Any truth to this article?

Maybe he needs the money since he's unemployed.

 

There's truth in that. I can't only argue that Toyota (really any company) has a tough position. Marketing a vehicle that impresses Bob at the neighborhood BBQ with how tough it is against Bob actually using (and probably abusing it) with respect to a warranty and still build it to meet roadworthiness crash and MPG regulations is probably impossible. Subaru and Chevy (with the Corvette) probably have the same problem with people driving their "performance" cars on the track despite showing them in their ads doing just that and selling them on their race heritage. They have to take the default position that using a vehicle on a track or on a trail (e.g. any time it's not on a road) is the limit because otherwise they'd be replacing vehicles all the time when people don't properly prepare them for the use or are just inexperienced in knowing the limit.

 

Yes, but the law is the law. Toyota shouldn't be showing their stock trucks conquering Moab-style terrain if they know said trucks will fall apart without 20k in upgrades. It's thoroughly dishonest. I suspect that's why companies like Ford have turned toward rally-style advertisements, where there is probably less stress placed on suspension components in soft sand or soil, and actual customers are less likely to attempt those conditions in real life. Of course, the Raptor can actually do the things they show it doing in their ads. The Tacoma? I guess you could get lucky and escape unscathed, or you could end up like the OP.

 

I thought about the filter being dry too, if he was sneaky enough he could have even replaced it.

 

I cannot believe those prick at GM put a 5.7l v-8 in a truck, don't they know that is for the cars (roadmaster, camaro, vette, etc...). GM doesn't know the first thing about pickups!! I am creating a website gmhatestruck.com

 

I thought about the filter being dry too, if he was sneaky enough he could have even replaced it.

Why don't you offer to testify in favor of poor, oppressed Toyota? With all those customers falsely claiming defective Toyota's, they can use all the help they can get. Heck, maybe they'll give you one of those new TRD Sequoia's as a show of their appreciation.

 

Yeah, Toyota has a old lady jumping over a Tacoma on a dirt bike . Since it is advertised and I own a Tacoma, my mother is a fucking pro dirt bike rider. You know, law is the law

 

Your snark is noted, but Toyota doesn't sell dirt bikes and I doubt they are pimping out your mother.

 

I'm sorry....what law are you speaking of? Any current litigation going on?

 

"Under the FTC Act, advertising must be truthful and non-deceptive, advertisers must have evidence to back up their claims and advertisements cannot be unfair. Ad content is deceptive if it misleads reasonable consumers and is material to a consumer's decision to purchase a product."

That's the federal version of the law. Basically, these laws state that advertisers cannot make false or deceptive claims in their ads. For example, someone can't advertise that their car can do 0-60 in five seconds when that would be patently untrue. Car manufacturers basically skirt the edges of these laws by using the "professional driver on a closed course; do not attempt" nonsense in small print.

In addition, an advertisement showing an activity that would void your warranty under the manufacturer's contract is illegal. Of course, just because it's illegal doesn't mean they won't do it, until, or if, they get sued. Which usually doesn't happen.

Please don't support these companies with their BS. They will not be handing you any trophies for your support.

 

What?

https://jalopnik.com/are-ford-raptor-frames-too-weak-for-off-roading-5820104

Much more than this article, along with mitigating factors. But the point remains, you can't go flying through the desert taking jumps willy nilly in a Raptor, no matter what the commercials or ads show.

....oh and if you take them up a steep enough hill, they also have some issues:

https://www.raptorforumz.com/threads/low-oil-pressure-warning.15309/

From that thread:

I had the same thing happen to mine, same situation. I was going up a 30 deg incline, low pressure warning came on, truck died. I lost power steering and power brakes. Had to really crank on the steering wheel and slam on the brakes for them to work. Rolled backwards in neutral for a little while, started her up and she ran fine. Didn't try going back uphill though. I'm taking in back in to the dealership (I just bought it a couple days ago), they're gonna take a look at it. I'll let you know what they say.

 

- Oh, so I can ram through a fence like shown on a commercial to since, you know it was advertised in a Tacoma
- Oooooo ooo My truck can climb a fucking tree to!!

Come on pimp daddy it is on the internet so it it true, I seen er on TV, must be tru... Seriously dude

 

Nothing is perfect. But at least they built in protection for the engine:

"At least it's good to know the engine shuts off to protect itself against low pressure... although having no brakes and no powersteering is a little inconvenient! haha"

 

As stated above, as this dude claims my truck can climb a tree!!

 

I'm sure Toyota appreciates your undying support, and they will be mailing that TRD Sequoia out to you any day. Seriously, it's in the mail. The vaunted customer experience center people say so.

 

On all of my performance built motors I've enlarged and chamfered / blended in the oil return holes and replaced the stock OEM umbrella valve stem seals with teflon valve stem seals . Never had any issues with oil smoke on hard acceleration or steep angles

Teflon valve seals do a much better job at controlling oil than a OEM umbrella seal . Only modifications are when running teflon valve seals is to cut down the valve guide boss

 

@17trdoffroadbel - I wonder if anyone has successfully sued based on that FTC interpretation.

The Ford Raptor guys destroying their trucks comes to mind.

 

It costs a lot of money. And it would be in federal court too, so even more expensive. Companies know people won't, or can't, do that. So that's why they lie and exaggerate. Doesn't make it right. Like Toyota told me, "go ahead and sue us". That's customer service for you.

 

Any vehicle is an off-road vehicle if you're brave enough...

 

When I was younger and slightly more stupid than I am now, I took a 5 speed Suzuki Swift on one of those lower grade Colorado high altitude roads. Ironically, it was so small and nimble that it was actually pretty decent.