Need help with best year for my use case

I’m getting a company truck but still need a personal one. I currently have a 2500 but am considering switching to a Tundra, mainly for reliability.

I’m looking at 2016-2020 models, with a preference for the 2020 because of CarPlay, since Toyota’s tech tends to lag. That said, I know I can go with an older model and upgrade the screen to an Alpine 9”. The additional features on the 2020+ (TSS, Adaptive Cruise Control, etc.) are appealing, but I’m not sure if they’re worth prioritizing over overall reliability.

Two key factors for me is the 38-gallon fuel tank, which started in 2016, also the the integrated brake controller so that’s where I’ll begin my search. I’ll also avoid trucks from the Northeast due to potential rust issues. Features like LED headlights and the grille are easy for me to swap out, so they aren’t major deciding factors. I am mainly looking at features that cannot easily be swapped out to update.

I’m planning to get a Limited or Platinum 4x4. Given my focus on reliability, which model year between 2016-2020 is the best choice? Are there any specific years or issues I should avoid or focus on? Also, what mileage range should I aim to stay under?

Any additional insight or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

The newer the truck the greater the chance of it being more reliable.

I like android auto. I like the radar cruse control and the safety features that came in my 2021. I'm not worried about not having a transmission cooler. I just drain and fill transmission every 60k.

Some people will tell you get a truck that's 4 years older because it has transmission cooler. But I belive as a vehicle gets older thing break, degrade with time.

Look for a good maintance history! More important than total miles. I do 5k oil changes. I would be worried about buying a truck that got 10k oil changes.

I guess your budget will answer alot of your question.

 

I disagree with that statement 100%. I have 2017 Tundra with 50k on the clock and 2001 Sequoia with over 300k on the clock and will trust the Sequoia more than any new Toyota product. 24 year old vehicle and every light bulb in the truck is original and never been changed. Sorry to say, but the 2000’s to 2010 Toyotas were superior in every way in quality and reliability. Don’t get me wrong, I love Toyota and Lexus and own three of them. But there’s a reason why you rarely heard of Toyota issues during those years compared to now.

 

2018 and prior with the standard towing package also included a separate transmission cooler. Many who post here seem to appreciate that. I've also seen complaints here about build quality taking a hit during the covid years.

 

I Got a 21 Limited with the JBL, android auto. It aint nothing to get excited about. If I started having problems with that head unit, I'd be yanking it and tossing in any modest afteremarket unit.

 

I’d prioritize the years in this order, personally:
2017
2016
2018
2019

16-17 = 38 gal tank, no TSS (I hate it, others like it)
2018 = transmission cooler (not a big deal)
2019 (some 2020) = last year before plandemic sourcing issues

EDIT to say some have rightfully pointed out most/many 2020 models were manufactured in 2019 (for whomever it is helpful to). I shouldn’t have assumed everyone thinks that way right off. Thanks, all!

 

I purchased my 2019 Platinum as a Toyota certified used vehicle at our local Toyota dealership. Have not had any issues and love the fact that it has a factory warranty.

 

You’ve got a good handle on your needs and the year differences. Find one you like and jump in. Good luck!

 

Thanks. Budget isn't as much of a concern here. Looking like a decent 2020 will be in the mid $30s so that is within my range. Clearly an older truck will be more affordable.

I have heard horror stories about those year Tundras and the rust issues.

I have read about this. Thanks for the insight.

I have heard the JBL system sounds better so I'd like that if I can. I won't get into installing amps and new speakers.

A 2020 would not have those sourcing issues. Typically 2020s are made in late 2019. I realize if one was made later 2020 (August or so), it could have those issues.

I may consider something like this. How many miles is the Toyota warranty good for? Are any of the aftermarket warranties worthwhile?

Thanks.

 

So your saying your 2017 tundra is junk compared to your 2001 sequoia?

I work with several people with 15 to 20 year old Toyota. They do alright but they work on their vehicles alot, or they don't have door locks that work, windows that don't go down leaking water ect ect. If what your saying us true my truck would break down for the first time. But it hasn't but I see the troubles with older cars. Things wear out. Windows stop working. Seals leak. Mold grows. They have to add oil between oil changes, leaking hoses, power steering racks leaking. Rust in the north. I'm sorry but 24 year old cars/trucks are not the most reliable on the road. Your just attached to yours

There is even a consumer agency that sends questions to actual owners and gets 100s and 100s of thousands of responses over the years. And the older the Tundra the more repairs it needs. Only gets worse with age. And the 2018-2021 tundras have the least amount of repairs. Compared to older ones.

Now on to the Tundra without trans coolers are junk. Even though there isn't anyone saying i have a new Tundra and need a new transmission.

 

Love my ‘21. Built Sept ‘20. Zero issues or recalls. I put a transmission cooler on it right away. Very easy to do.

I am not much of a tech guy, but CarPlay is great, and since I got the TRD Off Road package (truck is an SR5 trim), I get dual climate, which is nice for my perpetually cold wife. LDA comes in handy on really long trips. I don’t use the radar cruise much.

These trucks are all far more alike than different. Issues are very few and far between in any year you’re looking at.

