Whether you’re an experienced driver or not, there’s a good chance that you’ve owned a Toyota vehicle at one stage or another. After all, the Japanese giant has been the world’s largest manufacturer throughout recent times.
That was, at least, until 2016. This year has seen Toyota fall behind German manufacturer VW, who sold over 5.12 million units up to June. While the gap between the two giants isn’t massive, the early forecasts suggest that it could stretch over the next year or two.
This isn’t the only cause of concern for the Asian firm. Stories like the recent recalls on the Prius will inevitably worry a percentage of the fanbase. But even if Toyota does lose its place at the top of the market, should drivers of Toyota cars be worried?
While the situation regarding the Prius braking failure is quite scary, it’s hardly an isolated incident. It’s fairly common to see a manufacturer require recalls due to a problem, the timing is just bad for the Japanese company. When you look at the IIHS safety ratings, most Toyota models are up there with the very best.
Meanwhile, the integrity of the company cannot be questioned. Toyota is one of the leading manufacturers of electric and hybrid and cars. Those growing technologies show a clear desire to push the automotive industry forward. Not only for the business sector, but also for the consumer.
The main question that should be on any motorist’s lips is “are Toyota cars still of the highest quality?”. The short answer to that question is a simple yes. As well as the safety features, the range is very accommodating of virtually all drivers. Whether you need the spacious Land Cruiser or the stylish Camry doesn’t matter. There’s always a model to suit your requirements, and usually at a very affordable price.
Moreover, the more price conscious driver can take advantage of Toyota’s popularity. With so many cars sold over the past 10 years, you can find a vast number on the used marketplace too. With increased options, finding an affordable and suitable vehicle has never been easier. The Japanese manufacturer is still very much a front runner in this arena too.
Choosing a Toyota is often a very practical choice for the long-term also. After all, any car you buy will need a little restoration work and TLC from time to time. Experts like GT Imports Limited provide speedy resolutions to almost any problem. With such popularity in the brand, specialist mechanics will boast bags of experience in this field. This familiarity makes those jobs far less vulnerable to mistakes, meaning your car can stay healthier for longer.
For the company, 2016 has been a slightly testing year. But this should influence your relationship with Toyota cars in any shape or form. Moreover, those models continue to hold their value quite well compared to other manufacturers. This makes them a great long-term investment. Quite simply, if you love Toyota, you have no reason to start feeling any different.
