Owner Habits That Vary By Brand

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy
My generalizations on the topic are these:
Owners of foreign vehicles, namely Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai experience fewer failures on their vehicles than their domestic counterparts. Therefore, they have excess funds with which to spend the additional cost of OEM parts. Personally, I would not want anything besides an OEM part to touch my Toyota. The cost upfront may be higher, but in the long run the quality is worth it!
The only area that I do not use genuine factory parts is motor oil. I do not feel that Toyota's brand motor oil is superior to that of Pennzoil or Mobil 1.


Oh look! Another "Domsmetic cras SUZSZXKORS!!!" guy. I thought we were done with this stupid stuff.

(No I'm not generalizing import owners as illiterate, don't accuse me of it, it's an internet thing)

 

[El_Schaf]

I think, for everyone's sake, we should just abandon this post immediately...

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: El_Schaf
I think, for everyone's sake, we should just abandon this post immediately...


I think you're right.


Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy
My generalizations on the topic are these:
Owners of foreign vehicles, namely Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai experience fewer failures on their vehicles than their domestic counterparts. Therefore, they have excess funds with which to spend the additional cost of OEM parts. Personally, I would not want anything besides an OEM part to touch my Toyota. The cost upfront may be higher, but in the long run the quality is worth it!
The only area that I do not use genuine factory parts is motor oil. I do not feel that Toyota's brand motor oil is superior to that of Pennzoil or Mobil 1.


Oh look! Another "Domsmetic cras SUZSZXKORS!!!" guy. I thought we were done with this stupid stuff.

(No I'm not generalizing import owners as illiterate, don't accuse me of it, it's an internet thing)


Sorry man, didn't mean to get nasty, but these days when someone still believes that a toyota is any better than anything else.. Or a Ford, or a Honda, Hyundai etc, just makes me sigh in frustration. For the most part, all brands are as reliable as any other.

 

[Rix]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
[Sorry man, didn't mean to get nasty, but these days when someone still believes that a toyota is any better than anything else.. Or a Ford, or a Honda, Hyundai etc, just makes me sigh in frustration. For the most part, all brands are as reliable as any other.

You will NEVER EVER convince me of that.

Just the trade ins we see in the shop is enough to show me different.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: Rix
Originally Posted By: Nick R
[Sorry man, didn't mean to get nasty, but these days when someone still believes that a toyota is any better than anything else.. Or a Ford, or a Honda, Hyundai etc, just makes me sigh in frustration. For the most part, all brands are as reliable as any other.

You will NEVER EVER convince me of that.

Just the trade ins we see in the shop is enough to show me different.


I'm not talking about anything before say 2005, then I might agree with you to an extent. I'm talking brand new vehicles, such as my focus, which is rated above average in reliability by pretty much everyone. Or the Fusion, Malibu, etc. Most of have stories. I've told this one occasionally, but not often.

Friend of my parents (woman), bought a new camry in 2008ish. Within the first year/15k miles, iirc it had new transmission, head gasket twice (once for oil leak, the other for coolant leak), alternator, and brakes. Now compare that to my focus. 14k miles in 8 months. I've been back to the dealer once for noisy PS pump, that ended up being it was low on fluid from factory. Or our 07 mustang v6 with ~36k, hasn't been repaired at all.

I know a member on here, Odie has two Toyota Yaris with persistently leaky headgaskets. I could name others too. And I could certainly name domestics with problems too. My old cavalier was a perfect example. Granted it had done 138k miles or so, but still.

 

[Rix]

Yeah, still can't agree.
I know toyota, honda, etc have lemons like everyone else.

Even since 05, there have been a majority of domestics (and other, of course) cars and trucks come through here as trade ins, and all I can do is shake my head at some of these things.

 

[oldmaninsc]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: VNTS
Per your comments, I would guess most people I know who own imports tend to not know a [censored] thing about cars, hence they bring the cars to the dealer and get reamed.


That is an unfair generalization. Smart shoppers such as myself use the dealership too, and in fact, prefer it. I usually pay the same (or sometimes less) at the dealerships as independent shops. Good independents that actually know your make/model cost as much as the dealership and do not have the latest factory training.

How is his "unfair generalization" any different than your original generalization.

Quote:
From my real-life and internet experiences, I have found that there is a greater tendency for owners of domestic vehicles to purchase their replacement parts from a local auto parts store. They have no interest or desire to seek OE parts for their vehicles. This is also shown through their tendency to have vehicles serviced at quick lubes or independent service facilities.

On the other hand, Toyota, Honda, BMW, MB buyers tend to insist on using OE parts for their car (or at least are more educated about parts quality) and generally use the dealer or a specialized independent for their vehicle service needs.

