I just realized what Toyota is Doing!

[KCcarguy]

Well, angry this morning. I was cleaning out my truck last night and the Carpet in the rear cargo area began to pull-up in several new areas. I had a problem with it pulling up near the front a few months ago. Now it's along the sides and back. It's almost looks like its not even secured, just kind of tucked-in under the plastic side panels.

So, now my 34,000 miles truck has hazy headlights (that the dealer is being complete a**holes about fixing), a carpet that's coming up in the trunk and beginning to look prematurely worn in the front footwells IMO, and my rear hatch weather-stripping pulled off a week ago.

Now, I know that carpet and weather stripping is not a huge deal. But this is not what I expect or have experienced in the past from Toyota, and I'm disappointed.....heart-broken even, as I'm a huge Toyota truck fan. So, I've decided to start thinking about ditching the 4runner before things get worse. I'm sure it would last a few more years, but in what condition?

I started to think about what else to buy and realized THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVES! Everyone else has built trucks this way for years and Toyota has just lowered their standards and started playing down to their competition. Why should they put so much effort into building a product that can last for 10-20 years when everyone else is building disposable cars? Besides, most people buy a new car every 3-5 years anyway. But I don't want to do that. I want to keep mine for a very long time. Unfortunately, I can't think of another company that builds a high-quality off road capable SUV that's still reasonably comfortable for a family. The best I can think to do is look for a used Toyota......you know, from the good old days when you could drive your Toyota truck forever.

 

[desertred]

I would live to get my hands on a (relatively) low mile 3rd gen in good condition again.

 

[MarkWalker]

.gov

I think lots of the issue we see as reductions in quality are also tied to the fact that the MFGs must try and eek out every single extra MPG they can get to meet .gov standards.

So, they are trying to make everything lighter, thinner, etc. Hollow sounding doors, easily made better but takes adding weight (soundproofing). Thin sheet metal on the hood, skinny tires w/ 7" wheels (LTD). No auto gas cap - saves weight and cost of the mechanism.

Also, keeping in mind, the cost of T4Rs has not risen comparably over its like like lots of other cars either. In 2000 I think new LTD was $37k, now they are $43-45 - not much in comparison to many other autos. On this side, folks here that know and understand are stating that Toy does not seem to be scrimping on the quality of safety and the mechanical side, so they are pushing cost down on the interior finish side.

 

[westwind77]

Well, angry this morning. I was cleaning out my truck last night and the Carpet in the rear cargo area began to pull-up in several new areas. I had a problem with it pulling up near the front a few months ago. Now it's along the sides and back. It's almost looks like its not even secured, just kind of tucked-in under the plastic side panels.

Do you do a lot of hauling around of things in the back? Just curious if there is a reason for this? Wonder if they had an issue with whatever sprays the adhesive (if there is any used) to hold it down on yours. If for some reason it ran empty mid way through your assembly? Just a thought.

So, now my 34,000 miles truck has hazy headlights (that the dealer is being complete a**holes about fixing)

There is a TSB for this, they can be a**holes all they want but they still have to fix it.

I am really happy I purchased the extended warranty! I don't expect things to go wrong, but my 3 years will be up in November, that time has flown by with only just over 22k right now.

 

[JohnnyT]

KC, you couldn't be more spot on. And honestly, it's sad. That's why I'm looking for another 4th gen v8 for my sons college days and way beyond.

I believe in keeping cars/trucks for as long as possible and too many of today's products (not just autos) are simply not built for that. Everything is built for quick turnaround and replacement. I knew the 5th gen was not up to the job by spending 20 min with the car. Everything was cheapened. Day1=nice. Year5=crap (IMO).

Funny, there is another thread on the forum about t4r vs Land cruiser. Yes, the Land cruiser is very expensive, but it'll likely outlast 3 or 4 other cars a person buys thus making it a bargain over the life of the car to some.

 

[JohnnyT]

Do you do a lot of hauling around of things in the back? Just curious if there is a reason for this? Wonder if they had an issue with whatever sprays the adhesive (if there is any used) to hold it down on yours. If for some reason it ran empty mid way through your assembly? Just a thought.



There is a TSB for this, they can be a**holes all they want but they still have to fix it.

