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Thinking about purchasing a Tundra but need advice

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Sagnasty, Jan 15, 2020.

  1. Jan 16, 2020 at 10:51 AM
    #31
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    I tow a Champion Bay Boat that scales at 5000+. Tongue weight is about 500 lbs and I have done nothing to the rear suspension. Even after leveling the front I don't adjust the headlights most of the time. I have loaded 30 50lb bags of feed in it many times. When I do i normally have close to 200 lbs of gear plus myself. Never have an issue with payload. In my opinion the payload rating on the Tundra is very conservative.
     
  2. Jan 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM
    #32
    Trikerider

    Trikerider New Member

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    I have a 2015 Limited and if I had to do it again would go for the Platinum. The prices aren't that far off if you find a deal and you get better seats, color matched exterior and better exterior lighting. Problem is I'm currently at 87000 miles, it will be another 100,000 or so before I need a new truck. To run 35's you will need a lift, rims or spacers and possibly removing mudflaps or BMC. I levelled mine with 6112's at 1.3 and went with 33's mainly due to price and tire weight, but could've fit 34's (275/65r20) which are stock on the F250s as a lot of takeoffs were on the market but all 10 ply. Interior storage is atrocious but there are options for under back seat. Lack of locker or limited slip is one of the biggest knocks I have on this vehicle. Haven't got stuck-stuck because of it but had to put it in 4wd in a lot of just stupid locations. Otherwise, its a Toyota, they have little problems here and there as anything mechanical will, but coming from Chevys and Fords, they are a lot fewer and less catastrophic.
     
    B737 likes this.
  3. Jan 16, 2020 at 11:01 AM
    #33
    Gene5253

    Gene5253 New Member

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    Good choice. I tried to love F150 gave them too many chances. Owned 6 Fords. 03 Ranger-05 F150-10 F150-11 F150- 16 F150-17 F150. I am a damn slow learner. The Ranger was the only one that was trouble free. Don't even get me started on the F150s
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2020
    glowblue[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jan 16, 2020 at 11:05 AM
    #34
    glowblue

    glowblue From time to time

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    Yep. My dad worked for GM, so for years we were a GM family...used to get really good employee discounts on vehicles. Probably my best pickup was a 1998 Silverado. Should've never sold that one - but I changed jobs and needed a commuter car at the time. I like a good old fashioned 5.7L V8 like what the Tundra has. GM had a great 5.7L V8 on its trucks that they did away with.

    I love it when people get into the "buy American" debate too. I did buy American made - I bought a Tundra!
     
    panicman likes this.
  5. Jan 16, 2020 at 11:28 AM
    #35
    WellWater

    WellWater New Member

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    OP, I feel your pain.

    I've had...
    1. 2017 F150 3.5 TT screw - Fast and Pulled like a beast. Nice truck but developed engine rattle and cam issues. Constant engine codes. Ford dealer was a nightmare. - SOLD IT
    2. 2019 F150 Diesel - Again, nice truck but had significant rust throughout underbody. it also had other problems with a speaker, header unit, Goodyear Wranglers that could get road forced into spec - SOLD IT
    Since I got my Tundra I honestly don't feel like I have lost anything significant. The Fords get better mileage and better seats IMO, but the Toyota's tranny is far far superior. My F150 10 speeds were forever hunting for gears and had major 'knocks' when decelerating at low speeds. The Tundra is a tighter truck with no rattles. My 2020 Tundra audio system with Carplay is better than the Ford, which was glitchy. My tailgate step in the Ford was forever rattling...

    Will see come spring when boat-towing season rolls around. While my Fords did get better mileage, they are likely close to the Tundra when towing. I never tow anywhere near the max of of my trucks so I couldn't care less about the Toyota having less max payload.
     
  6. Jan 16, 2020 at 6:52 PM
    #36
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    The staff on Tundras.com always welcomes a good debate between truck brands, and we even have a few members that own other brands (myself included).

    We all have certain gripes about our vehicles, no matter the brand. However, when a members purpose is totally bashing the very brand on an enthusiast forum, it’s probably best that member moves on. (B737)

    @Sagnasty, I would go test drive a few different trim levels in the Tundra and see what you like. We have a lot of Colorado members with trucks just like how you want to build yours. Maybe they can show off their trucks to you. Set up a meet and greet and members always show up.

