Why So Many Toyota Fanbois on OzBargain?

LPeter Enis on 20/05/2017 - 21:45

So I started getting into reading OzBargain forums about 6 months ago and nowadays I find I don't skip a day without a visit to the site!
One thing that quickly became apparent was the number of Toyota recommendations in the automotive forums.

In pretty much every "which car should I buy?" post, within the first few replies there will always be someone recommending a Camry, and to a lesser extent a Corolla. Even if the OP asks something like "Should I buy an X-Trail or a MX5?" it won't be long for the Camry recommendations to show up.

Why is that? Am I missing a joke or something?

I have only ever driven one Camry and while it was a perfectly adequate vehicle for getting from A to B, I couldn't think of a car more boring and characterless. Yeah ok they are known for their reliability but then you've got to pay the "Toyota Tax" premium just to buy one because so many people are convinced that they are the best cars out there, so they hold their value. Even though there are so many options out there that are just as reliable nowadays (Hyundai/Kia for example), and offer a better pricing/features/warranty proposition.

Automotive

Comments

    • Peter Enis on 21/05/2017 - 21:28
      +2

      Got any evidence to back up your Kia/Hyundai "tin can" theory? I'll gladly accept it if you provide the proof, but it sounds like complete rubbish to me.

    • Pinchie on 22/05/2017 - 12:25

      If the car didn't crumple then the majority of the impact force is transferred from the car to you. Don't criticise a life-saving safety feature just because you don't understand it.

    • microsnot on 22/05/2017 - 17:30

      Maybe you can look up the Kia Sorento's ANCAP results - 36.62 out of 37

  • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2017 - 11:07
    +5

    You are just jealous because you drive a Kia and would like a real car.

    • Cwong14u on 21/05/2017 - 21:04

      In your opinion, what's a real car?

      • ProjectZero on 22/05/2017 - 10:30
        +2

        WRX STi FAM!

        • prinsenhof on 23/05/2017 - 22:10

          they don't come with towballs. Useless

  • terrys on 21/05/2017 - 11:53
    +4

    "you've got to pay the "Toyota Tax" premium "

    I buy my cars in the $500 to $1000 range.The Camrys are usually about the same price or a little bit less than the Magnas, Excels and the crappiest box built down to a price I have seen - Daewoos. If I were to be buying a vehicle to go from Adelaide to Perth, I would be looking for a Camry/Appollo.

    Why? I snidely commented on a respected and loved patrons vehicle in 1970 as a piece of `Jap crap' - it was a corolla. Most people then if they had the cash, would be buying 'solid' and trusted vehicles such as Cortinas, Anglias, BMC 1100 and Allegros - marques we knew would still be running in 20 years.

    We weren't wrong. They were still running in 20 years, without about 3 years life left. The earlier Toyota vehicles lasted about the same.
    Here's a little experiment for you - Keep a look on the road, and check out the number of cars from the 80's and nineties still running fine. The Japanese will outnumber everything else, with the Toyota outnumbering the Datsun in far higher ratios than the initial sales would suggest, with the Mazda `vroom vrooms' a poor third unless you count in the badged fords, and Honda hardly showing.

    • RockyRaccoon on 21/05/2017 - 12:52
      +1

      Cortinas, Anglias, BMC 1100 and Allegros - marques we knew

      How truisms dont always end up being true….

    • Oofy Doofy on 21/05/2017 - 20:17

      You hate wasting money on cars so you just buy things at the real cheap end and know what to look for? I'm just trying to piece together your $500 to $1000 comment.

      • Jackson on 21/05/2017 - 22:20
        +2

        There are plenty of cars going cheap these days as we have more or less become car snobs, people get rid of their car just because they feel like a new one, in the old days a car would be kept until it had a problem that cost more to fix than the car was worth. Out of the last 10 people I know who got an upgrade, I reckon 1 person's car was upgraded because of an actual issue (it was a Cruz that would shut off for no reason and then other times not stop when you turned the key to off.

