So...do I go TRD Pro, 1794 or new SR5

Perception! What a funny thing. I am old enough to remember when color matched trim was a bad thing since it screamed base model and you couldn't afford the higher trim or options. Now everyone wants to delete chrome. How much you want to bet your rug rats will be putting chrome bling on their trucks when they are old enough to own one.

If you had a blacked out car your were either a broke modder or a Mennonite.[/QUOTE]
So where did you get the black handle inserts? I just bought a 21 limited and the handles have to be the 1st to go.

 

Just get a different trim so that when it squats it's level. That's why trucks have rake. Or get a lighter trailer.

 

Yes - as pointed out - the Pro is not the best choice for towing. If your looking for towing power - 2022 might be more to your liking with rumored improvements.

Towing capacity is of course one of those "stats" categories every make likes to boast about. And reality is half of us will never need near the towing capacity of any truck. You also will find capacities are in a close range on most popular trucks - unless you opt up to a "package" on one of the big 3 to get more capacity.

As to reliability and the big 3 vs Toyota. I will say this - I dont find Toyota more reliable....well at least more than Ford/GM (Dodge is on its own here - havent owned one in 20 years...for a reason) - I find Ford/GM being faster to try new features that just don't work out from time to time.

Ford ecotech is a good example- the current iterations are good...the first go round, not so much. Toyota will role out a new engine next year presumably - and you can guarantee it will be well accepted. I think at times people perceive Toyota as being vastly superior quality wise....I don't feel that way. Better. Yes - but the difference in power trains has narrowed of late.

Interior wise - as much as the Tundra gets complaints. I've seen nothing from GM to be jealous of...Ford is nicer, but not light years....Dodge - well they get this right ...if they could just keep it from failing 25% of the time.

 

I heard a "rumor" yesterday that the '22 Tundra is going to have a 12" infotainment center and head's up display on the windshield. Wow!

 

Hopefully only in the Limited and up since I'd never consider those trim levels.

 

This perception is backed up by facts and data. Spend some time at Dashboard Light. It’s a vehicle quality index based solely on long term reliability. It aggregates data by performing inspections on hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

They’ve inspected 290k Fords and 270k Toyotas alone. Toyota’s overall rating is 82/100 (the Tundra in particular earned a score of 96.8/100). Ford’s overall rating? 26/100.

 

Ok, so I have had some time to start shopping - and also to look at "other" brands.

I'm not going to get into a full on comparison of Toyota vs the rest...just my notes on each brand pro/con for me personally:

Ram - nicest interior of any maker, middle of the pack engine wise - reliability probably lowest of the 4 -new prices are very high - but plenty of used low mile in line with other makers new price so finding a well optioned used 1 year old truck should be easy.

Ford - 2nd nicest interior, alot of engine options. Overall decent value for buck...but kind of high $$...not as many used, but again resale seems lower. Packages can be confusing.

Chevy - way too many trims/packages, interior feels dated like Toyota - but exterior is plain ugly on some trims. Decent reliability and price is probably best of the 4.

Really - as much as I like the Ram, unless I could find a smoking good deal...I'd pass on them. That said seems deals are out there - just alot of rentals flooding the used market. I'd avoid those at all cost of course.

I like the Chevy w/Trail Boss trim....want to test one first...but it might be the closest competition. Still the body - especially the tail gate are butt ugly in my opinion, and the interior is just so-so. Toyota can use the excuse of not refreshing the line in a decade for looking "aged" - whats GMs excuse?

Toyota - I am just trying to figure out what I lose going SR5 with a TRD package vs TRD Pro (aside from stamped TRD in bedpanels - which i don't like) and the grille. I get there is TRD Sport (different suspension) and TRD off road...Hopefully they have an off road to test drive tomorrow.

Radio - honestly id probably upgrade if I go Toyota. I know the Pro comes with the nicer system - but if I'm upgrading to non OE anyway...why pay more. Ditto leather seats - they are an option on the SR5 i understand - so what do I lose? A TRD embroidered into them...I can live with that. Grille is an easy swap - what else am I paying for in a Pro? Considering the SR5 qualifies for incentives (both published and dealer holdbacks) - its looking like the better deal.....I'm not losing engine or something that can't be added later - but maybe I'm missing something.

 

The Pro has Fox shocks that are supposed to be pretty good but only worth it if you're going to offroad but not interested in upgrading the suspension yourself. It's also leveled so not as good if you're going to tow or haul anything heavy.

 

So things getting kind of interesting...

Got a call from the Ram dealer - they are ready to deal....pricing they are offering is well below a TRD Pro or even a nicely equipped SR5 - and gives me everything Toyota does (and more - as they offer features Toyota doesn't).

Scheduled to meet with another Toyota dealer tomorrow- this one is local and seems to be MUCH better so far than the one I dropped in on last week. Willing to order what I want and doesn't seem to be asking above sticker on the Pro.

Its tough - Ram gives you alot - but Toyota has been my "want" for better than a decade.