    Welcome to the site, and we look forward to your build once a Tundra is purchased.
     
    15whtrd, Wahayes, Bob and 3 others like this.
  7. Jan 16, 2020 at 7:04 PM
    #37
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    I agree on some debate being stimulating and healthy. We all need to have our thinking challenged from time to time. But someone trollishly standing over us poking a stick into poo for the sake of making things stink is purely adolescent.
     
    Wahayes, glowblue and ColoradoTJ like this.
  8. Jan 17, 2020 at 4:05 AM
    #38
    glowblue

    glowblue From time to time

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    @Sagnasty i know you are concerned about bed length, but I think the Tundra DoubleCab with the 6.5’ bed is a great configuration. You can comfortably have people in the back and have ample bed space. A lot of folks on here like the CrewMax because of the cavernous rear seats.

    Decide what’s important too you. The one configuration Id like to see is a CM with a 6.5 bed. I do like the F250 SuperCrew and 8’ bed!

    Judging from your call sign, I’m thinking you might be from mid-Michigan in GM country (which is where I grew up..). Good luck!
     
  9. Jan 17, 2020 at 5:58 AM
    #39
    FWC

    FWC New Member

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    Another thumbs up for the Platinum, traded my '14 CM Limited ( which I had for a year) in on the '19 Limited. Noticable improvements between the two.

    I have had Toyotas for years and driven a tundra since '07, they are fond of brakes, tires and gas but really trouble free otherwise. Good luck and welcome.
     
  10. Jan 17, 2020 at 6:15 AM
    #40
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Technology is for/on your phone.

    Reliability equals Toyota. Past was more. Now its less but still best.

    Want best tow numbers? Then go up to a bigger non-Toyota truck.
     
    benharrison likes this.
  11. Jan 17, 2020 at 6:25 AM
    #41
    Lake.Life24

    Lake.Life24 New Member

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    Damn that thing is gorgeous!
     
    GeoJoe[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jan 17, 2020 at 6:54 AM
    #42
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    If it’s not a diesel then buy a tundra that’s my mindset. I’m all about resale and making a good decision when it comes to money and Toyota usually comes out ahead. In your care you can put 35s on it with a leveling kit super cheap super easy. Put a new leaf pack in beef up the rear. You will be fine. Can always add technology to. Lots of options
     
  13. Jan 17, 2020 at 12:43 PM
    #43
    Sagnasty

    Sagnasty [OP] New Member

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    You would be correct. Born and raised in Mid Michigan (Saginaw) and miss it
     
    glowblue[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jan 17, 2020 at 12:49 PM
    #44
    Sagnasty

    Sagnasty [OP] New Member

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    I have recalls currently for power steering, LED headlights, power tailgate and fire shielding under the carpet. Warranty claims currently are roof molding (have to pull rear glass), defective passenger glass (bubbles), paint defects, leaking roof gutter (interior carpet wet when it rains), rear molding warping on tailgate, death wobble and severe bump steer just to name a few. It also has a transmission shudder in reverse which I get the (we can't replicate) which has been dangerous while towing in the mountains.
     
  15. Jan 17, 2020 at 5:09 PM
    #45
    glowblue

    glowblue From time to time

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    I grew up in Michigan’s Little Bavaria. I’m in SW Virginia now. I do miss Michigan at times.
     
  16. Jan 17, 2020 at 5:14 PM
    #46
    Sagnasty

    Sagnasty [OP] New Member

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    Frankenmuth? I was just there last month as I never miss a chance for a chicken dinner at Zehnders.
     
  17. Jan 17, 2020 at 5:18 PM
    #47
    glowblue

    glowblue From time to time

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    You sir, are correct. Still have some family there.
     
