Has Toyota lost its way?

what kind of issues with the 4runner? I have a 2021 and it seems solid but only have 35k on it

 

The big one was a bad timing cover leak. It was just out of warranty, and the dealer wanted over 3K to fix it. I fixed it at home, but it was a bear. It took 12 hours.

Before that (and under warranty) we had to have the water pump replaced because it was leaking.

 

wow I had an 08 before this one with 150k on it, no problems. those are big issues

 

did you notice any power gains with headers and exhaust? that's one mod im thinking of doing. my muffer and tailpipe are rusted out anyway. Are the magnaflows loud?

 

Even with the problems Toyota has I wouldn't buy anything else. I would rather have my 11' than a new chevy or ford even with its effed up front dif that I am going to end up replacing.

 

Some people get very upset when any interpreted dispersions, or even open ended questions arise about Toyota. So for those with thin skin, I'll try to give you a better idea. Let's just look at Toyota's 2 trucks:

Value - What's with all the unsold Tundras? There's poor value in the higher trims and they're stacking up in the dealers' lots. That's why they're heavily discounted. Tacos are so loaded - with everyone taking a slice of pie - that there's less value, and it's become hard to find one for work. The old 2.7 AC filled an important need at a very good price. $8,940 for TRD OR Premium package? Please.

Dependability- Tundra engines with metal shavings? Jury is still out on 4G, but I wish everyone well.

Simple design - Toyotas used to be designed to be easy to service. Things like changing spark plugs and oil. Now the emphasis is on being easy to manufacture.

Distribution is a joke and an insult to every Toyota owner. Why should anyone have to travel to another state to buy? Why should we accept over-priced and not wanted "port options"? Because of Toyota's distribution.

Toyotas may still be the brand to buy, but it doesn't shine as brightly as it once did. Apologies to those I may have offended - don't take it personally.

 

Yes just the header is a waste of $$$ but with a good flowing exhaust with a high flow cat makes a big difference.
Are Magnaflow mufflers loud? HELL YEAH‼️ That’s why I have a 2.5” mandrill 304 Stainless exhaust with a 5 x 8 x 14 could have went with a 5 x 8 x 18 in front of a 5 x 11 x 22 muffler then out the right rear just below the bed.
With absorption mufflers the bigger the better / more noise suppression! 4 bangers are the loudest engines. On my LS Swap I have two high flow cats and two 5 x 11 x 22 magnaflow mufflers in series / one in front of the other. There are copies of Magnaflow mufflers and they sound the same it’s just the warranty that’s different.

 

-Maybe inventory is stacking up because people dont want to finance $60k at 8% right now.

-If the old-fashioned "beater with a heater" had any kind of market demand, it would be on the market. The majority of buyers have not wanted a base trim for almost a decade now, despite what they say online. Because when its time to open a line of credit, most buyers say "sure, I'll increase my monthly by 100 bucks to get the ass-kneading seats."

-All cars used to be simple and easy. All cars used to be worn out before the odometer rolled six figures. Complexity has more to do with federal regs on emissions and safety - there are only so many ways to fit a power plant into a box of gov-mandated dimensions.

-I never thought toyota was the brand to buy. Being loyal to one brand only limits yourself. I liked Toyotas small truck lineup for a long time, and I like it even more that other brands are getting highly competitive in that segment.

Don' like a yota? shop elsewhere. Don' like anythin'? Dont buy nothin then.

 

metal frags in the new engines

 

I tried out a 2024 Taco. Not impressed. Seats sucked, not a v6, just not like my 2013 sr5. Wouldn't buy one.

 

Late response, but...

1000000% this.

Pretty much every in-person interaction I had with other Tacoma owners/in the off-roading community likes Tacomas.

I only hear negative opinions online. Whether it is on here, or other forms of the Internet like Facebook groups, Instagram comments, etc.