Toyota

**ISUFan22** · 09-24-2008, 10:43 AM

I really like the Toyota products as well and have come close on owning one. I like Nissan a little better for a few reasons.

But at any rate, it would take some significant work for the "domestic" automakers to earn back my business.

**Cy Heavy** · 09-24-2008, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by cytech

Let me know how it is changing the spark plugs when it comes time for that......

That is one of the reasons I didn't care much for the Tundra the cramped engine compartment. I also didn't care for the water based paints they use on them that make them so easy to scratch.

You change plugs three or four times during the life of the vehicle.
You change oil three to four times each year.

We've had our '08 Camry for over a year now and no scratches that I can see - and its been on a gravel many times.

One of the reasons that Toyota's are running laps around the domestic manufacturers is they actually give a crap about the customer. Now I don't pretend that they don't care about their bottom line, but their focus on customers and what they want is second to none in the automotive industry.

**dmclone** · 09-24-2008, 11:34 AM

I've owned 15+ cars over the last 20 years and then is a rough generalization but here it goes.

Toyota
I've owned a Tercel, Corrola, Lexus ES300 and a Camry. IMO their vehicles are pretty boring but I've never had one break down.

Honda
I've owned a Accord, Element,00 Civic Si, Interga, and a CRV. Once again rock solid and by far the best resale. Overall a little more exciting than Toyota. Also own a 919 motorcycle. Toyota has gotten a little too much like GM where they have 1,000 different models. Honda has just a few but they are all best in class or near.

Nissan
I've owned a Rogue and 350Z.
Quality is not as high overall but still good cars and a lot more exciting than what Honda/Toyota offer. Cars like the maxima, G35, 350Z,

VW
I've owned a 06 GTI
VW has had some quality issues in the past but I think they've improved. My GTI was as solid as any car I've ever owned and they have the best interiors in the industry.

I haven't owned a car made by the big 3 in the last 15 years so I can't judge. A few that I would consider.

Corvette
Pontiac G8
Chevy Volt (I know it's not out yet)

**djkent01** · 09-24-2008, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

VW
I've owned a 06 GTI
VW has had some quality issues in the past but I think they've improved. My GTI was as solid as any car I've ever owned and they have the best interiors in the industry.

I haven't owned a car made by the big 3 in the last 15 years so I can't judge. A few that I would consider.

I've owned two VW's and I swear VW is Germany's revenge for the war. Should have learned the first time, can't imagine ever buying another one.

As for domestics - I've owned a couple of Old 88's - no longer in production. But it's hard to go wrong with that engine (3.8 V6 I believe). Those were both great cars.

**Bubbahotep** · 09-24-2008, 11:49 AM

I have never had a major problem with anything I've driven, you've just got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You never count your money sitting at the table, there will be time enough for counting when the dealin's done.

**BryceC** · 09-24-2008, 11:53 AM

I drive a '96 Camry with 265k miles on it and I never, ever, worry about it starting and the maintenance I do on it is minimal mostly because the car is worth less than my shirt at this point and putting money into it is pointless. It's boring as someone has said but it does get the job done and I'm not out to impress anybody.

I might get a Focus or something for my next vehicle though just because they are so dang cheap.

**Go2Guy** · 09-24-2008, 11:53 AM

Folks, is it true Toyota's health care is subsidized by the Japanese govt? And what about unions; isn't Toy non-union? Wouldn't this make a considerable difference?

**06_CY** · 09-24-2008, 11:58 AM

I know MANY people on this board dislike NASCAR. Many fans complained when they wanted to allow Toyota in; many didn't realize Toyota has plants in the US.

**capitalcityguy** · 09-24-2008, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

People can rail on foreign car companies all they want but the fact is that Toyota has been moving more and more production plants TO the US while the domestic companies have been sending all theirs to Mexico or overseas. I love Toyota's dependability, lead in gas efficiency compared to domestic vehicles and their relatively low prices for what you get - and will defend them until given reason not to.

Sooooo...you're happy with the US being Japen's Mexico?

I guess I prefer it the other way around.

I know, I know...my arguement is probably more emotional, than rationale. I can admit that.

At the end of the day I feel better driving my Saturn Vue and my Ford truck around then I would a Nissan or Toyota.

**capitalcityguy** · 09-24-2008, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

I might get a Focus or something for my next vehicle though just because they are so dang cheap.

Being "cheap" with cars is something to be proud of. I'd hate to think of the money most American's have wasted related to car purchases as most let their emotions drive their purchases. (yes...I do see the irony in this statement given my previous post.)

I think it is safe to say that 50 - 75% of purchasers of SUV's made the emotional choice of picking an SUV, when in reality a minivan better met their needs (notice I said "needs", not wants) and for a much better value (in terms of purchase prices, depreciation, and insurance costs).

**dmclone** · 09-24-2008, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

At the end of the day I feel better driving my Saturn Vue and my Ford truck around then I would a Nissan or Toyota.

Whatever makes you happy in the end is what matters. The competition is good, even if you only buy from the big 3 the competition has made them produce a lot better car.

**jdoggivjc** · 09-24-2008, 12:43 PM

I have never owned a foreign vehicle. That will likely change within the next 3 years as I need to replace my wife's car. I'm looking at Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 6 in that order. I love my Pontiac Grand Prix and it's 3800 supercharged V-6 is about as solid as an engine as any out there, but I drive 30+ miles to and from work round trip on a daily basis, and that car doesn't get the gas mileage that I really need it to get. So, my wife, who doesn't drive near as much as I do, will inherit the "fun" car and I'll drive the more fuel-efficient car, at least on the weekdays

**BryceC** · 09-24-2008, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

Sooooo...you're happy with the US being Japen's Mexico?

If it means they are creating American jobs instead of Mexican jobs, then yes.

Being "cheap" with cars is something to be proud of. I'd hate to think of the money most American's have wasted related to car purchases as most let their emotions drive their purchases. (yes...I do see the irony in this statement given my previous post.)

I think thrift in general is a good quality for anyone to have. However IMO the fact that some American cars are getting so incredibly cheap and selling so poorly is because consumer confidence in the big 3 is so low. From my personal experiences the big 3 have created an inferior product from a quality standpoint so their stuff should be cheaper.

I would have zero, absolutely zero confidence in a Focus getting to 265k like my Camry and still running like a top. That is as big of a hurdle for them to overcome as improving the quality of their product.

**capitalcityguy** · 09-24-2008, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

I would have zero, absolutely zero confidence in a Focus getting to 265k like my Camry and still running like a top. That is as big of a hurdle for them to overcome as improving the quality of their product.

Should you given the price difference?