        • nubzy on 21/05/2017 - 22:44
          +7

          Yeah consumerism is rife these days and especially with cars. The amount of people getting around in luxury cars and buying brand new because they wanted a change is amazing. It's only in the last few years I have started to notice it. I drive an old car and plan to keep it until it dies. So long as you keep the car in good mechanical order and polish it every now and then, who really cares! They all get from a to b, and honestly I prefer the steering feel and simple technology of older cars. I'd take a old but reliable decent looking car that is fully paid off over a fancy one with a huge loan any day.. who cares what other people think, they are the ones trying to put themselves on a pedestal and getting in to debt.

      • terrys on 22/05/2017 - 17:11

        Yep. I can buy a car new, and drop 2 grand driving it out, or spend $500 for a vehicle I am able to test is roadworthy and will last me a minimum of two years . It has worked with just one failure for the last 40 years:-)
        I have had three Toyotas die on me. Two died at home within [and before] 3 days of the end of the registration period, and corona one after being stolen, and during a subsequent police chase, taking a chunk of concrete kerbing out whilst smashing down a parking sign then being chased for a further 6 kilometers before seizing due to lack of water. It started OK the next morning when cool and the radiator topped up, but it would only do about 5 kilometers after that before overheating, as the mains were growling for some reason and the oil-pressure low. Seeing as it now pulling to the right I decided not to grap a cotter-pin and new set of shells and fix them , and the third party fire and theft had covered the loss.

    • microsnot on 22/05/2017 - 17:33

      To be fair, you'd have to compare Datusn/Nissan to Toyota as they changed over in the early 80's IIRC.

  • RockyRaccoon on 21/05/2017 - 12:48
    +16

    Toyota Tax

    ROFL

    2017 Camry $26990 On the road!

    Sturdy, reliable and cheap to service, $130 each service capped for 1st 4 years

    ozBARGAIN!!!

    Who gives a F about "boring"

    • YellowDieselGolf on 21/05/2017 - 13:57
      +4

      Me.

      I'd rather walk.

      • John Kimble on 21/05/2017 - 14:35
        +26

        Username checks out

      • Jackson on 21/05/2017 - 22:22
        +4

        While choking on the NOx

        • YellowDieselGolf on 22/05/2017 - 09:29
          +1

          Username is from my first car. A '79 golf diesel.

          It was toxic before it was cool.

        • terrys on 22/05/2017 - 17:21
          +1

          @YellowDieselGolf: Err - and when was it cool:-P?

    • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2017 - 18:38
      +1

      2015 Camry 16500 on the road!

      Toyota tax, more like fleet-dump-discount.

    • boomramada on 22/05/2017 - 09:54
      +2

      I remember best comment about Toyota while back was,

      The Corolla is an overpriced bar fridge, the Camry is an overpriced fridge, Aurion is an overpriced French door fridge.

      And yes I have test drive few, they do feel like a fridge.

      • RockyRaccoon on 22/05/2017 - 10:20
        +8

        LOL Fridges are COOL!!

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2017 - 06:09
      +1

      Now when i purchase a new car i look at servicing costs and not many people realise how bad they can be.

  • Ken1977 on 21/05/2017 - 13:04

    I have 2 cars, a Toyota (Lexus GS300) as my nice weekend car and a falcon Ute on straight factory gas daily driver, both have done over 200,000 km both very reliable and cheap to run. They both were chosen for this very reason and from a lot of research. I do all my own servicing and will get many more years of cheap motoring. I am very attached to both cars and wouldn't think of getting rid of either, until they start to let me down.

  • goosegog on 21/05/2017 - 14:31
    +3

    Toyota ? - because they are the best. Durability, do what you were hoping for when purchased, reliable. Hubby has had his 2nd hand Landcruiser Turbo diesel for 20 years ( 1995 80's series model ) He is a builder, so it always has a full trailer load of equipment,bricks,etc. towed on the back,but has never let him down. The only expense has been the usual servicing, new tyres & batteries - as it has 2. It's economical too. He refuses to part with it.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2017 - 14:43
    +3

    With my old Ford every time I left A I never knew if I would even reach B. It defeated the purpose of a car. My Camry is 20 years old and never missed a beat. I get plenty of thrill in just driving in itself.

    • Cwong14u on 21/05/2017 - 21:07
      +1

      Are you half Asian, half bogan?

      • Wonderfool on 22/05/2017 - 07:04
        +1

        Probably an ABC in Queensland.

