@@The_Last_Hurrah nice! I’ve got an 03. Motor and transmission are solid, but all the bushing in the suspension are wearing out. I do drive it on forest roads 40% of the time though. I put Seafoam in it every 5k as well as 5k oil changes. For some reason it seems to really like Castro synthetic over all other oils I’ve tried
I can’t believe this is free info from someone who’s a master of his craft. Very few people have this skill and knowledge and even rarer that they’re willing to be candid about it. Incredible!
@@burntnougat5341 Toyota brand only fits perfectly for who thinks vehicle is only a reliable "machine" using for travel from A to B. I wish you luck in life
Both Kids got used IS250`s as their first car and now with > 200k on each car zero problems. Regular maintenance done at home with genuine Toyota parts and fluids.
My wife's 2017 4RUNNER I literally had to argue with the dealer when I demanded 5,000 mile oil changes. I actually changed dealerships because of this.
Year ago bought a new 2024 Camry, very bad experience, car came w free oil services. I take it to my trusted Honda dealership 20 miles away. And gladly pay myself. btw, Didn't buy Honda because no V6's anymore.
I had my oil tested at blackstone after 10k miles (90k on the car) and the lab results showed I could go 12k+ miles between changes. It all depends on its use case.
In my corporate world, this guy is like the guy who can code expertly + communicate & teach clearly + have great leadership = will go far in this youtube career.
Thanks Ahmed & crew! You did a fantastic job servicing my 5th GEN 4 Runner two weeks ago. 10 years old and still drives like the day I bought it new. Be well & God bless!
I just turned 500,000 miles on my 01 tundra 4.7. I know of quite a few others with 400,000 miles also in my area. In the top 3 of Toyota's engines, imo
I change every 2000-3000 no matter what car. Reason? That’s what the engineer of the GT-R engine does except every 1000-1500km, no matter what car he’s driving.
Love my 2006 GX 470, owned since new. Oil changed every 5k, as per the maintenance minder. 188k miles now, it’s been family hauler, road tripper, camping multiple times, around town…you name it. I swear the undercarriage looks practically new (we live in the south). Engine is smooth, can barely tell it’s running at idle. If you can find a garage-kept one-owner with good service history, buy it.
I own a 2010 4Runner Limited and I have suffered for the X-Rear thing and thanks to your advice in one of your first videos when you open your channel about the X-Rear shocks I followed you advise and do the conversion to normal SR5 shocks and life was good. Thanks AMD for all your good advice.
@@thesultan4030 there are affordable solutions to some of the problems presented in his videos using aftermarket parts, which genuinely make the vehicle more dependable or better-performing than going with OEM. The problem is that 90% of the time an aftermarket part is a serious downgrade from Toyota factory parts. This man runs a premium-level shop with clientele who expects zero comebacks for tens of thousands of miles. He sticks with OEM parts, so things like those bilsteins are not an option even though they’re an ideal upgrade.
AMD was good to me too for the exact same reasons you mentioned. My 4Runner was a 2011 limited. Ahmed and I must have had at least a dozen exchanges in 2021.
I love these tool table chats because I know he makes them after working all day to please his customers. Thank you, AMD. You are a credit to your profession.
@@albundy3929 Yet he is a straight shooter. ChrisFix is very similar; I'm sure he makes good money from YT but is a great mechanic and mentor in his own right. The world would be a poorer place if either of them left TH-cam.
This is why AMD is great!!!! He's not a shill for Toyota meaning that Toyota could do no wrong, instead AMD is 100% about the people in this world and their best interest. And this video once again proves it. He clearly states Toyota is not perfect, they aren't the one stop shop, and for this people need to do their research and stay away from certain years, models, and trims, and always maintain your car and the services.
Yes. The haters are just Toyota fanboys. I can like something but I am also not about taking a close at it and if I see faults it doesn't bother me to point it out. I don't trust the fanboys of any product. They'll over look faults and try and twist the narrative around. That seems to be the thing to do these past several years. Use the mentioned faults and turn around and use it on another product or maker even when they have no proof.
Well said. Totally agree. There’s a lot of Toyota/Lexus fan boy channels out there. I watch their channels but take everything they say with a grain of salt.
exactly, some brands are great and I accept a little bias towards them because that bias is based on real statistics and experiences, but when some real issues are there, the truth has to be said.
You sir, are a National Treasure. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your information here, and your honesty. I'm not a mechanic by any means, but I have learned so much from you, that I pass on to friends and neighbors. I have been a Toyota fan since I bought my first Camry in 2011. It now has over 260,000 miles, and is all original except for the brakes and the spark plugs. Your advice and suggestions have kept her running like new. They will have to pry my Camry from my cold dead fingers !😁
Mr. AMD, I own a 2006 IS 250 since 2006. It is almost 19 years old, with 173,000 miles. The transmission fluid is the original. I love it. Such a smooth ride. No plan to sell it soon. THANK YOU for great contents. God bless you and your family.
I also have a 07 IS250 with the 6speed manual transmission. It sits at 132k miles, doesnt leak any oil, doesnt consume any oil, and drives smooth and gets good fuel economy. Its my first car and I love it.
I too own a 2006 IS250, I think it's a great car, had some cooling system issues but I was able to quite easily fix it and upgrade it at the same time myself.
Ahmed has a huge experience working on Toyotas. You can't teach experience. He went through flame and fire at dealership, I know what I am talking about. Respect, best wishes from VW, Audi tech.
Your job must be pure hell and don't know how you survive working those brands. I think I'd rather be a Walmart greeter than do your job. I totally understand where you're coming from.
I bought a ‘94 80 series last year and I have practically rebuilt the whole thing front to back by now, knuckles, suspension, calipers, tie rod bars, radiator, condenser, PS lines, all the ignition components, entire EGR system, fluids. I jumped when you said you can’t get everything done by a shop! Impossible to own one of theses is you don’t do your work. That would have been $50k… also just had the engine rebuilt, this time by a trusted shop. But I will daily the c$$p out of it though! If it breaks, I’ll fix it!! Thx for the great videos
I love exotic cars but I own a Silver 2024 4 runner trd off road p, Now I’m on a search for a FJ Cruiser in blue. (Still keeping my 4 runner just want a brother for him ) SuperCars are cool but it’s all vanity. Something reliable feels safer now that the world can End in any moment.
I have a 2015 Lexus GX 460 v-8 with 96k miles. This has been the best car. No maintenance, just oil changes when needed. I take to dealership and have them run a computer report. Very few items need, no major . This car was ordered from factory, has everything in it. Love it.
This guy single handedly saved me tons of money. Also made me literally 'graduate' from other car reviewers. Can you please do all the reviews of the most-bought cars and SUVs?
Those other car reviewers are entertainment that’s not even entertaining. They did a “review” of the new Forester and half the video was complaining how slow it is.
This honest man is an expert who specializes in Toyota and Lexis products. Obviously he knows what he is talking about. I strongly suspect that OTHER BRANDS ARE NO BETTER, BUT NO OTHER EXPERTS ARE REVEALING SUCH INFORMATION. Any Ford experts want to. come forward? How about others?
Dude, go look around. There are ford techs who have channels, who go over ins and outs of things, repairs, what to stay away from, etc. Granted, they don’t have the same depth comparatively, but still good stuff. Dave’s Auto channel is great one, mostly in diesels, but has that good feeling, honest vibe that Car Care Nut has.
Grabbed mine 2023 TRD ORP. Other than the gas mileage, I love it. I do wish it had a bit more power, but that inverse power/reliability trade off is also appreciated.
@ Reliability is my top priority. I think the power is adequate for the type of vehicle it is, but who wouldn’t like more power? 😂 Gas mileage stinks, but you don’t buy a 4Runner if that’s important to you. I wish it had auto climate control (set the temp with a thermostat). Otherwise, I’m really pleased with it.
It is sad that Toyota/Lexus allows such models to be sold, but I have to tip my hat to AMD here. He is clearly not a dogmatic fanboy and speaks the truth. I already had a lot of respect for him, but now it's even higher. Well done sir!
