Buying a 2.5 Gen... what to look for/avoid

My Tundra is a 2000 SR5 w 316K. Bought it w 108K in 2013. It's my first and only truck. Love it.

Thank you in advance. I've searched and read a little so far.

We're looking at buying a newer Tundra to replace the Buick Enclave... down to 1 child left. We drive LONG distances. We live in NW Arkansas and have family in N.C. Also travel to S.C. Coast and Gulf Coast in AL.

I want the 5.7
Tow occasionally
Daily driver & long distance hauler
Leather seats are a must
Budget is <$40k
4X4 ? ...def. don't off road
Would like a 2014+

 

From my experience, I cheaped out an opted for 2wd on a previous truck. That was a big mistake driving in Colorado ski areas getting stuck multiple times. When I bought my 2021 SR5 a must was 4wd.

Some options that I found useful is the BSM and parking sensors parking in and out of my garage. Im not sure which years those options became available. Also since SR5 didn't come with leather I thought I would add Clazzios down the road. That might open up more of a search range when you are looking for used Tundras

 

I’d say get yourself a 2wd SR5 and buy Clazzio leather seat covers.

 

^

 

Easy to add leather so dont let that stop you from getting a truck without it.

get the larger gas tank

id still get a 4x4, always there if you need it and resale/demand will be much better.

2016/2017 were good years, no TSS stuff, has trans cooler

rest will depend on what you want in the truck. Best $ will come from getting a Sr5, to get some of the decent features look for the sr5 upgrade package, convenience package.

If you are more road focuses, sport package will include road tuned shocks and sway bars that really do make a difference in driving and cornering. Ive added the RSB to my off road package truck and it is well worth it.

 

Daily driver & long distance hauler
Leather seats are a must
Budget is <$40k


Toyota Camry. Do you like getting 14mpg?

 

Thank you for the responses.

 

Already own a 2014 XLE 2.5. We don't mind the mileage... Enclave gets 18 in town.... if that.

 

2014-2018 SR5 CrewMax 4x4
https://www.carvana.com/cars/toyota-tundra-crewmax/sr5-5-1/2-ft-2014-2018-4wd?email-capture=

 

Thank you. All over Carvana , Autotrader, Cargurus, and Vroom. Is there another site to add to this list ?

 

Common problems with the 5.7 are cam seal tower leak and secondary air injection problem. There are threads on here about these two problems you can search. Cam seal you can visually look and see if it has a leak. Secondary air I’m not sure if there’s a way to look. Maybe look at service history. Both very costly repairs.

Agree with @frichco228 above, definitely make sure it has 38 gal gas tank. I have the 26 and wish I didn’t. Both get low way before capacity and shouldn’t be run much lower. There are entire threads on this as well.

All that said, Toyotas are the best out there and hard to go wrong.

 

Don’t let a 2wd stop you from buying. It really depends on where you live and if you really need it. I live in Oregon and it snows for a week or two out of the year. Mt. Hood has quite a bit of snow throughout the year but I rarely go there during the winter months. I’ve owned plenty of 4x4s and have only really needed 4x4 once. The rest was for play. Ask yourself how many times you have needed it and if it worth the price. A good set of snow rated tires and chains is all you really need. 4x4 is conveniences and you pay for that. I’m not willing to pay for something I’ll pretty much never use. If I need to get through some bad snow or ice, I’ll slap on my chains. Also keep in mind that 4wd is not 4wStop. Chains will slow you down much faster than 4wd without chains. Hope this helps and good luck with your search

 

I have a 2018 and I think it is a Goldilocks year.

2018 added adaptive cruise

2018 was the final year to come from the factory with a dedicated transmission cooler.

2018 offered an upgrade package that included LED headlights and the 38 gal tank.

A dealer leather (Katzkin) set can be installed by a first-time installer with basic handy skills in a long weekend for $550, and it looks and feels GREAT.

I personally had the 4WD as a must. That one is up to you.

 

Get a 2016 or 2017 model if you can. First years of 38 gallon tank. Last years before annoying beeping every time you drive…



Long box sure is nice on the highway
Doubt you can find (or want) one though.

Good luck!

 

This post right here. Give him a gold star and follow his advice.

Good luck on your purchase

 

I second @Jmor6766 the Secondary Air Injection System is a failure prone system on Toyotas. Below I have included some additional information and hopes it adds value

What Does the Secondary Air Injection System Do?
https://www.tundras.com/threads/what-does-the-secondary-air-injection-system-do.113683/
What Do My Secondary Air Injection Error Codes Mean?
https://www.tundras.com/threads/what-do-my-secondary-air-injection-error-codes-mean.113686/
How to Fix Secondary Air Injection System?
https://www.tundras.com/threads/how-do-you-fix-the-secondary-air-injection-system.113688/​

 

Op need a SR5 TRD sport with convenience package, if op need go through snow 4x4, if not 2WD. Sport have leather seat.

 

I'm shopping too. Check AutoNation.com and cars.com as well.

 

2014 and up, even the dreaded cam tower leak is rare on this year and is even less likely on more recent ones.
Definitely 38 gal tank.
Tow package would be a very welcome add-on.
4x4 is not needed until it is, better be safe than sorry.

Leather seats should be last in your list, these can be added for a lot less $ and effort compared to the above.

 

Definitely try to get the larger fuel tank.
https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8

 

Only gripe of my 2016 is the tiny tank. Will be upgrading when possible.

 

Don't fuss on lack of trans cooler.

 

I know the Dave Smith dealership in Kellogg ID can get any vehicle you want. It’s a volume dealership so the prices are super competitive. It is worth a look and/or phone call

 

$500 Katskinz???? What Middle Earth type sorcery is this?

 

Took me all summer to find my 1794 Tundra and drove 2 hrs to get it but found on cargurus.com

 

Get 4x4 and the larger tank. All other options are cheaper/better quality (suspension components for towing) to add aftermarket. Those are the things you'd rather have and not need versus need and not have.

 

LOL

OMG… like everything else, prices have gone up… but, this is still a savings for DIY compared to the dealer add on cost, or the price jump for the trim level.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1549802983...fsYcueRTR0W&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=SMS

I didn’t mention that I added heated seats to the front and rear sides for about another $175. The ideal time to do it is after removing the factory cloth.

…really nice if you live somewhere that gets cold.