Tundra(s)

[MDH33]

I know you said you don't like the 1st gen tundras, but might try driving one. We have really grown to love our 05. The 4.7 is a great engine and the slightly smaller size of the truck makes it feel pretty quick and handles well. I've towed with it some and no complaints other than ours isn't set up for trailer brakes. The 1st gen tundra are plentiful and can be found pretty reasonably priced.

Another suggestion to consider (especially since you said you like the mini trucks, would be T100. Regular cab 4x4 was an option. Cool early "full size" factor too.

 

[Stuckinthe80s]

I know you said you don't like the 1st gen tundras, but might try driving one. We have really grown to love our 05. The 4.7 is a great engine and the slightly smaller size of the truck makes it feel pretty quick and handles well. I've towed with it some and no complaints other than ours isn't set up for trailer brakes. The 1st gen tundra are plentiful and can be found pretty reasonably priced.

Another suggestion to consider (especially since you said you like the mini trucks, would be T100. Regular cab 4x4 was an option. Cool early "full size" factor too.

I'll second all of this. Unless youre going to tow heavy loads, I feel like the first gens are about as perfect as it gets for common truck stuff. I had a 2002 that I wish I would have never sold.

 

[IoN6]

Hoping to delay some of the maintenance with a newer vehicle. Can you get a manual in them?

 

[KC Masterpiece]

We have a 2019 1794 and absolutely love it. I feel like I own a ranch anytime Amber lets me drive it. The 5.7 is unfortunately the last v8 toyota will probably release in the US.

Its definitelty a whale of a vehicle though.

 

[Stuckinthe80s]

Hoping to delay some of the maintenance with a newer vehicle. Can you get a manual in them?

That's understandable. Yes, they do come in a manual but only with a 6 cylinder. The early ones had the 3.4 and I think they switched to the 4.0 in 2005. My 2002 was a 2 door manual with the 3.4. I loved the truck but it also didn’t do very well on gas. The best mpg I ever saw was 18.

 

[brettf]

Local reg body long bed 4x4 on CL

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Local reg body long bed 4x4 on CL

He's pretty steep on the price!

 

[nakman]

Just since we're sharing...

here's an article that suggests the years to avoid. 2012 being the worst https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/toyota-tundra-years-to-avoid/

here's a pretty good video, if you have the patience for it

View: https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8


Also note that in 2016 they added a transmission cooler... but then in 2018 they took that away. So 2016-2017 would be your target years on a newer model, if you plan on towing a lot of weight, or frequently.

 

[IoN6]

Local reg body long bed 4x4 on CL

Have not checked CL. Not sure I could do the interior of that generation. The 2015 I am looking at, is about as mediocre as I can do.

 

[IoN6]

Just since we're sharing...

here's an article that suggests the years to avoid. 2012 being the worst https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/toyota-tundra-years-to-avoid/

here's a pretty good video, if you have the patience for it

View: https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8


Also note that in 2016 they added a transmission cooler... but then in 2018 they took that away. So 2016-2017 would be your target years on a newer model, if you plan on towing a lot of weight, or frequently.

This is totally what I was looking for!

 

[AlpineAccess]

Just since we're sharing...

here's an article that suggests the years to avoid. 2012 being the worst https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/toyota-tundra-years-to-avoid/

here's a pretty good video, if you have the patience for it

View: https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8


Also note that in 2016 they added a transmission cooler... but then in 2018 they took that away. So 2016-2017 would be your target years on a newer model, if you plan on towing a lot of weight, or frequently.

This article is so accurate that they list the 2.5 gen update as 2015 and not 2014, and the motor as a 5.8l They are firing on all 5.8 cylinders with that one.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Just since we're sharing...

here's an article that suggests the years to avoid. 2012 being the worst https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/toyota-tundra-years-to-avoid/

odd, my 2012 has been well abused and done just fine. no cam tower leaks. i do have (and have since i bought it at 20k miles) an issue with a abs/traction issue which i've found is mainly when it's wet. once i shut it off it's fine. and i have hauled enough on my trailer and in the truck to since airbags set at 40lbs and i've hauled an isx engine in the back (3300 lbs). i'll keep my 2012 and skip the fugly 2.5 gen trucks

This article is so accurate that they list the 2.5 gen update as 2015 and not 2014, and the motor as a 5.8l They are firing on all 5.8 cylinders with that one.

yeah, that was in the "td pro" ...at least it can't be called a TuRD if it's only a td.

 

[brettf]

He's pretty steep on the price!

Agree

 

[nakman]

saw @Doughboy last night on my way home…

Gonna keep it stock, not going to mod it, or wheel it…

 

[Doughboy]

saw @Doughboy last night on my way home…

Gonna keep it stock, not going to mod it, or wheel it…

I had to do a double take!

 

[drwest]

it amazes me how toyota keeps such a positive reputation after producing some very questionable products. I have looked at a number first gen Tundras that the frames were so rusty and structurally unstable, they should never be on the road. If the big 3 were to ever produce a truck that the frames would basically rot away within a few years, we would never hear the end of it. Toyota seams to be able to sweep these issues under the rug. I currently have a 2nd gen tundra as well as a Dodge Cummins. If you are looking for a truck to haul a few 2x4's around, the tundra is adequate and comfy. If you are looking for a work truck, any of the big 3 is the way to go.

 

[IoN6]

Noticed the frame comment in the video @nakman posted. To be fair, IMO anything in the rust belt (or Utah or Colorado for that fact anymore) that is not maintained through the winters is going to start to show signs quickly. Stepson had a '09 Rogue and the under side of that looked worse than my '93 Cruiser.

As for use case. I know if I really want "a truck" that I should be looking at the big three. Realistically, this will just be a second vehicle so I do not strand myself when I need to do some maintenance on the Cruiser. It will also serve "shop" duties as the need arises and Home Depot runs so I do not have to abuse the Cruiser.

In case I did not mention it, I would actually prefer an F150 (sorry, not sorry) but long beds are mostly XL's and the interior just does not do it for me.

 

[nakman]

I looked at, and passed on, a few with what I thought was pretty excessive frame rust. And it's easy to see, just look at where the upper shock tower is welded the frame in the rear wheel well.. There was an outline of rust like you'd expect to see on a Minnesota car... and these were 2015-2019 vehicles from Colorado. here's one example: https://www.cdodge.com/used/Toyota/2015-Toyota-Tundra-golden-co-b2e6d8b90a0e0a915294681f63e4229f.htm

 

[nuclearlemon]

it amazes me how toyota keeps such a positive reputation after producing some very questionable products. I have looked at a number first gen Tundras that the frames were so rusty and structurally unstable, they should never be on the road. If the big 3 were to ever produce a truck that the frames would basically rot away within a few years, we would never hear the end of it. Toyota seams to be able to sweep these issues under the rug. I currently have a 2nd gen tundra as well as a Dodge Cummins. If you are looking for a truck to haul a few 2x4's around, the tundra is adequate and comfy. If you are looking for a work truck, any of the big 3 is the way to go.

early dodge cummins were notorious for frames cracking at the transmission. they also had huge issues with the early allisons. whether or not that's been squared away, i haven't kept track, but those issues were swept under the rug too.

as for a work truck, you should rephrase that as big 3 diesels. tundra will gladly keep up with the big 3 1/2 tons

 

[AlpineAccess]

The previous owner of my 2nd Gen Tundra had it Zeibarted the year he bought it - I don't know what they put in that Zeibarts stuff, but dang it worked. The frame isn't Arizona clean, but it is cleaner than the Colorado and Utah based trucks I looked at. The areas they didn't hit (like the spare tire hoist thing) had some rust on them.