  • TurkishDelight on 21/05/2017 - 14:59
    +1

    I am more of BRAAAAAPPP STU-STU-STU-sTutututuu guy.

  • supaderp on 21/05/2017 - 16:11

    You only get thrown the Toyota tax when you don't know how to bargain with them.

  • porsche804 on 21/05/2017 - 16:33
    +8

    I was a mechanic for 15 years, I worked on German cars during the week and on the weekends I worked in a workshop where we worked on anything, when it came to a Toyota service it was much nicer because I almost never had to go back to the owner and list all the things that were broken.

    • Cwong14u on 21/05/2017 - 21:08
      +6

      Username doesn't check out

      • Lancerx on 22/05/2017 - 15:38
        +2

        Don't mechanic just tell customers whatever they like "to be repaired"

        • porsche804 on 23/05/2017 - 21:56

          I only ever told customers what needed to be repaired, if any customer wanted to get another mechanic opinion if it really needed to be repaired then I was happy for them to them to get told the same thing by someone else. There was always plenty of more work always coming in.

  • Indomietable on 21/05/2017 - 17:16
    +3

    You should buy Toyota Camry.

  • WeeDeePotato on 21/05/2017 - 18:08

    These days there really isn't that much different between Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Hyundai/Kia. They're all very reliable, not like what you would see up to the mid 90's.

    The parts for Toyota and Hyundai are generally good value, so there's that. Honestly though, people need to stop thinking like they're the only reliable cars out there.

    • Jackson on 21/05/2017 - 22:26

      I have both, and whole the Hyundai parts don't break the bank the toyota parts are significantly cheaper

    • RockyRaccoon on 22/05/2017 - 10:27
      +1

      Absolutely, there are probably even some that are more reliable. But given this is the third most significant purchase for many (Wife**, then House) Toyota has been most consistent with its reliability. So if you know little about cars then its the safer bet.

      I know my son bought a really cool to drive, but, a JEEP

      ** - Yes Sexist - But if Mrs Raccoon was posting she would have said Husband then House and also would have been right!

  • Psy1 on 21/05/2017 - 18:12
    +2

    I think there's more Nintendo fanboys here TBH.

    • tomsco on 22/05/2017 - 20:15

      What's the RRP?

      • JajaMinx on 22/05/2017 - 20:51
        +2

        $99.95 for a NES mini classic is a bargain alright!! END OF STORY!!

  • Matslurpee on 21/05/2017 - 18:14
    +7

    Korean cars have gotten significantly better in the last 2 decades, they are underappreciated.

    • Tech and cars on 22/05/2017 - 18:59

      This x 10000.

    • Unrvl on 22/05/2017 - 21:01
      +1

      this 200000x

  • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2017 - 18:31
    +1

    At the 1-2year old used car range (ex-fleet ex-rental), the number of fleet and rental toyotas being dumped into the market is ridiculous. There is no toyota tax at this age/mileage point. In fact, buying a brand new toyota camry/corolla is almost stupid because of this.

    The question is why are there so many Mazda fan boys when a Toyota would give you a better value proposition any time of the day.

    At 1-2 year old, for a basic sedan a Toyota camry or a kia cerato would always get my vote. Re-sale value (see below) would also factor into this. I prefer a kia optima or a mid-sized sedan but guess what, they're more expensive than camries because of the warranty.

    Past 5 years however, yea Toyota's are reliable but way overpriced.

    • tranter on 21/05/2017 - 20:31

      We bought a brand new Corolla Sedan just over a year ago. Initially wanted to buy a secondhand/demo but prices were still pretty high at the time, especially for private owners and demos. Yeah we could have got a reasonably priced ex-rental with 40k on the clock but we didn't really want that. Bargained hard and got a good deal on a brand new one and maximised our trade-in. Maybe pricing is different now I don't know but buying brand new at the time was the right choice for us.

      • Peck on 21/05/2017 - 20:36
        +1

        Just to alter\alert people 'for what it is worth' the corolla sedan is from Thailand, the hatch is from Japan.

  • Euphemistic on 21/05/2017 - 20:16
    +10

    It's just what every one thinks. Japanese cars are most reliable, Toyota is the pick but they are just a bit boring. American cars are oversized, old tech, handle like boats and aren't reliable. Euro cars look sharp, handle well and cost a fortune to repair. Chinese cars a horribly made replicas of a ten year old Japanese car.