I own a 2013 Rav4. I have had it since 60k miles. I stretched the OCI’s to 8k miles and low and behold, it started consuming oil(1qt/2500 miles). I did a piston soak per instructions on BITOG and I’m happy to report that it is back to burning ZERO oil. Car currently has 190k miles, and I’m running 5w30 at 5k OCI’s!
My XREAS suspension went out at 52K miles. I replaced with Bilstein 5100 and hardly noticed a difference. Cost me just under 900 dollars at an off-road shop. I still absolutely love my Limited trim and would not trade it for any vehicle. Dead reliable outside of this known problem.
@@MrFarmer2345👍 I would like to know as well.. I have heard no matter how good the engine is those turbos don't last much past 120,000, even with meticulous care.
@@charlesjackson1700 in the farm world we idle motor for a couple minutes to cool turbo oil, probably most of the unassuming public do not(I don’t blame them if they don’t know) but it can be a pain in the butt thing to due in everyday life.☹️☹️☹️
I have a 2003 Corolla LE with the 1ZZFE and it's now approaching 300K miles. It's only required routine maintenance in the 22 years that I have owned it.
1ZZ Corolla engine is very notorious for burning oil. If yours got to 300k, that is very unusual. The same engine was in the Chevy Prizm. Very bad engine.
I shouldn’t spill any secrets but that 4 cylinder Toyota Camry from 2002-2006 I constantly see on the roads! That maybe one of the best cars for the money ever made! I wanted to add that I used to own a 2002 Camry LE 4 Cylinder and had I not wrecked it, I would still be driving it. I currently own a 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited and yes, I absolutely love it, but I don’t need a V6 engine. The 4 cylinder engine is plenty enough!
OUTSTANDING dude ! I have a 93 T100 so I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't pay you tube and what ever you tube pays him is great. He works harder than most of us. ❤❤❤
Love people like this man. Integrity, honesty, morals and self awareness is rare or even more rare because not much people today will speak up on the truth and what’s right. It truly is mindboggling how OPENLY greedy, corrupt and selfish these major corporations are. No shame at all. You gotta be on a level of evil to run a business as such. This man is the total opposite. Great man, great mechanic. Mahalo for all your shared knowledge, wisdom and information about these vehicles. 🤙🏼🙏🏼✊🏼🤝🏽❤️
Good choices! We have bought nothing but Toyotas since 2001 and are much happier for it. We are on our third Prius (2014) after the first and second were damaged beyond repair when other cars hit them quite hard.
@flagmichael it's on my list, no head gasket or battery isues right? Heard they might me a problem, but then again, seem many with a bazilion miles and nothing wrong
I have a 2006 IS 250 all-wheel-drive with 256,000 miles on it. Runs great. No problems. I guess I just got lucky? I actually love the little car, it does everything, except fast.
He actually was saying that the really good ones are not for sale on the used market because folks love them. He is seeing bad examples because people get rid of them.
I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s good you have to luck. I have an IS 250 but I’ve been watching the videos recently of maintenance and stuff which I’ve been doing. I lived in the rust belt. I had some exhaust parts replaced and I’m using only one muffler now because there’s no reason to have two of them. Apparently it runs perfectly fine with one. My dashboard melted, and that’s a recall item as you probably know. I put a carpet like cover, which I bought off the Internet onto it. It’s molded to fit that dashboard and was cheap. I need to fix my air conditioner. What’s the last major thing other than regular maintenance that I will be doing.
My first is250 awd had 225k miles before it was rear-ended and totaled. My current is250 rwd has 202k miles. As he said proper maintenance is key as with any car. I would get another in a heart beat as long as I can verify the service history
My brother has an 2008 IS250 rwd. Cosmetically it’s starting to fall apart at 240k+ miles but that engine is a tank and still sounds incredibly smooth and healthy. I remember when he bought it several years back around 170k the previous owner had a huge binder full of receipts and services that were all done on time, so no doubt he has one of the great examples. He still adds receipts and service updates to that same binder!
He may say a certain year is bad because he's seeing plenty of those cars coming in. But it doesn't mean that it's 100% of the cars are bad. It's just a higher percentage than normally he sees coming in. Even a with a good vehicle there will be issues for a small percentage of them. Statistically it has to happen but it won't be many.
Held my breath through the 3UR portion of the video, very glad to hear 2014+ models don’t seem to suffer the head gasket issues. I paid a lot of money for a used 2022 Sequoia w/ good maintenance history. AMD you’re a wealth of knowledge and have been incredibly helpful to so many of us. I’m happily driving a couple hours to have my sequoia serviced at your shop, coming up in March. Thanks for all that you do.
If you go on the forms there are just as many if not more post about 5.7s in 2.5 gen tundras and sequoias suffering from head gasket problems. Im not sure how truthful his claim is being it only happens to earlier models that are equipped with a 5.7 or UR series v8 engine.
My last ride (hs 250h) was at 307, 000 miles when I sold to friend recently. It's currently at 315,000, going strong. I now have a is200t and love her🎉🎉🎉
I have an 08 ISF with 96k miles but needs the valley plate as at stop lights my heat doesn’t work. Just did the coolant flush on my 2017 GX at 160k miles after watching the 5.7 video
May the lord bless you and keep you happy and healthy sir. You are my Automobile teacher. 4 years ago i didn’t know nothing about cars until i bought a Prius. I learned alot from you about Toyotas. I have came long way since i followed you. I do pretty big work by my self. I am a DIY guy. Now i do fix Head gaskets on side. Thank you very much sir. Whoever argues with you is like a Heart patient arguing with his heart doctor saying his heart is Healthy.
doing our own work is definitely a lifesaver. i hope more people don't do work so they sell the vehicles at a discount so i can work on them on my own and get a better deal! 😂😂
I live in Dubai , and here the number of people that use the Lexus IS250 is astronomical. Yes there might be small issues but ppl are happy that the country loves these cars. You will find so much of these on the roads, especially the older gen ones from 2007-2013. I own a 2007 I250 and I have changed the transmission due to solenoid issues and after changing it the car is running so smooth like a new car. And to get parts its the easiest thing in Dubai. Even if ur engine blows up u will get one for about 200 dollars lol !
I’m in the USA and I pray to the car gods that I don’t have any transmission or engine problems.😂 The best thing is prevention if possible. I just so happened to drive it fairly tame 2007 IS250.
Owner of the 2017 Tacoma here. The car care nut is absolutely right. I had a coolant leak and had to replace the plastic coolant bypass pipe at the back of the engine. Not really a DIY job but the dealer asked too much so managed to do it myself. Kind of wished I let someone else do it but after a full weekend of cursing I got it done. I hope I never have to do it again. Fortunately I have a manual transmission so I don't have any of the auto transmission issues including the too high of a final drive ratio (3.9). No other problems so far at 130 000 km.
2015 IS250: no problems here, no leaks. A local tech said that it was one of the cleanest he has seen. Don't usually get to 10k before the oil change, but reduced driving since the pandemic. Work from home now.
Not everyone has space to DIY - yes, even an oil change. I was without space to do any work, with an HOA that forbade working in the driveway, and they were rabid about, it for several years. I was at the mercy of the shop. I don't think my driveshaft of my 1999 3rd Gen 4R Limited (RIP) got any grease until I was finally able to get under it and lube it after getting the crust off the zerks. Now have room in the shop and I do just about everything myself, with far more confidence than before thanks to AMD and this channel (2016 4R Trail Premium 128K miles).
If not for your advice I might have bought a 2017 Sienna instead of our 2016 Sienna which has been great! It was a lease return, four years old with 32k miles. I had the dealer change the transmission fluid, coolant and front brakes at 53k miles. Currently at 75k miles and now I'm wondering what else I need done, possibly the brake fluid? Rear brakes have been done. I have a list compiled of problematic Toyotas to never consider, based on your videos. This information is getting added to it. Thanks so much for your diligence and honesty! It's naive to think all Toyotas are reliable.
2014 Camry SE i4 and 2017 4R Limited, regular fluids (5K oil, 30K trans, etc.). Run them both hard, and take care of them well. Great vehicles, but you have to fight sometimes to get the service you need. Dealer did not want to exchange trans fluid when I wanted it done. Had to go back and grab a tech - he was far more aware than the service writer. Everything else I do myself. Thanks AMD...another great video with lots of good info. Keep it up. Lots of fans out here.
