Video summary

Best and Worst Toyota Models To Buy Used and New

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Key product focus

The video isn’t a single-product review; it’s a “best and worst Toyota models to buy used and new” roundup, with the author speaking from a repair-shop perspective.

Main recommendations (New Toyota purchases)

“Buy without a second thought” (reliability-focused)

  • Toyota Crown Signia — presented as one of the best Toyotas made today (new).
  • Corolla (including Corolla Hybrid) — highlighted as a top reliability pick; the Corolla Hybrid is described as “one of the best old-school hybrids.”
  • Toyota Crown — despite appearance (“hideous”), said to be a good car.
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid — praised for gas mileage and as a solid family minivan after switching to hybrid-only. The author notes some issues exist generally, but “for the most part” they’re solid.
  • Grand Highlander — claimed to “wipe out” the Highlander; described as a great family car overall.
    • Buying tip (safety): for safety, the author suggests hybrids (no turbo) vs non-hybrid turbo models.
  • Prius — described as a strong, safe buy with the 5th-gen hybrid system “knocked it out of the park.”
  • (Too early to tell, but hoped to be solid):
    • 2026 RAV4 (new) — “too early to tell.”
    • 2026 Camry Hybrid — “so far so good,” but “too early to tell.”

New models where the author suggests extended warranty

“Consider buying an extended warranty if I was buying them new”

  • Toyota Tundra — mentions engine reputation (V35A “growing in reputation”), but recommends extended warranty “just in case.”
  • Toyota Sequoia — same rationale.

Trending positive, still uncertain

  • Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Toyota 4Runner
  • Toyota Tacoma

Caveat: “transmissions” are said to be holding them back a little (with 4Runner doing really good). These are “more toward” extended-warranty territory but not fully decided.

Used Toyota purchasing guidance (market + model picks)

Market issue / user experience

  • Toyota production shortages mean it’s often hard to find new inventory.
  • Used prices can be higher than new for 1-year-old Toyotas. The author cautions buyers to be careful.

Best used Toyota picks (with reliability caveats)

Strong used choices (based on maintenance history)

  • Corolla Hybrid — “any Corolla Hybrid” with good maintenance history is called a very good buy.
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid
    • The author praises the hybrid model.
    • For earlier non-hybrid (pre-2021): avoid ’17 and ’18 due to transmission concerns; inspect carefully because minivans see wear.
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid (last few years)
    • Non-hybrid 2020–2022: transmission problems flagged.
    • 2023–2026 hybrid vs turbo note: the 4-cylinder turbo is okay if maintained, but the author recommends hybrid to avoid turbo-related worries.
  • Toyota Venza Hybrid
    • Called a “Hall of Famer,” “hidden gem.”
    • Price is said to reflect its discontinuation.
    • Described as quiet, comfortable, and “basically buying a Lexus for Toyota money.”
  • Toyota Camry
    • 2018+ non-hybrid: transmission concern noted.
    • Hybrid: “solid, flat-out” with no issues.
    • 2022+ non-hybrid: generation is “really good,” but the author still prefers hybrids for safety.
  • Toyota RAV4
    • 2019 and up generation: praised as solid.
    • 2019 noted as having most issues (early issues are implied to be less of a concern later).
    • 2020+ (hybrid or non-hybrid) recommended if maintenance history is good.
    • The author emphasizes: expect prices to reflect reliability demand.

Older-model “budget” recommendations

When you go older than ~2–3 years, the author stresses you must be more careful because good examples are rarer.

  • 2015–2016 Toyota Highlander V6 — reliable family vehicle; repair costs not “ridiculous.”
    • Hard to find in good shape (owners tend not to sell).
  • Toyota Yaris — extremely reliable and economical, but:
    • loud/not comfortable, not “inspiring.”
    • Avoid rusty examples; also hard to find cared-for cars.
  • Toyota Avalon (2013 through last year they made them)
    • Called a hidden gem, similar in spirit to Lexus ES 350.
    • Warning: hybrid Avalons (2013–2018) have an “alarming number” of hybrid battery failures around ~200,000 miles.
    • Recommendation: skip Avalon hybrids; choose V6 instead.

