4th Jun 2021, 15:48
Absolutely 100% NOT. Serviced on time every time. Read the many forums for the Toyota sludge problem starting in the late 90s due to a faulty PCV system. Even today they can't get it right with oil consumption issues on newer models.
5th Jun 2021, 16:02
Exactly why the myth of Toyota reliability is outdated, and people who are still willing to pay more for Toyotas don’t get their money's worth. Better to buy cheaper alternatives and take care of the cars. Will save money overall.
5th Jun 2021, 18:58
If as you suggest, sludging is inevitable, how did the original poster achieve 250k without an apparent problem?
7th Jun 2021, 22:09
No sludging at 110000 miles! These comments of inevitable sludging more likely just the usual sign of anti Toyota sentiment inhabiting these columns. Get used to it; even GM used Toyota engines, and for a good reason.
8th Jun 2021, 06:08
If nothing else you have to admire GM’s pragmatism; if you can’t make a decent 4, buy it from somebody who can.
8th Jun 2021, 18:51
OK, so name a Toyota engine which is as exciting as the LT2 GM engine while you’re at it. I’ll wait. Toyota had BMW make their new “Supra” because Toyota doesn’t want to even give the appearance they care about driver excitement these days.
8th Jun 2021, 22:40
Ah here we go. Feels like old times. Soon will likely come the comments about how we really should all feel free to spend our monies on Corvettes and that the Chevette was the single best piece of human engineering known to man.
All I know is that in my family over the years:
2002 Tundra: 310,000 miles
2002 Prius : 256,000 miles
1998 Avalon: 325,000 miles
1996 Tacoma (still own) 300,000 miles
1992 Camry: 220,000 miles
1988 4Runner: 178,000 miles
1987 Toyota Truck: Not known: Speedometer broke at 250,000 miles
1985 Camry: 200,000 miles
Of all of those above, I can count on one hand any issues other than maintenance: Bad wheel bearings on the 4runner, failed alternator on the Tacoma, Camry had a weird issue with the sun roof mechanism.
And that's it. They make sort of bland, not very exciting cars but the engineering is honest and SOLID. That is where they spend the time: making sure things don't break. And that is why you see them in every corner of the globe, getting the crap beat out of them in some of the most underdeveloped roads on earth.
8th Jun 2021, 23:08
Get used to what? Toyota and GM haven't been involved in a joint venture since 2010.
And it wasn't just all based on Toyota engineering; the Chevy Cavalier was exported to Japan under the "Toyota Cavalier" name from 1995 - 2000.
9th Jun 2021, 23:59
22:40. Changed my mind, Porsche is the way to go. Distance covered does not equal smiles per mile. If in a hurry take an air flight. One day far in the future sitting in a rocker, you missed quality of life. I never owned a Chevette; sure they last, but owning a “Scooter” was not my dream. I will still die, lived a great life, not impoverished. Not after attention, fanfare or BS. Just the highest quality of driving experience possible. That’s quality of life.
10th Jun 2021, 16:58
Read their actual review and updates on the Tacoma. They pretty much rebuilt half the truck.
10th Jun 2021, 20:12
Yeah, the first comment on this thread is a fact that was posted by me. The Toyota based Vibe with the sludge problem at 48k. And of course it was followed with comments from Toyota fans in denial that the brand does have its share of problems. Yep, "feels like old times"
11th Jun 2021, 18:07
"I'll give you $3500 on the spot for the Tacoma."
That's actually now too low: Values have gone through the roof.
As far as "Rebuilding half the truck", here is what I have had to do.
1: New clutch
2: New brakes
3: New water pump
4: New alternator
5: New belts
6: A new hose
Considering the truck is 25 years old and all that above are maintenance items... I fail to see how half of it was rebuilt.
12th Jun 2021, 12:00
At the moment some cars are exceeding sticker price paid a year or 2 ago with up to 20,000 miles on them. Still under warranty. Wait lists up to a year. You put up more up front but make out better later. Those with a good income buying cheap could do better. Some even on lease and do buyout. You could drive a far superior fun car and walk away even better. It’s similar with housing. 4 people wanting the same home over ask.
12th Jun 2021, 15:54
Interesting how you went from just an alternator to the many other items listed above. You also forgot (listed in your review updates) exhaust manifold, window seals, brake calipers, suspension bushings, ball joints, new paint, bumpers and grille. Are these all "maintenance" items also?
13th Jun 2021, 12:24
On a 2003 car, now? Wear and tear items ARE maintenance items - you need to change them to maintain the car in good running, usable condition. These are not repairs due to the component failing catastrophically. Exhaust manifold, window seals, brake calipers, suspension bushings, and ball joints WILL fail with time (the exhaust manifold may be either the perished seal, or in many modern cars are made of plastic which eventually crack or develop air leaks). Paint, bumper and grille - paint maybe (to keep it from rusting in portions) but sure "maintains" the look of the vehicle; bumper and grille - certainly not repair issues, but it's their car and if they did it to maintain how it looks, certainly does not make the car a badly built, poorly engineered vehicle.
14th Jun 2021, 07:25
I am not the owner of the Tacoma, but yes for a 22 year old work vehicle with 300,000 miles those would be consumables.
14th Jun 2021, 16:46
"Interesting how you went from just an alternator to the many other items listed above. You also forgot (listed in your review updates) exhaust manifold, window seals, brake calipers, suspension bushings, ball joints, new paint, bumpers and grille. Are these all "maintenance" items also?"
The truck is over 25 years old. So tell you what... You keep a vehicle- any vehicle- for 25+ years and 300,000+ miles and you see what needs to be replaced. Nothing lasts forever. Ball joints wear out, manifolds crack and paint fades.
I will happily stand behind the sentiment I have: comparatively few things have had to be replaced on this thing. Neither the engine or the transmission has ever been cracked open.
14th Jun 2021, 17:06
What does any of that have to do with a Toyota sludge problem on a Pontiac Vibe?
4th Jun 2021, 15:47
Doesn’t matter if you changed often. Colder small passages in engine. Sludging occurs.