What would you do? (GM vs Toyota question)

Hey all! I’m contemplating pulling the trigger today on trading in my 2020 Sierra for a 25 Tundra SR5. Honestly, I don’t hate my current truck at all, 58k miles, still under extended warranty for 14k more miles, etc. I went in for an oil change 4 changes ago and was told I was 2 QTs low. Weird, but it happens. Next change I got the low oil light before the change, and it was just under 2 QTs low. Dealer did a consumption test and it lost nothing during the 6k mile test. Next change, 2 QTs ish low. GM says 1qt per 2k miles is within spec and normal, but know low oil levels can impact the lifters that are potentially prone to issues already. (But not a HUGE number have the lifters have to be replaced). They say I idle my truck too much (while 1/3 of my engine hours are idle it’s either traffic or picking up my kids from school and it’s cold).

I know it’s a weird spot/question but who do I trust here?

Trust GM to stand by it, or trust Toyota and any potential extension of engine recalls or other issues? Resale/trade in on my GMC is insane (33k when I paid 41k new 58k miles ago) due to when I bought it, and I’ve heard Toyota trade in on these may be “weird” whenever I decide to, if I decide to.

Responsible dad in me says to keep the almost paid off truck, but…I’m also a little concerned.

Would be my first Toyota so could use some input before I make this big decision. I know I’m on a Toyota forum, but also see lots of mostly unbiased thoughts around here in my search.

Thanks in advance!

 

I had several GM Trucks - that is why I replaced the last GM with a Toyota and never went or looked back. I'm totally happy with my '23 Tundra SR5, and I would not hesitate to purchase a '25. I have no issues and the truck has exceeded my expectations. Your call as it is your $. GL.

 

Only 58k and losing 2 quarts and the dealer is saying 1 qt consumption for every 2k is normal? Sorry but that sounds like a bunch of crap. Logic tells me that if they did a 6K consumption test and it lost nothing but they also say a 1qt loss for every 2k is normal then you probably really lost 3 quarts during the test and they lied, especially if your next change showed a 2 qt loss. Funny how when they do a consumption test because of your concern everything is fine but your regular non complaint/concern changes are low before and after their test. They know you're 14K away from your warranty expiring and taking the gamble that it won't explode in that time period. They are probably hoping that it blows as soon as the warranty expires so they can rake you through the coals to repair it.
My 08 Tundra with just under 200k loses MAYBE a quarter of a quart every 5-8K and I have a visible drip. I'd dump that thing before the warranty runs out because Murphy's law is gonna kick in as soon as it does.
I've personally had great luck (knock on wood) with my Toyota vehicles that I bought brand new.
89 Tercel-150K
94 4Runner-185k
08 Tundra-196K
24 1794LE-4k
None of these have had any major mechanical problems. Yes, the 4Runner with a 3.0 V6 blew 2 head gaskets, one was under warranty and the second at 180K. It was a known problem with the engine but it was the only problem I ever had and the repair was not that expensive considering the only things ever done to it was oil changes.

Have you considered a new 24? If I were you I'd be shopping both 24 and 25's. If you can find a 24 I'm sure they'd knock off more than they would for a 25. I believe the only difference between the 24 and 25's is massaging seats and auto lift tailgate. Not sure that an SR5 trim would even have those options to begin with. I'd negotiate a 24 and drop the money you'd save on a 25 into the extended warranty. There are several posts here listing dealers that will give you the best price on extended warranties. When I bought my 24 the dealer wanted double the price I was quoted by several listed here. When I asked them to meet that price they straight up told me they couldn't even come within $500 of it.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be a regular here soon.

 

Just make sure to get the Hybrid Tundra. It’s just better.

 

This is my same situation. Very happy with move from GM to Toyota.

 

I'll qualify that with, If your use case requires it.
Additional weight, complexity and expense for minimal gain. But I don't tow all the time either. If I did, I would have strongly considered it.
The juice wasn't worth the squeeze for me.

 

Just like what @ColoradoTJ said, the problem with the ½ ton GM's is the cylinder deactivation (or displacement on demand/ active fuel management etc); Burning through 2qts of oil every oil change for a truck under 60k is not great at all. And also like he said, not going to get better.

