There’s no getting around the fact that cars are a depreciating asset.
Most cars only last for about 10 years, maybe more if they’re well-maintained. But have you ever wondered, “why do Toyotas last so long?”
As you’ll learn in this article, there are multiple reasons why Toyota vehicles last longer. However, the core reason is their reliance on total quality management systems.
Put simply; this car manufacturer keeps a close eye on each stage of the production process. This ensures that every car is manufactured to the highest quality.
Read on to learn more.
Why are Toyotas so much more reliable?
The major reasons why Toyota ranks higher than other brands for reliability are:
1. Intensive research and testing
One thing that sets it apart is the company’s meticulous approach to adopting new features. In fact, it really takes its time before incorporating any new features into its vehicles.
So while other car brands are quick to jump on the latest flashy technology, Toyota prefers to test it out several times to ascertain its performance.
The Toyota Corolla is a good case in point. Most manufacturers rushed to equip their economy passenger vehicles with a small-size version of Turbo engines.
Toyota, on the other hand, resorted to a bigger, naturally aspirated engine that’s less sophisticated and lasts many years.
2. Attention to basic features
Nowadays, a lot of car manufacturers have shifted their attention to cutting-edge tech.
Features like voice commands and connectivity systems are given more emphasis. But not Toyota.
This automaker still emphasizes the basics that result in long-lasting cars, such as the engine, build quality, reliability, and driving dynamics.
This is why most Toyotas appear to have minimalist designs compared to luxury cars like BMW or Mercedes Benz.
3. Localization approach to car manufacturing
Another reason why Toyotas are so reliable is the fact that they’re customized for specific regions.
Put simply; the brand’s engineers incorporate unique features based on where that particular vehicle is sold.
So if the car is to be sold to the Australian market, then it will have features tailored to Australia’s local conditions and requirements.
4. Rigorous quality control management
Toyota cars also end up being so reliable because of the rigorous quality control that the car manufacturer does.
This company employs tons of staff to monitor each stage of the production process.
Like other auto manufacturers, Toyota relies on robots to piece the elements of the car together. However, it still hires workers to counter-check this assembly process.
5. Continuous improvement
Toyota’s exceptional reliability can also be attributed to the automaker’s policy on continuous improvement.
Other car manufacturers usually consider their inventions complete once they get to the last stage of production.
If they’d like to upgrade or improve a particular feature, they usually produce an entirely new model. This explains why some car models look identical except for a very small set of features.
Toyota uses a very different approach. The engineers examine every detail of a given car to determine whether there’s a need to improve it.
It’s not until they deem the upgrade necessary that they start designing new features.
And even then, the vehicle only enters the engineering phase once that upgrade has been perfected.
6. Industrial experience
Founded back in 1937, Toyota has a wealth of experience under its belt. Over the years, it’s released, numerous car models.
While the majority of these inventions were successful, the company has also learned valuable lessons along the way.
Being able to learn from its mistakes and implement new changes is one of the reasons why Toyota is ranked the most reliable brand.
7. Embracing participation
If there’s one thing that sets the Toyota car manufacturer from the crowd, it’s their openness to feedback. Although the firm has a team of expert engineers, it encourages every worker to contribute to the manufacturing process.
So if any of the staff notices a flaw, they can speak about it openly and freely.
They don’t have to worry about getting reprimanded, which is what happens at other manufacturing plants. As a result, the company ends up making some of the most reliable cars globally.
8. Customer-oriented
Toyota is also considered a reliable car brand because it puts the needs of customers first. Other car brands focus more on earning higher profits or achieving the goals set by their shareholders.
As a result, they blindly incorporate features just to lure new customers. They don’t give much thought to whether these features are necessary or whether they work properly.
Conversely, Toyota focuses on meeting the needs of its customers. Any technology added to its line of cars is thoroughly researched and tested beforehand.
This explains why most Toyota cars have exceptional longevity.
How long do Toyotas usually last?
On average, Toyota cars last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. In terms of mileage, this is equivalent to 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
Some Toyota owners report having driven their cars for up to 250,000+ miles.
With routine maintenance and checks, you can easily achieve this threshold as well.
List of the Top Toyota models by longest car miles
Apart from maintenance, the longevity of Toyota cars also depends on the specific model.
So here’s a list of top-ranking Toyota cars by mileage:
| Car Model | Mileage |
| Toyota Sequoia | 296,509 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | 280,236 |
| Toyota Tundra | 256,022 |
| Toyota Prius | 250,601 |
| Toyota Avalon | 245,710 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 244,994 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 244,665 |
| Toyota Sienna | 239,607 |
| Toyota Tacoma | 235,070 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 230,547 |
What makes Toyota engines so reliable?
Given the popularity of this automaker, it’s not surprising that it’s also considered to have some of the most reliable engines. So just what makes Toyota engines durable?
Well, this can be attributed to the company’s rigorous research and testing.
Toyota first comes up with a prototype, which is then tested multiple times to guarantee proper functioning. If it falls short of expectations, the engineers go back to the drawing board to figure out what’s wrong.
Can Toyotas last 300 000 miles?
Yes, some can. As seen from the survey conducted by iSeeCars, the Toyota Sequoia has an average lifespan of up to 296,509 miles.
Does Honda or Toyota last longer?
Honda has built quite a solid reputation in the car industry. But when it comes to reliability, Toyota cars last much longer.
According to the latest statistics from Consumer Reports, Toyota is the most durable car manufacturer. Lexus and BMW follow closely behind with Honda coming in fifth.
What can you do to help improve your Toyota’s lifespan?
Want to increase the chances of your Toyota car lasting longer? Here’s what you should do:
Regular maintenance
Yes, Toyota vehicles provide remarkable reliability.
But, that doesn’t mean you skip those routine checkups. During such a checkup, your mechanic will change the oil (if deemed necessary), and check the air filters and fluid levels of components like CVT transmissions.
Invest in OEM parts
Need to replace parts of the engine, suspension system, or any other car mechanism? Then consider purchasing the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
This offers two benefits. One, you’re certain that the parts will fit in your Toyota model.
Secondly, you’ll have confidence in their longevity given Toyota’s reputation.
Be mindful of your driving style
If you want your Toyota to last long, then you might want to adjust your driving habits.
Don’t treat the road like a racetrack, especially if the car wasn’t designed for fast speeds. Similarly, don’t break hard (unless you’re facing an emergency), accelerate gradually, and learn to shift gears swiftly.
Conclusion
Toyota’s use of quality management systems ensures that cars are manufactured to the highest standards. This is one of the main reasons why Toyota vehicles have a reputation for lasting longer than others.
In addition, this automaker welcomes criticism and feedback from all of its staff and prioritizes customers’ needs- contrary to other manufacturers who focus on making supernormal profits.
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