Potentially Shopping for a Tundra

Hello Gang,

Current truck is in the shop 21' F-150 (lots of drama there). The new Tundra wasn't out just yet when I was in the market. The drama with the Ford is one of those, get it fixed and get rid of it items.

A new truck would require to tow a track car (unenclosed u-haul for now, but later potentially enclosed). So I am looking for an extended fuel tank, limited i-force. My NASA (Nat'l Auto Sport Association, not space) instructor leases a SR5 Tundra and told me to stay clear of earlier year models of this new generation due to cam phase issues, and just plain ol' quality build challenges.

Is there a quick way to see if the extended fuel tank is installed? While sure, cranking my back and looking underneath may work. I've heard that some window stickers aren't accurate to depict the extended tank being installed.

I also am tracking the current fuel link recall near the RR side of the vehicle.

Any other items I should be on the look out for?

Appreciated in adv.

 

All Limited and above trim model has the 32.2 gal tank.

Haven’t heard of cam phaser issue on a 3rd gen.

 

An alternative to the Tundra would be a 6.6 Duramax 2500 HD.

 

I just came from your experience back in April with a 2018 Lariat.
Been reading alot on the F150 forums with the 21's having alot of stubborn issues.
Cam phaser issues on a Toyota I've never heard of, Ford yes.
Fuel line recall is a nothing burger, Toyota made all the effected owners aware when a temp then perminat fix will be available.
May want to look onto the rear air suspension if your towing alot.
Welcome to the club and with your choice.

This poor guy had seven weeks of hell.
https://www.f150forum.com/f129/pcm-ecm-probable-cause-now-548550/

 

Definitely hearing others with IWE's. The sitch at Ford is now two different dealerships are trying to put me in the middle. I "politely" reminded them they BOTH have a blue oval out front. I think the rear air suspension is specific to the capstone no? And the 70K+ ceiling gets torched as so many dealerships are adding markup.

Here is my link to to F150 (biktor). https://www.f150forum.com/f129/21-f150-1700kms-iwe-issues-511943/index7/#post7501174 just look at the laundry list of parts they are throwing at that truck. Its bonkers.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

1. Tundra supply has increased now so don't even think about paying above msrp. You should be able to get one under msrp 2-3k. Dealers are still looking for suckers and will try to get above msrp from you.

2. Get 2024 model, nothing earlier and many issues are worked out.

We do still have mysterious engine bearing failures, latest one reported was build date march 2023. Supposedly it's a very low chance, but they do happen at around 10-35k miles and nobody knows why

3. Make sure you test drive both non hybrid and hybrid. Hybrid is much more powerful and enjoyable to drive as non hybrid may have throttle lag and is annoying. Many have this issue without fix for the past 2 years, even 2024s.

4. Test drive it on highway 80mph and make sure the wind noise isn't too loud for you as it's not something they'll be able to fix for you, ever.

 

I’m not going to defend a ford, but financially it may make more sense to hold on to what you have. The depreciation on a 2yr old ford product plus the tax title license etc on a Toyota are not going to do your wallet any favors. Also, interest rates are higher than they were when you bought your truck so I would expect that your payments would go up if your financing as well.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome! I'm curious as to why the 6.6 Duramax would be an alternative choice to the Tundra? If the Tundra is an option then you certainly wouldn't need a diesel 3/4 ton, so would it just be a "nice to have"?

 

All solid advice from what I read. Esp the highway wind noise. Is it just like a white noise at those speeds? Window Seal Leakage?

 

Very Solid Financial advice. While indeed the deprecation, T3 (Tax, Title, Tags) adds there is no way we are going to match the interest rate we have currently on the Ford (1.89%). We would not be financing this acquisition.

 

Definitely would be a "nice to have" to be able to tow that much. But the diesel markup is no-joke, please repairs on a diesel are typically more expensive than your unleaded.

Does anyone trailer a track toy, or even boat with the tundra? Looking for folks that live that tow life with the vehicle.

 

Beyond the financial implications the jury is out on the reliability of the new Toyota trucks. I would imagine that moving forward they will be more reliable than the Fords based solely on their financial filings, IE warranty costs. Toyotas unique brand proposition of reliability seems to be of real value in residuals vs say the Ford as well. Their parts tend to be of higher quality as well but there are no guarantees…

 

There are no guarantees in life period.

Oddly enough the item I would be towing is a Honda. I've owned toyota products in the past and agree that the quality of their parts hold up, same with Honda if I am being honest. Vs say a Dodge product where you might as well treat that part as a consumable, unless you DIY or hack something better up yourself.

 

Wind noise:

Drive it to the highway up to 80mph. Ask sales person to be quiet, close all windows, music off, and listen how the noise from outside will sound. You will also probably have the stupid fake engine noise pumped in through the speakers, so try to disregard that as it can be disabled by the dealer layer. Listen for wind noise, any whistling noises from near the driver or passenger side windows, any tapping sounds or rattling from doors or windows.

2024 model shouldn't really have any bad whistling noises, but you may have excessive wind noise at high speeds - so just listen to it and see for yourself if you're OK with it or not.

I just test drove 24 platinum and it was very very quiet at 80mph and wind noise could be barely heard, slightly somewhere in the distance...

My 2022, no whistling after 2 replacements of the same window rubber runner, but I still can hear wind noise right outside of the truck, about 75% quieter than if you were to open a window...