 

My first choice was a base raptor last year you could buy one for low- mid 50s. Now there all gone. For me the Pro needs to have raptor like suspension for 55k. I just don't see the value in it.

So now I've been looking for a crewcab 4x4 v8,
cheapest versions I found so far.
Ram around 31k, Ford 38k, Chevy 33k, Nissan 33k, Tundra 39k. Even a sr double cab is 36k. I was ready to get the chevy but window leaks have turned me off. I'm thinking Ram now.

 

I have to give it to you credit OP, you are giving your decision it’s due diligence. Very smart... The cheapest deal doesn’t make it the best.

For me personally I would NEVER purchase a Ram or GM product for the bailout they received. They BETTER have lower prices than any Tundra considering US tax payers now own a very small portion of every vehicle build.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that will change my mind...I apologize for the rant OP but keep thinking it through like you’ve been.

 

You have to take into account other costs that you are FAR more likely to incur with the Ram: far steeper depreciation, time spent at the dealer, frustration at electrical gremlins, etc.

Is all that worth the extra features, giant screen, similar OTD pricing?

Assume for the sake of argument that they honor every single warranty claim you make. You’re still paying for it in terms of the time spent taking your truck to the dealer and waiting for them to sort it out.

Not saying it doesn’t happen with Toyota, but it’s far rarer.

 

The Pro’s suspension (arguably mid-travel but with no locker) makes a lot more sense at $55k than an LT setup. LT on a new truck at that price range makes me extremely skeptical of its performance and durability. Remember when everyone was desert jumping their Raptors and ruining the frame?

Compared to Toyota, everyone else is feature-rich but reliability-poor.

 

They don't offer reliability, though.

 

getting a pro over the off-road or sport package is mainly cosmetic differences and the suspension which can be added to any of the trim levels. The 20+ pros are based on limited trim so you get push button start and dual zone climate which I don’t believe comes on most SR5 models. Advantage of getting a pro is it’s pretty much fully loaded and you don’t have to do much vs getting an SR5 you’re more likely to upgrade several components over time. Also, I think some people prefer to have the price of the goodies (Trd pro components) baked into the price of the pro and thus their payment vs forking out the cash to pay for aftermarket parts for their SR5 trucks.

 

Big fan of a clean slate picture, build your finger prints on it to make it your own!!! Not just another stock oem tundra. Meh!

 

I've had multiple newer Chevy Silverados, why? Because they were WAY cheaper than the Tundra and offered WAY more amenities. Crew cab, heated steering wheel + seats, remote start and the list goes on for what? 32k OTD! LOL. Consider the price of the Tundra a reliability tax. You just have to weigh what you care about most. Do you want the best creature comforts? Then the big 3 is where it's at, especially RAM, that truck is gorgeous. Or do you just want it to work and value your time more than money? Toyota. I'm far from a Toyota fan boy, my favorite brand is actually Honda but they don't make a truck, my wife is a Toyota fan girl and I've always given her crap about the cheap interiors, lack of features etc. But I get it now. I freaking hate going to a stupid dealership on my day off for another issue that they say is normal.

 

Just to add a bit here:
Buying one of the big 3, you need to factor in that your truck WILL spend time in the shop. If you have the time to waste dropping it off, waiting for it, picking it up, coordinating someone to pick you up after dropping it off and dropping you off to pick it up..... I've owned them all and while some were better than others, the later models are getting worse and worse.

On the TRD vs SR5 topic, I don't want to buy a new vehicle and then spend thousands upgrading it. Buy what you want the first time and then there will always be minor things to add, tweak and upgrade. By the time you buy an SR5 and upgrade bits and pieces over time to make it what you want, you'll at least match the TRD pro in cost if not surpass it. If you like to tinker and want a project, absolutely, get an SR5 and have fun. I personally don't have the time for it. Remember, if resale value is important, an SR5 with 10k in mods is still an SR5. A TRD Pro will remain top of the line for that given year.
This is of course assuming that cost is not a factor to begin with. If you need to stick t o a certain priče point, that will make your decision for you.
Best of luck with your purchases.

 

I haven't added anything to my SR5 that I wouldn't have added to a Pro so I'm still $20k ahead.

 

My post is just a personal opinion.
What have you added to your SR5? Just curious.
I priced them both out at my local dealer today and there was $15k difference which included a bigger discount on the SR5(not comparing apples to apples). They wouldn't move much on the Pro.
When I added up all of the additions included in the Pro, it made sense for me.
Leather
Color matched bumpers
Sun roof
Fox suspension
Heated seats
Factory lift
TRD package
Remote start.....

It's a big difference when you add it up.
If those options don't interest you, then the SR5 is a clear winner.

 

All I've added is a spray in bed liner and a canopy. I'm also going to do the rear sway bar and towing mirrors at some point. Possibly storage under the rear seat, too.

Pro isn't the best choice for me anyway because I do more towing and hauling than off roading. I'd have to "un-level" it and get some rake back.

I like leather, colour matching, sunroof and remote start but not enough to pay for them. My truck came with heated seats.

