What engine to get? 4.6L or 5.7L

Hey guys,

I am looking to purchase a new Tundra for work and I am not sure which engine I should choose from. It doesn't look to have that much of a difference in MPG from the specs so I am leaning towards the 5.7 just to have that extra power if ever needed. I own a pool service company and will be hauling around some weight in the bed on a daily basis. Let me know your guys thoughts and recommendations!

Thanks!
~Slim

 

This^^^^^^

 

5.7 no question I average 15.9 mpg highway and city with mine you won't regret it

 

Poor mileage on the 5.7 but in buying a truck this big I may as well get the big engine and get every last bit of towing and hauling it's capable of. Plus if you're hauling regularly, in my experience a larger engine doesn't notice some weight as much as the smaller therefore it doesn't work as hard and usually gets similar mileage to the smaller engine.

 

Assuming it's the same for 2015 as for my 2014 the 5.7L includes engine oil and transmission coolers - a big plus when hauling or towing heavy loads.

 

Ok 5.7L it is! All the replies make total sense.

Now the question is what should I pay for this truck? The sticker says $34k MSRP. You think I can negotiate below invoice?

 

It would be an SR5 double cab white with SR5 package center console shifter.

 

Got 2014 paid 34000 TRD DC sr 5 w/tow package 4x4

 

Forgot to mention it'll be 4x2.

 

Paid 35k for my 2015 crewmax sr5 4x4 with the center console shifter. Sticker was $41xxx.

 

Was that below invoice?

 

damn you guys are getting good deals on your trucks. Dealer around here dont want to move much/any off MSRP on Tundra/Tacoma/4Runner

 

I paid $30k for my 2015 SR5 two wheel drive four door 5.7.
Love this truck.

 

i got the the 4.6 i was trying to be conservative and froogle and also didnt get 4x4. biggest regret. i get 13 mpg in a 4.6. the mpg isnt going to be that much difference. get the truck you want with all the features. ive been contemplating adding 4x4 and doing an engine swap if i can find a wrecked one. plus i feel like you have more options on parts for 5.7l...get it loaded!

 

Go with the 5.7, you never hear anyone complain they have to much power!

 

5.7 for sure

 

Not sure. I was looking for Tundras just for fun one day online and my local dealer had their tundras $4K off sticker. Which was $36xxx. I jumped in my truck, went up there and after a little more wheeling and dealing I bought it for 35. Happy about it. Not 1 regret coming from a Silverado.

 

The 4.6 will do almost everything that the 5.7 can do, just not as "well".

I have learned that be it home renovations, play craft, or vehicles, if you can afford it and like it, but are just trying to save a little money and reign yourself in, just get the upgraded option as there will be a day you wish you had. Additionally, those things like a heated leather seat or climate control that you deem insignificant is pretty darn nice and you will grow to love.

On the flip side, if you are struggling just to get into a full sized truck, then I look at it like a boat. Sure, you see people tossing $100K on a nice boat and man they are nice, but if you can't afford it, or don't care to waste that kind of bank on one, then get something within reason. If you can only afford a bottom end boat, if it gets you on the water, it is a win... Let that other guy make outrageous payments for a similar sized hole yours makes on the same lake. He probably lives in an apartment anyway...

Quick story, I went to buy a Honda Odyssey years ago when we first had kids. It was a "minivan" so I was not going to spend anything on it. Then I started to look at the bottom Hyundai's and Mazda's and was surprised how pricey they were. So, I got a bit more serious in looking at "real" manufactures like Toyota and Honda to find they were not much more (it still baffles me. Hmm, Toyota vs. Hyundai; which one shall I pick?). Got to a dealership that had just sold the mid level model I was looking for, and they pulled the old "hey, l can get you this one well under invoice", so I walked out with the top of the line Touring model. I quickly changed my mind on minivans, or at least Honda (Toyota) minivans and this things luxury rivaled some luxury cars. Between the Nav, leather, DVD, you name it, this was a nice ride, especially on those long road trips. Where before I was dreading driving a minivan, this thing sure did change my tune. I'm pretty sure it had a blender too...

Another item is you never really say; "this has too much power" or "it's too nice for me". The 4.6 is a proven motor, but the 5.7 is praised even higher. I can tell you going from my 4.7 in my 4Runner, to this 5.7 was amazing. yes, the 4Runner V8 was strong enough for towing, I also found it struggling to maintain the speed limit on some of our grades out here, especially if from a stop, whereas the Tundra 5.7 burps it out. I still remember my first test drive in the Tundra; laughing at the power it had. It seemed overkill at the time, but I fell into it nicely.

Bottom line is really the only thing stopping you from getting the 5.7 is money, not gas mileage or dependability. If you can stretch it, you won't be disappointed, but again don't fret it if you get a 4.6 as it's the only way to get you in the Tundra club. It's not like years ago when the 4Runner had a powerless 4 cylinder. You will have adequate power here with either engine. Akin to buying your first home. It is an entry level home allowing you to move up when ready and if desired.

You in a 4.6 > You in a 5.7 >

 

Not sure where you live but if you have a Costco membership or AAA you can use their auto buyers program. I went through Costco and paid $1500 under invoice. No haggling required.

 

Reno NV. Yes, costco member. Probably should have shopped a little harder then I did, but hey I've got the truck now and it was optioned exactly the way I wanted too.

 

My next dilemma is 4x2 or 4x4? I am leaning towards 4x4 because some YouTube videos show the Auto LSD work pretty poorly. Anyone here have feedback on their 4x2 and off-road effectiveness? I like the price point of two wheel drive though lol.

 

Now we got that the 5.7 issue out of the way, get a 4x4 if you think you will ever need it. This is my very first 4x4 for and I will never own another 4x2. If you have a chance to drive in snow or off road, drive in 4x2 until you get into a difficult situation then flip the switch to 4x4. It's like a whole different truck. It's always better to get it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

Ok ok 4x4 it is! Now last question.. Should I get a new model or used which might be the previous body style? Are there any differences other than cosmetic between the two generations that should sway me one way or the other?

 

Fundamentally there is no difference between 2nd gen and 2.5th gen (some call it).

Which configuration are you looking to get? CM, DC, or RC? Personally, I like the CM of 2007-2013 better. I love my reclining/sliding rear seat. I also have plenty of storage behind the seat (which adjustable by sliding and reclining feature of the seat) and under it. I was so disappointed with what they did to the rear seat in CM (14+), if I were to buy a new truck today, I would probably opt for a DC.

That's really the only complaint I have about the newer Tundras. I really like the new interior. So for me, if I were to get a DC or RC, I will get a 2014 or newer. If I were to get a CM, I would probably get pre-14 model.