Recalls Leave New Car Buyers Wary About Switching to Toyota

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Daily Finance

By DAVID SCHEPP

Despite generous incentives and a massive media campaign to address concerns about quality, Toyota Motor (TM) is attracting fewer car owners who drive other brands, auto industry researcher Edmunds.com said Thursday.

A larger percentage of Toyota's new car sales are now coming from buyers who trade in other Toyotas, the group said. Nearly half of all new cars sold at Toyota dealerships this year included a Toyota trade-in, Edmunds.com said. Last year, the figure was 42%. Industry-wide, this year, 42% of trade-ins match the brand of the new vehicle being purchased.

Before Toyota's recall woes began in late January, many buyers who weren't sure which brand to choose considered Toyota a safe bet, said Edmunds.com senior analyst Karl Brauer. "Now, many of those uncommitted buyers don't feel as confident in the Toyota brand and are turning elsewhere, but some Toyota loyalists are displaying as much confidence as ever," he said.

Of all brands, Ford Motor (F) traditionally has had the most customer loyalty. Edmunds.com research indicates that 59% of Ford's new car sales typically include a Ford trade-in, the group said.

See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/a14tq6



Read more: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/autos/toyota-new-car-buyers/19547048/

[ixion]

1. Yeah, because US cars are so reliable...

:rofl:

[Omaha Steve]

3. The Best Coverage in America

http://www.chevrolet.com/owners/warranty/?evar3=warranty_hom_warr


The Best Coverage in America

Chevy 100,000 mile/5-year transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty with no deductible*
Chevy 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program*
Chevy 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 Courtesy Transportation Program*

Covered for 100,000 Miles/5 years*
Chevrolet will warrant each 2007 through 2010 model year Chevrolet passenger car, light-duty truck, crossover or van for 100,000 miles/160,000 kilometers or 5 years (whichever comes first; see dealer for details) with no deductible, from the original in-service date of the vehicle, for warrantable repairs that are required as a result of defects due to material and/or workmanship to the powertrain components as listed below:

Engine
Cylinder head, block, timing gears, timing chain, timing cover, oil pump/oil pump housing, OHC carriers valve covers, oil pan, seals, gaskets, turbocharger, supercharger and all internal lubricated parts as well as manifolds, flywheel, water pump, harmonic balancer and engine mount. Timing belts are covered until the first scheduled maintenance interval.

Engine: 2010 Chevrolet vehicles
All internally lubricated parts, engine oil cooling hoses, lines and radiators. Also included are all actuators and electrical components internal to the engine (i.e., Active Fuel Management Valve Lifter Oil Manifold, etc.), cylinder head, block, timing gears, timing chain, timing cover, oil pump/oil pump housing, OHC carriers, valve covers, oil pan, seals, gaskets, manifolds, flywheel, water pump, harmonic balancer, engine mount, starter motor, turbocharger and supercharger. Timing belts are covered until the first scheduled maintenance interval. Exclusions: Excluded from the powertrain coverage are sensors, wiring, connectors, engine radiator, coolant hoses, coolant and heater core. Coverage on the engine cooling system begins at the inlet to the water pump and ends with the thermostat housing and/or outlet that attaches to the return hose. Also excluded are the entire pressurized fuel system (in-tank fuel pump, pressure lines, fuel rail(s), regulator, injectors and return line) as well as the Engine/Powertrain Control Module and/or module programming.

Transmission/Transaxle/Transfer Case
Case, all internal lubricated parts, torque converter, transfer case, transmission/transaxle mounts, transmission/transaxle mounts, seals and gaskets.

Transmission/Transaxle: 2010 Chevrolet vehicles
All internally lubricated parts, case, torque converter, mounts, seals and gaskets as well as any electrical components internal to the transmission/transaxle. Also covered are any actuators directly connected to the transmission (slave cylinder, etc.). Exclusions: Excluded from the powertrain coverage are transmission cooling lines, hoses, radiator, sensors, wiring and electrical connectors. Also excluded are clutch and pressure plate as well as any Transmission Control Module and/or module programming.

Transfer Case: 2010 Chevrolet vehicles
All internally lubricated parts, case, mounts, seals and gaskets as well as any electrical components internal to the transfer case. Also covered are any actuators directly connected to the transfer case as well as encoder motor. Exclusions: Excluded from the powertrain coverage are transfer case cooling lines, hoses, radiator, sensors, wiring and electrical connectors as well as the transfer case control module and/or module programming.