More “special case” older picks

  • Toyota 4Runner (2010–2024) — “if it’s not rusty, it’s the one.”
    • Described as DIY-friendly but with horrible gas mileage.
  • 2012–2017 Toyota Camry V6
    • V6 has some issues (noted generally), but author says these cars are solid if you find a good one.
    • Claim: V6 XLE owners tend to be older and more likely to maintain vehicles, so good low-mileage examples may be more “pristine” than the 4-cylinder market.

“Avoid / worst” cars (the video’s strongest cons)

1) Rusty frames (major, repeated warning)

  • 4th-gen Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX 470 (often grouped together)
    • If non-rusty: “one of the best cars you can buy.”
    • If rusty frame: described as “the worst car you have just bought.”
    • The author cites repeated shop experiences: rotten frames, dangerous structural damage, and repeated welding/repairs.

Broader warning: avoid rusty Toyota trucks with frames, including:

  • Sequoia
  • Tundra
  • etc.

Rule-of-thumb: rust makes every job turn into many more jobs, and accident safety becomes a serious concern.

2) Neglected 2nd-gen Toyota Tundra (the “fragile wiring harness” problem)

The author calls it the second generation Tundra (V8)—specifically neglected examples—as a worst-case scenario.

Issues mentioned:

  • Engine-related: valley plate, chain tensioner, oil leaks
  • Biggest concern: fragile wiring harness (described as the most fragile Toyota wiring they’ve worked on)

3) Modified cars (general “don’t do it” rule)

  • Strong recommendation: don’t buy modified Toyotas (especially those with existing modifications).
  • Reason: hidden shortcuts/custom work leads to electrical/suspension/drivability problems, and repairs take far longer.
  • Emphasis: buy stock if possible; if you modify, do it yourself with a way back to stock.

4) Non-Toyota warning (but included)

  • Lexus LS 460 if found “cheap” (for example, costing less than a Corolla)
    • “No such thing as cheap luxury.”
    • Claim: cheap LS 460s tend to require expensive repair bills (the author mentions potential $20,000 type bill after purchase).
    • Key message: if you can’t afford the car, don’t expect Camry-level maintenance.

Pros (overall themes)

  • Strong emphasis on reliability for many current Toyotas (especially hybrids).
  • Many “best” models are framed as family-friendly, comfortable, and cost-effective (e.g., Sienna Hybrid, Grand Highlander, Venza Hybrid).
  • Hybrid systems are repeatedly praised (notably Prius fifth-gen and Corolla Hybrid).

Cons / risks (overall themes)

  • Transmission concerns on certain non-hybrid years (Highlander 2020–2022; Camry non-hybrid 2018+).
  • Turbo vs hybrid tradeoff: hybrids positioned as the “safer” path.
  • Market pricing: shortage-driven availability leads to used prices sometimes exceeding new.
  • Biggest “avoid” factor is rusty frames on truck/SUV models.
  • Neglect and modifications increase repair complexity (especially 2nd-gen Tundra wiring).

Comparisons made

  • Venza Hybrid vs Lexus: described as “basically buying a Lexus for Toyota money.”
  • Avalon vs Lexus ES 350: Avalon framed as similarly positioned.
  • LS 460 vs budget expectations: criticized against “Camry maintenance costs” expectation.
  • Grand Highlander vs Highlander: Grand Highlander “wiped out” the Highlander.
  • 4Runner vs GX 470: grouped together for rust-frame risk.
  • Used market vs new: used examples can be priced higher than new due to Toyota production lag.

Numeric values / ratings mentioned

  • No formal star ratings or scores.
  • Specific mileage threshold: hybrid Avalon battery failures “around 200,000 mi.”
  • Price-related claim: LS 460 cheap purchase discussion includes $2,500-range examples and a cited “honest repair shop” potential $20,000 bill (as a qualitative caution with a number).

Concise verdict / recommendation

  • Best overall approach: buy unmodified Toyotas in excellent condition with proven maintenance history, and strongly consider hybrids where the author flags turbo/non-hybrid transmission risk.
  • Avoid above all: rusty frame vehicles (especially 4Runner/GX 470, and other Toyota frame trucks) and neglected/modified trucks (notably neglected 2nd-gen Tundra).
  • Overall: for maximum reliability and peace of mind, target the author’s “buy without a second thought” list (Corolla/Camry hybrids, Prius, Sienna hybrid, etc.) and avoid frame rust and poor-condition/modified examples.

Speakers

  • Single speaker (the author/host, speaking as a shop-repair perspective). No separate speakers indicated in the subtitles.

Original video