 

Nice. As you know, heated seats are so nice to have in Alberta. Where in Ab are you?

 

I’m glad I have my deposit down on my 21 LunaRock pro. Sometime in April I will see it. I spoke yesterday to dealership close to me the salesman I deal with he said there are no tundra pros out there to allocate. They never have a problem getting the pros. He said I would need to go to a 2022. When I locked in about a month ago on this LunaRock at the time he said they could not get that color for me. I had to go to a different dealer to get what I wanted. Also he mentioned yes the 22 will be the V6 turbo.

 

So - had a chance to test a Tundra and a Ram.

Honestly, I thought the Ram was going to win .e over momentarily. IF Ram had a decent dealer locally - they might have too.

Ram was far nicer interior than the Tundra I tested (admittedly different beast though - a well optioned Laramie vs a SR5 with upgrade package only...realistically a 40k Toyota and a 52k Ram) - but the dealer I demo'd with didn't even bother to try to sell me...he was so sure I wouldn't buy he wouldn't waste a business card on me - and the 3 I asked to quote a build - 1 replied.

Toyota on the other hand was GREAT locally - very engaging but not to the point of being pushy. I told him up front I was leaning Pro and he acknowledged they didn't have any on lot - and wouldn't know if they got anything in this round of an allocation till the 15th - but promised to let me know if they get anything to talk and do a deposit if I liked.

So now I'm actually being drawn BACK to Toyota - better rep and better local support. But - I have reconsidered 2 things.

1. Thinking of going SR5 or Limited with TRD package....for all the hype the Pro gets...I can mod one of these to what I like personally. A Pro is based on the Limited basically right - so why not take the incentives and do my own suspension mod if I feel it needed.

2. I'm thinking of leasing to start. 2 main reasons - the off chance 2022-23 gives us a Tundra O cant resist upgrading to and the lesser chance I simply hate the Tundra and want out. Leasing is basically a 2-3 year test drive of sorts - at a cost.

Yes, it cost more than buying outright - and yes. I can't go crazy with the mods unless I'm sure I am going to buy it out....but I wouldn't do that anyway in my first year - and you can buy out a lease sooner if you really want.

Might be some tax benefits too if I lease under my business name - but thats minor.

Guessing its better to lease a Limited than a SR5 with a host of options - anyone able to confirm that? Limited has few options compared to a SR5...so keeps it simple.

 

Well - if I ever needed a sign to go ahead with a purchase....it came yesterday.

Might have mentioned earlier, but I considered the move up early last year (pre corona) - then came covid and a very busy summer...so I decided to wait. All the time my mom kept on to me telling me to "get what you want and enjoy it while you can".

Well mom passed in December and I'm handling her estate. Finally getting things ready to start moving forward in the process - and then I get a letter I wasnt expecting yesterday. Turns out there was a 50k life insurance policy on mom from some time ago naming me as beneficiary.

Now not that I wasn't comfortable moving forward with a purchase before or anything - but I just don't like buying big ticket things for myself. In a way - it kinda feels like a sign of "here, stop making excuses and just buy the damn thing" of course it may just be another lesson in how money won't buy us happiness or something along those lines. Who knows - guess the only way to tell is buy and find out what it means. Its not everyday that kind of cash falls outta the sky into your lap.

 

Sorry to hear about your mom but that's a nice way for her to tell you one last time to get what you want and enjoy it.

 

Agreed , sorry about your mom but if there was ever a sign .........

 

^^^ agree,

Now I always thought the pro wasn't worth it over a sr5. But seeing there isn't big discounts on the limited maybe better to just go with a pro. It would need to be lunar Rock though for me.

 

My man I feel ya and I'm sorry to hear about that. My gramma is my mom and she is pushing 90. She has always supported my enthusiast ways when it comes to vehicles and she is an enthusiast herself. She blessed me with an education that allowed me such material things. Every time I got a new sports car, SUV or truck I would take her for a ride. This time I didn't say anything because I mean, it's just another truck and I trade A LOT which isn't something to brag about lol. When she saw it she was ecstatic and said it looked like what I should be in. She opened the door, climbed in, looked around and said take me for a ride!!! I guess I'm just saying get what you really want to make those that support you, living or never gone happy. You will know if you are settling or not when you think hard about it.

This got deep lol. Fun pics of me and gramma, had her sign the glove box of my Tundra.

 

I am very sorry to hear about your mom.

I got my 2017 SR5 DC with the TRD Off-road package off the lot for 35k after TTL. It is important to note that I wanted a truck that I would drive into the ground and one that would not need as much repair time in the shop. I also knew that I would be able to do pretty much any modifications myself or with the help of some friends. I wanted a 6.5' bed so that my tall ass could sleep in it when camping if I wanted.

Currently I have about 14k in mods on the truck, counting larger tires which puts me right around the TRD Pro price point (still a bit under in most cases). I won't list everything, but if you are only looking for the increased suspension/engine skid, then in my opinion it is better to do it yourself. If you are going to sell it eventually, then maybe go for an upgraded trim package.