Drive Systems
All internally lubricated parts, final-drive housings, axle shafts and bearings, constant velocity joints, propeller shafts and universal joints. All mounts, supports, seals and gaskets as well as any electrical components internal to the drive axle. Also covered are any actuators directly connected to the drive axle (i.e., front differential actuator, etc). Exclusions: Excluded from the powertrain coverage are all wheel bearings, drive wheel front and rear hub bearings, locking hubs, drive system cooling, lines, hoses, radiator, sensors, wiring and electrical connectors related to drive systems as well as any drive system control module and/or module programming.

Courtesy Transportation Program
During the warranty coverage period, this Chevrolet program provides alternate transportation and/or reimbursement of certain transportation expenses under the Courtesy Transportation Program if your vehicle requires warranty repairs. Several transportation options are available. Refer to your Owner's Manual for details, including reservation of rights, or consult your dealer/retailer.

Roadside Assistance Program
Chevrolet is proud to offer the response, security and convenience of the 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program for a period of 5 years or 100,000 miles/160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The program provides you with the following services during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period:

* Emergency Towing (to closest Chevy dealer from a legal roadway)
* Lockout Service (keys locked inside vehicle)
* Flat Tire Changes (spare installed)
* Fuel Delivery ($5 worth of fuel delivered on the road)
* Jump-Starts (at home or on the road)

Refer to your Owner's Manual for details, including reservation of rights, or consult your dealer/retailer. For specific terms and conditions, please contact your Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program advisor at 1-800-243-8872.

What Is Not Covered
All the above items are not covered for damage due to accident, misuse, alteration, insufficient or improper maintenance, contaminated or poor quality fuel. Medium-duty trucks, including the C4500, are excluded from this powertrain coverage. For complete details, refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet.

This is a supplement to the express conditions and warranties described in the Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. Other coverages are not extended or altered due to this supplement.

For 2007 through 2009 model year passenger car, light-duty truck, crossover and van owners requiring a more comprehensive coverage than what is provided with this warranty and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, an authorized GM service contract (GM Protection Plan) is available through your dealer/retailer). This is the only plan recommended by General Motors. See your dealer/retailer for details.

Covered for 3 years/36,000 miles*
Chevrolet backs your new vehicle with its no-deductible, Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The entire vehicle is warranted for repairs, including parts and labor, to correct problems in materials or workmanship, for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first (except normal maintenance). The warranty covers towing to the nearest Chevrolet dealership, and there is no deductible for warranty repairs during the warranty period. The warranty transfers automatically with vehicle ownership during the warranty period.

Covered for 6 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion Protection
Chevrolet vehicles are designed and built to resist corrosion. All body and sheet metal components are warranted against rust-through corrosion for six years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Application of additional rust-inhibiting materials is not required under the corrosion coverage and none is recommended. See your Chevrolet dealer for terms of this limited warranty.

An Important Note about Alterations and Warranties
Installations or alterations to the original equipment vehicle (or chassis) as distributed by General Motors are not covered by the General Motors New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The special body company, assembler, equipment installer or upfitter is solely responsible for warranties on the body or equipment and any alterations (or any effect of the alterations) to any of the parts, components, systems, or assemblies installed by GM. General Motors is not responsible for the safety or quality of design features, materials or workmanship of any alterations by such suppliers.

[ixion]

7. Yeah, and you'll need it, too

because that car will break down often.

[Omaha Steve]

11. New Car Buying News - Information that saves you time and money. J.D. Power Dependability Study

http://www.newcars.com/news/jd-power-car-reliability-survey

by Tim Truby (May 13, 2010)

Talking to your friends about your new car purchase can lead to smug put-downs, dire predictions about repair work or the rolling of eyes. Everyone seems to have strong preconceptions when it comes to car reliability. And those preconceptions are often wrong.

The latest J.D. Power vehicle reliability survey is a great reality check. It found that our preconceptions about American, Japanese and European brand reliability don't match the facts. Some of the surprising findings:

* Lincoln, Buick, and Mercury were among the top five brands in reliability — beating Toyota and Honda.
* Ford and Cadillac also achieved better than average dependability ratings.
* Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Scion all received much worse than average ratings.
* Only two European brands, Porsche and Mercedes, were rated above the industry average.
* Car reliability has been steadily improving for several years. The 2010 survey measured 155 car problems per hundred (PP100) vehicles, versus 167 problems in 2009 and 206 problems in 2008.

The Big Reliability Winners: Porsche, Lincoln, Buick, Lexus, and Mercury

Porsche was the biggest reliability winner this year. Their cars went from 150 maintenance problems per hundred for the 2006 models to 110 for the 2007 models (figures adjusted slightly for statistical differences). Of course, Porsche is a low volume brand so a few supportive owners can make a difference in the ratings.