I would strongly consider the 3rd Gen tundra vs the GM. There is a very very small risk of main bearing failure in the new engine, but Toyota has made moves towards addressing the problem and complete replacement of failed motors when it happens. It's unknown if that replacement has started yet. GM 5.3/6.2's have been guzzling oil for 15 years and GM's response is essentially, "thems the breaks, kid." Umm, hard pass.

If the thought of the minimal uncertainty of the 3rd gen is too much for you, look for a low mileage '20/21 (last MY's of the 2nd Gen tundras); They are hard to find, but out there. Expect to pay some premium markup for them though (similar to what you are being offered on your trade).

edit:
Oh and regarding the Hybrid - I'd stay away from it until they get the main bearing fixed. just because due to the ability of the hybrid being able to "limp to the side of the road" when the main bearing eats itself, they aren't under the safety recall / complete engine replacement program. Which I personally think is insane, absurd, and completely illogical.

 

As someone who came here from an ecodiesel, I understand you concerns. My advice, especially as a dad; do what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. Your budget matters, but so does your sanity. If you lost confidence in the truck, move on.

 

I actually found this one which I LOVE almost everything about, except, no heated seats, small screen, no premium audio . They said they could add heated seats, but wouldn't be OEM of course. They were willing to give me a STUPIDLY good deal on it.

https://www.toyotaofcoolsprings.com/auto/new-2024-toyota-tundra-sr5-franklin-tn/92965081/

 

So, I grew up in Detroit, so get my family discount. I was looking at the 3.0 Diesels everyone raves about, but don't tow/push it HARD like I think I need to for regens etc., but 24-35MPG (real world) would be unreal in a truck. All that emissions crap makes me worried about similar issues though?

 

That's what's weird to me, instead of removing AFM, fixing it, etc...they continue to make it?! That was my question too!

 

Oil consumption is not normal, idgaf what GM says.
Said the same thing about an envoy that was guzzling almost half the capacity between changes. They can eat it with that nonsense

 

Are you a 5k or 10k oil change type of person? Just wondering if this has had a role in your oil consumption. Anyways, take your pick, this is obviously a tundra site so you will obviously get the typical " love my tundra" or " xxxx amount of trouble free mines" etc, etc. Go to a Ford site, same crap, Dodge, same thing. If all you have is an oil consumption issue, then see about possibly fixing that issue. I also strongly suggest a AFM delete, very simple to do by programming. I currently own a 2020 and I can honestly tell you, there is no way in hell I would trade my V8 for the V6TT. Now if my truck gets totaled, that's another issue and I can also guarantee you I will look around. Toyota and Mazda have joint ventures, Chevy and Ford share a 10 speed that is lacking. All these ventures add to issues. So only advice I can give is, if your truck isn't broken and giving you major issues, then see about trying to get your current issue resolved. IF you cant get the oil combustion issue fixed, then that would be the time to start looking to move on. As for the dealers oil consumption specs, well ALL manuf have it, even Toyota. Some like to exaggerate more or just don't know what they are talking about, most service writers don't.

 

Former lifelong GM owner here. I had to pass on GM because of their lifter and transmission problems. I stuck with 99-07c as long as I could and got my 22 Platinum on 2/22. I wont be going back, even having to do a new engine recall.

My 05 5.3 with the LM7 didnt burn any oil @ 208k miles I sold it at..the 4L60 in it held up just fine too. Best truck I had ever owned up until this one.

 

Change oil brand, stick with 5k oil change interval. Viscosity modifiers do break down with miles accumulated, the oil gets thinner, consumption increases. The most of oil loss happens on the older oil. When you do 5k intervals, the oil stays in grade, engine consumes less of it. It also might be the time to overhaul crankcase ventilation system. Changing oil more frequently and even overhauling PCV is cheaper than new truck.

 

I had spent 18 years in GMC trucks. I bought a 2023 Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L and had a ton of issues, got terrible gas mileage and had to use premium fuel, and finally got fed up after 2 years and traded it on my Tundra 4 months ago. I am VERY pleased and have zero regrets.

 

I’d recommend not dealing with Toyota cool springs sales. They were charging way over msrp during the craziness. Their service department is decent but their sales with pull some shady stuff.

if you in Tennessee check out peppers Toyota in Paris or fox Toyota in Clinton tn. Both these dealers are real solid. Bought my last two Toyotas from preppers and they were so easy to deal with. Ask for Amy she is awesome!

