The Enduring Allure of Older Toyotas

In a world where car payments can rival a mortgage and every new vehicle comes loaded with screens and features you didn’t ask for, there’s something refreshingly straightforward about older Toyotas. As the owner of a fleet of vintage Toyota trucks, I’ve come to appreciate their simplicity, reliability, and charm—qualities that are becoming harder to find in today’s auto market.

Take my 4Runner, for example. It’s not the newest or flashiest vehicle I own, but it’s the one I trust the most. And judging by the results of a recent poll of nearly 10,000 people, I’m not alone in my admiration for these older models. Many enthusiasts agree: They just don’t make them like they used to.

Why We’re Holding On to the Past

Let’s be honest: part of the appeal of older Toyotas is financial. These vehicles were affordable to begin with, and they hold their value in a way that modern cars simply don’t. My wife bought our Tacoma years ago for around $5,000. Today, I could sell it for at least double that. Can you imagine a new Tacoma appreciating like that? Of course not.

Buying used isn’t just about saving money up front—it’s about sidestepping the relentless depreciation that comes with newer models. But it’s not all about finances. There’s a certain pride that comes with driving a truck that’s stood the test of time. It’s a connection to a simpler era when vehicles were built to last, not just to comply with regulations or dazzle buyers with gimmicks.

Toyota’s Reputation: Built to Last, But For How Long?

Speaking of reputations, Toyota’s name has long been synonymous with reliability. But here’s the thing: reputations, like old coffee, can grow stale if the quality starts to slip. Take Tim Hortons, for example. Once the gold standard for Canadian coffee, they cut costs by switching suppliers. Now? The coffee’s not what it used to be, but people keep going because of brand loyalty.

Toyota might be facing a similar dilemma. Their focus has shifted from building bulletproof vehicles to meeting efficiency and emissions standards. Sure, that’s partially due to government pressure, but it’s also a reflection of where the market is heading. Modern Toyota trucks may have turbocharged engines and better fuel economy, but they come with quirks—rattling windows, failing transmissions—that didn’t plague their predecessors.

Even loyal fans are noticing. Take TRD John, a die-hard Toyota enthusiast. He traded in a third-gen Tundra Platinum, the top-of-the-line model, for an older second-gen TRD Pro Tundra. To many, that might seem like a downgrade. But for those of us who value dependability and character over shiny new features, it makes perfect sense.

The Trouble With Modern Toyotas

Another sticking point for many fans is Toyota’s recent partnerships. The GR86 is essentially a Subaru, and the Supra? It’s a BMW in disguise. While I can understand the business rationale—why sink millions into developing a niche sports car from scratch?—it still feels wrong. Toyota once worked with Yamaha to refine engines like the legendary 2JZ, and those collaborations made sense. Partnering with a fellow Japanese company that shares your values is one thing; slapping a legendary badge on a rebadged BMW is another.

But the real problem isn’t just the borrowed designs. It’s the overcomplication of modern vehicles. Today’s Toyotas are stuffed with electronics and systems that can—and often do—fail. Older models, by contrast, are marvels of simplicity. They’re easy to work on, with no need for special tools or advanced knowledge. It’s just bolts, clips, and common sense.

The Soul of a Truck

There’s something else older Toyotas have that newer models lack: soul. They’re engaging to drive in a way that modern trucks just aren’t. The steering is heavier, the road feel is more direct, and the lack of excessive sound deadening means you can actually hear the engine. Modern trucks may be more comfortable, but they’re so focused on isolating you from the road that they all start to feel the same.

And then there’s the design. Older Toyotas had a subtlety to their styling that has aged beautifully. Models like the third-gen 4Runner and the 200 Series Land Cruiser are timeless. Modern designs might look bold and exciting now, but will they still look good in 20 years? It’s hard to say.

A Call to Preserve the Classics

The truth is, anyone can walk into a dealership and buy a new Toyota. But keeping an older one in good shape? That takes effort. It takes pride. And in a car culture that’s increasingly driven by convenience and disposability, that pride is more important than ever.

So let’s take a stand. Let’s deprive ourselves of the giant infotainment screens and massaging seats. Let’s keep these old trucks alive, so that our kids can enjoy them just as much as we do. After all, the world doesn’t need another feature-laden luxury SUV. It needs more timeless, dependable machines that remind us what cars—and car culture—are really about.

Join the Movement

If you share this passion for preserving automotive history, I’d love for you to join me. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, Canadian Gearhead, and check out my website for more content.