BajaNomad - Toyotas Also Die and Let you Down

Toyotas Also Die and Let you Down

DianaT - 7-30-2009 at 08:34 PM

Just to make all of you Ford, Jeep, Dodge, GMC and others feel a little happier, I am happy to report that Toyotas can also die and let you down.

All packed, house locked up, dogs in truck, and headed toward the border---which is very close to Imperial Beach. Red light at Saturn and Coronado Blvd---so close to that freeway entrance and just a quick run for the border.

Light turns green, two small lurches, and Tundra is dead----sitting duck in middle lane---fortunately the flashers work. Battery sounds strong, but not a chance the ole Toyota is going to start. Hey Geico, send that tow truck.

Quick call to a neighbor rescues me and the dogs---poor Mags not long enough from surgery to walk home. Tow truck rescues John and the Tundra.

Normally, fuel pumps give a little advance notice before deciding to head to junk heaven, but not this one----it was a sudden death.

So all you who have defended your Jeeps, Fords, Dodges, GMCs etc., you can all smile just a bit more. Toyotas can also let you down. :lol:

Good news is we were not far from home, Geico paid for the towing, and we are still packed and ready to go---just delayed a little.

shari - 7-30-2009 at 08:57 PM

well dont feel bad...Juan's precious toyota died on the way back from San Roque the other day...unfortunately it was the brain which is a 6,000 pesos part...dang!!! hate that...wish it was a ford which is only 400 pesos! This fix will cost more than my trusty little Nissan!!!! :wow:

Packoderm - 7-30-2009 at 09:13 PM

I bought a brain for my VW bus at a junk yard for about nothing. I put it in, and it does work. I carry a complete fuel injection system in a small suitcase - including a spare fuel pump. At home, I have a spare transaxle, CV joints, all ignition parts, and just about everything else. There was an ad in the paper for parting out a bus of the same year, and I took him to task. Perhaps Juan could type out a wish list for spare, used Toyota parts, and we can work out something.

Diver - 7-30-2009 at 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
Quick call to a neighbor rescues me and the dogs---

You shoulda called me, I owe you one.
I could have been there to pick you up in a mere 28 hours !! :biggrin:

Glad all went well.

Bajaboy - 7-30-2009 at 09:28 PM

Sorry to hear about the delay...hopefully you'll be on the road soon.

DianaT - 7-30-2009 at 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
Quick call to a neighbor rescues me and the dogs---

You shoulda called me, I owe you one.
I could have been there to pick you up in a mere 28 hours !! :biggrin:

Glad all went well.

Actually did think about calling you, but didn't think the city would let us camp in the park while we were waiting. :lol:

Zac---we should be on our way soon! we hope

[Edited on 7-31-2009 by jdtrotter]

redhilltown - 7-30-2009 at 09:43 PM

While agnostic on some of the newer models, this is one Toyota truck owner who feels your pain and is glad you're ok, but will never change until they pry my cold dead......wait a minute....that is something else!

After 36 years I just can't switch. Love em.

Barry A. - 7-30-2009 at 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Bummer....I always wonder how much longer mine is going to hang after turning the big 200k.
Surely longer than my Isuzu Rodeo.

At 65K miles, our Toy Camry's tranny went out---------$3200 for a rebuilt one--------mega ouch!!!

--------my 1989 Isuzu Trooper is still running strong with just over 150K miles on it.

You just never know-----------

Diane & John------better that it happened in IB, then 80 miles south of El Rosario. :yes:

but I know it hurts.

Barry

bajadogs - 7-30-2009 at 10:02 PM

Before the self proclaimed expert of Baja starts preachin' and sellin' Toyotas, let me say this - Get over it, all rigs are gonna break down. I would stop for you no matter what brand your driving and would hope the same from you. Stop the petty brand loyalty. Every new vehicle is so damned dependable these days compared to those who rumbled across that terrain 100 years ago it's embarrassing to hear the chest thumping for their brand. Tens of thousands of baja miles, never let down... What do I drive??

