I'm not sure but i don't think the engines are built at the final assembly plants.
Can I trust the LC???
- Thread starter Lenny33
- Start date
Please keep us posted with the latest. My 2025 LC Model 1958 has had a couple of grinding noises. And produced slippage while accelerating I think came from the transmission. Or the transfer box. We shall see.
The Scout is owned by VW so I guess we’ll see how good it is…
Only time will tell if these puppies were designed or produced right...
Well, 2UZ-FE didn't have any internal issues first year of production, so already these turbo 4 are not nearly as reliable.
Here are my $0.02 on the subject.
I think the 2.4 turbo I4 is adequate for normal use: city driving, highway and off-roading. For off-roading you don't need much power unless you race the Baja. And with 70-75 mph speed limits you don't need much power on the highway either.
That said, I think the powertrain is not ideal for heavy duty use like long distance towing. It's fine for short distance like taking your boat to a nearby lake. But I would be concerned about towing a sizeable travel trailer across the country on regular basis. Will the engine die? Most likely not, but it probably won't last very long.
The 2.4 turbo I4 is a "light duty" engine that is more suited for a mid-size crossover like the Lexus RX or the Highlander, but it is on the smallish side for a 5,500 lb (empty) box that has the aerodynamics of a brick. Personally I don't think it will last 300k miles like 1GR 4 liter V6 from previous generation 4Runner, but I will be happy to be proven wrong. Only time will tell.
On the other hand, there are parts of the world where the LC 250 is sold with a naturally aspirated 2.7 I4 that makes around 180 hp. Just saying.
Regarding the manufacturing plant ... Some LCs are built at Tahara, some at Hamura. Tahara is one of the best manufacturing plants that builds mostly Lexus vehicles. It's known for its quality and attention to detail.
Hamura is a Hino factory named after Tokyo suburb it's located in. It specializes in building specialty vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and vehicles for Japanese Forest Service. Its focus is on reliability and durability. From mechanical standpoint, I don't think there is much difference between the two plants. Actually, Hamura has more experience with assembling "heavy duty" powertrains and chassis. Bear in mind that vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks are built to a higher standard than consumer vehicles as reliability and durability are of utmost importance in such services. Also, FJ Cruiser was built at Hamura, and has been known as very well built vehicle.
Meet Hitoshi Otomo, Hamura plant director
I think the 2.4 turbo I4 is adequate for normal use: city driving, highway and off-roading. For off-roading you don't need much power unless you race the Baja. And with 70-75 mph speed limits you don't need much power on the highway either.
That said, I think the powertrain is not ideal for heavy duty use like long distance towing. It's fine for short distance like taking your boat to a nearby lake. But I would be concerned about towing a sizeable travel trailer across the country on regular basis. Will the engine die? Most likely not, but it probably won't last very long.
The 2.4 turbo I4 is a "light duty" engine that is more suited for a mid-size crossover like the Lexus RX or the Highlander, but it is on the smallish side for a 5,500 lb (empty) box that has the aerodynamics of a brick. Personally I don't think it will last 300k miles like 1GR 4 liter V6 from previous generation 4Runner, but I will be happy to be proven wrong. Only time will tell.
On the other hand, there are parts of the world where the LC 250 is sold with a naturally aspirated 2.7 I4 that makes around 180 hp. Just saying.
Regarding the manufacturing plant ... Some LCs are built at Tahara, some at Hamura. Tahara is one of the best manufacturing plants that builds mostly Lexus vehicles. It's known for its quality and attention to detail.
Hamura is a Hino factory named after Tokyo suburb it's located in. It specializes in building specialty vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and vehicles for Japanese Forest Service. Its focus is on reliability and durability. From mechanical standpoint, I don't think there is much difference between the two plants. Actually, Hamura has more experience with assembling "heavy duty" powertrains and chassis. Bear in mind that vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks are built to a higher standard than consumer vehicles as reliability and durability are of utmost importance in such services. Also, FJ Cruiser was built at Hamura, and has been known as very well built vehicle.
Meet Hitoshi Otomo, Hamura plant director
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I have this engine in my tacoma I think its stronger than 2.4l. It has 100k miles at near 4000 rpm.
I'm quite familiar with this engine. I had it in a 2014 Venza (it has different designation as it is designed for transversal application, but internally it's the same engine as in your Tacoma) which I gave to my son.
It's very underpowered for a mid-size SUV or pickup. These engines are also plagued by oil consumption issues. The Venza has ~130k miles now and the engine is on its last legs. Burns 1 quart of oil every 1,500 miles, and has developed a nasty rattle at about 120k miles. Always well maintained with 5k miles oil changes. Two mechanics checked it out and their diagnosis is that it's not worth fixing as the repairs will cost as much as what the car is worth, just run it into the ground. Their verdict us that it may last another 50k miles or may die tomorrow. They haven't seen many if these engines go past 150k miles, unlike the 1GR / 2GR V6 that can easily make it to 300k miles with regular maintenance.
0 issues on my side, oil never dipped just dark, runs like new. It gets me over the mountain pass, it’s not fast, it’s like car from 80s. Goes 75mph just fine. Not sure what rendition is in venza but tacoma ones have average lifespan of 300+ k miles of abusive driving, freeway miles easily 500k + or infinite lol
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With the 2GR V6, yes. With the 2TR 2.7 I4, no. Only a small fraction of Tacomas were ever sold with the 2.7 I4 compared to the V6 (something like 5%), so the longevity statistics reflect the life of the V6, not the I4.
You are incorrect.
• The Tacoma has sold millions of units since the early 2000s.
• The 2TR-FE engine was the standard in many trims from 2005 through the third generation Tacoma (introduced in 2016), with updated versions.
• The 2GR engines were less common in Tacoma production compared to the 2TR-FE and the 1GR-FE V6.
There is also no official data on sales per engine breakdown, impossible for you to know. Needless to say to say 2GR is up there with 2uz and 2tr in reliability.
But also venza never had a 2tr-fe it had a 2.7L 1ar-fe (Toyota Venza - Wikipedia) … not the same 2tr-fe that is in japan market 250 and upcoming fj cruiser.
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I think the engine in the Venza is a completely different mill, the 2TR FE in the Tacoma is a global engine made in Japan, used on many different platforms. The Venza motor is a 2.7, but that's all they share in common. The 2 TR is iron block as well . I own one in a third gen Taco paired to a manual, I love it, but wouldn't characterize it as "strong" ha ha. At least in terms of output, it'll last forever though
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I stand corrected. You're right.
If you want a tow vehicle get a truck, with a V6 or V8, with a longer wheel base and better suspension, This is not designed for anything other than hauling a light boat or your 4 wheelers to the farm. People always want to try and haul a camper and get into I need a bigger vehicle, then I need a bigger camper then a bigger vehicle so I can get a bigger camper
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #95
I don’t want a tow vehicle. I want a vehicle that can tow 4k pounds 1/2 dozen times per year. Don’t make it seem like I should have expected this when I asked the vehicle to tow 2/3 of its rated capacity less than ten times per year.
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