What does "reliability" mean to you?

"Reliability" gets thrown around a lot here. But does it mean the same thing to everyone? What does it mean to you?

For example, there's lots of debate about whether the 3.5L engine is as reliable as the old 4.0 or the 2.7. Even if the 2.7 has a service life of 300K miles and the 3.5 "only" 200K, does it make any practical difference, given that the average person is going to trade in or sell their truck long before either mark? Or that 99% of us can easily take it in for service at any time? Does an engine have to be incredibly tough when it's made in a nation of highways and malls, with dealerships and mechanics in every city and town? Does it have to be tough enough for Sudan when we don't live in Sudan?

When I bought my truck, I didn't know anything about trucks, except that they have wheels, usually four of them, and that if I wanted it to last it should be a Toyota. I didn't know about the different engines or model years, I just wanted a 4x4 with lowish miles, a manual transmission and a long bed--that I could afford. Only later did I learn that the truck I bought is a rarity.

I'd like to keep my truck until the hybrid Tacoma comes out, which is probably in 7 years or so. At that point, I'll probably have 100K or 120K on it. Hardly pushing it for long-term reliability. But do I like thinking that my truck could last twenty-five years? Absolutely I do. Do I like to imagine that my truck could succeed in guerilla desert warfare, even though it mostly drives on pavement and always sips Top Tier gas? Absolutely I do.

 

Means to me the most up time before a repair is needed.

 

That my taco doesn’t looks at other tacos. Doesn’t like it when other people touch it.

 

Hmm to me it means not having any major maintenance outside of routine maintenance for the first 10 years or 200k miles.

Major maintenance as in a transmission failure at 120k miles or blown engine, 4wd failure, etc.

I expect to replace plugs, brakes, fluids, etc.

Reliability means piece of mind.

Our Subraru had a transmission failure at 65,000 miles. It was replaced under warranty and has been fine for the past 80,000 miles but will it fail again. That same Subaru also needed the front diff replaced, also under warranty but will it fail again?

 

I have a 2015 altima, a 2019 trd Tacoma, had a 2017 GMC Terrain and just traded it in for a 2021 Kia telluride that my wife was in love with. Reliability was definitely my concern when we purchased because all I remember is the older kias that were considered disposable. I’m very worried because the Kia telluride is a new vehicle altogether and this is its second year in existence so time will tell.

Anyway, we decided to go ahead and give it a try because reliability is something Kia has most definitely improved on over the years and is rated one of the most reliable of manufacturers today, top 5 in everything I could read about.

Reliability to me is the drive train though. Wear parts end up going out and I’m not concerned if I have to pay some here and there for a vehicle that needs new u-joints, possibly a wheel bearing or a shock but these items are minimal. Routine things such as brakes, tires, etc are expected even if it’s a 10 million dollar car.

 

The least amount of shit to be fixed or repaired in my use case possible, period.

 

Not buying a Ford / Chevy / Jeep

Having the confidence to jump in your vehicle for a drive into the sticks far, far away from civilization when it already has 250,000 kms on the clock... (- Into the bush in Australia where there is no one for hundreds and hundreds of Kms... far from any Malls, fast food joints, mechanics and spare parts...). Although, there are so many Land Cruisers out there that you can get help fixing it for a few beers!

A reliable vehicle should be able to get you home when needed - even if it has a somewhat significant issue.

It means a manual gearbox! (had to say it!).

Land Cruisers - I understand - are built for a 25 year (hard) working life. In Australia they are sold in lower trims and used as Farm vehicles and true offroaders... (manual gearboxes, several Diesel engines, and even Barn doors, should you desire...

In Sudan, they are used and relied upon for... well - other stuff.

Have a look at what people who really rely on their vehicles drive...

I used to trust BMWs and VWs back in the day - I owned some indestructible ones! but no more... Things change.

 

When I get in it, it starts.

 

I suggest you do some serious research. Both reliability and durability are clearly defined terms with respect to vehicles. If it does not mean the same to you, me and Bob then somebody needs to learn something.

Also, it's absolutely mind boggling you bought a vehicle without knowing anything about it except it has "four wheels."
And how did you know to buy Toyota for... what... to last?
Lol good luck man. I wish I were you!

 

I have a 14 year old VW that has had an alternator, 2 door lock actuators, radiator, AC condenser, front axles, transmission, and valve cover replaced. My family has three 1st gen tacomas that all have fared better than the VW. Reliability to me obviously includes drive train but we take for granted the smaller things some times.

 

going 200k with only:

-oil changes every 8,000 miles.
-one spark plug swap
-maybe one starter or alternator
-one accessory drive belt
-2 batteries
-one O2 sensor or MAF going out.
-obviously breaks and rotors.

 

Oh, you guys are really getting the definitions of reliability and durability mixed up lol.
Reliability in this context means "confidence in performance."
Durability means "ability to withstand wear and tear beyond norms."

I accept that my Toyota is reliable because of it's quantifiable measurement of durability against the competition.

 

Most reliable trucks of 2021

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/the-most-reliable-new-trucks-on-the-market

JD Power highest quality trucks

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/trucks

 

^INB4 20 pages of this^

 

Yeh I know. One of the reasons I end up unwatching threads.

 

Reliability to me, is not having service department phone number on speed dial.

 

Reliability = 1st and 2nd gen

 

I want 10+ years of basic maintenance. No break downs, minimal recalls.

 

Weren't they all built in Japan? I forget when they started becoming North America built.