 

[Spyder7]

My experience with this import: the original owner had all service, including OCs, done at the dealer for its first 8 years on the road (so all replacement parts used were OE). After that, with one exception, she went to non-specialized franchise shops and they used whatever generic "OE-equivalent" they sold; the exception was a botched brake job, which she took to the dealer to document and redo (and the invoice shows she requested the parts replaced back, no doubt to try and get her money back from the place that botched the first job). After that incident she simply switched to a different, non-specialty franchise shop for the remainder of the two years she had it before I bought it.

It gets most of its work done now by me, if I can do it. If not it goes to a non-specialty shop, but preferably with parts I provide myself if time for the wait on them permits.

Other cars I've owned have all had less clear service histories because their owners weren't as meticulous with record keeping as this one, and/or the car had already changed hands at least once before I bought it.

-Spyder

 

[PandaBear]

My experience is similar to both The Critic and VNTS regarding to what is going on around here.

Many people who aren't familiar with car repairs or maintenance tend to buy "import" due to the yesteryear's domestic reputation. Then, also due to the fear of having "retail" parts causing problem, they tend to either bring their cars to dealers or use OEM parts in mechanics. Mechanics don't want trouble of having to deal with consumers who claims they cheated them out with inferior parts, just stick with OEM parts and charge the consumers OEM parts price.

 

[MCompact]

For another data point, here is how I service my vehicles...

2004 X3: I change the oil myself @half way between the intervals calculated by the SI system. It goes to the dealer for any other maintenance(aside from an SRS sensor(replaced under warranty) in 112,000 miles it has needed no repairs aside from a couple of tail lamp bulbs). The dealer performs high quality work at very reasonable prices. As an example, I only paid $207 to have the ATF and transfer case oil changed.

1995 318ti: I perform @75% of the maintenance, using only OEM parts. If I don't want to tackle the job I use an independent BMW tech or the dealer(sometimes the dealer offers coupons that beat the indie shop's prices).

1975 2002A: I perform virtually all the service on this car. It's so easy to work on that I'd be embarrassed to take it to the dealer or the indie shop. I use OEM parts exclusively.

2007 Mazdaspeed3: I use the dealer 100% of the time for maintenance. They gave me free oil changes for as long as I own the car, so why not? This dealer also doesn't push unnecessary service. I do handle the performance upgrades and such.

1999 Wrangler Sahara: I do @75% of the work, a local indie shop does the rest- usually when I'm pressed for time or too busy. Like the '02, it's dead easy to work on. I have used aftermarket parts- a Banks Torque Tube exhaust manifold, Bilstein shocks, Hella E-Code headlamps, Modine all-brass radiator, and MB Quart speakers- and I will also use high quality aftermarket brake parts, filters, and ignition parts.

 

[brianl703]

Both of my domestic vehicles are so old that most dealership parts for them have long been discontinued.

You don't need to worry about that problem if the lease isn't up yet

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
Both of my domestic vehicles are so old that most dealership parts for them have long been discontinued.

You don't need to worry about that problem if the lease isn't up yet

How old is it? I was just purchased parts for the 92 Previa from the Toyota dealer and the parts I ordered were still normal stock items. That van is almost 20 years old!

 

[Spyder7]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: brianl703
Both of my domestic vehicles are so old that most dealership parts for them have long been discontinued.

You don't need to worry about that problem if the lease isn't up yet

How old is it? I was just purchased parts for the 92 Previa from the Toyota dealer and the parts I ordered were still normal stock items. That van is almost 20 years old!


One thing I've noticed when part shopping for this car is just how many parts Toyota recycles not just through model years, but across seemingly completely different platforms. That combined with their high sales volume seems to make finding parts pretty easy, at least (also this model year of Corolla is very DIY friendly, or as much as you could expect from any "wrong way" [transverse] mounted engine).

IMHO there are too many generalizations being made regarding who is buying what, and what their choice is being influenced by. "Imports are more reliable than domestics" is a generalization that may have been true 10 or 15 years ago. Not true today. American automakers in general, and Ford in particular, have made huge strides in recent years while many import brands have slid downward in the quality and reliability department lately, compared to where they were 10 years ago.

Whatever - if any - gap exists, its too narrow for the old generalizations to have any relevance anymore. Hyundai and Kia, for instance, were making cheap tin cans 10 years ago, yet today they both rank among the top in reliability surveys and owner satisfaction. Both companies have multiple vehicles that hold multiple awards (Kia's Forte and its 2010 "car of the year" award and IIHS top safety pick and 5 star crash rating is a good example). Yet you have to look at the product they are making now, and not the one from 10 years ago, to appreciate the difference. Same certainly is true with Ford, and the problems of 10 or 15 years ago have no bearing on the product they are producing today.

