I've been a mechanic for 50 years - here are cars you should avoid

Daily Mail​

a day ago

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He's the most outspoken mechanic on YouTube — and that didn't change in an interview with the Daily Mail. Scotty Kilmer, 71, has been fixing cars for 50 years. His grease-stained experience and candid rants have grown his YouTube channel ( @scottykilmer ) to more than 6.5 million followers, with viewers seeking his no-nonsense repair advice. And now, he's raising even more eyebrows.
Kilmer (pictured) is warning drivers to steer clear of some of America's favorite big vehicles — calling some of them 'cr*p' for putting small engines in trucks that demand more grunt. He also thinks some of the most powerful executives are 'idiots' for ongoing parts issues. Here are the vehicles he thinks all new vehicle buyers should avoid:
Toyota's big trucks
'The new Toyotas are [expletive],' Kilmer said. For years, the Japanese auto giant has built its brand image as America's most reliable car company. But Kilmer said its lineup of big trucks and SUVs — like the Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser — are now too large for their underpowered motors. The vehicles used to be equipped with giant V8s that Kilmer praised for their longevity. Now, they're propelled by twin-turbo V6s.
Toyota made the move to get the cars in line with its goal to reduce fuel emissions in its fleet, but the V6 engines have been recalled several times because of engine debris in the motors. Kilmer alleges the move to smaller engines cuts against the brand's historic focus on reliability. He also says he's seen cheaper parts enter Toyota's supply chain since the onset of Covid-19. 'They were admitting they were no longer rejecting as many parts,' he claimed. 'They were using sub-standard components building their cars. 'Now they have cars where the plastic mirrors melt, paint peels off, and engines are blowing up.'
Still, Kilmer says many other cars in Toyota's lineup remain top of the line for vehicle longevity. He praised Toyota's smaller hybrids — namely the Camry, RAV4, Prius, and Corolla — for their durability. 'Toyota really makes the best hybrid, they're still pretty indestructible,' he said. 'They're still making a lot of good stuff. But they also made decisions just to save money.' Toyota didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Kilmer's claims.
American-made Fords
Last year, America's best-selling vehicle was the Ford F-Series pickup truck, with over 730,000 units sold. It's also one of the top 50 most American-made vehicles at US dealerships. Ford has consistently claimed that 80 percent of its vehicles are assembled in the United States. But Kilmer says Ford's US manufacturing is part of its problem. He even took a shot at the company's top boss, Jim Farley.
'Farley, that idiot that runs Ford, he says: "they told me people don't want to work for us because they can make more money working at a Walmart," Kilmer said, claiming employees are making $17 an hour in the factories. 'Does he think they will do a good job? Of course not! Go to a Walmart and see the idiots that work there. You think they'll work in a factory and do a good job? Of course not.' The mechanic pointed out that Ford is this year's most-recalled auto manufacturer in the US by a long shot, with the company reporting a bevy of parts issues.
A new truck... no matter the maker
Kilmer said he wouldn't recommend a single new pickup currently on the US market. Just like Toyota, he says other automakers have prioritized fuel efficiency at the expense of reliability. He argues that today's trucks are plagued with recalls and parts problems caused by supply chain disruptions, staffing changes at US plants, and poor management decisions. Instead, he recommends drivers who need a bed on the back of their new set of wheels head to the pre-owned lot.