One of the internet's most forthright mechanics has issued a stark warning to motorists, urging them to steer clear of several popular new vehicles. Scotty Kilmer, the 72-year-old YouTube sensation with over five decades of hands-on experience, has told the Daily Mail that some of America's favourite large vehicles are now substandard, blaming cost-cutting and poor management.
Toyota's Big Trucks: A Fall from Grace?
Kilmer, whose no-nonsense channel boasts more than 6.5 million followers, launched a surprising broadside at Toyota, a brand long synonymous with reliability. He specifically targeted the Japanese giant's lineup of large trucks and SUVs, including the Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser.
His core criticism centres on Toyota's shift from durable V8 engines to smaller twin-turbo V6 power units. While this move was designed to reduce fuel emissions, Kilmer argues it has come at a heavy cost. "The new Toyotas are cr*p," he stated bluntly, claiming the vehicles are now too large for their underpowered motors.
The mechanic highlighted that these V6 engines have faced multiple recalls due to issues with engine debris. He further alleges that Toyota's famed focus on reliability has been compromised by the use of cheaper, sub-standard components in its supply chain since the Covid-19 pandemic. "Now they have cars where the plastic mirrors melt, paint peels off, and engines are blowing up," Kilmer claimed.
It's not all bad news for Toyota, however. Kilmer was quick to praise the brand's smaller hybrid models, such as the Camry, RAV4, Prius, and Corolla, calling them "pretty indestructible" and still among the best for longevity.
Ford's American-Made Problems and Record Recalls
Kilmer's critique extended to the heart of American manufacturing, taking aim at Ford. Despite the F-Series pickup being the nation's best-selling vehicle, the mechanic pointed to serious quality concerns. He even singled out Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, for criticism over comments about factory wages.
"Farley, that idiot that runs Ford... Does he think they will do a good job? Of course not!" Kilmer said, referencing claims that factory staff earn around $17 an hour. He connected this to what he sees as a direct result: a staggering number of safety recalls.
Kilmer emphasised that Ford has issued 145 recalls with the NHTSA this year, a record that far outpaces any other automaker. Chrysler, in second place, has only 51. Ford has stated the high recall count reflects an "abundance of caution."
The Verdict: Buy Used, Not New
After half a century under the bonnet, Scotty Kilmer's ultimate advice for truck buyers is simple: avoid the new car market entirely. He argues that across the industry, the pursuit of fuel efficiency and post-pandemic supply chain disruptions have led to a plague of parts problems and recalls.
"I'd say get a good used truck, don't even buy a new one," he advised. For those in the market for a pre-owned pickup, he recommends specific models known for their robustness:
- Toyota Tundras with a model year older than 2024.
- Toyota Tacomas built before 2023.
- Nissan Frontiers made in 2023.
- The now-discontinued Nissan Titan.
Kilmer concluded that for today's trucks, no brand is safe from his wrath, marking a significant shift from the durable vehicles he spent decades repairing. His candid assessment serves as a sobering check for consumers navigating the modern automotive landscape.