Bought an LS460 from 2009 with 200k miles on it at the time from an old dude with a book full of records for $7k, been driving it for nearly a year and loving it!
This video and its content proves he is a top-notch ethical mechanic. Those bad cars could make him lots of money but he doesn't want that for us. Well done sir!
In 2007 I was faced with buying a new Camry after my Cressida was costing me too much money. I chose the 6 cylinders over the 4 cylinders. Almost 20 years later, after seeing this video, I now know I made the right choice. The Camry is at 70k miles and still like new.
Man, I have my eyes on a 2014 LS460 with 81,000 miles..you have shed light on some very expensive unforseen possible problems that wouldn't be expected from Lexus..Thank You for always educating us
I bought a 2019 Avalon XSE this past November and it’s at 59,850 miles so the 60k miles service is due soon. You didn’t mention it on this video so I’m guessing I did get a good vehicle. Thank you for all your content!
We bought a 2024 4Runner last May. ToyotaCare will only cover 2 oil changes in the 2 years. I had to go around with the service advisor when I made the 5,000 mile appointment. They kept telling me that it did not need an oil change. I insisted and I agreed to pay for the first oil change. My husband took the 4Runner to the appointment and the service advisor there told him that it did not need an oil change yet. My husband had to insist again that we wanted the oil changed and would pay for it. An oil change is cheap insurance to keep the engine happy.
The BEST thing your entire household could do is to STAY AWAY from the dealer. Do you think you're getting an "A" tech that makes +$100k a year...... changing your oil? Nope. You're getting a LOF tech the dealer hired last week.... and they pay him/her LESS than the janitor for the dealership.
Bought a 2023 4runner and 24 Camry. I've had the exact same experience. In fact on the Camry they refused to change the oil even when I said I'd pay for it until it was at 10,000. I DIY it. It's not worth fighting the dealer. I recommend doing it yourself, or find a mechanic you can trust and bring him the parts if he can't get them for you.
There’s a reason they’re referred to as “stealerships” I’ve bought a few new Toyotas and argued with the salesperson to remove that “free” 2 year maintenance and flat out told them they're very likely to never see that vehicle again.🤣
When people buy a new car, they get peace of mind having routine maintenance done at the dealer in case there are any warranty issues that come up. Makes it hard for them to say the vehicle was not serviced properly.
@ peace of mind comes at a tremendous cost and it’s short lived. Buying new cars is a great way to keep yourself in constant debt and reduce your lifetime savings/investment potential
@BigD481 because it has the 4.7 engine. I have both a GX460 with the 4.6 and a 2002 Tundra with the 4.7 and the 4.7 is the greatest engine ever made reliability wise
I have a 2008 Seq 5.7 Limited with 150k. Runs like new, Careful maintenance. Never any problems, beyond a recent new starter (now the new gear reduction type). I have a 2017 Highlander Limited. 68k. Runs perfect. No problems. Careful maintenance.
I own a 2008 IS250, with just above 300k kilometers. Had it for past 100k km, no major issues. No carbon buildup. Replaced exhaust (yes, it rusted in some places but only small holes), catalytic converters also were replaced. Cleaned the injectors and that’s it. I find at it as “normal” for age and mileage. Servicing it even 10k kilometers. I’m not planning on selling it until it drives and is serviceable with reasonable prices. If it’s 5 years, great. If not, let’s get a Toyota.
@ Yes. It's being change along side with filter every 60-80k km. Dependeing on the driving style of that period, and other things.. It doesn't happen often, maybe once a year.
I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD off Road, Inferno Orange. Have 141,800 miles - no maintenance issues, but I was lucky. Thank you so much for your videos, helps a lot. God Bless.
You’re lucky I had a trd sport 2016 had the rear differential replaced at about 80k miles and still 90k I had a brake failure ended up flipping that pos… get rid of that shit while u can haha😂
i have 2 Toyota 4runner limited one is 2014 and has 30000 miles and has its original shocks and i still drive it to this day but i will replace the shocks when i have and the money and the time love the car!!
AMD, I just bought a used 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Limited as my first new car. Has 45k miles and I'm exciting to see how long I can get it to last. I use all of your videos to help me with Hybrid maintenance and things I need to do to keep it reliable and have it last a long time.
The used car market through a dealer is so inflated, I watched a person save $2000 less than the same model and trim, NEW, with 40k on it! I’m glad this video was posted, I’m sure the cars he mentioned will be an option, I prefer warranty, I don’t have the resources to do repairs, only maintenance.
Luv my 2005 GX470! My oldest son was 2 yrs old when we bought it in 2005, he's now 21 and driving it. 247k miles and drives like it did the day I drove it off the showroom floor. Amazing vehicles.
My 2017 Highlander SE V6 AWD I purchased at 52k miles has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I am currently at 125k, did a drain/refill 3x times 5k miles apart with Amsoil OE transmission fluid. The transmission shifts better and like new literally at 125k then it did with the OE Toyota WS fluid at 52k. Its been a great vehicle and I have maintained it very well.
High likely hood that the transmission was replaced before 52k. I remember doing these almost weekly in 2018-19. That being said, there’s a few that survived the long haul
@@001dman It was not, I purchased the vehicle CPO and it was a lease turn in. All records on carfax showed just regular scheduled maintenance. I did a video on the amsoil fluid in the 8 speed transmission showing how smooth it shifts.
1997, 80 series here. I bought mine needing all the maintenance done (knuckles, etc). Now that I've gotten through the basics, it'll drive 2 hours away to the mountains, offroad all day, and drive 2 hours home. Genuinely indestructible with 233k.
Great advice on old Land Cruisers. I daily my 80 because it is so easy to work on and I can do most of the maintenance myself. I also enjoy sourcing parts from all over the world to keep it running. If you maintain your 80 with your check book, it better be a big fat one 🙂
Your picture in a gold frame should be in a place of honor on the garage wall of every Toyota owner. I can imagine it is already on the dart board of every Toyota engineer lol Thanks for what you do to help people that are willing to spend a few hours educating themselves by your watching videos to save themselves from Toyota model year roulette. Continued success with your channel.
I have a 4th gen 4Runner with the Xreas system. Just after buying it used, I had the front shocks replaced with Bilstein 5100s and they capped off the rear shocks. Just last week, I finally replaced the rear shocks with cheap gas shocks. So far so good. I do limited off road trips.
As a non mechanic I would buy 5th Gen Limited with XREAS over a 4Runner or GX460 with KDSS. I removed (I mean have a shop) XREAS on my 4Runner Limited not because it leaks, because I wanted aftermarket suspension with a lift and better looks. I'm happy that aftermarket suspension don't give me any trouble with the Limited and rides better than my TRD Pro with TRD PRO Fox shocks. But back of my mind I miss the ride comfort XREAS had and to me stock SR5 shocks are no match for XREAS comfort. BTW I change the factory 20in wheels to factory 17in wheels. Again, I have zero mechanical knowledge, just humbly sharing my experience.
The reason I skip KDSS is; 1) Comfort, I dislike the firm ride off pavement on 4Runner. I have only driven GX460 on pavement and my buddy not allowed GX460 to drive on any trails. 2) Reliability, Leans - I've seen few 4Runners that develop KDSS leans.Gx460 owners should already know that Toyota knows about KDSS leaks and have a service bulletin. 3) Reliability, Leaks - I've seen few both 4Runners and GX460 with KDSS front ram leaks at low miles. Also seen 1 4Runner with rear ram leaks. 4) Challenges in mods - KDSS have challenges in mods from - when you lift the pan hard bar hitting the KDSS bracket. - The front bushings can show premature failures with stress due to high angle. - Slider installs can give trouble having to cut KDSS cover. - Can give challenges in aftermarket front skids. Even though some skids say KDSS compatible might need extra trimming to avoid contact 5) Less flex on rear compare to non KDSS 4Runners not utilizing the benefit of having a solid axle. 6) Extra maintenance - When you drive on snow, dirt, mud all the dirt will accumulate on the KDSS cover giving a rust risk. Need to remove the cover and wash the KDSS control valve area under the driver door.
