I don't have any insight into longevity issues since I just installed my Toto washlet last October.

You definitely do NOT want controls on the seat - I don't know why one should be dodgier than the other and a remote is fairly easy to replace if it came to that.

In terms of expectations and cost, I love my washlet and can't imagine not having it. Perhaps I am cavalier but if it comes to having to replace it, the amortized cost of having one would have been about 35 cents :-). You can't even get a cup of coffee for that anymore.

I have no idea how the Toto quality or whatever compares to the Brondell - if you spend time reading amazon reviews, one can generally get a sense of how stuff actually functions in the real world because there are generally enough reviews so one can eliminate the obvious outliers, shills or whatever and focus on those reviewers who have valid points.

Thanks for your reply. I do get the impression Toto makes a great product and they’ve made them a long time. Once you have one you’re spoiled for life, I’m afraid!

There are different configurations. I sprung for the model where the lid lifts automatically - it can also be programmed so that the seat itself will rise and fall when a man stands in front of it to urinate.

Helen, would yours happen to be the tankless type with continuous heat? I’m intrigued by the low profile but wondering about some comments complaining the water sometimes isn’t instantly warm when it starts.

All the Toto washlets have tankless instant water. I don't have any issues with the water not being warm enough when it starts nor do I have any issues of it it running out of warm water.

I have no idea whether the temperature of the water it is heating makes any difference. The source of the water for the washlet is the water that fills your toilet as there is a diverter and my cold water is never frigid whether it is going to my shower or my sinks.