Toyota owners' dilemma: to drive or not to drive

Published on Saturday 6 February 2010 19:34

OWNERS of Toyotas are facing a dilemma over whether or not to continue driving their cars following news of Toyota's recall plans.

At a petrol station on Paisley Road West, in Glasgow, one Toyota owner filling his vehicle said that he would continue to drive his car but he now had severe doubts over whether he would remain with the manufacturer.

Hasib Mohammed, who drives a 2008 Toyota Auris, said he had had no problems with his car.

He said: "Of course, I thought about whether the car was safe to drive or not but I decided the car I have is okay. I'm not worried in that respect.

"But it has put me off buying another Toyota. If they're having to recall millions of them, it's a sign something is wrong."

Bob McDermid, 32, a Yaris owner who considers himself a loyal customer of the Japanese carmaker, said he had also considered the risks for himself and his family and had decided there was little to be concerned about.

"I don't feel at risk because Toyotas have always had a good reputation for being solid, reliable motors," he said. "Everything that's been happening doesn't change that overnight."

Again, however, Toyota may suffer in the long run. "I'm probably looking at trading up around the summer, and I wouldn't be surprised if the trade-in price takes a hit."

Online, Toyota owners are sharing their concerns. One message posted on the Toyota Owners Club site said: "I would never look at a Toyota again. A family died because of this recall problem. I have a family and kids who regularly travel in my car and that scares me. Imagine what it must feel like not being able to slow down."

Another post from "Geoff" said:

"My current Toyota, an E12 Corolla, will probably be the last Toyota for me. Since buying it I have experienced a real sea change in Toyota. From poor and even rude customer service, poor quality components and a quite shocking change in interior cabin quality."

However, others insisted that Toyota remains a byword for safety and reliability. Harvey Wade from Ayr, treasurer of the Toyota Enthusiasts Club, said: "The relationship between Toyota and customers goes further than a recall."

Jane McNeil, meanwhile, was searching for a second-hand model in the hope that the negative publicity and the government's scrappage scheme would combine to deliver her a bargain.

She said: "It's maybe a wee bit opportunistic, but the problems get fixed in the end, don't they?"