-Spyder

 

[tonycarguy]

I haven't noticed any difference in this regard between domestics and imports. When I'm at the auto parts store, I see customers with VW's, Hondas and Toyotas asking for parts just as often as Chevys and Fords.

But the difference I do notice is that the owner at these stores are always in for less expensive cars. You won't see someone with a Benz SL500 getting their parts at AAP. Why? I don't know. Maybe because those places don't stock the parts, or because those owners don't work on their cars, or they prefer OEM parts at the dealer...

 

[tonycarguy]

Those stereotypes are silly. Toyotas and Hondas are SOOOO common that their owners come from all walks of life. Some are so clueless they probably couldn't find the oil dipstick; but plenty of them work on their cars.

 

[CharBaby]

I know, your talking about parts/service. And this is a bit off topic.

Since I have owned plenty of both(domestic/import) over the last 40 years, I have earned the right to say what I beleive is true. My favorites,(Honda/Toyota) have slipped although they're still hanging on to their top spots in reliability but, just barely! I always found them to be comfortable, easy to drive and see out of and reliable as stink!

I beleive that today...today, vehicles are as close in quality/reliability as ever(or never before). My next vehicle will be again based on quality/reliability but now, due to the way vehicles are being designed for crash protection, VISABILITY/COMFORT is going to be a huge factor in my buying decision. I always liked comfort but, today it's even more of an issue with me.

Lately, while traveling with friends/family that are in the market for new vehicles, I'm sitting in alot of new vehicle on showroom floors that just don't fit my structure, 5'10" ish/narrow), nor can I see out the sides and rear of the vehicles as well as in the recent past. I don't want to be looking through a camera every time I back up and I don't like a dash that feels like it's in my face nor a cloustraphobic interior.

Vehicles that I have sat in recently and that I wouldn't buy for one or more of these reasons are: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet(s) Camaro, Cruise, Equinox, Chrysler...well, I wouldn't buy anything from them even if they fit my comfort/outward vision criteria. They're just too poorly made overall and the most unreliable vehicles that I have ever owned(personally), all 4 of them. Chrysler cars always felt good when new but, then they just fell apart on me...I know, I know, there are those of you who love your MOPAR's. I like their style and comfort overall for domestic vehicles but, they've just not treated me well.

But, this doesn't mean the I'll be running right over to my HonYota dealerships just yet! I kinda like the Malibu, Sonata, Altima, Fusion. And for the upper brands, I like the Audi and MB's(pre-owned could be the way).

And because I have always had a fondness for small, efficient cars/runabouts, the new Focus, Fiesta seem to be worth a look. But truely, I like a sedan! Wifey likes her "sitting up higher" SUV's, gas hogs that they are! I don't consider 20-22 MPG to be anything to brag about!!!

The post seemed to be going off topic anyway, so I spoke my mind too!

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

How old is it? I was just purchased parts for the 92 Previa from the Toyota dealer and the parts I ordered were still normal stock items. That van is almost 20 years old!


'88 Mustang, '97 Crown Vic. The local Ford dealer's stock is terrible, too. It seems like they have to order everything (assuming that it's not obsolete). Their parts department is a disaster and has been for upwards of 20 years. I've been able to get most everything I've needed for both cars lately from a Motorcraft dealer, JK Auto Parts.

 

[rjundi]

In my ownership of all foreign vehicles I have never specified OEM vs aftermarket parts. I used dealer and independent shops.

Even once a Honda dealer directed me away from an OEM Honda Civic radiator due to $600 MSRP on parts to aftermarket for 1/3 of price.

I love my Subaru Legacy GT(performance model) however recently faced a seized front caliper that could not be fixed. My mechanic searched long and hard and found an aftermarket for $200 instead of the OEM caliper approaching $500. It looks a bit ugly through the rims but have not noticed any difference in regular driving.

 

[2Fast4U]

Originally Posted By: MNgopher
I've found that my friends who drive imports take them to the dealerships for service for two reasons. Often the parts that require replacement are dealer/OEM only. Might as well have the dealership deal with it. Second, they have no clue how badly the dealership is ripping them off. Usuaually from unneeded maintenance services on intervals way more agressive than the owners manual to extremely high cahrges on parts or labnor rates.


You said it perfectly. Most people don't have clue as to how bad the dealerships are. OEM is nothing special and people ranting and raving otherwise are clueless and don't have the ability anyhow.

 

[Rix]

Originally Posted By: 2Fast4U
OEM is nothing special and people ranting and raving otherwise are clueless and don't have the ability anyhow.


I can't tell you how wrong that is in the toyota world.
ESPECIALLY with electronic and ignition parts.