I also have another bit of info for the Highlander. I would completely avoid Highlander after 2017 with 8 speed automatic. I have second hand experience (my friends) 2021 Highlander with transmission whine. Right now its under lemon law review since its in toyota dealership for 2 months and no ETA to fix.
@@MiguelDiaz-zk8dk Ironman Foam Cell Pro on my Limited. I have a detail video of the springs I used and the lift height used. I have experience few more suspension in the past on my 4Runners.
Ive seen so many people buying a land cruiser thinking "its a land cruiser, itll run forever and itll be cheap to own!". You need to be preared to spend money on these trucks. If maintained, the drivetrain will last forever and things wont fall apart, but stuff like bushings, shocks, suspension, and other things that WILL wear out over time are expensive. Even the nicest california cars, unless it was already done, are going to need new hoses, new bushings, and all that fun stuff. Wheel bearings, shocks, springs, BMS, power steering rack. The maintenance is very predictable but like he said, you better learn how to do the work yourself.
2017 rav4 se j vin owner here. Idk the previous service history but it was bought in 2020 march at 32 thousand miles. Has 104,00 now. I’ve religiously changed the oil at 4500 miles, the trans has been drained and filled 4 times and I’m doing the coolant drain and oil change this weekend. Thanks amd! Great advice here as always
I buy used so this info is Gold - thanks TCCN. M y daily is a 2014 FJ Cruiser (1GR-FE engine) that I got from the original owner, garage kept, dealer serviced, no mods, Arizona car that looks new. I recently drove it 11 hours (one way) north to go skiing in Utah. We didn't see any snow until we reached the mountain top/ski resort.
I have 2001 Toyota Avalon XL almost 200000 miles...used Amsoil in engine and transmission... signature series ...engine changed every 3000 miles and transmission yearly ...car runs without any problem...no oil consumption in any way, just works great !! No need to buy new car to the stealership !
This is the man that sold me on my 4Runner. Bought with confidence at 168,000 miles and currently 248,000 4 years later 👍
Nice! I’ve got 260k on mine! Engine still doesn’t burn any oil.
What gen and year?
@ I burn some but not to the degree that concerns me, and bottom of block is dry
@ 2007, 4x2
She could do much better in winter but here in western pa winters have been lite, lol I’ll take it
@@The_Last_Hurrah nice! I’ve got an 03. Motor and transmission are solid, but all the bushing in the suspension are wearing out. I do drive it on forest roads 40% of the time though. I put Seafoam in it every 5k as well as 5k oil changes. For some reason it seems to really like Castro synthetic over all other oils I’ve tried
I can’t believe this is free info from someone who’s a master of his craft. Very few people have this skill and knowledge and even rarer that they’re willing to be candid about it. Incredible!
Its not free. Hes making money by having a TH-cam channel.
@@Mach141did you have to pay him to watch this video?
He is the best.
He is a champion.
Maybe he doesn't want people to end up throwing away money for servicing the vehicle constantly.
Ahmed is always a man of integrity first, a great mechanic second.
He"s the best!,Nice to see a guy who doesn:t have to wave his arms constantly to talk!
@@markrunyon5524Scotty 😅
I agree with you.
AVOID:
_ Lexus IS250
_ Vehicles with 2AZ- FE 2.4l engine without oil change records
. Camry 2007-2009
. Camry Hybrid 2007-2011
. Solara 2007-2008
. RAV4 2006-2008
. Corolla XRS 2.4l
. Matrix XRS 2.4l
. Scion XB 2008-2015
. Scion IC 2007-2010
. Lexus HS250h
_ 4runner limited 5th gen (suspension problems)
_ Vehicles with V8 UR series engines 2007-2013 (head gasket problem)
_ Highlander & Sienna 2017
_ Lexus LS460 before 2013
_ Tacoma 2016
_ Lexus GX with "KDSS" light on
_ Old Land Cruise if you can not fix it yourself
Was never gonna buy a Boringyota
@@burntnougat5341 Toyota brand only fits perfectly for who thinks vehicle is only a reliable "machine" using for travel from A to B. I wish you luck in life
@@danghuynh55438 exactly it's just an appliance. A to B. I'd rather drive something that makes me feel good. A boring Toyota isn't that
@ I like Toyota because it never lets me down when I need it if I keep all the maintenance on schedules.
@@danghuynh55438 that applies to many other car manufacturers too, without the boring aesthetics and driving experience you find in Toyotas
Both Kids got used IS250`s as their first car and now with > 200k on each car zero problems. Regular maintenance done at home with genuine Toyota parts and fluids.
My wife's 2017 4RUNNER I literally had to argue with the dealer when I demanded 5,000 mile oil changes. I actually changed dealerships because of this.
Why are you doing oil changes at dealerships? Do it yourself. So you can make sure it's done right and with the best oil n filters.
My 2011 4runner got 328,000 miles still runs like new. Did every change myself every 3kmiles. Runs like the day I drove it off the lot 14years ago
Year ago bought a new 2024 Camry, very bad experience, car came w free oil services.
I take it to my trusted Honda dealership 20 miles away. And gladly pay myself.
btw, Didn't buy Honda because no V6's anymore.
Learn to do it yourself
I had my oil tested at blackstone after 10k miles (90k on the car) and the lab results showed I could go 12k+ miles between changes. It all depends on its use case.
I'm not even a Toyota enthusiast, and I still appreciate this man's honesty.
his honesty and also the incredible wealth of knowledge, its stunning.👍
In my corporate world, this guy is like the guy who can code expertly + communicate & teach clearly + have great leadership = will go far in this youtube career.
I'll just keep driving my 2.2l 2000 camry with 346,000 miles. Thanks for being an honest mechanic!!
I am so happy to have left the Toyota religion. I am finally free.
Toyota rusts for ever..
Oh what a feeling
Yup I have a 1994 Lexus Gs300/Aristo. 2003 Rav 4 I'm rebuilding . Real Toyota
@@mbukukanyausounds like you haven't looked after your car and blame it on a manufacturer 😆 skill issue
My 2000 2.2 is approaching 130k miles lol
By far the best mechanic I have listened to on TH-cam
Definitely 👍
Thanks Ahmed & crew! You did a fantastic job servicing my 5th GEN 4 Runner two weeks ago. 10 years old and still drives like the day I bought it new. Be well & God bless!
Where is his shop located? I've always wondered.
@@thisisntsergio1352 Homer Glen, IL
@@thisisntsergio1352. Homer Glen, Illinois. (Chicago area ). TCCN Automotive
@@thisisntsergio1352 suburbs of Chicago.
@@thisisntsergio1352Chicago
This channel is incredible.
My IS250 lasted 270,000 miles with only one repair. Water pump. Best car I’ve ever owned!
Yeah I m driving 4GR-FSE, Toyota MarkX 250, for 9 years without problem, sold it a few years ago just because I got bored
gj your the few but it still worst lexus you can get lol
One of the worst engines Toyota has made yet its great. I have yet to run into issues besides old hoses cracking
With your IS250 have you ever experience additional vibration during cold start or during warmup while idling in drive? I’m at 216k
I would make a bet you dont live in a cold climate area
Currently watching this from the waiting room of a shop, looking at my 100 series having a coolant leak fixed.
I just turned 500,000 miles on my 01 tundra 4.7. I know of quite a few others with 400,000 miles also in my area. In the top 3 of Toyota's engines, imo
Two most important things you can do to your vehicle.
#1Change the oil every 5000 miles or less.
#2 Change it yourself
If anyone has the misfortune to own a vehicle with a turbocharger, change the oil every 3,000 miles!
I change every 2000-3000 no matter what car. Reason? That’s what the engineer of the GT-R engine does except every 1000-1500km, no matter what car he’s driving.
@@KrazyKramer Would you change my oil, I can’t?
I'm an old crank, I change mine every 3000 mi. 2016
Hilux diesel pickup. Yes it's a European thing. It will outlive me.
