Help narrowing down a 2.5 gen?

Hi all,

Currently I have a 2005 DC Tundra and am looking to get a newer truck. I know I want a crewmax, I know I want a 2.5 gen 5.7L.

Here's where I need help. Looking at all the trim packages and from my research so far I think I currently have my search narrowed down to 2018-2021 so I get the LED headlights and the radar cruise control. I know some find the RCC annoying but I have it in my other vehicles and hate that my current Tundra doesn't have it. Same thing with the LED headlights.

Now, I also have Apple Carplay in my other vehicles and I see that in 2020 that was available in the Tundra so should I really be looking for a 2020-2021 model instead?

I want all the bells and whistles so I'm only looking at Platinum models, and I only want a white exterior so I'm starting to already look for unicorns, but if I now am only looking for 2 model years instead of 4 that does limit me more.

I know I could upgrade head units to get carplay in a 2018-2019 model but is that really worth it?

What other things should I be considering here?

 

The oem headunits suck. Aftermarket is not that expensive, nor hard to swap out. Don’t let that sway you from a possible solid deal on an 18 or 19. The led headlights are also easy to swap to a non led truck. All Tundras after 18 have the radar cruise control.

 

I have no issue putting a head unit in.. in my 05 I redid the whole stereo.

If I know I want all the options that Platinum gives me and I want the radar cruise 2018+ is my only option correct?

 

Yes 18+ for the radar cruise control. 2018 is the true unicorn year as it still has the OEM transmission cooler. 2019+ lost that granted it can be added aftermarket.

 

Yes. Toyota didn’t start putting any of the pre collision or adaptive radars in Tundras until the 2018 model year.

 

2018 here and it is a good year. RCC and LED headlights, plus the trans cooler.

I added an aftermarket stereo to get wireless carplay/android auto.

 

I would add you want a 38gal tank which is 16+ MY. (maybe 2015?? chime in with corrections anyone)
If you're comfortable upgrading an entire stereo system in a truck then you shouldn't have any trouble adding:

• OEM LED headlights to any model year 16+
• Apple Car Play aftermarket unit
• heated/ cooled leather seats
• heated steering wheel.
• trans cooler (depending on what and how much you tow)

This way you're not limiting yourself to platinum trim - which given your color preference and other limitations will drastically reduce your available stock to choose from. Just my $.02

 

As someone with a 2020, don't buy a 2020 just for CarPlay. The OEM head unit isn't that big of a deal, and it occasionally has issues. Additionally, it has no 'true' transmission cooler, whereas 2018 does. If I were to buy all over again I'd get a 2018, probably at least an SR5 with the SR5 upgrade package (which adds the 38 gallon tank amongst other things), and then just add an aftermarket head unit.

 

I really don't stress the trans cooler thing. I rarely tow, but when I do, it's heavy for the truck over long distances. Lock it in S4 and be done with it. My short trip driving is way harder on the transmission than towing would be. Just had my transmission fluid changed (65k mi) and the old stuff looked fine. And no I didn't have it analyzed by blackjack or blackrock or whatever - because that's for nerds.

 

38 gallon tank is 16+
Came with SR5 upgrade package (all models with bucket seats up front).

 

So I went with a 2018 Platinum to avoid the costs of adding those things, but sure one could add those items. I'd reckon adding all of them would cost far more than paying a couple thousand more for a Platinum up front (especially the seats).

Additionally, the Platinum comes almost entirely free of chrome (minus door handles, mirror caps and 4x4 badge on the tailgate). Some guys on here spend hundreds on a proper paint matched chrome delete.

So OP waiting for the right Platinum to pop up could save him $3k or more.

 

Keyless entry came out in 2020. Personally I’m not buying another vehicle without it unless it’s a classic or a track car. The CarPlay is ok, but it’s not wireless. Shark fin antenna also replaced the coat hanger antenna in 2020. Only thing missing is the transmission cooler, which really isn’t a big deal unless you tow. But keep in mind, many of the later 20’s and 21’s were built during Covid. Try to get an early 20.

 

Without a doubt - but it's not 2018 anymore unfortunately (for so many reasons), so he's in a "beggars trying to be choosers" situation. Totally forgot about the paint matched stuff - great catch.

@carlsoncustoms - you can search for a TRD sport package (which came out model year 2018). They are also chrome free, and then add all of the stuff from my original post if so inclined to get your DIY platinum.

 

Can you clarify what you mean by keyless entry? Are you saying prior to that you had to use the key to unlock the door? That doesn't seem right as my 2005 has a remote fob. If you mean keyless ignition so it starts with just the FOB in the cab instead of inserting a key in a cylinder in the steering wheel that's a huge deal to mean and I may go with 2020+ just for that alone.

I don't mind wired carplay, it's nice that keeps the phone charged at the same time.

Shark fin is a good catch too.

How exactly would I check the build date to ensure it's an early '20 (and what are you considering early?)

Thanks

 

Thanks for both of your comments, I'm not in a huge rush as I have other cars to drive so I think I'll likely wait for the right truck. I don't want to HAVE to swap the whole interior out with aftermarket stuff. I don't mind upgrading the head unit, but swapping in heated/cooled seats and steering wheel is starting to push it.

 

He means the door unlocks when you put your hand on the handle, assuming the fob is within a few feet of the door. And yes it also means push button start with no need to turn a key in an ignition too

 

Colors would be the most important thing to me.

If I didn't have my truck, I'd find a 2021 1794 in army green, de-chrome the outside, color mach the bumpers and slap on pro grille, put on some 34/35s and call it a day.

Or the least optioned crewmax with big tank and mod away.

 

Thanks, ok yeah it sounds more and more like I'm after a 2020 and add a trans cooler if I start towing.

 

Yes, what @Red&03Taco said. Prior to 2020 it had the old remote key you had to push the button to lock and unlock the doors and insert the key and turn to start the engine like some kind of Neanderthal.

Lots of ways to look up build date. I think you can enter vin on the Toyota site and I think there’s a sticker on the door. Other guys can tell you, I’ve never looked mine up as I bought mine before covid hit.