Lincoln did almost as well cutting their problems per hundred by 33 to move to the number two spot. Buick, Lexus and Mercury also made dependability gains but these brands have been tops in reliability for several years.

The study also tracks individual models in their particular market segment. For instance Toyota had 4 models that won their segment, including the Prius and Tundra. Honda had 3 winners, Lincoln two.

Reliability and the American Car Makers

American cars have gotten a rap over the years when it comes to reliability. This study may start to change that perception, especially for Ford. Ford's Lincoln and Mercury brands made the top five and the Ford brand improved its score by 18 points to jump to number eight, just behind Toyota and Honda.

The GM brands didn't fare as well. GMC and Chevy models improved year over year in terms of visits to the shop but are still rated below the industry average. Cadillac is slightly better than average but its PP100 figure lost ground this year. Buick was the GM standout, tying Lexus for third place overall.

Chrysler and its Dodge brand are well below the industry average and don't seem to be moving.

The Perception of Reliability, Toyota and the Asian Brands

With the recent Toyota recall, the idea that Asian brands are inherently more reliable is being reconsidered. For years, Toyota topped the Vehicle Dependability Study and consistently captured the most segment and brand reliability awards (along with Lexus). So what happened?

At number six on the reliability study, Toyota is still solidly dependable but other brands are catching up. And while Toyota's overall PP100 mark was essentially flat (improving from 129 to 128), Mercury passed it with a score of 121 and Honda is closing in on Toyota with a 132 rating (a gain of 16 points).

Another winner is Hyundai. Hyundai used to be the industry's reliability joke. Now they're almost on a par with Acura with a score of 148.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that an Asian corporate address equates to quality. But Infiniti and Subaru are just average in dependability. Nissan, Mazda, Scion, and Mitsubishi are way below average. And Suzuki? You don't even want to go there.

The Luxury Car Segment

In almost every year since 1990, Lexus has taken the lead spot in brand reliability. Each year they win segment categories in the J.D. Power's study. They continue to beat their key competitors, but this year Mercedes is catching up. The Mercedes problems per hundred score went from 184 in the 2009 study to 142 this year. They must be doing something right.

Acura, Honda's luxury brand, came in at #10 on the J.D. Power list, just behind Mercedes. Other brands in the luxury market don't seem to have the same focus on reliability though. Infiniti actually lost ground this year to turn in an industry-average showing.

BMW and Audi seem not to care. BMW was well below the industry average with 165 problems per hundred vehicles. Audi was even worse with 182 PP100. You'd think that for 50 or 60K you could get a car that's more reliable than a Hyundai. Porsche obviously feels that performance and reliability go hand in hand. Maybe eventually the other luxury brands will follow suit.

More and more consumers are realizing that reliability affects their lives, impacting their finances, their driving experience, even their safety. There's no denying that car reliability is a challenge to achieve. But clearly the car companies are rising to that challenge. Unfortunately America's driving public hasn't caught up to the current reality.

The Study

The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study measures reliability problems experienced by original owners of their three-year-old vehicles. The current study was of 2007 cars and measures the number of repair problems reported during the previous 12 months. Over 52,000 owners were surveyed for the 2010 study.

Reliability is a key factor in helping owners decide if they will repurchase a brand or switch to a car that has a better repair rate. For this reason, the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is closely watched in the industry — and by car owners who want to drive a car more and repair it less.

Link to JD Power press release

[mkultra]

17. J.D. Powers is not an independant agency

they take money from car makers to do studies, the winner of which is usually the company who funded the study. The US auto industry has a long history of screwing consumers with their policy aimed at driving replacement part purchases.

[Romulox]

23. This bizarre conspiracy theory has been thoroughly debunked numerous times.

To whit: Toyota participates fully in J.D. Powers studies.

That you continue to repeat this misinformation on these threads proves that you aren't interested in the truth of the matter.

[TommyO]

21. That's not what the real world data shows

I guess facts are irrelevant to you.

[Romulox]

24. It's a "faith based" position. Facts are irrelevant. nt

[Omaha Steve]

26. Perhaps you have a link to support reality?

Only fair since there are a few links to support our side of the discussion.

[TommyO]

27. The JD Power Initial Quality Survey

http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010099

Check the thread again, I'm on your side here.

[Omaha Steve]

29. It was aimed at mkultra

Sorry.

[TommyO]

4. Ford is way ahead of Toyota in the 2010 JD Power Initial Quality Study

Not only is Ford ahead, so is Lincoln, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mercury and Buick.

