Went to the dark side - bought a Toyota

[KrisZ]

I have signatures turned off in case you have it there, but what do you normally drive ? IMO, if you were to drive this often enough, you'll start asking yourself why you didn't buy a Toyota (or Honda, etc) a long time ago.

It’s a bit of a joke. I never had a Toyota, I don’t like most of Toyota’s lineup and I am quite critical of the brand sometimes and the cult-like following it tends to generate.
But I also always say that I buy based on my needs and likes and not on brand name, so here we are…

 

[doitmyself]

My adult son has a 2022 CH-R and it has been excellent. There are indications of a transmission problem with the 2018-2021 models that can be investigated on the interweb (I don't know the details). His does not have that dash trim and I wonder if the Op's is aftermarket vinyl wrap.

His biggest issue in all of mid-Michigan is finding a dealer that will do a transmission fluid change. ALL of them claim "lifetime" fluid and/or don't touch it until 120K (I think). I've heard stories like this before, but now I know it is true. Simply crazy. Why turn down business and why not be pro preventive maintenance.

 

[KrisZ]

Very curious if the unit in that car has the fake shifts programmed into it? My first CVT experience (2009-ish Altima) took some getting used to because it had the rubber band effect (no fake shifts) with wide swings in power depending on throttle position. These newer Subarus I've been driving while on vacation feel a lot more like a conventional auto (not exact but close enough), but doesn't that defeat the purpose of continously variable ratios, and negate some of the fuel ecomony attributes?

It does have fake shifts but only in the “manual” mode. In normal D mode it continuously varies the ratios without fake shifts, which is exactly how I like it. It’s quite a smooth ride thanks to this. It also has a geared starter gear, so it takes off the line like a normal automatic.

 

[Hall]

See any similarities? Definitely inspired by the forces of the "dark side"!

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My wife has a '24 Grand Highlander that's white with black trim. I call it a stormtrooper.

 

[joekingcorvette]

I have a new Rav 4 hybrid like that! Nice color combo!

 

[GSCJR]

The dark side? Toyotas are reliable, hold their value well. They might be boring but you won't regret owning one!

I think it was a typo, he must of meant smart side , not dark side.

 

[BHopkins]

It’s a bit of a joke. I never had a Toyota, I don’t like most of Toyota’s lineup and I am quite critical of the brand sometimes and the cult-like following it tends to generate.
But I also always say that I buy based on my needs and likes and not on brand name, so here we are…

While I can't say that I have never owned a Toyota, as I did own on old Camry once, I am totally on board otherwise. I find Toyota styling to do nothing for me. And I also get tired of the cult-like Toyota fan club. But I also would buy one if it fit what I wanted.

 

[Kurtatron]

The blue trim is nice. Separates it from every other boring car on the road. Now if only manufacturers offered interesting exterior colors.

 

[Kira]

the cult-like following it tends to generate.

I think you're off-target on that one.
Do remember, cults are bad (generally). Brand loyalty (and product consistency) are real things.
In the '70's, The USA was putting out pure carp cars. Volkswagen and Toyota were showing us 'how it's done'.
Flag waving advertising prompted stupid people to mock the owners of imports.
I know because I was there to hear it.

Now Subaru owners in Vermont and Colorado...there you have demon run cults populated with people who sacrifice humans to keep their cars running! I know because I heard it on the radio.

 

[Hermann]

Do remember, cults are bad (generally). Brand loyalty (and product consistency) are real things.
In the '70's, The USA was putting out pure carp cars. Volkswagen and Toyota were showing us 'how it's done'.

I thought something was a little fishy back then.

 

[Owen Lucas]

In the '70's, The USA was putting out pure carp cars. Volkswagen and Toyota were showing us 'how it's done'.

Had US manufacturers listened to W. Edwards Deming, maybe things would be different. Among other Japanese engineers, Deming helped improve quality control of Japanese manufacturing when he was somewhat not taken seriously for all his advice by the big 3 until it was too late.

"Companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Sony Corp. adopted Deming’s concepts and became world-class producers in their fields, helping Japan become one of the planet’s dominant economic powers. Japan’s rise was the start of a regional metamorphosis. Asia eventually became a manufacturing giant. Although American companies could have learned from Deming, most ignored him for decades even as Asian competitors gobbled away at Americans’ customer base and profits."

https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/w-edwards-deming

 

[BHopkins]

The blue trim is nice. Separates it from every other boring car on the road. Now if only manufacturers offered interesting exterior colors.

I think the blue trim is a nice touch too. But I also think it would get old before too long. A little too much in your face.

 

[Bailes1992]

My Wife's Girlfriend has one and it's reasonably pleasant to drive. I believe hers has the Prius running gear, it's a 1.8 hybrid. I find it a bit of a slouch off the mark which surprised me, I thought the electric motor would make it razor sharp but it does seem to take it's time getting going. Once the revs are up and it's moving though, it's quite adequate. It's does around 60mpg too!

I'd consider one as a daily driver, although I think I'd end up lowering it and painting all the black trim to try loose the silly 'suv' look.

 

[VersatileGuy]

It’s a bit of a joke. I never had a Toyota, I don’t like most of Toyota’s lineup and I am quite critical of the brand sometimes and the cult-like following it tends to generate.
But I also always say that I buy based on my needs and likes and not on brand name, so here we are…

The reason people buy Toyotas are because mechanics tell them to. Toyotas have no fashion, no fun, nor drivability.

Because durability is indeed engineered into the cars, for the most important parts. There is breakage of certain less essential parts. No one can see durability until it is observed though. Mechanics observe it compared to other makes.

You sound like someone in a car midlife crisis who is choosing an actual non-troublesome practical machine.

 

[Bailes1992]

You sound like someone in a car midlife crisis who is choosing an actual non-troublesome practical machine.

There's plenty of cars out there that can be totally reliable and actually be enjoyable and exciting to own!

Generally, over on this side of the pond, German cars are bulletrpoof and are the cars that clock up 2-300k without much maintenance needed.

 

[andrew_j]

What really matters is your daughter is happy with the choice! Hope she enjoys for the long life it will likely offer.

 

[Wylie6G72]

His biggest issue in all of mid-Michigan is finding a dealer that will do a transmission fluid change. ALL of them claim "lifetime" fluid and/or don't touch it until 120K (I think). I've heard stories like this before, but now I know it is true. Simply crazy. Why turn down business and why not be pro preventive maintenance.

This is a problem across all brands. I had to call several GMC dealerships before I found one that would do a pan drop and filter replacement on my 2015 Canyon at 30K and 60K. I kept hearing "100,000 mi interval". Do they just lose sight of the fact that I'm paying them to do this? I get very tired of feeling as though though dealerships think they're doing me a favor.

 

[PWMDMD]

I like the C-HR a lot. I just wish it came with an AWD option.

 

[Astro14]

“Cult-like” describes some Volvo owners, perhaps, not sure if Toyota merits the phrase…

But I have been very pleased with the performance of my first two Toyotas.

They weren’t miraculous, but solid, reliable, long-lasting vehicles. My 1990 4Runner was a great truck. The 2006 Corolla we bought as a kids’ car was donated to a needy family with 230,000 miles on it - still running great.

Part of why I chose a Toyota truck 8 years ago.

 

[KrisZ]

I like the C-HR a lot. I just wish it came with an AWD option.

That and the hybrid system. Not sure why Toyota chose to only offer the gasoline option here, given that they are very popular.
They fixed this mistake with the Cross, but that one is more tame in the styling department and looks more like a smaller Rav4.