@lesliewoinarowicz7018 , If you're not able to do it yourself find a good mechanic you can trust. Yes a mechanic ,not a lube tech
Love my 2006 GX 470, owned since new. Oil changed every 5k, as per the maintenance minder. 188k miles now, it’s been family hauler, road tripper, camping multiple times, around town…you name it. I swear the undercarriage looks practically new (we live in the south). Engine is smooth, can barely tell it’s running at idle. If you can find a garage-kept one-owner with good service history, buy it.
No not EVER sell that car. That is amazing you are the original owner and know the entire history on the car.
Thats lot of oil changes, 2500$ in just oil if changed by yourself
@@Angry-Lynx imagine how many oil changes on my 07 accord with 347k lol. Changed every 7k since it’s 99% highway miles.
I bought a 03 used with 220k miles. Have 280k now. No issues but the damn instrument cluster but I don’t mind
@@sardgt4what’s wrong with the cluster?
I own a 2010 4Runner Limited and I have suffered for the X-Rear thing and thanks to your advice in one of your first videos when you open your channel about the X-Rear shocks I followed you advise and do the conversion to normal SR5 shocks and life was good. Thanks AMD for all your good advice.
I had a 2005 with the x-reas system, it failed at 130,000 KMs. I swapped it out with Bilstein's and it fine.
@@thesultan4030 there are affordable solutions to some of the problems presented in his videos using aftermarket parts, which genuinely make the vehicle more dependable or better-performing than going with OEM.
The problem is that 90% of the time an aftermarket part is a serious downgrade from Toyota factory parts. This man runs a premium-level shop with clientele who expects zero comebacks for tens of thousands of miles. He sticks with OEM parts, so things like those bilsteins are not an option even though they’re an ideal upgrade.
AMD was good to me too for the exact same reasons you mentioned. My 4Runner was a 2011 limited. Ahmed and I must have had at least a dozen exchanges in 2021.
I love these tool table chats because I know he makes them after working all day to please his customers. Thank you, AMD. You are a credit to your profession.
he makes them to get paid by youtube
@@albundy3929 Yet he is a straight shooter. ChrisFix is very similar; I'm sure he makes good money from YT but is a great mechanic and mentor in his own right. The world would be a poorer place if either of them left TH-cam.
Ahmed is my Guru where I bought my second-hand car with confidence. Much love & respect. God bless ❤
This is why AMD is great!!!! He's not a shill for Toyota meaning that Toyota could do no wrong, instead AMD is 100% about the people in this world and their best interest. And this video once again proves it. He clearly states Toyota is not perfect, they aren't the one stop shop, and for this people need to do their research and stay away from certain years, models, and trims, and always maintain your car and the services.
As a 20 year Toyota Assistant Service Mangler ..I approve this message :)
Yes. The haters are just Toyota fanboys. I can like something but I am also not about taking a close at it and if I see faults it doesn't bother me to point it out. I don't trust the fanboys of any product. They'll over look faults and try and twist the narrative around. That seems to be the thing to do these past several years. Use the mentioned faults and turn around and use it on another product or maker even when they have no proof.
Well said. Totally agree. There’s a lot of Toyota/Lexus fan boy channels out there. I watch their channels but take everything they say with a grain of salt.
exactly, some brands are great and I accept a little bias towards them because that bias is based on real statistics and experiences, but when some real issues are there, the truth has to be said.
Yeah I'm so tired of reading "toyota bulletproof " etc
Sir you Offended Noone.. you are helping Folks who see this Video before they Buy A Money Pit Car..Thankyou again.😊
The only Mechanic I trust, appreciate the content brother.
Why is that?
@@LibSlayer69 I'm a client of his and he's exactly as you see on video, pure honesty and integrity and fixes my cars right. He's a gem IMO!
@ So you’re saying he is regular competent mechanic. You bring the car in, he fixes it. Did I get this right?
You sir, are a National Treasure. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your information here, and your honesty. I'm not a mechanic by any means, but I have learned so much from you, that I pass on to friends and neighbors. I have been a Toyota fan since I bought my first Camry in 2011. It now has over 260,000 miles, and is all original except for the brakes and the spark plugs. Your advice and suggestions have kept her running like new. They will have to pry my Camry from my cold dead fingers !😁
This advice applies to every manufacturer, not just Toyota. 👍
Thanks!
Thank you AMD!! You are the reason why I bought my 5th generation Toyota 4Runner. I bought it brand new in 2023 and have been loving it
I was lucky to pick up a used 2024 SR5 about a month ago with 15k miles and love it also!
Mr. AMD,
I own a 2006 IS 250 since 2006. It is almost 19 years old, with 173,000 miles. The transmission fluid is the original. I love it. Such a smooth ride. No plan to sell it soon. THANK YOU for great contents. God bless you and your family.
I also have a 07 IS250 with the 6speed manual transmission. It sits at 132k miles, doesnt leak any oil, doesnt consume any oil, and drives smooth and gets good fuel economy. Its my first car and I love it.
Im sitting at 260k manual is250 not perfect but still runs and drives well
You made his point. None of the good ones are for sale !
I too own a 2006 IS250, I think it's a great car, had some cooling system issues but I was able to quite easily fix it and upgrade it at the same time myself.
Wait until it gets over 200k before talking about how reliable it is. It's still a Toyota product after all.
We have an 09 Camry with the 2.4 with 490.000km on the original engine and still running GREAT!!!
Are you the original owner with oil changes done at each 5,000
@@adelgado854 I got it at 240.000km
Ahmed has a huge experience working on Toyotas. You can't teach experience. He went through flame and fire at dealership, I know what I am talking about. Respect, best wishes from VW, Audi tech.
Your job must be pure hell and don't know how you survive working those brands. I think I'd rather be a Walmart greeter than do your job. I totally understand where you're coming from.
The Car Care Nut is a Godsend 😇👍
I bought a ‘94 80 series last year and I have practically rebuilt the whole thing front to back by now, knuckles, suspension, calipers, tie rod bars, radiator, condenser, PS lines, all the ignition components, entire EGR system, fluids. I jumped when you said you can’t get everything done by a shop! Impossible to own one of theses is you don’t do your work. That would have been $50k… also just had the engine rebuilt, this time by a trusted shop. But I will daily the c$$p out of it though! If it breaks, I’ll fix it!! Thx for the great videos
Ls430 and Land cruiser best background ever 👌
We followed your advice and bought a new 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD OffRoad in May of 2024. We love it!!!
I did the same 2024 white 4Runner TRD OR
I love exotic cars but I own a Silver 2024 4 runner trd off road p, Now I’m on a search for a FJ Cruiser in blue. (Still keeping my 4 runner just want a brother for him ) SuperCars are cool but it’s all vanity.
Something reliable feels safer now that the world can End in any moment.
I have a 2015 Lexus GX 460 v-8 with 96k miles. This has been the best car. No maintenance, just oil changes when needed. I take to dealership and have them run a computer report. Very few items need, no major . This car was ordered from factory, has everything in it. Love it.
I got a 2016 GX a year ago and had a few problems, nothing huge. I had to replace the rear axel seals and alternator. I'm at 109k miles. Love the car
Would Keep up on coolant flushes to avoid coolant valley leak issues.
Yea I missed out on the GX460, regret not getting one before the 550 came on the lots.
This guy single handedly saved me tons of money. Also made me literally 'graduate' from other car reviewers. Can you please do all the reviews of the most-bought cars and SUVs?
Those other car reviewers are entertainment that’s not even entertaining. They did a “review” of the new Forester and half the video was complaining how slow it is.
Please a moment of silence for Scotty and Doug
Who is Doug?
@@frankg6578Doug Demuoro
@@nikoniko3483 No need to antagonize other great car reviewers. They all give power to the consumers.
This honest man is an expert who specializes in Toyota and Lexis products. Obviously he knows what he is talking about. I strongly suspect that OTHER BRANDS ARE NO BETTER, BUT NO OTHER EXPERTS ARE REVEALING SUCH INFORMATION. Any Ford experts want to. come forward? How about others?
Crown Victoria is no secret
Dude, go look around. There are ford techs who have channels, who go over ins and outs of things, repairs, what to stay away from, etc. Granted, they don’t have the same depth comparatively, but still good stuff. Dave’s Auto channel is great one, mostly in diesels, but has that good feeling, honest vibe that Car Care Nut has.