I am really happy I purchased the extended warranty! I don't expect things to go wrong, but my 3 years will be up in November, that time has flown by with only just over 22k right now.

There was a time when nobody would even consider an extended warranty for a 4runner.

 

[sandcrawler]

...and my rear hatch weather-stripping pulled off a week ago.

i just noticed the other day that the weatherstripping on both my rear doors has
come apart.

 

[phillyd2]

There was a time when nobody would even consider an extended warranty for a 4runner.

I thought you said that you were going to stop doing this?

 

[KCcarguy]

Do you do a lot of hauling around of things in the back? Just curious if there is a reason for this? Wonder if they had an issue with whatever sprays the adhesive (if there is any used) to hold it down on yours. If for some reason it ran empty mid way through your assembly? Just a thought.

Nothing too crazy, just landscaping supplies, camping stuff, luggage, etc.

KC, you couldn't be more spot on. And honestly, it's sad. That's why I'm looking for another 4th gen v8 for my sons college days and way beyond.

Agree. I realize part of all this is inflation, etc. and Toyota may be doing the best they can, but it's not good enough for me.

 

[westwind77]

There was a time when nobody would even consider an extended warranty for a 4runner.

The 4R's are more reliable than other SUV's out there, but no vehicle is made perfect or expected never to break. It is a gamble, people weigh what they think the repairs will cost over the time they will own the vehicle vs the actual cost of the warranty. I scan the 4th gen threads now and then and I see a fair amount of problems with them. My extended takes me to 75k, others on here have them out to 125k. The 4th was not a perfect vehicle, so I am not expecting the 5th to be either.

 

[Koz]

You have got to be kidding!

You would consider getting rid of a vehicle because the carpet is coming up and the head light covers are getting hazy.

Good luck finding a better vehicle!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is NO perfect vehicle.

Koz

 

[KCcarguy]

You have got to be kidding!

You would consider getting rid of a vehicle because the carpet is coming up and the head light covers are getting hazy.

Good luck finding a better vehicle!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is NO perfect vehicle.

Koz

Not exactly. Obviously those are pretty minor things. But at 34k miles???? I've had Fords that looked better at this mileage. My point was that I'm afraid It's an indicator of worse things to come. I don't think asking for carpet and weather stripping to stay put is asking for perfection.

My expectations with a Toyota is ZERO problems in the first 75k miles. I know that sounds like a lot to ask, but it's nothing I haven't experienced before from Toyota and Hondas.

 

[JohnnyT]

I thought you said that you were going to stop doing this?

Doing what exactly? If your talking about me poking the fire, then thats too bad. It pisses me off that for that kind of money and for the reputation it built over the years, the damn truck should alot better than it is.

I too would likely get an extended warranty if I bought todays 4runner and any other car for that matter. Point being, quality in general has gone down dramatically. The 4runner of 5-10 years ago didn't need an extended anything.

When I bought my 07 Pilot, I asked about the cost of the extended warranty and the Finance mgr said exactly this "Why? You'd only be throwing your money away. These things don't break.". Lo and behold, not a single solitary problem. Just maintenance. Nothing. Wonder if they'd say that today?

I'm not picking on the 5th gen (which by the way I would probably buy if I was forced to buy a new truck today - but that still doesn't make it the excellent truck it should be - just the lesser of greater evils), just elaborating on the OP's point.

Toyota's doing better now. Perhaps they'll step it up.

 

[westwind77]

When I bought my 07 Pilot, I asked about the cost of the extended warranty and the Finance mgr said exactly this "Why? You'd only be throwing your money away. These things don't break.". Lo and behold, not a single solitary problem. Just maintenance. Nothing. Wonder if they'd say that today?

Just because yours is 'perfect' (nothing has broken...yet), does not mean everyone has the same luck. I am sorry, I would have to laugh at someone who would believe a salesman who would say 'these things do not break'. Everything breaks, sooner or later. Do you buy the warranty if you keep the car 4 years, probably not and a waste of money (a slight gamble), do you purchase it if you plan to keep it 10+ years and you know personally you are not nice to your vehicles, probably a wise investment (assuming the cost is very reasonable). See below for what you might want to keep and eye out for along with a lot of other common problems with your 07' that seem to creep up after the warranty expires based on the reported mileage of the incidents.