[ixion]

8. Hey, go buy a Ford. Knock yourself out.

[SunnySong]

9. 1985 called they want their snark back.

American cars are more reliable than many foreign brands including Toyota.

[ixion]

13. ...

:rofl:

Thanks, I needed that. :rofl:

[Omaha Steve]

14. I don't see any links from you to GOOD Toyota news

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Tesha]

2. So it's good that 59% of Ford's customers are returning customers but bad...

...that Toyota's returning customer rate has risen from 42% to 50%?

Is that your claim?

That it's bad that Toyota has much higher brand loyalty than the
industry as-a-whole (42%)?

Tesha

[Omaha Steve]

5. Got me there

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/cars/Toyota+sales+down+cent+June/3240078/story.html

Toyota sales down 14 per cent in June

Detroit automakers continue to gain traction amid Japan's troubles

Financial Post; Canwest News Service July 6, 2010

Detroit automakers continued to see their sales improve in Canada in June, while their Japanese counterparts continued to struggle.

Toyota Canada Inc. said Monday its June sales tumbled by 13.8 per cent compared with a year ago as the Japanese automaker continued to struggle in the aftermath of a series of recalls earlier in the year.

Overall, Toyota said it sold 16,036 Toyota and Lexus cars, trucks and SUVs last month, while 11,889 Honda and Acura vehicles were sold in June.

Toyota's sales have foundered in recent months after a series of recalls in certain vehicles, including most recently a recall of 138,000 Lexus vehicles last week due to a faulty valve spring.

Honda has struggled with sales this year as well, refusing to compete on price as aggressively as the other car companies.

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/cars/Toyota+sales+down+cent+June/3240078/story.html#ixzz0t8SqtCDs


FULL story at link.


GM 'core' sales up while Toyota drops in June

The Canadian Press

Date: Monday Jul. 5, 2010 2:53 PM ET

TORONTO — General Motors joined a number of other leading automakers Monday in showing a big improvement in June sales in Canada, but Toyota Canada saw is sales stall for the third month in a row.

General Motors Canada said sales of its "core" Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles increased 53.5 per cent to 24,897 in June, compared with 16,221 vehicles in June 2009.

If discontinued brands such as Pontiac are included, sales for the month totalled 25,725 vehicles, a 15.2 per cent increase over the 22,334 sold in the year-ago period.

For the year to date, GM sales for its core brands are up 20.9 per cent at 117,073 vehicles compared with 96,826 in the first half of 2009. However, overall sales when discontinued models are included are down 8.3 per cent at 123,488 vehicles compared with 134,690 last year.

Meanwhile, Toyota Canada Inc. reported overall June sales of 16,036 Toyota and Lexus cars, trucks and SUVs, down 13.8 per cent from June 2009. The breakdown by brand included 14,607 Toyota models, down 15.1 per cent, and 1,429 Lexus luxury vehicles, up 1.9 per cent.

Toyota Canada's sales also fell in May, dropping 16.1 per cent to 17,879 vehicles including its Lexus brand. The Japanese automaker had been resilient in Canada up until the end of March, despite a global recall of millions of its vehicles for problems ranging from sticky accelerator pedals to instability in its Lexus sport utility vehicles, but sales have since fallen each month by double-digit amounts.

FULL story at link.



Go over to Toyota Watch and learn!

[Romulox]

25. That's a good thing when one's market share is increasing;

it's bad when one's market share is decreasing. It's not that complicated. :hi:

[malaise]

6. My nephew bought his first new car last weekend

He had the family 20 year old Corolla during his first three college years and another old car in his final year. He's been working for two years since graduating and is completing his masters as well. He bought a Camry - it was a great deal - no interest for five months.

[OhioChick]

10. Never owned a foreign car, never will. n/t

[Omaha Steve]

12. We bought a low miles used Nissan Altima when our son in law sold them Dec 07

It was supposed to be a honey. In less than 10 days we had a break down. Temps were about 10 degrees. It needed a new thermostat, radiator, etc. Happened on a Sunday. So the car left us high and dry when it was towed away. Then we learned a few other things about that car from a non Nissan repair center. Only time we will ever own a non big 3 car.

[JNelson6563]

15. K&R!

:toast:

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Codeine]

20. I own a Toyota.

I just made sure to buy a UAW-made model, because union-busting is filthy bullshit. Now that they've left the NUMMI facility I won't be buying another Toyota.

[Omaha Steve]

22. Well said indeed

We need more people with that attitude.

[TexasObserver]

28. I wonder how many are wishing they'd bought a Ford.