Tons of good Ford techs here on TH-cam giving out info. Flying wrenches, fordtechmakuloco, Fordboss me etc
Bought a 2014 4Runner limited brand new. 230k kilometers now and not a single problem. Changed my first light bulb last year. Best car I’ve ever owned
CCN is a big reason I bought a 2024 4Runner TRD ORP before the V6 went away. I love this truck and hope to keep it for 20 years. Thanks AMD!!
Grabbed mine 2023 TRD ORP. Other than the gas mileage, I love it. I do wish it had a bit more power, but that inverse power/reliability trade off is also appreciated.
@ Reliability is my top priority. I think the power is adequate for the type of vehicle it is, but who wouldn’t like more power? 😂 Gas mileage stinks, but you don’t buy a 4Runner if that’s important to you. I wish it had auto climate control (set the temp with a thermostat). Otherwise, I’m really pleased with it.
It is sad that Toyota/Lexus allows such models to be sold, but I have to tip my hat to AMD here. He is clearly not a dogmatic fanboy and speaks the truth. I already had a lot of respect for him, but now it's even higher. Well done sir!
I own a 2013 Rav4. I have had it since 60k miles. I stretched the OCI’s to 8k miles and low and behold, it started consuming oil(1qt/2500 miles). I did a piston soak per instructions on BITOG and I’m happy to report that it is back to burning ZERO oil. Car currently has 190k miles, and I’m running 5w30 at 5k OCI’s!
Does the mean you poured some oil down the spark plug hole and let it sit a few days?
@ Berryman B12. Also used the “Engine Cleaner” from Advanced Lubrication, and followed the instructions on the bottle.
My XREAS suspension went out at 52K miles. I replaced with Bilstein 5100 and hardly noticed a difference. Cost me just under 900 dollars at an off-road shop. I still absolutely love my Limited trim and would not trade it for any vehicle. Dead reliable outside of this known problem.
Do you off road the vehicle? Why would the suspension be gone just at 52k miles?
Because of you, I regret getting rid of my 4 runner at 185k...😢
But I have learned so much from you. Bought ls430 sedan and convertible.
Bro is the best car guy on youtube. God bless this man
I recently bought my wife a 2024 Highlander and I can say it’s quickly became one of my favorite vehicles Ive ever owned.
The verdict is out on the 2.4 four cylinder turbo.,🤔. I'm curious to see how they hold up as they accumulate a lot of miles.
Check back at 250k… might have pulled the trigger a little premature (I’m a Toyota fan and I hope not)😊😊😊
@@MrFarmer2345👍 I would like to know as well.. I have heard no matter how good the engine is those turbos don't last much past 120,000, even with meticulous care.
@@charlesjackson1700 in the farm world we idle motor for a couple minutes to cool turbo oil, probably most of the unassuming public do not(I don’t blame them if they don’t know) but it can be a pain in the butt thing to due in everyday life.☹️☹️☹️
I agree with all. Time will certainly tell if it holds up. I should say my initial feelings on the vehicle are very good.
I have a 2003 Corolla LE with the 1ZZFE and it's now approaching 300K miles. It's only required routine maintenance in the 22 years that I have owned it.
😮 incredible
Good engine there sir, I got a 2020 LE with that engine and it’s been great
@@alvinsimba734yours is a revised 2zz-fe
1ZZ Corolla engine is very notorious for burning oil. If yours got to 300k, that is very unusual. The same engine was in the Chevy Prizm. Very bad engine.
@@jonathanratliff4780 2ZR FAE engine is the one I have on my 2020 Corolla LE trim
I shouldn’t spill any secrets but that 4 cylinder Toyota Camry from 2002-2006 I constantly see on the roads! That maybe one of the best cars for the money ever made!
I wanted to add that I used to own a 2002 Camry LE 4 Cylinder and had I not wrecked it, I would still be driving it. I currently own a 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited and yes, I absolutely love it, but I don’t need a V6 engine. The 4 cylinder engine is plenty enough!
I have a 1999 4-cyl. Camry low mileage car. I do all service myself. I really love this car. Never failed me.
And the 2018 to 2023 modles are amzing i have seen so many of them reach 500k+ km and still going
2000 Camry 5S-FE , 208k miles. 2007 Rav 4 2AZ-FE recall was done at 150k, now has 250k, 2006 Toyota Tundra 2UZ-fe 188k all going strong!!
I have one, it has currently 250,000 miles, no issues
my work commuter is a 2002 Camry LE with 246,000 miles. car is in physically great shape. The engine still running strong. Great cars!
OUTSTANDING dude ! I have a 93 T100 so I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't pay you tube and what ever you tube pays him is great. He works harder than most of us. ❤❤❤
Love people like this man. Integrity, honesty, morals and self awareness is rare or even more rare because not much people today will speak up on the truth and what’s right. It truly is mindboggling how OPENLY greedy, corrupt and selfish these major corporations are. No shame at all. You gotta be on a level of evil to run a business as such. This man is the total opposite. Great man, great mechanic. Mahalo for all your shared knowledge, wisdom and information about these vehicles. 🤙🏼🙏🏼✊🏼🤝🏽❤️
can´t get enough of this channel, I am in the market know to get an used Toyota, and this is my go to channel!
Good choices! We have bought nothing but Toyotas since 2001 and are much happier for it. We are on our third Prius (2014) after the first and second were damaged beyond repair when other cars hit them quite hard.
@flagmichael it's on my list, no head gasket or battery isues right? Heard they might me a problem, but then again, seem many with a bazilion miles and nothing wrong
I have a 2006 IS 250 all-wheel-drive with 256,000 miles on it. Runs great. No problems. I guess I just got lucky? I actually love the little car, it does everything, except fast.
He actually was saying that the really good ones are not for sale on the used market because folks love them. He is seeing bad examples because people get rid of them.
I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s good you have to luck.
I have an IS 250 but I’ve been watching the videos recently of maintenance and stuff which I’ve been doing. I lived in the rust belt. I had some exhaust parts replaced and I’m using only one muffler now because there’s no reason to have two of them. Apparently it runs perfectly fine with one.
My dashboard melted, and that’s a recall item as you probably know. I put a carpet like cover, which I bought off the Internet onto it. It’s molded to fit that dashboard and was cheap.
I need to fix my air conditioner. What’s the last major thing other than regular maintenance that I will be doing.
My first is250 awd had 225k miles before it was rear-ended and totaled. My current is250 rwd has 202k miles. As he said proper maintenance is key as with any car. I would get another in a heart beat as long as I can verify the service history
My brother has an 2008 IS250 rwd. Cosmetically it’s starting to fall apart at 240k+ miles but that engine is a tank and still sounds incredibly smooth and healthy. I remember when he bought it several years back around 170k the previous owner had a huge binder full of receipts and services that were all done on time, so no doubt he has one of the great examples. He still adds receipts and service updates to that same binder!
He may say a certain year is bad because he's seeing plenty of those cars coming in. But it doesn't mean that it's 100% of the cars are bad. It's just a higher percentage than normally he sees coming in. Even a with a good vehicle there will be issues for a small percentage of them. Statistically it has to happen but it won't be many.
Held my breath through the 3UR portion of the video, very glad to hear 2014+ models don’t seem to suffer the head gasket issues. I paid a lot of money for a used 2022 Sequoia w/ good maintenance history. AMD you’re a wealth of knowledge and have been incredibly helpful to so many of us. I’m happily driving a couple hours to have my sequoia serviced at your shop, coming up in March. Thanks for all that you do.
All UR engines is a matter of not if but when. I have a 2013 170K miles and no issues with either front head gasket or the heat gasket.
If you go on the forms there are just as many if not more post about 5.7s in 2.5 gen tundras and sequoias suffering from head gasket problems. Im not sure how truthful his claim is being it only happens to earlier models that are equipped with a 5.7 or UR series v8 engine.
@@evanwalsh8808 That’s unfortunate. From what you’ve read does it seem to matter if coolant was changed regularly?
