SteadfastRocky
Supporting Vendor
So I have never seen any documentation of where Toyota/Lexus has proclaimed anything about durability of higher mileage. That seems like a claim that could bite them in the ass.Im going to toss this into the mix.
I have bought Toyotas all my life: from Corollas to Vibes to Camrys, to an early truck. When I retired we bought a GX470 with 170k miles on it and I was expecting it to run forever. We do light overlanding (dirt roads mainly) and it ran fantastic.
However, I did replace a rear seal, 3 wheel bearings, three CV joints, an alternator, 2 brake calipers and replaced the steering oil (started making noise on a trip one time. The rack seemed fine.). I chose a GX because they are rock solid and "overbuilt to go 300k". I was under it twice out west fixing it at a hotel.
Now I get it. They are reliable. It never left me stranded. They are very easy to fix (7 bolts and the wheel bearing is out. took me 1/2 hour). But I was under the impression that these things were overbuilt and should last 300k before having problems. That is not the case.
So, I think maybe we should tone it down a bit. These are great vehicles, but we need to make sure we explain that they are not trouble/maintenance free. I WAS under that opinion because of what was written on this site and others.
And by the way, is there any documented evidence that these are designed for higher milage than their other cars? I hear that, but has Toyota said it?
(I just want to make it clear, we loved the 470 and now we have a 460. Very reliable but I am not expecting perfection.)
With that said, a truck that takes 9qts of oil is significantly overbuilt compared to even an LS motor most of which are 5-6qts.
I do agree with you, at a part failure rate, I don't find these mid size rigs to be exceptional. And like you, I've never been left stranded by anything other than battery failures.
Better put on your flame suit, some here think the 150/460 is gods gift. Its a normal, but well built vehicle...