2007 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review
Beware before you buy a Honda Pilot. The car has lots of peep, but that is about it. After 65 mph, the front wheel shakes like crazy ( there are hundreds of complaints on the web about this). Honda cannot find the problem. We took the car there 7-8 times!!!!! Next, after a few months, smoke began pouring out of the A.C. and could not be driven. Then a few weeks ago, an electric problem stranded my wife and daughter (who was coming home from the Doctor). The next week, the same thing happened again. Finally, the gas mileage is HORRIBLE. Just as bad as my Ford Expedition. The EPA of 17/22 is not even close!!!!!

Hi, I am new to the forum. I have a 2007 Pilot, which I purchased at the end of May. It had about 200 miles on it when I purchased it. It had been making noises from the time of purchase. It made a creaking noise, coming from the back area of the vehicle. This turned out to be a bad shock. Honda replaced it. It also made a clicking, coming from the front end, underneath, that could be heard when making turn, especially sharp turns out of parking spaces, etc. Honda now has my vehicle again, saying that this noise is a bad strut. I wanted to see if anyone else has heard of any of these problems in a new Pilot? And how does this happen with a new vehicle? We also had it back at the dealer for repairs for a body problem....my husband opened the back passenger door, and part of the molding had warped, so it caught the front door, causing damage to the vehicle. It was a new car.......We are satisfied with the service that Honda has provided us.....but.....not satisfied with the vehicle. How many times is too many times back to the dealer with problems? Thanks for any opinions....

 

[phillyd2]

You are of course free to do whatever but please don't insult us by saying that you are not picking in the 5th Gen, because that's exactly what you have been doing for a while now.

Honestly, whats the point? Why do you even read the posts here. I use to have a 4th but now I don't go into their part to complain about them. I never go into the 3rd Gen forum. And I don't join and post in the Ford Pinto forum.

Every now knows, has known for a while that you prefer the 4th over the 5th. We get it. Thanks.

Not hating but I just don't get the need to piss in somebody's soup, again and again. It's not like anybody here will read your deep insights and sell their trucks. Maybe you are bored? I don't know but if that's the case maybe your truck needs a another coat of wax. Maybe there is some dust on the inside of your tires that need cleaning. :bravo:

 

[scanny]

Well, angry this morning. I was cleaning out my truck last night and the Carpet in the rear cargo area began to pull-up in several new areas. I had a problem with it pulling up near the front a few months ago. Now it's along the sides and back. It's almost looks like its not even secured, just kind of tucked-in under the plastic side panels.

I got about the same mileage but my the cargo carpet is good so far. And I'm hauling a lot, but I got cargo liner. Anyway I don't expect wonders from modern vehicles - looks like every manufacturer tries to make vehicle cheapest possible and overal quality falls as a result. And this is not only about cars and trucks, just look at the appliances, electronics etc. I guess that majority of people are not willing to pay for quality - they like to buy stuff cheap and replace it often. Looks like manufacturers just follow the people wishes or go out of business. On the positive note I still believe that 4Runners are the most reliable vehicles in the class and class of frame based midsize SUV becomes smaller and smaller. I hope that Toyota sacrificed only small stuff to keep price competitive and overall reliability is still high. Time will tell of course, but so far I haven't seen many serious issues with 5th gen. I guess that Lexus GX is probably built better, but it's cost more and I guess most of the 4Runner crowd are not prepared to pay that much. And old trucks are always a bit of gamble, so pesonally I'd rather take chances with a new truck : )

 

[triggermann]

Not exactly. Obviously those are pretty minor things. But at 34k miles???? I've had Fords that looked better at this mileage. My point was that I'm afraid It's an indicator of worse things to come. I don't think asking for carpet and weather stripping to stay put is asking for perfection.

My expectations with a Toyota is ZERO problems in the first 75k miles. I know that sounds like a lot to ask, but it's nothing I haven't experienced before from Toyota and Hondas.

I bet Toyota has the carpet and head lights made by some other company not in house so some of what you are see could be that they just picked a bad suplier.I bet it runs and drives great and that it will for many years.

 

[JohnnyT]

You are of course free to do whatever but please don't insult us by saying that you are not picking in the 5th Gen, because that's exactly what you have been doing for a while now.