My last ride (hs 250h) was at 307, 000 miles when I sold to friend recently. It's currently at 315,000, going strong. I now have a is200t and love her🎉🎉🎉
I have an 08 ISF with 96k miles but needs the valley plate as at stop lights my heat doesn’t work. Just did the coolant flush on my 2017 GX at 160k miles after watching the 5.7 video
May the lord bless you and keep you happy and healthy sir. You are my Automobile teacher. 4 years ago i didn’t know nothing about cars until i bought a Prius. I learned alot from you about Toyotas. I have came long way since i followed you. I do pretty big work by my self. I am a DIY guy. Now i do fix Head gaskets on side. Thank you very much sir. Whoever argues with you is like a Heart patient arguing with his heart doctor saying his heart is Healthy.
doing our own work is definitely a lifesaver. i hope more people don't do work so they sell the vehicles at a discount so i can work on them on my own and get a better deal! 😂😂
I live in Dubai , and here the number of people that use the Lexus IS250 is astronomical. Yes there might be small issues but ppl are happy that the country loves these cars. You will find so much of these on the roads, especially the older gen ones from 2007-2013. I own a 2007 I250 and I have changed the transmission due to solenoid issues and after changing it the car is running so smooth like a new car. And to get parts its the easiest thing in Dubai. Even if ur engine blows up u will get one for about 200 dollars lol !
I’m in the USA and I pray to the car gods that I don’t have any transmission or engine problems.😂 The best thing is prevention if possible. I just so happened to drive it fairly tame 2007 IS250.
@ you can expect one but don’t worry , don’t sell it. U can fix it spend a couple of hundreds then u will be ready to go for another 2 years
So u had to replace transmission and still Happy? 😂 How much it was with labor
@@Angry-Lynx around 300 dollars
@@Angry-Lynx in Dubai labour charges are really less
Owner of the 2017 Tacoma here. The car care nut is absolutely right. I had a coolant leak and had to replace the plastic coolant bypass pipe at the back of the engine. Not really a DIY job but the dealer asked too much so managed to do it myself. Kind of wished I let someone else do it but after a full weekend of cursing I got it done. I hope I never have to do it again. Fortunately I have a manual transmission so I don't have any of the auto transmission issues including the too high of a final drive ratio (3.9). No other problems so far at 130 000 km.
2015 IS250: no problems here, no leaks. A local tech said that it was one of the cleanest he has seen. Don't usually get to 10k before the oil change, but reduced driving since the pandemic. Work from home now.
Not everyone has space to DIY - yes, even an oil change. I was without space to do any work, with an HOA that forbade working in the driveway, and they were rabid about, it for several years. I was at the mercy of the shop. I don't think my driveshaft of my 1999 3rd Gen 4R Limited (RIP) got any grease until I was finally able to get under it and lube it after getting the crust off the zerks. Now have room in the shop and I do just about everything myself, with far more confidence than before thanks to AMD and this channel (2016 4R Trail Premium 128K miles).
Wow! Thank you for your honesty and reaffirming the 5K mile oil change.
This channel is ASTRONOMICAL!❤😀
If not for your advice I might have bought a 2017 Sienna instead of our 2016 Sienna which has been great! It was a lease return, four years old with 32k miles. I had the dealer change the transmission fluid, coolant and front brakes at 53k miles. Currently at 75k miles and now I'm wondering what else I need done, possibly the brake fluid? Rear brakes have been done. I have a list compiled of problematic Toyotas to never consider, based on your videos. This information is getting added to it. Thanks so much for your diligence and honesty! It's naive to think all Toyotas are reliable.
2014 Camry SE i4 and 2017 4R Limited, regular fluids (5K oil, 30K trans, etc.). Run them both hard, and take care of them well. Great vehicles, but you have to fight sometimes to get the service you need. Dealer did not want to exchange trans fluid when I wanted it done. Had to go back and grab a tech - he was far more aware than the service writer. Everything else I do myself.
Thanks AMD...another great video with lots of good info. Keep it up. Lots of fans out here.
Bought an LS460 from 2009 with 200k miles on it at the time from an old dude with a book full of records for $7k, been driving it for nearly a year and loving it!
Such a good car! But now I'm nervous to keep putting miles on my 2007.
If there’s anyone I’d trust about Toyota vehicle info, it’s you good sir 🙏👍🔥 thank you for all the free advice you provide
This video and its content proves he is a top-notch ethical mechanic. Those bad cars could make him lots of money but he doesn't want that for us. Well done sir!
In 2007 I was faced with buying a new Camry after my Cressida was costing me too much money. I chose the 6 cylinders over the 4 cylinders. Almost 20 years later, after seeing this video, I now know I made the right choice. The Camry is at 70k miles and still like new.
You sir don’t drive much eh
@@alvinsimba734 nope- retired and live in the city. Everything we need is within 5 mile circle!!
@@gosman949 makes sense and the new cars nowadays not worth the money.
70K is not bad at all for a 2007.
Man, I have my eyes on a 2014 LS460 with 81,000 miles..you have shed light on some very expensive unforseen possible problems that wouldn't be expected from Lexus..Thank You for always educating us
AMD is the most trustworthy mechanic anywhere. His skill and experience is second to none. God Bless you AMD!!!!
I bought a 2019 Avalon XSE this past November and it’s at 59,850 miles so the 60k miles service is due soon. You didn’t mention it on this video so I’m guessing I did get a good vehicle. Thank you for all your content!
Those are great cars
@ thank you, I had a Corolla Apex edition that I traded it in because my back couldn’t take the rough drive anymore.
We bought a 2024 4Runner last May. ToyotaCare will only cover 2 oil changes in the 2 years. I had to go around with the service advisor when I made the 5,000 mile appointment. They kept telling me that it did not need an oil change. I insisted and I agreed to pay for the first oil change. My husband took the 4Runner to the appointment and the service advisor there told him that it did not need an oil change yet. My husband had to insist again that we wanted the oil changed and would pay for it. An oil change is cheap insurance to keep the engine happy.
The BEST thing your entire household could do is to STAY AWAY from the dealer. Do you think you're getting an "A" tech that makes +$100k a year...... changing your oil? Nope. You're getting a LOF tech the dealer hired last week.... and they pay him/her LESS than the janitor for the dealership.
Bought a 2023 4runner and 24 Camry. I've had the exact same experience. In fact on the Camry they refused to change the oil even when I said I'd pay for it until it was at 10,000. I DIY it. It's not worth fighting the dealer. I recommend doing it yourself, or find a mechanic you can trust and bring him the parts if he can't get them for you.
There’s a reason they’re referred to as “stealerships” I’ve bought a few new Toyotas and argued with the salesperson to remove that “free” 2 year maintenance and flat out told them they're very likely to never see that vehicle again.🤣
When people buy a new car, they get peace of mind having routine maintenance done at the dealer in case there are any warranty issues that come up. Makes it hard for them to say the vehicle was not serviced properly.
@ peace of mind comes at a tremendous cost and it’s short lived.
Buying new cars is a great way to keep yourself in constant debt and reduce your lifetime savings/investment potential
My 2006 Lexus GX460 with over 200,000 miles only needed one repair that cost me 900$. I can't even remember what is was but what an amazing car.
The first year of the GX460 was in 2009. Prior to that it was known as the GX 470. You are lucky, I have seen nothing but good reviews for the GX 470.
Yoy mean gx470?
@BigD481 because it has the 4.7 engine. I have both a GX460 with the 4.6 and a 2002 Tundra with the 4.7 and the 4.7 is the greatest engine ever made reliability wise
I have a 2008 Seq 5.7 Limited with 150k. Runs like new, Careful maintenance. Never any problems, beyond a recent new starter (now the new gear reduction type).
I have a 2017 Highlander Limited. 68k. Runs perfect. No problems. Careful maintenance.
This guy is such a legend, we are very lucky to have these videos. Thank you sir.
I own a 2008 IS250, with just above 300k kilometers. Had it for past 100k km, no major issues. No carbon buildup. Replaced exhaust (yes, it rusted in some places but only small holes), catalytic converters also were replaced. Cleaned the injectors and that’s it. I find at it as “normal” for age and mileage. Servicing it even 10k kilometers. I’m not planning on selling it until it drives and is serviceable with reasonable prices. If it’s 5 years, great. If not, let’s get a Toyota.