Who cares?

fishbuck - 7-30-2009 at 10:32 PM

My next truck:

Same as the one I have but a few years newer and about 100000 less miles.
4x4 and a V8 too. My current truck has 170000. It's 2wd and a V6.

Diver - 7-30-2009 at 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Diane & John------better that it happened in IB, then 80 miles south of El Rosario. :yes:

but I know it hurts.
Barry

Been there, done that; got the T-shirt !! :lol:

(Even if it was only 20 miles south of El Rosario.)

Diver - 7-30-2009 at 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
My current truck has 170000. It's 2wd and a V6.

You CANNOT pick up classy women in a 2wd high mileage Toy ! :lol:

Time to upgrade !! :biggrin:

Oh wait, you aren't looking for "classy" women ! :lol:

fishbuck - 7-30-2009 at 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
My current truck has 170000. It's 2wd and a V6.

You CANNOT pick up classy women in a 2wd high mileage Toy ! :lol:

Time to upgrade !! :biggrin:

Oh wait, you aren't looking for "classy" women ! :lol:

Classy, sassy or otherwise.
I'm not that picky. But you already knew that.
But I do like my girls to be "friendly"!

woody with a view - 7-31-2009 at 05:07 AM

dying at a light in IB is not a letdown!!!! it's your truck's way of telling you how much it didn't want to let you down in 6 more hours...

on the bright side, that's gonna be the last fuel pump you put in it!

Hook - 7-31-2009 at 05:28 AM

Diane, just for the knowledge database, what year is your Tundra? How many miles?

SDRonni - 7-31-2009 at 06:02 AM

Still driving my little '91 Camry! Of course, it only has 120,000 miles, so I guess it's just getting broken in.........used to work only 4 miles from home..........

Curt63 - 7-31-2009 at 06:42 AM

Heresy....

.... cant take it .....it burns

As my Dad used to say...

"if its got ta taas or wheels, theres gonna be trouble"

2004 Double Cab Tundra
TRD Ivan Stewart Package

DianaT - 7-31-2009 at 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
dying at a light in IB is not a letdown!!!! it's your truck's way of telling you how much it didn't want to let you down in 6 more hours...

on the bright side, that's gonna be the last fuel pump you put in it!

Love the glass is half full! Yea, the FIRST thing I said after, oh ____, was thank you truck for breaking down here! :yes:

Hook ---- 2003 4X Tundra --- 140,000 miles----new front axles, new sensors and today, a new fuel pump.

My oldest son just bought a beautiful restored 1966 4WD 250 Ford Pickup and it is a beauty----his answer to not taking his brand new Dodge Diesel Truck to Baja. So we are mixed family. :lol:

Diane

[Edited on 7-31-2009 by jdtrotter]

rts551 - 7-31-2009 at 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajadogs
Before the self proclaimed expert of Baja starts preachin' and sellin' Toyotas, let me say this - Get over it, all rigs are gonna break down. I would stop for you no matter what brand your driving and would hope the same from you. Stop the petty brand loyalty. Every new vehicle is so damned dependable these days compared to those who rumbled across that terrain 100 years ago it's embarrassing to hear the chest thumping for their brand. Tens of thousands of baja miles, never let down... What do I drive??

Who cares?

rts551 - 7-31-2009 at 08:52 AM

Diane. Did you take any pictures?

Martyman - 7-31-2009 at 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajadogs
Before the self proclaimed expert of Baja starts preachin' and sellin' Toyotas
:lol:

shari - 7-31-2009 at 09:46 AM

I have a little tip to pass on that may save vehicle owners from the problem we had with our brain dead toyota. The mechanic said that brains malfunction and expire often because the battery cables arent tight enough...power cuts in and out...specially on the brinco bumps out to san roque or our secret beach...so a word to the wise who travel on washboard roads...tighten up those battery cables...make sure they are in good condition...that will be 50 pesos por favor :biggrin:

woody with a view - 7-31-2009 at 09:49 AM

Diane

by "axles" do you mean cv joints/boots?

