My son destroyed my previous Amarok, it was a new one with ARB gear dripping all over. A long sad story there but that's not where I want to go with this post.

I recently got my hands on what I thought was a good honest 2014 dual cab tray back auto 4WD and as time ticks along I'm fearing I've made a huge mistake.

New tyres and battery weren't a big surprise, nor the full engine and transmission service, rego was due (but that's not the car's fault) .. but now every engine sensor is progressively crapping out and it's having tail shaft noise issues which also seem to be a bad thing.

I've scored a pristine 2021 interior (seats, door cards and new canvas covers ready to go in) put 5 nice new wheels and tyres on it and as well as a comprehensive suspension upgrade I've got a ton of audio gear and sound deadening sitting on the floor behind me ready to install. I've already added a 10" Kenwood Halo head unit, Maestro canbus integration, cameras, parking sensors, etc. I'm kinda half pregnant with this thing already!

Recently I've heard endless old Amarok horror stories but I'd prefer to believe that there's a cost when it comes to maintaining a second hand vehicle and I'll work through these issues and will be able to use and enjoy my old Rok soon..

Am I being a gullible idiot wasting money thinking the Amarok will come good or am I just getting unduly nervous from comments made by people that often seem to think a Toyota badge is a symbol of worship?