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So more sales funneled towards mfgs is bad why exactly? Dealers aint gettin their cut?
Greta example of how dealers have legislators in their pockets at the expense of the consumer. Making it illegal for a buyer to pay someone else to negotiate for them? BullSHIT.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Here's a good video on the subject...I like this guy. He has a lot of experience with the brand, and explains the situation very well
Greta example of how dealers have legislators in their pockets at the expense of the consumer. Making it illegal for a buyer to pay someone else to negotiate for them? BullSHIT.
He hates everything that isn’t old. Not much better than Scotty. Even if they aren’t as reliable as they once were they are still industry leading.
Of course not everything that is new is unreliable. But he is correct that a lot of the newer electronic gimmicks are questionable. I have noticed that myself lately. Sensors, especially, tend to wear out or fail.
Of course not everything that is new is unreliable. But he is correct that a lot of the newer electronic gimmicks are questionable. I have noticed that myself lately. Sensors, especially, tend to wear out or fail.
But every carmaker has these things, and Toyota still has the best track record for reliability. Show me a metric where that’s not shown…
Of course not everything that is new is unreliable. But he is correct that a lot of the newer electronic gimmicks are questionable. I have noticed that myself lately. Sensors, especially, tend to wear out or fail.
And? Older stuff doesn't even have those at all so naturally they can't fail, I never hold it against a car if an add on system doesn't work or needs repaired more often vs the prior car hat didn't even have it at all lol
A 2026 Camry with all the assists malfunctioning still drives better and has the same or more capability than a 2006 Camry with no error lights.
The other reality is that is Toyota is a perfect 10/10 for relative reliability everyone else these days is 8.5/10 at absolute worst vs late 90s 4/10 in some cases. The gap is so narrow in many cases it doesn't matter at all anymore with how far behind Toyota is everywhere else. I have never found Toyotas to be particularly reliable if they have all the same systems as advanced cars, they tend to do worse.
They had an edge early on but that's largely gone now as literally everyone has figured out how to make an engine that lasts at least 100k with near zero user involvement. They also no longer make brain dead 250-300k mile cars since they can't due to cost constraints
Last edited by Striker223; May 27, 2026 at 03:28 PM.
The other reality is that is Toyota is a perfect 10/10 for relative reliability everyone else these days is 8.5/10 at absolute worst vs late 90s 4/10 in some cases. The gap is so narrow in many cases it doesn't matter at all anymore
I agree, but still making an argument that Toyotas arent reliable anymore isn't accurate.
But every carmaker has these things, and Toyota still has the best track record for reliability. Show me a metric where that’s not shown…
I think you misunderstood part of what I was saying. I was not necessarily saying that other auto makers are MORE reliable than Toyota today. When I was trying to say is that the Toyota of today is not the Toyota of 20 to 30 years ago....and, to some extent. true of other automakers as well. I think the guy in the video I posted did a pretty good job pointing that out.
I agree, but still making an argument that Toyotas arent reliable anymore isn't accurate.
At the high end they aren't as good as the Germans, everywhere else they are still the 10/10 like I mentioned and that 10 is a good 10. Older "peak Toyota" would've been like a 11.5
On another issue.......I think I am getting ready to order (or shop for) my own new vehicle? Would any of you like for me to open a new thread on it? I don't expect to get a whole lot of posting-traffic on it, since, unlike Steve, AJT123, or some others here, it won't be a large or expensive product by today's standards......so it may not interest a lot of you. And, I will basically just be shopping for myself...not a family.
in most cases, although with some exceptions, I typically keep a new vehicle 4-6 years...even though I don't put a lot of miles on them, I like to replace them roughly at those intervals, because I think it is a good compromise between the substantial money lost in initial depreciation in the first three years (generally the heaviest depreciation), and the inceasing risk of major repairs and expenses as the years and miles pile up., particularly without an extended warranty. I find the 5-year interval or so to be about the sweet spot....the vehicle is a still worth some $$$$, but generally not old or aged enough for major repairs. Depreciation, as I noted, also depending on miles, tends to be heaviest the first year, large for the next two years, and then the curve flattens out after that.
Having said that, I have been very pleased with my Encore GX in many ways....my next-door neighbor bought a used 2023 version and is also well-pleased with hers. That is why, if I DO order something new, another GX or a similiar Chevy Trailblazer (almost the same vehicle mechanically) is probably first on the consideration list. I also like the Ford Bronco Sport's styling and utility, but the rotary-shifter, crappy-stalks inside, wet-timing-belt engine, and the noted QC problems in the plant are cause for concern. (I never liked rotary shifters).The Subaru Crosstrek has an unmatched AWD system, but IMO its interior and hardware are very unimpressive (The Chevy Trailblazer, IMO, really excels in the interior they give you for the money). The Chevy Trax and Buick Envista, despite an excellent low price, are out because of FWD-only (no AWD) and a wet-timing-belt engine like the Bronco Sport. I like the overall quality and road manners of the Lexus UX, but IMO it simply costs too much for something that small (it is VERY small), and is very cramped inside.
Anyhow, what say you.....you folks want me to do a thread on it? I'm also open to any advice you may have....although I think I'm going to stay with a B-class crossover as a general category. That class seems to fit my driving needs best.
Last edited by mmarshall; May 27, 2026 at 04:56 PM.
I think you misunderstood part of what I was saying. I was not necessarily saying that other auto makers are MORE reliable than Toyota today. When I was trying to say is that the Toyota of today is not the Toyota of 20 to 30 years ago....and, to some extent. true of other automakers as well. I think the guy in the video I posted did a pretty good job pointing that out.
Then what does that have to do with the Sienna and reliability? Cars today are much more complex but Toyota is still the leader in reliability.
Originally Posted by Striker223
At the high end they aren't as good as the Germans, everywhere else they are still the 10/10 like I mentioned and that 10 is a good 10. Older "peak Toyota" would've been like a 11.5
We’re talking about a Sienna. There is no more “high end”