    • Peck on 21/05/2017 - 20:29
      +1

      Please accept 10 +'s from The Peck

  • snajper on 21/05/2017 - 21:07
    +1

    Toyotas are excellent and most reliable fridges in the world.. Point A to B without any issues. Anyone who is even remotely car enthusiast will never get one…as they are boring to drive and look very plain at best….

    • Scrooge McDuck on 21/05/2017 - 22:13

      Anyone who is even remotely car enthusiast will never get one…as they are boring to drive and look very plain at best….

      You do realise that Toyota manufactured quite a few different models of sports cars?

      • snajper on 22/05/2017 - 08:12
        +1

        Not much for Aus market… i hope that you are not referring to Camry sportivo…

        • May4th on 22/05/2017 - 20:57
          +1

          to be fair the 86s were ruling the street racing scene before most of us were born

  • Prefab on 21/05/2017 - 21:07
    +1

    They don't sing songs about Toyota camrys.

    • Fobsessive on 22/05/2017 - 18:39
      +2

      What about "oh what a feeling, Toyota"?

      • theStinge on 23/05/2017 - 20:10

        Or, "Oh what a feeling, Twin Camry!"?

  • pyramid on 21/05/2017 - 21:30

    When people say 'boring to drive( or 'drive like a boat' what does it mean?

    • tomleonhart on 22/05/2017 - 05:52

      Car too heavy + unstable.

      I drove a Holden Calais for 4 days as a car hired, loved it but the car feels super heavy. Got back to my Mazda 3 Sp25 today, oh man what a different it makes in the handing department.

      • snajper on 22/05/2017 - 08:13

        Yeah i went from xr6 to Golf and it felt like running marathon 500kg lighter.

    • ozeebee on 22/05/2017 - 19:19

      Test drive a Camry, no explanation needed.

  • OzTightArse on 21/05/2017 - 21:41
    +1

    Not all Toyota are reliable.

    I had a 9th-gen Corolla (2001) and it pings and used oil after 100k or so. It was a piston design fault on its engine. Just google "1zz-fe" engine ping and you'll see why. There weren't enough oil passage on its pistons. Sold it for a mere $2k

    By contrast (and was expected) my 1996 Prado still run strong at 380,400km and I would expect not major issue until 500,000km when I plan to rebuild the head.

    Not sure what people meant by boring cars, as ALL CARS are boring. Spend $5k on a used motorbike like 2005 ZX10R where the power to weight ratio is 1hp/1kg. You'd need to buy something like Koenigsegg One to match it.

  • Skramit on 21/05/2017 - 21:48
    -2

    I agree with you OP. The ozb community is obsessed with camrys. Lots of threads about which SUV to buy get 50 "buy a Camry" replies. Or which small hatch back "buy a Camry". It's really odd.

    • Peter Enis on 21/05/2017 - 21:56
      +5

      Haha glad I'm not the only one.

      Q: Which sports car should I buy?
      A: Camry Sportivo

      Q: Which people mover should I buy?
      A: Buy 2x Camrys

      But I appreciate all the different opinions, and don't get me wrong, I'm not against buying a Toyota personally, I was just interested in everyones different opinions on the subject.

      • Skramit on 21/05/2017 - 22:18
        +3

        Which 4x4 off-roader should I get to enter the Dakar rally?

        Camry hybrid.

        • captobvious on 21/05/2017 - 22:52

          In the 90's I drove a government camry from Darwin deep into Arnhem land off-road and crossed a few floodways. survived there and back besides blowing a tyre. Toyota tough.

        • bdl on 25/05/2017 - 23:34

          Camry Hybrid Eneloop

    • Baysew on 22/05/2017 - 10:30

      Have you got any links to those "Lots of threads"?

      • Skramit on 22/05/2017 - 11:12

        Yeah

        • Baysew on 22/05/2017 - 11:24

          Please post, would love to read them.

    • Jackson on 22/05/2017 - 19:30

      Well, the argument could be made that you may not love driving a Toyota, but with the money you save that's a lot of tennis lessons, language classes, trips overseas, BJs, whatever

  • cdaddy on 21/05/2017 - 23:52
    -4

    High Indian user base?

