Things You'll Regret If You Buy a Toyota
Toyotas are super reliable, right? Well, they’re not always as perfect as people make them out to be. Want to know the downsides before you make the plunge and buy one? Buckle up and join us as we look at 35 reasons you might regret buying a Toyota.
Too Common on the Road
Have you ever noticed how every second car on the road seems to be a Toyota? That’s because they’re everywhere. The downside? You don’t stand out. If you like being unique, driving a car that blends in with half the parking lot might be a letdown.
Tech That Feels Old
Toyota has a bit of a habit of being late to the tech party. While its rivals roll out fancy features fast, Toyota tends to hold back. You’ll see others enjoying new and slick tech systems long before they hit Toyota’s lineup.
Paint That Lacks Pop
Toyota has always stuck with safe paint choices - lots of whites, silvers, and grays. Nothing too wild. Sure, it looks clean, but they don’t scream fun. If you’re after a bold color that turns heads, Toyota’s options are pretty dull.
Slow Off the Line
Push the gas pedal on many Toyotas and you’ll get a slow and steady crawl instead of zipping off. They’re not designed for speed, and it shows. Daily driving is fine, if you’ll be left wishing for a bit more power.
Cramped Back Seats
What is it with Toyota and their cramped back seats? Some models can be a little tight, especially in sedans and compact SUVs. It’s fine for short trips, but those longer rides can be a bit brutal for anyone in the backseat of a Toyota.
Infotainment That’s Clunky
Toyota’s infotainment systems have a reputation for being dated. They have slow screens, laggy responses, and menus that feel like they were designed a decade ago. They’re frustrating to use, and the setup just feels more like a serious downgrade.
Basic Interiors
Step inside some Toyota models, and you’ll find practical layouts with plenty of hard plastics. Everything works fine, but it doesn’t give that “wow” factor you’d expect. Toyota’s interiors are plain and a little underwhelming compared to its rivals and their chrome accents.
They Cost More To Maintain
Toyota is a brand known for its reliability. But those repair and maintenance costs don’t always come cheap. Some parts are pricey, and the costs add up over time. People assume owning a Toyota means super low upkeep, but that’s not always the case.
Engines That Waste Gas
Not every Toyota is a fuel saver. Some models sip gas, while others end up using way more fuel than competitors in the same class. If saving money at the pump is important to you, picking the wrong Toyota will leave you disappointed.
Missing Fancy Features
You’d think that by paying for a higher trim, you’d get all the latest bells and whistles. But some Toyotas still skip things like cooled seats, fully digital displays, or premium audio. Toyota buyers are left feeling like they’ve been shortchanged.
Higher Prices on Used Models
Be prepared to pay more for a used Toyota than you would for other brands. That reputation for reliability drives up the resale price. It’s great if you’re selling, but not when you’re buying. Sometimes the cost of a used Toyota is almost as high as a new car.
Styling That Plays It Safe
Toyota rarely pushes design boundaries, and most models are clean and simple but not bold or exciting. Most drivers want a car that makes a statement or stands out in the crowd. Toyota’s conservative styling is a little too plain for a lot of people.
Fuel Pump Fails
Toyota has had issues with faulty fuel pumps in some models. This isn’t a problem for everyone, but it’s happened enough that buyers worry. Nobody wants the headache of dealing with a car that stalls at the worst possible time.
Pricey Trims
Toyota lures buyers in with affordable entry-level models. But once you start climbing up the trim ladder for better features, the price jumps fast. Suddenly, your budget-friendly Toyota is competing with higher-end cars from other brands that give you more bang for your buck.
Brakes That Wear Quickly
Way too many Toyota owners report that their brakes wear out faster than expected. That means more frequent trips to the mechanic and higher maintenance costs. Yes, it’s not true for every model, but it’s a common enough complaint to make you think twice.
EV Options Are Sparse
Toyota is a bit behind when it comes to electric vehicles. In fact, it only has a handful of options compared to its rivals with full EV lineups. You won’t find much variety or something cutting-edge in Toyota’s current lineup.
Driving That Feels Dull
Toyotas are built more for comfort than excitement. The steering feels soft, acceleration is steady but not thrilling, and handling is too predictable. It’s fine for commuting, but you’ll get bored behind the wheel if you enjoy spirited or more exciting driving.