 

Maybe try an engine oil cleaning product to see if that helps? Valvoline Restore & Protect seems to be all the rage lately with people reporting decreased oil consumption issues after using it, seems that it can remove carbon deposits on piston rings. If they're carboned up enough to stick then you'll burn more oil.

That may not be your issue as an engine can burn oil in a variety of different ways, but something to try if you're not set on switching teams yet. You're still under warranty for a while longer unless for some reason your oil changes are controlled by the service center for your warranty.

 

*Disclaimer - I'm extremely debt adverse*

What @vtl said. Do one or two more changes at 5K cycles and check consumption. If still drinking it, that's a problem.

We bought my wife a 23 Suburban with the 5.3 and I was crapping myself over the lifters too. I have a cousin who was a GM dealership maint manager his whole life. A few bullet points from him were to do the first oil change at 3K and then remain at 5K OCIs (the goal is to prevent contamination). The second was if your engine made it beyond 30K, high probability it's in the clear for no failures. We've now got 60K on ours and it has been trouble free aside from GM not being a leader in their electronics dept.

I'd have a REAL hard time taking on a new loan when your truck is potentially fine.

 

If you decide to trade, I’d shop around. Personally, I don’t care for the look of the fender flares and on my old GMC they caused the quarters to completely rust through.

 

That’s really odd, losing that much oil on a fairly new truck. I suggest chasing the issue a bit more, maybe have an independent shop check it if you’re not able to go through it yourself. With such low mileage, I’d be surprised if it’s something serious/expensive. It could be, but a paid off truck is the best kind…it’s probably worth some effort to find out.

 

this is like a notch above a base SR. Keep your oil furnace in that case.

 

I think the engines are a factor. I know some GM's that have failed and have read about plenty of 3rd Gen Tundras on this forum. I also think that the vendor will make some effort to stand by it.

I looked closely at GM and ended up with a '24 Limited Tundra for mostly "other" reasons. For the features I wanted, the Tundra was cheaper (towing, vented seats, Carplay, good control experience in cabin). I don't like that the GM's are making you use the infotainment screen for everything. I like all of the buttons in the Tundra. After a few GM and Ford rental cars, I realized that the daily experience is important to me. 1-year in to this Tundra, that makes a positive difference every day. I know it is a future, but GM's stance on getting rid of Carplay also is telling and moves them further down the list of vehicles I'll consider.

 

So I had 5 Tundras between 2010-2023. I absolutley love Toyota and the Tundras. But I then Switched in 2023 to a Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss. I switched only because of the Tundra market and I could not get my hands on the ones I wanted when I needed to.

I was not happy about the switch but went in hoping for the best. I take great care of my vehicles and at 15k miles on the Chevy, it broke down. It was at night, family in the truck, rural road. Was going 50mph and the truck just shut off. After getting towed to the dealer and a week later, they found out the entire fuel pump system had failed. They replaced it, and I got rid of the Chevy a week later. Went back to the Tundra and I wont make that mistake again. Why would i own a vehicle i cannot depend on? I have never had any issue with my Tundras no matter what I did to them lol

 

Owned four Tundras from 2008 to 2021. Bought a 2021 Sierra Denali and the lifters failed at 8000miles. Truck ran good for the next two years, but like you, it started consuming a lot of oil around the 75,000 mile mark. I literally would lose a quart of oil every 1500 miles and the dealer couldn't figure it out. Traded it in a year ago for a 23 Capstone and never looked back. Glad to be back in a Tundra again. Mine now has 48,000 miles and zero problems. I did purchase an extended warranty from Jerry just because it's a new engine.

 

I was looking a GMC/Chevy's myself. I ended up with a Tundra, I think the quality was so much better, but that's just my opinion.

 

I drive a 2024 Chevy Silverado for work and we have a bunch 2500HD’s and they all burn oil! Most of us have to add at least 2quarts between oil changes. Love my 2024 Tundra! I also didn’t have 1500 Chevy for three weeks because of the high pressure fuel pump failure at 16K! I would never spend my money on a Chevrolet

 

Is the GM paid off? If not then stick with it and pay it off. If paid off then switching to a Tundra with no loan makes sense (whichever year/miles equals the trade in value for the 2020 GM plus cash on hand). Switching to a 3.0 diesel doesn’t make sense to save $4-5k over 60k miles while spending many multiples of that for the vehicle in difference.