    • EnALup on 22/05/2017 - 00:27
      +3

      I dont think they are that popular in India and not see Too many indians driving it.
      See people from all origins driving these.

      Very reliable, low maintenance, value for money cars - Toyota

      They are not iphones, but Androids phones for cars…

    • ozeebee on 22/05/2017 - 18:59

      Made me laugh, my Indian friend used to say this exact same thing.

  • cashless on 22/05/2017 - 02:24

    ***finds yet another car thread on OzB*****
    Hey guys, did I ever tell you how fantastic my Camry is…..?

  • tomleonhart on 22/05/2017 - 05:45

    Just came back from a 4 days road trip in a hired Holden Calais. Seriously consider getting one myself now !!

  • BargainNut on 22/05/2017 - 08:04

    I've owned a BMW, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Lexus. Toyota trumps all other brands in terms of reliability. BMW was the worse and then Mazda.

    • Scab on 22/05/2017 - 08:10

      BMW was the worse and then Mazda.

      Mazdas are generally very reliable.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2017 - 08:54

    Worst car ever

  • ShirokaZe on 22/05/2017 - 10:15
    +2

    Toyota has a reputation for reliability dating back to the 70s, why not recommend them? When you say KIA and Hyundai are reliable nowadays, though you are likely correct in saying that (only time will tell), it takes more than a single generation of cars to establish a reputation right? As an example, Hyundai were still making the notoriously unreliable Third Gen Accent until 2011. Hopefully they will go on to further establish themselves, competition is a good thing afterall.

  • ProjectZero on 22/05/2017 - 10:32

    Honestly, after driving a Toyota Camry, I'd buy one if they didn't look so fugly these last few generations… They're great to drive (the V6 sportivo ones anyway and quite roomy) but I just can't get over the look.

  • Baysew on 22/05/2017 - 10:36
    +3

    Why So Many Toyota Fanbois on OzBargain?

    The question might as well be "Why So Many Toyota Fanbois in Australia?"

    Where Australia was once a land of Holdens and Fords, our roads now firmly belong to Toyota. One in six of the nearly 22 million registered vehicles in the country is a Toyota, compared with one in nine for Holden and one in 11 for Ford.

    The eight postcodes where Mercedes outnumbers Toyota

    Whilst there are always alternatives, Toyota is the popular choice in general.

  • bryce007 on 22/05/2017 - 10:38

    I think its that most people on here seem to treat cars as like white goods. The majority of posts I see on here about cars is everyone wanting brand new crap boxes that has to have a warranty and good driveaway price. Most of these cars fine for A-B but not for driving enthusiasts. I for one happily buy cars 4-10 years old, do lots of research about specific model issues to make sure no major issues. Depreciation saved on a new car easily covers any major issues experienced on a older second hand car which is more engaging to drive and higher quality. I for one have 2x BMW a 9yo M3 and a 14yo Z4 with 265,000ks on it.. Very cheap to run buying parts myself and drives better a new 86 :). Plus I have a ford ute with 302,000km on it ive had for 5 years needing nothing other than oil changes…

    My sister on the other hand has had a new Aurion work car that needed a new engine due to valve issues… Every car can have problems. I personally think Toyota quality has dropped recently and would rather buy Korean than a Toyota.

  • AMLagonda on 22/05/2017 - 11:58
    +1

    There are an awful lot of Kia lovers on ozbargain as well, that doesn't even make sense :/

    I've had 3 Camrys and never again, all had massive problems.

    • ozeebee on 22/05/2017 - 18:56
      +2

      What were the problems?

      Steering feel made you fall asleep?
      Braking almost caused numerous accidents?
      Held up more traffic than a semi trailer?

  • Captain Howdy on 22/05/2017 - 14:40

    Yeah, I think its purely the reliability reputation. They do rarely break down. Even when something does go wrong the parts are normal inexpensive too because they're so common. Maintance costs are cheap, and they generally have good fuel mileage. I have a Camry Sportivo, but as a rule of thumb they're kind of vanilla to drive.

    My FOG (Fairlane on gas) was much more grunty to drive, but the ongoing repairs nullified that benefit.