Loud on Highways
Some Toyota cabins let in a lot of road and wind noise. At slower speeds, it’s no big deal. But on the highway, it can get annoying fast. Buying a Toyota might mean saying goodbye to quiet, smooth rides and turning up the radio to drown the noise out.
Too Few Sedans
Toyota is moving away from sedans and smaller cars, and focusing more on SUVs and trucks. That means fewer options when you’re shopping for a simple, affordable sedan. Not everyone is into the bulkier feel of SUVs, so Toyota's lineup will leave you wanting more.
Engines That Lack Power
Reliable. That’s just one way we’d describe Toyota's engines. But they’re not always powerful. If you’re okay with “just enough” power, it’s fine, but if you want a car that really moves you, you might want to look for something else.
The Warranty Isn’t The Best
Toyota’s warranty is solid but not outstanding. They don’t offer long coverage that gives you peace of mind for many more years or miles. You’re on your own after the basics run out, which feels like a letdown when you’re used to better deals.
Safety Tech That’s Not Always Included
Safety features are a must for any car. Toyota’s safety features are great, sure, but only if you pay for them. Base models skip the advanced stuff, like lane assist and adaptive cruise control. To get the full suite, you need to go higher up in trim choices.
A Pricey Reputation
Toyota’s reputation for reliability is so strong that dealers often tack on higher price tags just because they can. You’re not only paying for the car - you’re paying for the name. Sometimes other brands give you way more for less money.
Limited AWD Choices
Did you know that not all Toyota models offer all-wheel drive? You might find your choices a bit limited if you live in an area with snow, rain, or rough roads. Other brands make AWD a standard feature, so why can’t Toyota?
High Ownership Costs
Toyota’s sticker price looks affordable at first glance, right? Well, the long-term costs of owning one creep up. Insurance rates, maintenance, and repair costs are often higher than expected. And when you add it all up, a Toyota costs you more.
Not Enough Engine Variety
Toyota keeps things simple with just one or two engine choices for a model. That means fewer options if you want something sporty, more fuel-efficient, or more powerful. You’d think they would give buyers a wider range to fit their different driving styles.
That Old-School Feel
Some Toyota models don’t get updated as often as they should. The design feels a bit dated compared to competitors. They have older dashboards, clunky layouts, and boring tech. It’s sad, but some Toyotas just don’t feel new and exciting anymore.
A Safe Design
Toyota designs cars that appeal to the masses, and that means cars that don’t take any risks. Sure, it makes them easy to like, but it also makes them a little boring. If you want something bold or futuristic, you won’t find that in a Toyota.
Not Many Performance Trims
If you’re into sporty cars, Toyota’s lineup feels a little too bland. Yes, there are a few special models like the GR Supra, but most trims are designed for everyday driving. Thrill-seekers should look elsewhere for cars that deliver more fun.
Less High-End Touches
Some Toyota interiors feel stripped-down compared to rivals. You’ll notice fewer chrome accents, no ambient lighting, and cheaper-feeling materials. Yes, they’re practical and reliable, but they don’t always deliver that premium feel buyers expect for the price of a Toyota.
Lower Resale Values
Toyotas just don’t hold value like they should. Sometimes that resale value drops faster than expected, leaving you with less money at trade-in. It’s not the case for all Toyotas, but you can’t always count on a Toyota to deliver top resale value.
Speed Isn’t Their Strong Suit
Acceleration isn’t Toyota’s focus. Yes, you’ll get steady movement when you push the gas pedal, but there’s just not much thrill. You’ll notice the lack of speed almost right away. It’s fine for daily driving, but not for sporty performance.
High-End Models That Cost Too Much
Entry-level Toyotas are more affordable. But by the time you climb up to the top trims, the prices get a little steep. At that point, you’ll find yourself looking for another car that offers more advanced features for the same - or less - money.
Missing Customization Options
Toyota doesn’t give buyers a lot of flexibility. This means fewer trim options, fewer accessories, and limited color options. If you like personalizing your car to fit your style, Toyota’s limited customization options are a big downside that’ll have you looking elsewhere.
Engines That Don’t Impress
If there’s one thing you can rely on in a Toyota, it’s the engine. But reliability doesn’t always mean exciting, and the engines in some Toyotas aren’t as fuel-efficient as rivals and don’t deliver the power you’d expect for the price.