Honestly, whats the point? Why do you even read the posts here. I use to have a 4th but now I don't go into their part to complain about them. I never go into the 3rd Gen forum. And I don't join and post in the Ford Pinto forum.

Every now knows, has known for a while that you prefer the 4th over the 5th. We get it. Thanks.

Not hating but I just don't get the need to piss in somebody's soup, again and again. It's not like anybody here will read your deep insights and sell their trucks. Maybe you are bored? I don't know but if that's the case maybe your truck needs a another coat of wax. Maybe there is some dust on the inside of your tires that need cleaning. :bravo:

I read and comment because I'm interested in keeping up with Toyota's product but what do you care what interests me. Balanced comments about shortcomings that shouldn't exist are good (and I don't work for FoxNews).

Seems like expectations have gotten very low for expensive product.

Also, please use sealant. Wax is a colossal waste of time and effort.

 

[JohnnyT]

Just because yours is 'perfect' (nothing has broken...yet), does not mean everyone has the same luck. I am sorry, I would have to laugh at someone who would believe a salesman who would say 'these things do not break'. Everything breaks, sooner or later. Do you buy the warranty if you keep the car 4 years, probably not and a waste of money (a slight gamble), do you purchase it if you plan to keep it 10+ years and you know personally you are not nice to your vehicles, probably a wise investment (assuming the cost is very reasonable). See below for what you might want to keep and eye out for along with a lot of other common problems with your 07' that seem to creep up after the warranty expires based on the reported mileage of the incidents.

2007 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review
Beware before you buy a Honda Pilot. The car has lots of peep, but that is about it. After 65 mph, the front wheel shakes like crazy ( there are hundreds of complaints on the web about this). Honda cannot find the problem. We took the car there 7-8 times!!!!! Next, after a few months, smoke began pouring out of the A.C. and could not be driven. Then a few weeks ago, an electric problem stranded my wife and daughter (who was coming home from the Doctor). The next week, the same thing happened again. Finally, the gas mileage is HORRIBLE. Just as bad as my Ford Expedition. The EPA of 17/22 is not even close!!!!!

Hi, I am new to the forum. I have a 2007 Pilot, which I purchased at the end of May. It had about 200 miles on it when I purchased it. It had been making noises from the time of purchase. It made a creaking noise, coming from the back area of the vehicle. This turned out to be a bad shock. Honda replaced it. It also made a clicking, coming from the front end, underneath, that could be heard when making turn, especially sharp turns out of parking spaces, etc. Honda now has my vehicle again, saying that this noise is a bad strut. I wanted to see if anyone else has heard of any of these problems in a new Pilot? And how does this happen with a new vehicle? We also had it back at the dealer for repairs for a body problem....my husband opened the back passenger door, and part of the molding had warped, so it caught the front door, causing damage to the vehicle. It was a new car.......We are satisfied with the service that Honda has provided us.....but.....not satisfied with the vehicle. How many times is too many times back to the dealer with problems? Thanks for any opinions....

Thanks for pointing this out.

Perhaps you can dig up some isolated items to keep an eye on for my 99 Nissan Pathfinder. Another truck that has not had a single solitary problem during its 92k miles. Nothing. Oh wait, I had to remove the inside door panel once to lube the window motor which was going slowly.

Love all three trucks. Spent nothing but maintenance on any of them. Nobody is that lucky. Their simply made very well.

 

[westwind77]

Nobody is that lucky. Their simply made very well.

Well you seem to be I guess. Yes, they are made well, no doubting that, but they are not made perfect (meaning to last forever). Things change during production (assembly, technique, parts, etc.) and it all plays into what you get and how long it lasts. They way you drive it and use it also comes into play. If you roll down your windows 5 times a day vs someone who rolls down their windows 1 once a month obviously one person will have motor trouble before the other. If you maintain something you own and treat it right repairs 'should' be minimal, if you are lucky (like you), none. The way parts and labor rates are these days if you plan to keep the vehicle a long time an extended warranty (at a good price) is a good idea. We all know that nothing is made 'the way it was'. We live in a disposable society these days, when something breaks it is cheaper to throw it away and buy new than it is to have someone fix it. We have just grown to accept it as the norm now. I don't expect my 4R to be perfect, I do expect it not to be a money pit though (excluding mods!).