  • Lancerx on 22/05/2017 - 15:39

    Don't think you can say the same for the hybrid ones…

  • Martian on 22/05/2017 - 15:49

    I own a 1999 Prado since year 2000 and it's hard to believe and describe how well it runs today!!! If I ditch it and upgrade to another it seems like a waste. It's still great for long distance driving - road trip holiday - off-road into the bush and country side and weekend to Bunnings.

  • Neilzy on 22/05/2017 - 16:20
    +3

    Not all toyotas are boring. Just the ones we get in Aus.

    I drive an imported Mark 2 jzx110. 2.5lt turbo vvti, manual and RWD. its the 'Camry' we should have received.

    • Tech and cars on 22/05/2017 - 19:00
      +1

      1J? :')

      • Neilzy on 23/05/2017 - 10:25

        you know it ;)

    • nobarginsarehere on 23/05/2017 - 20:24

      So true. JZX110's (and Crowns) in Japan are very common, they are our Camry.

      It's sad when you compare what we get to Japan for the same money.

  • ozeebee on 22/05/2017 - 18:54
    +1

    Yes OP, unfortunately you're in the wrong place if you expect any other automotive answer besides Camry and Corolla no matter the question asked.

    You want an SUV? Why SUV, a Camry will do.
    A 2 seat sports car perhaps? Camry is perfect for that.
    I want a car that is fun? A Camry can be fun.

  • Unrvl on 22/05/2017 - 21:07
    +3

    Toyota is highly recommended because not only are they reliable now, they are probably the only car to have been reliable for the last 40 years. even if the last 5 years of toyota cars were shit, that reputation wouldn't disappear so fast.

    Korean cars are definitely right next to Toyota right now in reliability, but id certainly have to say they are better value. Hyundai/Kia have massive factory warranties for a reason, and pretty much any car they have made after 2010 is rock solid.

    When i went car shopping 4 years ago i test drove quite a few cars and sat with a Hyundai Elantra, i liked the sporty/futuristic look to it at the time. the car has never had a fault, not even close. cheap servicing.

    A year ago we went shopping for a small car for my wife around $10k range. the micra / alto / mirages were all small tin cans. we then look at a Toyota Yaris. and whilst it was probably reliable it was the most basic looking PoS ever. i step into a Kia Rio (2015?) and it was well beyond its time. the interior was far far better than the competition, same with features and reliability/warranty. it was a no brainer.

    i don't regret these decisions one bit. I don't know about the toyota tax on new cars these days, but secondhand they are damn expensive

  • maddoglee on 22/05/2017 - 21:55

    It's Ozbargain… As if you're going to get recommendations other than a complete balance of reliability vs price analysed to the nearest drag coefficient.
    Its going to be Toyota…

    btw I drive a gas guzzling V6 Passat and a Mini Cooper S…

    but.. I was driving a 1992 Toyota Corolla up until the middle of last year. BOOM!

  • nobarginsarehere on 23/05/2017 - 00:40

    Toyotas are awesome. Great build quality and last for agers (yes this a stereotype, but well earned)

    I cannot say I like Camarys in particular, but ive imported a few good Toyotas and they are solid (Supra, Mark II, Caldina and MR2's)

    Saying that, from 90-00 Toyota's were above everyone else in terms of longevity and build quality, but from 00 up cars from every manufacturer (in Australia) have been getting better if not on par

    IMHO it comes down to the type of person you are. If you are an every day joe, just get a white good / washing machine. This means you dont care what the car the is and just want something that works and is CHEAP. This means Holden, Ford, Kia etc, just cheap crap.

    • Tech and cars on 23/05/2017 - 11:02

      Kia really has stepped up recently…

      • nobarginsarehere on 23/05/2017 - 20:15

        I think most OZB people would buy a Kia for the 7 year warranty, not their quality

        Saying that, if you were a true OZB you wouldnt buy a new car :P

  • jerjergege on 23/05/2017 - 07:02

    My parents Toyota tarago has been unreliabale the past year, but its been pretty good for the last 8 before.

    My Honda civic is good, love me a good Japanese car.

    • Kapinny on 24/05/2017 - 02:25

      made in thailand ;)

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