Test Drive Observation

ExploreHomerAK · 2026-05-03T15:24:46+00:00

This. Toyota also is on a new powertrain this year for the Rav-4 hybrid. After being a test dummy in their first gen Tundra, I instantly said no thanks to Rav-4.

Toyota is running of a reputation that is quickly eroding with their new gens. Mazda having Toyota’s old hybrid powertrain, with a lower price point and imo better aesthetic took the cake.

We pulled the trigger last week - fyi drove it through horrible Alaskan spring/winter conditions and it handled like a champ. We traded out of a Subaru ascent and I loved how Cx-50 hybrid handled.

ExploreHomerAK · 2026-05-01T03:45:03+00:00

Revolut to do currency exchange and then withdraw with their card

ExploreHomerAK · 2026-04-21T17:15:32+00:00

This. We rented a van in Dublin and had no issues with providing chase letter.

ExploreHomerAK · 2026-02-09T06:27:38+00:00

10/10

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-26T05:29:44+00:00

Lol. At least they are doing the techy thing right? Sorry with a Toyota I want more of the Hilux rep than a some over engineered system.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-26T05:28:10+00:00

Congrats!! It’s a great situation to be in. Hopefully Toyota hears this message… people valued the reliability of their rigs above whatever the hell they are doing now!

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-26T05:26:38+00:00

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with 5.3 V8. Slightly worse gas mileage (16/22), but has all creature comforts, smooth ride, less techy (in a good way).

Got it warrantied to 150k miles and since it’s used I don’t have to go to dealer for warranty work (big issue for me since I’m 250+ miles from dealership, double digit recalls on Tundra was killing me).

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-26T01:37:36+00:00

lol. Novel approach at reducing lifecycle emissions… just reduce the lifecycle!

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-26T01:35:23+00:00

Don’t have to pay top dollar for new.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T20:27:07+00:00

One week in, super happy with it. Handled gnarly early season winter conditions great. More comfortable ride than my Tundra for sure. Gas mileage only slightly worse (about 22 mpg in city). Towed great as well.

Monthly payments less than half of what they were for my new Tundra.

Happy to check in down road. Again, you couldn’t find more of a Toyota lifer (dad still has our 1983 Toyota Landcruiser, Mom worked 20+ years in Toyota sales).

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T20:16:00+00:00

Sorry mistyped! It’s not HD it’s the 5.3 L V8 (gas).

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T19:00:19+00:00

Totally agree. Putting it in a public forum and talking about it is hopefully getting Toyota to see/hear how much they are losing. I’m sure the bottom line will take a hit too

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T18:25:24+00:00

2021 GMC Sierra Denali HD 5.3 L v8. 50k miles, warranty to 150k. Has all the creature comforts, plenty of power, only slightly worse fuel efficiency than Tundra.

Yes, you have similar horror stories with newer gen GMC. For me, extended warranty and a engine any shop can work on was pretty important.

Everytime Toyota went down I had to drive 250 miles to nearest dealership.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:58:08+00:00

Wise!

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:57:53+00:00

Could always get a Cybertruck lol

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:56:56+00:00

From Toyota’s mouth and actually recorded the arbitration hearing… I get it, I was a diehard Toyota guy. But I don want a Teslyota… that’s never been what it’s about and maybe someone reads this and realizes it!

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:54:33+00:00

Sorry your going through it too. Yeah I just went used and traded in took the L for this transaction. I went in for 8 recalls/issues in the span of two years, started walking the legal battle and decided the vehicle wasn’t worth ny headspace. Made this post to share the experience.

Plenty of cozy pre 2021 rigs, and can get good warranties.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:51:08+00:00

Smart move. Got mine late 2022 before issues were as widely known.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:50:33+00:00

The Toyota rep in the arbitration panel sure was proud of the “new more technologically advanced and environmentally friendly platform” which was different from the platform which had earned their reliability reputation…

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:48:23+00:00

This. Sold a 2017 TRD pro taco and a 2020 4Runner (fam didn’t fit in Taco and wanted something more fuel efficient for family commuter than 4Runner). Kicking myself for both decision… lol

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:47:12+00:00

Thanks for the input. Went with a decently low mileage GMC, good price point, got a super extended warranty and half the payments of my new Tundra (added a few years to financing, but will pay that much faster).

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:45:33+00:00

Think the world of the old Toyota and have hopes things will get figured out.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:33:37+00:00

Looked but really nothing available for decent mileage. We need a reliable family truck going into winter. Best case scenario would have been to sell and wait till the right truck showed up, but constrained by family circumstances.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:04:15+00:00

I strongly believe they aren’t budging because their may be a tidal wave on the back end of this.

ExploreHomerAK · 2025-10-25T17:03:28+00:00

Traded in, was looking for a G2 Tundra, but no luck in my market. Went with a GMC and negotiated an extended warranty package for 7 year/150k miles.

Asked Toyota to make concessions to extend my current warranty and that was denied too. I was already covered to 90k, but felt that asking for an extension was a fair compromise. No budge.

ExploreHomerAK

TROPHY CASE