Convince me to buy a Tundra

For what it’s worth, I was a lifelong Ram owner. It’s new truck time and I am not spending $55k plus on a truck with a dial shift knob. Toyota quality is superior, design is definitely lacking. The simple fact that I have a center console with a real boy shifter sold me.

 

Most Ram owners appreciate the extra console space that a shifter would take up . JS

 

Yeah it’s 4x4, that was just he email price they told me if I come in they would work with me so we’ll see. The original truck I drove they actually found out it has a recall against the steering wheel so they can’t sell it until repaired. So gotta wait for that to be done. Comparable F-150 XL crew cab is at 45,200+tax/tag/fees.

My dad is a contractor and bought his F150 XL 5.0 extended cab 8FT box for 36k OTD in 2018. Hard to not compare to that. I don’t mind waiting but carrying deer on the corolla cooler rack and driving game lands roads with it is getting old lol

 

The XL is the base model F-150, comparable to the Tundra SR, also referred to as "Grade" or "Work Truck" in some cases. The SR5 is closer to a Ford XLT. To get around the $36 price point, you may want to look for an SR/work truck model, but then you will most likely get the 4.6 instead of the 5.7, if that matters to you. Good news is with the SR you'll most likely get a bench seat!

I feel like anything other than SR5 is hard to come by new these days. It's almost as if Toyota is using up the rest of this generation's parts by churning out as many SR5s as possible. Just a theory.

 

Yeah I don’t think there are any out there it is all SR5s, a 2022 or two or nothing at some dealers.

 

LOL it's a shifter...

 

I don't know about 80 mph but I get 18 mpg on the highway in the summer at about 70 mph, even with the truck loaded down with camping gear in 4th gear and tow/haul mode.

The 38 gallon tank is nice but unfortunately I don't think you can get that and the front bench seat if you need seating for 6.

 

Maybe. But that shift knob is a deal breaker for me. It's really the only problem I have with the new Rams lol. I have a friend with one, so I've spent some time using it and I just can't stand it. And the fact that the reverse gear disengages if you have the door open... that's annoying, especially out in the woods, at a boat ramp, or working around the house. I have a decent amount of respect for Rams, and I nearly bought one before deciding on this Tundra, but the shift knob kill sit for me.

Speaking of taking up console space, reminds me of the awful placement of the tow/haul mode knob and 4x4 selector in the 2022 Tundra. That's poor design and placement as well.

 

4.5 hour drive… I’d say if your worried about mileage get something smaller for that drive… unless you need the truck for that trip?

 

I've noticed that too, because I've been looking to see what kind of deals are out there on the 2021s as they push them out to make way for the new gen 2022s. Looks like I'll be holding on to my '18, which is fine. I hope you are able to find something you want that is reasonable.

 

My experience is similar. Set cruise under 70 and I can see 17.5 to 18.5 mph.

 

True, but it’s annoying as hell. I have shorter, gorilla arms and long legs. For me to shift I have to lean forward, every single time I use the shifter. 10+ times a day x 365= 3650 minimum times a year I’m pissed I bought something I loathe..

 

I'm not actually sure where the Ram shifter is located. I had a 2021 Expedition as a rental when I was in California a few weeks ago and it had the dial shifter but it was conveniently located in the center right next to the cup holders so it was easy.

If you have to lean and move around to reach and constantly in and out of the truck I could see it being annoying.

 

They’re not for everyone for sure . I’m so used to it now that I reach for it in other vehicles . lol

 

I would never buy a truck with a dial shifter either. I've driven them before, I can't stand it.

 

I’m heading to a dealer today. We agreed to a price of 44k OTD in double cab SR5 (before any trade in’s). We’ll see how it goes, but that doesn’t seem like a bad price considering how things are right now.

 

Nice! Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

Reverse psychology sometimes works:

Don't buy a Tundra!

Good luck!

 

The main reason to buy a Tundra is if you highly highly highly value your time. You are most likely to not deal with issues—minor or catastrophic. I self-maintain my truck and haven’t been back to the dealer in 16 mo and 21k miles. I expect that for 300k miles to be honest.

I have the short bed and huge cab. I carry a lot of gear that needs to be climate controlled, and I can fit everything needed for home projects (12’ dimensional lumber, sakrete, a yard of mulch) in the bed. I can also fit an ATV back there.

At 80mph, you’re not going to get 15mpg even if you keep the stock tires. You’re also most likely not going to have to take time out of your day at any point to visit the dealer for anything. The big fuel tank is awesome. I probably spend $70-80/month more in fuel. Cheap insurance to stay away from trying to wrangle any kind of warranty work out of the dealer.

 

You can buy an aftermarket (or oem) gas tank and swap it out so your at 38 gallons.

https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/...-Fuel-Tank-Fuel-Tank/10808725/770010C120.html

 

Life's too short to drive a Chevy

 

Well I GOT IT! First new truck I’ve ever bought and it’s SWEET!

 

Congrats!

 

Nice!! Congratulations, it's a beaut! I like the white, very sharp.

My Tundra is the first vehicle I ever purchased new as well. When you know, you know. Now I'd recommend getting as far away from this forum as possible because you'll be spending money on mods in no time lol.

Enjoy!

 

Congratulations!

 

...

 

More pics! I just sat in it in the driveway with the wife and drank a beer lol The storage in this thing is awesome idk why I was even worried about not having a bench seat!

 

Thank you! There is a dang list already, running boards, back rack, seat covers, toolbox, oh man

 

Speaking of mods and storage, might as well break her in with the angle grinder:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/dc-fold-down-rear-seats.699/

 

I would say time your time and get the best for your needs. I wish I had a new blank canvas with so much aftermarket support. Everything you need to know is here, which is nice. That looks like 4WD, consider good sliders as an alternative to running boards - just consider it.