Toyota and nothing will change the deep biases that some have.
I agree with rajajungle in that I would rather buy American than from another country.
My late Grandfather served in WW II and he would be turning in his grave if he knew I even thought about buying my nephew an asian truck.

Sorry if you misunderstood what I was saying. My impression of what you were looking at for that price of a underpowered 4 banger (never had one never will have a 4 banger truck)) and what you can get for just a bit more money with a 4wd v6 4 door is what I was saying. I would rather have the Tacoma over any Ranger. It is a far better make and ride. As for the Toyota cars with all this recall...I don't think I would buy a new one.....

 

[press 1 for english]

Sorry if you misunderstood what I was saying. My impression of what you were looking at for that price of a underpowered 4 banger (never had one never will have a 4 banger truck)) and what you can get for just a bit more money with a 4wd v6 4 door is what I was saying. I would rather have the Tacoma over any Ranger. It is a far better make and ride. As for the Toyota cars with all this recall...I don't think I would buy a new one.....

I do think the mania over the Toyota recalls is way over the top. Even though some problems ocurred, most of the crashes would not of happened if not for driver incompetence.
I still am laughing at the guy who said that the BIG 3 manufacturing plants are sweat shops.........asian plants overseas are sweatshops. We should all be so lucky as to work in a horrible Big 3 "sweatshop" that only pays a complete compensation package of $70 an hour.....oh the horror!!!!!

 

[kemo]

Normally I'd say "i wouldn't be caught dead in a toyota" (cuz I hate Toyota with a passion)... but I think I have to change that now due to a few of their past issues... a few of those that they tried to hide from the general public, and lied to.

[change to "I MIGHT be caught dead in a toyota" due to the so called out of control run-aways.]

I'd NEVER buy a Toyota. Their commercials... all they do to boast their product is throw all their emphasis on the gas mileage. Well, they did before all these lawsuits and recalls popped up. Toyota, the vehicle for yuppies. They don't make a single work truck. No 3/4 ton, no 1 ton, and no diesel trucks.

 

[straycat]

Of all the family and friends we know who own Toyota's I can say that none have ever had an issue with their vehicles older or newer ones. They have only great things to say about their rides!!!! My wife's 03 Corolla has never had any trouble. Just put gas in it, do the required services and drive it anywhere. I have several friends who have 89-96 Toyota cars that they still drive every day. They bought them new. They never had any issues other then change out a set of worn tires, wiper blades and do the service to the cars.
I have friends who still have their old Toyota R22 4wd trucks with a lot of mileage on them and they still go out wheeling 2-3 times a month on their trucks!!!! I don't know what happened to the Toyota group with these recalls but I see every make out their with recalls. Just do a Google on any make and see how many recalls their are or have been on these makes. Darn scary!!!!!! Read Car and Driver or Road and Track or Motor Trend and see what they are saying on how many recalls their are out there.

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Plus the Tacoma is more midsize truck. It's WAY roomier than a Ranger.

Have to agree. My buddy's Taco is FAR more roomy than my Mazda. I'm talking width, and seating position height-to-ceiling.

 

[Jason]

Normally I'd say "i wouldn't be caught dead in a toyota" (cuz I hate Toyota with a passion)... but I think I have to change that now due to a few of their past issues... a few of those that they tried to hide from the general public, and lied to.

[change to "I MIGHT be caught dead in a toyota" due to the so called out of control run-aways.]

I'd NEVER buy a Toyota. Their commercials... all they do to boast their product is throw all their emphasis on the gas mileage. Well, they did before all these lawsuits and recalls popped up. Toyota, the vehicle for yuppies. They don't make a single work truck. No 3/4 ton, no 1 ton, and no diesel trucks.

Ever heard of Hino?

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Im not bashing 'Yota,(I know a lot of them are built here-BUT there HQ is in Japan and a big chunk of purchase price covers administrative work-and I would rather pay a company that is BASED in the US than Japan) I just prefer to feed American secretaries... I'm jus sayin... Ford Rules!Ford GM and Chrysler BUILT the AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS NOT KIA, TOYOTA, DEAWOO, NISSAN And HONDA.-Don't Forget it. (un-disputable)

You come off sounding like a union agitator with all your anti-Toyota posts.

Why are you here, exactly? Have anything to do with the Chrysler engine plant in Kenosha, perchance?

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Ever heard of Hino?

Beat me to it.

I loved the one I drove for 4 years.