Toyotas and Lexus models are known for lasting. Here's the short list of what still comes up: water pumps, VVT oil lines, timing belts on older V6s, and hybrid care.
Toyotas and Lexus cars hold up really well, which is why a lot of owners skip maintenance and get away with it. For a while. Here's what's worth doing.
The 3.5 V6 (2GR-FE)
It's in a ton of cars: Camry, Highlander, Sienna, RAV4 V6, Lexus ES 350, RX 350. Two things come up:
- Water pump leaks. Pink crust near the pump. See our 2GR water pump guide.
- VVT-i oil line. Some earlier versions of this engine used an oil line with a rubber section that could burst. Toyota put out an updated all-metal line. If you have a mid-2000s car, ask your shop to check which one is on it. It's a cheap fix.
Older V6s (1MZ and 3MZ)
Earlier Camry, Avalon, Sienna, Highlander and Lexus ES and RX V6s use a timing belt. Check your manual for the interval and do the water pump with it.
Hybrids
Prius, Camry and RAV4 hybrids are mostly reliable. The hybrid battery has a cooling fan with a filter or intake that gets clogged with dust and pet hair, which makes the battery run hot. Easy to check. Brakes last a long time on hybrids because of regen.
Normal stuff that still matters
- Oil changes at the interval Toyota recommends for how you drive
- Coolant: Toyota's long life coolant lasts a long time, but not forever
- Brake fluid every few years
- Transmission fluid. Toyota calls many "lifetime," but a drain and fill on a high-mile car is a common indie recommendation
Ask your shop
- Genuine Toyota or Aisin parts on cooling and timing work?
- Can you check the VVT-i oil line on my 2GR?
- For hybrids: is the battery cooling intake clean?