Video summary

Why Toyota Isn't What It Used To Be: A Mechanic's Honest Review

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

Toyota Tundra (2008, 4.0L V6) — discussed in comparison with newer turbo twin-turbo V6 and V8 Tundras, plus hybrid Tundras.

Key Points / Features Mentioned

Engine & Design (2008 V6)

  • Naturally aspirated 4.0L V6 with no turbochargers
  • Uses simple port fuel injection (injectors spray over intake valves) to help avoid carbon buildup
  • No turbo pressure is described as reducing stress and helping the engine last longer

Durability / Reliability

  • At 156,000 miles, it still runs fine and doesn’t burn oil
  • Described as:
    • “solid”
    • “quiet”
    • stable
  • Mentions original shocks and strong performance

Transmission

  • 5-speed electronically controlled automatic
  • Described as “bulletproof” and smoother than “10-speed Ford” transmissions

Towing & Capability

  • Claims it can still tow up to 20,000 lb (framed as a historical durability/performance attribute of this generation)
  • Not as strong as the V8, but still offers “plenty of pickup”

Fuel Economy Claim

  • Estimated ~25% better gas mileage than the V8 (presented as an approximate figure)

Climate Comfort

  • AC is still freezing cold, working very well

Maintenance / Repairs (Owner Experience, ~3 Years)

  • Oxygen sensor replacement (for NY emissions testing)
  • Rear brakes replaced (worn out)
  • Cosmetic aging:
    • “beauty dents” (normal truck wear)
    • foggy headlights that could be polished

Electronics / Comfort Items

  • Airbag and TPMS don’t work anymore
    • Reviewer notes they can be fixed or simply ignored

Pros (As Stated)

  • Long-term engine life: won’t burn oil; runs like a “clock”
  • No turbo-related stress: longevity attributed to no turbochargers / non-aggressive boost
  • Good ride quality and stability with age; smooth driving
  • Reliable transmission: 5-speed described as robust and shifting well
  • Cold-working AC and strong overall usability
  • Cost/value: bought used for about $5,000 and described as a “pretty good deal”

Cons (As Stated)

  • Not best towing versus V8 (limited compared with the 4.7L V8)
  • Aged/worn components and issues:
    • Airbag and TPMS not working
    • Foggy headlights
    • Oxygen sensor replacement (emissions-related)
    • Brakes worn out
  • Review implies newer designs may have serious problems (see comparisons below)

Comparisons Made in the Video

2008 NA V6 vs Newer Turbo Twin-Turbo V6 (Non-Hybrid)

  • Reviewer argues Toyota “lost their way” by moving to twin-turbo V6
  • Claims problems/recalls are driven by boost behavior
  • Suggests boost characteristics can lead to engine damage, including low-speed pre-ignition (described as dangerous: fuel ignites before the piston reaches top)
  • Says Toyota’s explanations involving sand/casting issues are “total nonsense”
  • Claims hybrids are not being recalled even though base engines are “the same” aside from boost strategy

2008 V6 vs V8 (Same Era)

  • V8 engines are described as “very good,” capable of lasting extremely long (including half a million miles, as stated)
  • V6 can still last long, and may offer ~25% better gas mileage

5-Speed Toyota vs 10-Speed Ford Transmission

  • Reviewer prefers the Toyota 5-speed as more dependable and smoother

Emissions / Diagnostic Notes (User Experience)

Scan Tool & Live Data

  • Uses an auto scan tool with live data
  • Notes:
    • Long-term fuel trim around 1.6% (not bad)
    • Another trim around 3.9%
  • After replacing the oxygen sensor, it’s described as working properly
  • Reviewer suggests fuel injector cleaning might be needed and recommends a fuel cleaner (mentioned as “Bernie’s cleaner”) to bring trims closer to zero

Driving Impressions

  • Smooth over bumps with barely any shaking
  • Engine sounds good and has “plenty of pickup” for its size

Unique Historical / Context Points Mentioned (Tundra/V-Series Evolution)

  • Reviewer provides a mini history:
    • Tundras were originally T100s
    • Mentions production shifts between Indiana and San Antonio
    • Notes older engines were once limited in certain builds to sixes
  • Claims Toyota later limited certain builds to V8-only, then moved to twin-turbo V6 in newer models
  • Production location claims for newer turbo/hybrid engines:
    • Turbo/hybrid Tundra engines are stated to be made in Alabama
  • Reviewer attributes differences between turbo and non-turbo hybrid behavior mainly to boost timing/behavior

Numerical Ratings / Scores Mentioned

  • Mileage: 156,000 miles
  • Owner purchase price: $5,000
  • Fuel trims: ~1.6% (long-term) and ~3.9%
  • Towing reference: 20,000 lb
  • No formal overall star rating is provided

Verdict / Recommendation (Based on the Video)

  • Overall recommendation: Strongly recommends the older non-turbo 6-cylinder Tundra (like this 2008 V6) as a reliable buy—especially for value—citing that it runs well even at high mileage.
  • If buying newer: suggests avoiding non-hybrid turbo models due to described engine issues and recommends considering the hybrid Tundra, claiming it avoids the same problems because boost behavior is different.

Points Attributed to Different Aspects / Speakers

  • Subtitles appear to come from a single main speaker (“Scotty”), who provides:
    • Historical/context claims
    • Mechanical/engine diagnosis
    • Owner-experience narrative
    • Comparisons to V8 and newer turbo/hybrid models
    • Driving impressions and the buy recommendation

Original video