Hook - 7-31-2009 at 10:39 AM

Thanks, Diane.

That's a good life expectancy.................in Ford terms. :lol:

DianaT - 7-31-2009 at 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
Diane

by "axles" do you mean cv joints/boots?

Long story Woody---ended up being cheaper to have the axles replaced---they will not suggest that at the dealer because the axles are not certified Toyota parts, but even the mechanic at the dealer said that is what he would do.

Diane

DianaT - 7-31-2009 at 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Diane. Did you take any pictures?

Shucks---had to get the dogs out and cross traffic lanes to safety and left the camera in the truck-- :lol:

Should have gotten the one of the three young men who stopped and pushed the car out of traffic. Nice that even on this side of the border someone will stop to help. :yes:

Hook - 7-31-2009 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Diane. Did you take any pictures?

Shucks---had to get the dogs out and cross traffic lanes to safety and left the camera in the truck-- :lol:

Should have gotten the one of the three young men who stopped and pushed the car out of traffic. Nice that even on this side of the border someone will stop to help. :yes:

WOW, that is So Super Fine.................

DianaT - 8-1-2009 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Diane. Did you take any pictures?

Shucks---had to get the dogs out and cross traffic lanes to safety and left the camera in the truck-- :lol:

Should have gotten the one of the three young men who stopped and pushed the car out of traffic. Nice that even on this side of the border someone will stop to help. :yes:

WOW, that is So Super Fine.................

It was nice---nothing like feeling like a sitting duck in the middle of traffic. When a young man who was leaving the Jack-in-Box on the corner saw us, he came running through traffic and then two more parked their truck in the bus stop and came to help---always a nice feeling, especially since so many people do not even slow down, they just quickly swerve around the dead vehicle once they see the flashers.

Bob H - 8-1-2009 at 11:45 AM

Sorry to hear about your failing Toyota.... David K... where ARE you?
Bob H

the downside of Baja roads

Mulegena - 8-1-2009 at 01:27 PM

Thanks, Shari, for the heads-up about a car's cabeza/brain. Had no idea a loose battery could kill it; learned the hard way that a flood will kick a car's brain kookoo. My little Metro ended up brain-dead and on the fence filled with mud thanks to Hurricane John. It's fixed and still driving now.

Another thing these bumpy washboard dusty pueblo roads cause is cv-joint/axel death. The rear axel broke and fell off the car on the way out of Bahia San Ignacio. Luckily, the first car to come along was a mechanic with a strong rope who towed us back to his house.

Also, be sure to service and change the transmission fluid and filter as needed-- also learned the hard way.

Gosh, when will I quit learning-- I must be smart enough by now!

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
Diane

by "axles" do you mean cv joints/boots?

805gregg - 8-2-2009 at 05:27 PM

Toyotas are no better or worse than any other brand.I have friends that have owned Toyotas and will never own another. I own my first and will never buy another. I've had 9 Dodge trucks with well over a million miles and never left me stranded.

Barry A. - 8-2-2009 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Toyotas are no better or worse than any other brand.I have friends that have owned Toyotas and will never own another. I own my first and will never buy another. I've had 9 Dodge trucks with well over a million miles and never left me stranded.

Personal experience is all that counts!!! :lol:

Of all the cars and trucks I have owned over the years I have had good luck with all of them except my one Mercedes and my one Audi, so therefore I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER GERMAN CAR. :lol:

(actually, I have sorta loved all my vehicles--------never owned a lemon---------- but, the German cars have been the most expensive by far to maintain.)

I drive a Toyota, a Nissan, a Ford Truck, and an Isuzu Trooper today, and all have been great.

Barry