That's similar to my experience with a 2007. Fantastic car.
Do you change the transmission fluid?
@ Yes. It's being change along side with filter every 60-80k km. Dependeing on the driving style of that period, and other things.. It doesn't happen often, maybe once a year.
This is one of the best channels on youtube.
I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD off Road, Inferno Orange. Have 141,800 miles - no maintenance issues, but I was lucky. Thank you so much for your videos, helps a lot. God Bless.
You’re lucky I had a trd sport 2016 had the rear differential replaced at about 80k miles and still 90k I had a brake failure ended up flipping that pos… get rid of that shit while u can haha😂
i have 2 Toyota 4runner limited one is 2014 and has 30000 miles and has its original shocks and i still drive it to this day but i will replace the shocks when i have and the money and the time
love the car!!
AMD, I just bought a used 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Limited as my first new car. Has 45k miles and I'm exciting to see how long I can get it to last. I use all of your videos to help me with Hybrid maintenance and things I need to do to keep it reliable and have it last a long time.
If you don't much care, around 200k otherwise the sky is the limit
Agree :-)
One guy already put 470K miles on a 2020 Hybrid
@@Xale-ytI remember seeing his on Reddit and Facebook and it gives me hope for the future of mine
@@k4piiiI’m hoping at least 300k miles. I’m super meticulous with my maintenance
I keep on my maintenance. My is250 has been good but he's absolutely right
The used car market through a dealer is so inflated, I watched a person save $2000 less than the same model and trim, NEW, with 40k on it! I’m glad this video was posted, I’m sure the cars he mentioned will be an option, I prefer warranty, I don’t have the resources to do repairs, only maintenance.
An amazing human being.... The character and values are all there in this man - we need more like him..!
Luv my 2005 GX470! My oldest son was 2 yrs old when we bought it in 2005, he's now 21 and driving it. 247k miles and drives like it did the day I drove it off the showroom floor. Amazing vehicles.
My 2017 Highlander SE V6 AWD I purchased at 52k miles has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I am currently at 125k, did a drain/refill 3x times 5k miles apart with Amsoil OE transmission fluid. The transmission shifts better and like new literally at 125k then it did with the OE Toyota WS fluid at 52k. Its been a great vehicle and I have maintained it very well.
High likely hood that the transmission was replaced before 52k. I remember doing these almost weekly in 2018-19. That being said, there’s a few that survived the long haul
@@001dman It was not, I purchased the vehicle CPO and it was a lease turn in. All records on carfax showed just regular scheduled maintenance. I did a video on the amsoil fluid in the 8 speed transmission showing how smooth it shifts.
2017 awd highlander xle owner here. Best car ever, zero issues. 5 years owning it. At 80k miles currently. Not sure why you would ever avoid a Toyota.
My IS250 has 88000 miles and so far I have only replaced the rear CV axle. Other than that has been perfect.
Ahmed, you are a brave man for releasing this video lol we appreciate your honesty!
1997, 80 series here. I bought mine needing all the maintenance done (knuckles, etc). Now that I've gotten through the basics, it'll drive 2 hours away to the mountains, offroad all day, and drive 2 hours home. Genuinely indestructible with 233k.
Great advice on old Land Cruisers. I daily my 80 because it is so easy to work on and I can do most of the maintenance myself. I also enjoy sourcing parts from all over the world to keep it running. If you maintain your 80 with your check book, it better be a big fat one 🙂
This is why I love this channel the HONESTY , TRUTH.
Priceless advice from americas #1 mechanic!
I've daily driven my 1993 FZJ80 for over 31 years. I'm not parking it yet. I knew from day-1 it would be an expensive hobby.
Cruiser Dan! You have the experience and Toyota background to own one. Most people that buy them need to pay someone to fix them.
Thank you for being a great American who truly cares!
Your picture in a gold frame should be in a place of honor on the garage wall of every Toyota owner. I can imagine it is already on the dart board of every Toyota engineer lol Thanks for what you do to help people that are willing to spend a few hours educating themselves by your watching videos to save themselves from Toyota model year roulette. Continued success with your channel.
I have a 4th gen 4Runner with the Xreas system. Just after buying it used, I had the front shocks replaced with Bilstein 5100s and they capped off the rear shocks. Just last week, I finally replaced the rear shocks with cheap gas shocks. So far so good. I do limited off road trips.
As a non mechanic I would buy 5th Gen Limited with XREAS over a 4Runner or GX460 with KDSS. I removed (I mean have a shop) XREAS on my 4Runner Limited not because it leaks, because I wanted aftermarket suspension with a lift and better looks. I'm happy that aftermarket suspension don't give me any trouble with the Limited and rides better than my TRD Pro with TRD PRO Fox shocks. But back of my mind I miss the ride comfort XREAS had and to me stock SR5 shocks are no match for XREAS comfort. BTW I change the factory 20in wheels to factory 17in wheels. Again, I have zero mechanical knowledge, just humbly sharing my experience.
The reason I skip KDSS is;
1) Comfort, I dislike the firm ride off pavement on 4Runner. I have only driven GX460 on pavement and my buddy not allowed GX460 to drive on any trails.
2) Reliability, Leans - I've seen few 4Runners that develop KDSS leans.Gx460 owners should already know that Toyota knows about KDSS leaks and have a service bulletin.
3) Reliability, Leaks - I've seen few both 4Runners and GX460 with KDSS front ram leaks at low miles. Also seen 1 4Runner with rear ram leaks.
4) Challenges in mods - KDSS have challenges in mods from
- when you lift the pan hard bar hitting the KDSS bracket.
- The front bushings can show premature failures with stress due to high angle.
- Slider installs can give trouble having to cut KDSS cover.
- Can give challenges in aftermarket front skids. Even though some skids say KDSS compatible might need extra trimming to avoid contact
5) Less flex on rear compare to non KDSS 4Runners not utilizing the benefit of having a solid axle.
6) Extra maintenance - When you drive on snow, dirt, mud all the dirt will accumulate on the KDSS cover giving a rust risk. Need to remove the cover and wash the KDSS control valve area under the driver door.
I also have another bit of info for the Highlander. I would completely avoid Highlander after 2017 with 8 speed automatic. I have second hand experience (my friends) 2021 Highlander with transmission whine. Right now its under lemon law review since its in toyota dealership for 2 months and no ETA to fix.
What aftermarket suspension did you go with?
@@MiguelDiaz-zk8dk Ironman Foam Cell Pro on my Limited. I have a detail video of the springs I used and the lift height used. I have experience few more suspension in the past on my 4Runners.
This is one of your best videos, just want to say Thank You!!!!
Ive seen so many people buying a land cruiser thinking "its a land cruiser, itll run forever and itll be cheap to own!". You need to be preared to spend money on these trucks. If maintained, the drivetrain will last forever and things wont fall apart, but stuff like bushings, shocks, suspension, and other things that WILL wear out over time are expensive. Even the nicest california cars, unless it was already done, are going to need new hoses, new bushings, and all that fun stuff. Wheel bearings, shocks, springs, BMS, power steering rack. The maintenance is very predictable but like he said, you better learn how to do the work yourself.
2017 rav4 se j vin owner here. Idk the previous service history but it was bought in 2020 march at 32 thousand miles. Has 104,00 now. I’ve religiously changed the oil at 4500 miles, the trans has been drained and filled 4 times and I’m doing the coolant drain and oil change this weekend. Thanks amd! Great advice here as always
I buy used so this info is Gold - thanks TCCN. M y daily is a 2014 FJ Cruiser (1GR-FE engine) that I got from the original owner, garage kept, dealer serviced, no mods, Arizona car that looks new. I recently drove it 11 hours (one way) north to go skiing in Utah. We didn't see any snow until we reached the mountain top/ski resort.
My Lexus is250 awd is a 06. Bought brand new. 20 yrs later it’s been in shop 4 times ever for minor repairs . 175k on it. 😂😎
I have 2001 Toyota Avalon XL almost 200000 miles...used Amsoil in engine and transmission... signature series ...engine changed every 3000 miles and transmission yearly ...car runs without any problem...no oil consumption in any way, just works great !! No need to buy new car to the stealership !