How do you define the difference between a toy and a model?

They all mean something to somebody and I think if someone enjoys and perhaps collects it, the vehicle qualifies as model. I remember on the old Diecast Pub there were occasionally a small number of people who used the word "toy" and attached a very negative connotation to it. The pastime/hobby can include all ages and certainly a perhaps younger collector would be very happy and proud on his/her new addition, regardless. The hobby won't be around for too long if people get embarrassed or reluctant to show off their new small size automobile collection.

I'm going with believing the label when it says, "This is not a toy!"

It's not a toy when there's no way you'd give this to a 6 year old.... anf that includes the vintage 'toys' I still have. They have ascended to 'collectibles'.

But definitely many collectors very legitimately collect (so-called) toys of various types, so that definition can become very problematic for small scale cars. Some "collectors" tend to use it only as a negative. That's not really very fair. And, because my Dad and Mom were very definitive when it came to having a replica or model, I tended to know not to eat certain cars ! I still have some from my very early years.  

The way I see it:

Toy cars = Anything that's a "loose"  representation of an actual vehicle. Scaling, proportions, detail, etc.. only "resemble"   it.

Model cars = Anything that attempts to recreate a vehicle with scale accuracy with regard to proportions, detail, color & size. 

Problems occur when there's "overlap."   As we all know, some toy cars border on being model cars and vice-versa.

Some production managers and/or pattern makers deserve raises.... others need to find different careers. 😀 

For me the the definition of toy is simply in how the owner uses it.  A toy is used as such and played with.  A model is a representation of any vehicle/airplane/craft, etc. regardless of its original quality, and is used for display only.  Whether it was originally made as a toy doesn't much matter.  Just one person's opinion.

A couple times each year I get request from 1/1 car clubs to visit my collection of model cars. I am always happy to accommodate in the hope of promoting the hobby. On one instance a lady asked if I get down on the floor and play with my toys....because the question was clearly made as a snide remark, I replied that many of the models were probably worth more than the car she arrived in.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

A couple times each year I get request from 1/1 car clubs to visit my collection of model cars. I am always happy to accommodate in the hope of promoting the hobby. On one instance a lady asked if I get down on the floor and play with my toys....because the question was clearly made as a snide remark, I replied that many of the models were probably worth more than the car she arrived in.

LOL!  Perfect response.

@bob-jackman Oh, I didn't realize Bob, that you're also a smartass!  😏 😏 😏  (Sometimes in life, there's just NO other way to be!  😎)

@chris 10/4.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

.because the question was clearly made as a snide remark,

I would replace the adjective "snide" with "snark". Well done, Bob.

I think the difference between a toy and a model mainly comes down to purpose and detail. A toy is usually designed for play and imagination, while a model is more focused on accuracy, detail, and display value. But in today’s collecting world, the line between the two is getting blurry.

For example, many modern collectibles are designed to be both fun to handle and detailed enough to display, which puts them somewhere in between. Even Toy Model Kits show how the hobby has evolved, since building the item is part of the experience itself rather than just owning it.

I’ve also noticed collectors often look for deals like BLOKEES Coupons when exploring these kinds of hybrid collectibles, especially when they’re expanding their collection.

I guess I don't have a negative connotation of "toys" although some people tend to use that description as a negative and rather dismissive remark. It is all good to me, regardless of how some other person may choose to describe (or dismiss) it.

I still have a collection of battered toys from my youth and that of my children. They hold a special place. My model collection is another matter with a different motivation for collecting.