First time hopeful Tundra owner, need basic info/advice

Hi all,

Semi-midlife crisis. Been wanting a tundra for a bit and looks like things are aligned. Michigan resident, 3 kids (12,4,4) so looks like crewmax.

Live on a few acres, yard work, camping and maybe in a few years some light towing. No real need for a truck over than I want one. Long driveway and would definitely consider a plow.

looking for 2.5 gen, any tips on what I should look for in a tundra or non-negotiable items (trim levels, mileage, etc.) mostly looking for 50l miles or less, crewmax.

new to forum, thanks for any thoughts and glorious wisdom.

 

Welcome from NY.

2018 is the last year with the transmission cooler.

2018 and newer have all the safety sensors.

If you get a 2019 or newer I would add a transmission cooler, they make a kit.

The TRD Sport has all color matched parts (No chrome) front and rear sway bars, 20" wheels and smooth riding shocks.

The TRD Off Road has chrome and different shocks and 18" wheels.

The SR5 a plain Jane.

Platinum, 1792 & TRD PRO have leather and nicer interiors.

Good luck with your search/decision.

I'm sure I missed some stuff but that's a good start.

 

Thanks,

I took a limited out today (2020), nice but I never would have thought about the matched parts until I surfing this site for the past few weeks. I would not be a deal breaker but I very much prefer less chrome.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! Chrome is not hard to get rid of. Several on here have gone to great lengths to eliminate every hint of chrome on their trucks.

 

Welcome from Pennsylvania. I have the 2020 Limited. Has a lot of room especially the back seat and never had any problem pulling a 7,600 lbs travel trailer with out the trans cooler…..must be all the chrome I left on it.

 

Thanks, for the comments, any thoughts (chrome or not…) about mileage. I am looking used and usually keep my cars for a long time (160k,180k, 150k) all of those were low mileage or new. I know Tundra’s typically last forever. Mostly looking at dealers and certified but no idea if it is better via by owner. Looked at car rentals (hertz and national) have 2022 sr5 that are low mileage around $45k, I like the older model styling but not enough to sway me. Not cheap but I take my time and have a hard time if it is not a deal which seems impossible the last few years. Hoping things will soften soon.

 

Get a pro call it a day. Or if you like chrome, get the 1794, call it a day

 

All Toyota’s hold their value. If you find one that was taken good care of, with routine oil change, filter etc and nothing structurally wrong with it you should be ok. I’m always A little leery buying private because you know…..people are so honest out there. I prefer my local Toyota dealer but that’s up to you. Good luck in your decision and post a pic of it if and when you do.

 

Welcome from So Cal.