Does this look to you like a premium vehicle?
02-06-23, 04:16 AM
#106
Super Moderator
02-06-23, 05:23 AM
#107
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
In some cars, the function of the cover is to reduce engine noise. The valve trains and the injectors can be pretty noisy, and the covers frequently incorporate sound absorbing lining. Makes a lot of difference in cabin noise. Actually, this may be one of the reasons why the new NX gets poor reviews about engine noise when accelerating. A good cover with sound deadening material could solve the issue.
02-06-23, 07:18 AM
#110
I had some time working in R/D before. While it's far more complex than what's under the hood, the instruments are much less "messy" inside. Much less because they have separated enclosed boards inside. Nevertheless, the mechanical engineers for the projects always worked closely with R/D guys to ensure a proper airflow to prevent these things from over heating. I'm sure this is a priority for these automobile engineers. Unlike electronic components, there are not much they can do with the hoses/cables. I remember being in this place where I saw a lot of cables in front of the houses. I asked my friend and was told those were telephone cables. If another house needed a phone line, there would be another line added. Sounds like what's happening under the hood. Lol.
02-06-23, 07:25 AM
#111
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Toyota-made vehicles were known for their low maintenance and ownership cost. They didn't break down frequently, and when they did, they were easy and cheap to fix. This made them especially attractive to used car buyers and contributed to high resale value. Used car buyers rarely expect their cars to be flawless, but want the assurance and they won't cost them an-arm-and-a-leg to keep them going.
Now, Toyota-made vehicles maintenance costs are getting ridiculous. While their reliability is still OK, scheduled maintenance and repair costs are skyrocketing. A couple of examples. 2GR engine spark plugs replacement: >$600 because one needs to remove the intake manifold to access the rear bank. $60 in parts, the rest is labor. Vacuum pump replacement (required every 120k miles for safety reasons(: >$1200, $200 parts, rest labor. Many jobs that used to cost between $100 and $200, are now costing 5x more because of the amount of labor required to clear this "mess". And the incidence of mistakes is also rising. Mechanics are under pressure to finish the jobs quickly (many are paid a fixed amount of hours based on manufacturer's estimate instead of the real time necessary to do a job well done), and rush through things and mistakes are common. It's one thing that Toyota estimates a job to take 3 hrs, under perfect conditions, with every step rehearsed several times, and the reality of having to deal with rusted or stripped bolts, gaskets that are stuck and don't want to come off, etc., etc.
02-06-23, 09:32 AM
#115
Lexus Fanatic
At least so far Lexus doesn't hide the hood release that should be illegal.
Many dealers were told to parrot this, they didn't actually do the demonstration.. Problem is the whole thing was a blatant lie they said a Corolla door hinge would bend. It doesn't. They also said VW's don't rust which is also a lie.
Many dealers were told to parrot this, they didn't actually do the demonstration.. Problem is the whole thing was a blatant lie they said a Corolla door hinge would bend. It doesn't. They also said VW's don't rust which is also a lie.
02-06-23, 09:45 AM
#116
Lexus Fanatic
One big issue with the "mess" is rising maintenance and repair cost.
Toyota-made vehicles were known for their low maintenance and ownership cost. They didn't break down frequently, and when they did, they were easy and cheap to fix. This made them especially attractive to used car buyers and contributed to high resale value. Used car buyers rarely expect their cars to be flawless, but want the assurance and they won't cost them an-arm-and-a-leg to keep them going.
Now, Toyota-made vehicles maintenance costs are getting ridiculous. While their reliability is still OK, scheduled maintenance and repair costs are skyrocketing. A couple of examples. 2GR engine spark plugs replacement: >$600 because one needs to remove the intake manifold to access the rear bank. $60 in parts, the rest is labor. Vacuum pump replacement (required every 120k miles for safety reasons(: >$1200, $200 parts, rest labor. Many jobs that used to cost between $100 and $200, are now costing 5x more because of the amount of labor required to clear this "mess". And the incidence of mistakes is also rising. Mechanics are under pressure to finish the jobs quickly (many are paid a fixed amount of hours based on manufacturer's estimate instead of the real time necessary to do a job well done), and rush through things and mistakes are common. It's one thing that Toyota estimates a job to take 3 hrs, under perfect conditions, with every step rehearsed several times, and the reality of having to deal with rusted or stripped bolts, gaskets that are stuck and don't want to come off, etc., etc.
Toyota-made vehicles were known for their low maintenance and ownership cost. They didn't break down frequently, and when they did, they were easy and cheap to fix. This made them especially attractive to used car buyers and contributed to high resale value. Used car buyers rarely expect their cars to be flawless, but want the assurance and they won't cost them an-arm-and-a-leg to keep them going.
Now, Toyota-made vehicles maintenance costs are getting ridiculous. While their reliability is still OK, scheduled maintenance and repair costs are skyrocketing. A couple of examples. 2GR engine spark plugs replacement: >$600 because one needs to remove the intake manifold to access the rear bank. $60 in parts, the rest is labor. Vacuum pump replacement (required every 120k miles for safety reasons(: >$1200, $200 parts, rest labor. Many jobs that used to cost between $100 and $200, are now costing 5x more because of the amount of labor required to clear this "mess". And the incidence of mistakes is also rising. Mechanics are under pressure to finish the jobs quickly (many are paid a fixed amount of hours based on manufacturer's estimate instead of the real time necessary to do a job well done), and rush through things and mistakes are common. It's one thing that Toyota estimates a job to take 3 hrs, under perfect conditions, with every step rehearsed several times, and the reality of having to deal with rusted or stripped bolts, gaskets that are stuck and don't want to come off, etc., etc.
Its not like this "mess" is Toyotas fault...
02-06-23, 09:54 AM
#118
Lexus Fanatic
Complexity means there is more potential for things to go wrong, and that repairs are more complicated and difficult, thus cost more.
02-06-23, 11:11 AM
#120
Lexus Fanatic
Toyota DOHC engines are more complex than GM pushrod engines. Toyota has no reliability issues. Just because something is more complicated or complex doesn’t meant they less reliable. Toyota small cars in the 80s and 90s led the way with emissions technology for small engines, they had no issues with reliability compared to basic stuff offered by the American brands.