 

@dan_osms.io Just noticed the avatar!
You can get a limited with rear air, my Plat has it and I love it. In comfort you can find the bumpstops on the bad roads so it's more for the highways and everyday I'm really happy with my choices I made. I got used to the bodymounts as there completely different from the Fords. The JBL is so far better vs the 8 spkr B&O not even close. The interest rates are insane But if you just keep looking with some patience like I did drove 3 1/2 hours and got a really good deal.

Can't believe Ford still has IWE issues as mine did and now there electronically actuated? Toyota has issues too But corrected vs just try something that's elc controlled vs vacuum when the problem is the IWE!

Keep us posted as I'm sure we will too on any finds.
My trade was "we just run the vin" and doesn't care about what options mine had, tires did matter and overall condition so I was trying to compare to carfax and such and it didn't matter all dealers were within a few hundred without even physically looking at my trade in. I was comfortable enough to do all the paperwork online.

 

@Kap1 that is much greater detail, thanks and will make note.

@pwpblue I always get concerned with a "feature" failing and the expense required to replace it. Tho many trucks are providing "air". Heck even one of the RAMs at the paddock had air which was interesting to note.

Indeed on the '21 they use an E-IWE. They've replaced it several times, they even went so far as to argue to have the loaner back. The whole experience has been the worst I've ever had with any brand. I've even spoken to Ford Corporate and there was some "hope" as they really seemed to want to earn my loyalty. They even promised an extended warranty. But nope, never got that, the ticket (CAS ticket) mysterious ticket closed, I opened another and they haven't called back. At this rate, BBB has my information. This is the last straw with Ford, I even used to own one of their Focus RS's long ago, ya know... the one with the wrong gasket getting oil bits into the coolant channels, and v/v? I do have some American pride, and it does help to know the Tundra is built in Tx.

Good to know about the JBL, the B&O in the Lariat was ok but not earth shattering. No moon roof on the Lariat which was always sort of a bummer on really nice fall drives.

I get to "look forward" to calling the dealership again tomorrow to see what is going on with this.

 

Warning - Unpopular opinion ahead:

IMHO 1/2 ton trucks (and particularly those with small HO engines) make lousy long term tow vehicles for anything approaching even half their rated towing capacity unless it's all level ground smooth easy going pavement involved.

Get a 3/4 ton truck and learn to deal with the stiff ride when it's empty or plan to trade in your 1/2 ton every year or two.

 

My '24 has a whistling noise....not sure if its as bad as what others described but it's bad enough that this is my 6th or 7th Tundra and the only time I ever noticed any sort of annoying noise while driving.

 

You got a loaner? They never had any available for me ever! Stated Ford only offers loaners as the repair is being done, so if it's on hold for parts you only get a loaner the day there fixing it........

 

There's one or two in here! https://www.tundras.com/forums/towing-hauling.53/

 

I feel that pain...

I kinda negotiated my way into a loaner. I made an appointment with them and they had the parts ordered. They figured this would be one and done. I gave them ALL of the prior work. Now they are scratching their head talking to FoMoCo

 

Sorta why I was looking at a 2500 HD to be fair. Much of the track paddock was 3/4 GM. I did see two tundras. Instructor has one and tows as well.

 

Sorry to hear... I've been through two repairs for the whistle noise at the dealer. Read through the wind noise thread, it has lots of info there

In brief, tape up all seals and seams with painters tape, drive around, remove tape little by little so you can figure out what exactly is making the noise, take photos and show to dealership so they know what to replace...

 

Question for current Tundra owners.

1. When you engage tow mode or just in general, when using turn signals does the display leverage cameras (if installed) to show that on the navi display? Is there the soft "3 blink" when just barely engaging the turn stalk.... and increased amount when in tow mode?
2. Installation of tow hooks on the front due to lack of them.... is that difficult or is there a kit that folks can recommend?
3. Foot hold to the side of the bumper (see link here https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/im...ained-there-s-more-besides-new-tailgate_7.jpg)

While I am totally "ok" with using the wheel as a step, I do often like having a foothold to help get into the bed. Are you all having that difficulty?

 

1. Don't know about the tow modes. In general, you can have dealership change the soft blink times, I had mine changed from 3 default to 5.

There's an option to have front camera turn on automatically when you slow down to 5mph or less.

2. See other threads about tow hooks, don't know.

3. You can buy slide out step that attaches under the bed at back left corner. Or if you get power running board option then the bed step would open up automatically, it's what I have and is very nice

 

Oh nice, I know ForScan (for fords) have means to make bit changes on the software to add these customizations I have read that before.

I have NEVER heard about front camera setting. That is OEM ?

I am eager to see your running board bed step. Is it near the rear? Or forward of the rear wheels just behind the cab?

 

You can change some settings with Carista or just ask dealer to change it for you, they usually do it for free.

Front camera turning on automatic is an Oem, there's a checkbox to toggle on the main screen and easy to change. I like this feature and use it all the time as Tundra has big blind spot right in front and I always take a quick look at the camera before moving from the stop sign to make sure there's nobody short who sneaked in front of my truck... I do have the pvm panoramic camera option... Limited and below must have a pvm option to have panoramic view which is very very helpful when parking this truck... I love these cameras and big screen, it's just so high quality. I can see truck from all sides in detail and it helps tremendously when parking...

Yes just YouTube automatic power running boards for Tundra 2022+ and automatic bed step. I really like the automatic running boards.

 

Roger that, never heard of Carista, nothing implied there. I also saw some very courageous work on ebay auto ramps that seemed to be very successful. Mixed on how I feel installing kit not from a US based shop with a return policy etc.