 

I have a 20 and my favorite features are the keyless entry and push button start. I don’t have a transmission cooler and don’t plan on it. I will just do the drain and fill every 60k.

As far as the most reliable year, they are all reliable in my opinion.

 

I bought an 07 in 2022 with 213,000 miles on it. It now has 253,000 on it and the only thing I have replaced is one leaf spring on the passenger side. Whatever you decide, make sure you get something that is rust free. That was my main criteria when I bought mine. I live in Pa. and went to Denver to get something clean. This truck is the best vehicle I've ever owned and I'm 71 now. From 07 to 2021 I don't think you can go wrong.

 

I agree and this post is timely. Been eyeing this one but feel living in PA is whole life is not a good idea.

https://www.bobbellford.com/invento...r-crew-cab-short-bed-truck-5tfhy5f16hx675041/

 

No. Not saying it’s junk by any means. Just not the same quality as the older ones. The frame rust was a real thing and I spray mine every fall with surface shield. Everything on the 2001 works and everything is original. It has never left me stranded, no leaks and has been bullet proof. Water pump leaked on the 2017 already along with one door lock actuator failure. The motor on the 2017 sounds like ass compared the 2001 and the 2001 is flat out smoother. I love my 2017 and it looks awesome but I certainly don’t trust it as much as the 2001.

 

Not necessarily true. My 2020 was built in November 2019. Most 2020s would have been built before March 2020, which is when supply chain issues would have started to hit.

 

You seem to have a handle on most of the issues. The only other thing I'll mention is most of the OEM integrated brake controllers seemed to have issues in the 2018s and earlier. There's a TSB for it if it hasn't been fixed on the particular truck you buy.

2018 is the sweet spot for these trucks in my opinion. Big fuel tank, updated dash, transmission cooler.

 

2014 with aftermarket stereo, speakers and sub behind rear seat, factory LED upgrades. A bunch of stuff that I found on the forum I’ve now checked off the list.

 

What’s different about the dash? My neighbor has a 2020 limited, mine is an 2014 limited. and he thought we had the same year truck when he rode in mine. I haven’t really been in his.

 

I thought the dash was upgraded for 2018 and looks nicer. I could be wrong. Does your 2014 have the little screen in the middle with the digital speedometer (among other screens)?

ETA: covered in post 20

 

Back in 2019 I bought my 1st Tundra, 2005 SR5 4wd with about 160k miles. The 4.7 has been great and the truck has been supper dependable and now has over 300k on it.
I have been spending more of late but I wanted to top the 300k mark, so....
That said I just brought home a 2019 SR5 TRD. It was a unicorn with only 3300 miles and the price was great.
With 100k powertrain I can sleep easy and drive the 2005 through the muck for the remainder of this winter.
Great trucks, know your needs and there's plenty of them out there.

 

Same. The single most important feature for me, lol. I wouldn’t even consider a vehicle without the keyless entry anymore.

OP, also added in 2020 was the shark fin antenna. Getting rid of the coat hanger on the fender. Pretty important if you offroad in shrubs. Or ever add glass fenders.

 

I'm not a fan of my push button start. I really hate having to get in the truck and step on the brake to make it start. My '08 with a key, I just twist the key and its running.

I may change my opinion when I get my remote start installed.

Yes, the antenna is a pain in the trails, but so is the entire truck. Forrest trails are not fun in our full sized Tundra's.

 

I often start my truck without getting in it. Push button start is a PITA on my wife's Pilot.

 

I remote start my 2014 truck every day I drive it.

 

2021, the final year of the second gen. Decades from now it will be the golden year and highly sought after.

 

Yup agreed on ‘21. Buy the newest and lowest mileage truck if you want to keep it for a while. I bought a ‘21 last year with 7k miles on it and I’ve had zero problems.

As mentioned previously, 19-21 don’t have transmission coolers. If I were you I would monitor your trans temps and decide if you feel like you need the cooler - I tow and live in the mountains so I decided it was a necessity for me. It’s not very difficult to add your own if you can wrench a little

Biggest thing is to find one without rust.

 

Actually I would prioritize a little different.

2020
2018
2019
2017
2016
2021

You can get a '20 before the pandemic hit that would be at the top of my list. Many '20s were manufactured between August '19 to Feb '20. The '18 second because it has the factory trans cooler. Although that hasn't seemed to show up as a real long term issue yet...Stay in S4 when towing.

'20 over '18 because stock carplay/android, push button start, remote start and keyless doors. But here is the real kicker, try to find a Platinum '16-'18 that isn't flex fuel, nearly impossible. All Platinums in 2020 and 2021 are NOT flex fuel. That's an issue in colder temps with the winter gas in earlier models, long start problem...ask me how I know.

2021 last because it was built during strange times, supply and chip shortages...but any are excellent choices to be honest, and I would take a well maintained from any year.

 

Yep. The only real issue was the steering rack recall and only 25% of the Tundras in the time window had the problem. Many don't like the missing ATF cooler but even towing a ~3 ton trailer 1/3 of my 38k miles, Blackstone recommend a drain and fill every 50k.