  18. Jan 17, 2020 at 5:39 PM
    #48
    SMK Shoe

    SMK Shoe Not New Member

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    Step Bars, Rear Swaybar, 2,000 Watt Amp, 2-10" Subs, new door speakers, De-Badged, Hondo vent mounts, Calipers, 6112/5100 shocks, SPC UCA's, Front bumper, Bed Bars, bed rack, Fuel Rims
    Was a chevy guy my whole life. Put 265,000 on a 2000 tahoe before I gave it to the SIL for a commuter vehicle. Decided on a Tundra because when I was looking at trucks, caught a ride in my neighbors 2014 DC and I was sold. got a new 2017 DC. 65,000 plus miles and only routine maintenance ( but Lots of mods), get the lowest trim level you can live with in the short time. You will no doubt upgrade to make it more to your liking anyway. We have all had that big three vehicle in years past that was a tank and dependable. Just not the case for the big three in the last 20 ish years.
     
  19. Jan 20, 2020 at 9:03 AM
    #49
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    Looks like I missed the fun in here and it’s all cleaned up now. :pout:
     
    jordan0317 likes this.
  20. Jan 20, 2020 at 10:08 AM
    #50
    TacomaLC

    TacomaLC New Member

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    manipulated-image-very-long-dachshund-dog-puppy-black-tan-isolated-white-background-140699754.png


    those OZ's look great, but I think you need to go with bronze wheels...:)
     
  21. Jan 20, 2020 at 10:47 AM
    #51
    Jaypown

    Jaypown New Member

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    Literally, THE best thing i've seen all day. :rofl::rofl::rofl:
     
  22. Jan 20, 2020 at 2:33 PM
    #52
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    I count 12 issues. Man, that’s a lot. I’m sorry. And I am guessing that was not an inexpensive truck.
     
  23. Jan 20, 2020 at 2:37 PM
    #53
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    Yeah, 737 came in and peed in the punchbowl.

    This time I ignored him so I don’t know/don’t care if he continued his diatribe.
     
    Jaypown and 15whtrd[QUOTED] like this.
  24. Jan 20, 2020 at 3:07 PM
    #54
    CTPlatinum

    CTPlatinum New Member

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    You can run as big as 295/70r18 on a stock TRD Pro, or you can do what I did and buy a Platinum. The Platinum already has painted bumpers and is fully loaded, all you have to add is paint matched mirror covers, door handles, and a 3 inch lift.
     
  25. Jan 22, 2020 at 12:38 PM
    #55
    Pillguy

    Pillguy New Member

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    I really like my 2019 limited crewmax 4x4 quite a bit. It was hard to pass up sunroof and sliding rear window and all the safety features. Has saved me twice from minor accidents.
     
  26. Jan 24, 2020 at 3:23 PM
    #56
    Ob1

    Ob1 New Member

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    If you can deal with the MPG and the thousands of dollars in upgrades that you will inevitably end up doing, it's the best truck money can buy.
     
  27. Jan 24, 2020 at 4:23 PM
    #57
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Welcome from NY.
    A TRD Sport has no chrome. Good luck with your decision.
     
  28. Jan 25, 2020 at 9:33 AM
    #58
    Rockgate

    Rockgate New Member

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    Hello, here is my opinion. I say go for a TRD Sport. I upgraded from a 14DC to a 19 CM. I knew I wanted color matched instead of chrome. I would put a rear sway bar on as I did my 14. And I definitely wanted LED head and fog lights. The Sport is the least expensive option to get all that. I myself don't care to have leather. And the only thing I would of liked to have is dual climate, but the limited up charge was not worth it to me.
     
  29. Jan 28, 2020 at 9:38 AM
    #59
    redleg6

    redleg6 New Member

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    I traded in my 2012 F150 King Ranch for my 2019 Platinum. I don't toe anything, have no need to lift the truck, seldom get off a hard surface and fairly satisfied with the tires that came on the Tundra. So why am I responding to your post?...I LOVE THE TUNDRA!! I don't miss my King Ranch a bit. The build quality, ride and performance far out paces the King Ranch. So, listen to the guys who obviously have more useful information than I can offer, but just know the TUNDRA is a GREAT TRUCK.
     
    Rockgate and TacomaLC like this.
  30. Jan 28, 2020 at 3:18 PM
    #60
    Rlh.airborne

    Rlh.airborne New Member

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    I bought the 2020 Limited TRD this past Dec. I could have purchased any of the 1/2T trucks on the mkt and I drove all of them several times, the dealers must have hated me.... except of course the Toyota dealer, to me the reliability and resale far outweigh the others. Get the Tundra and if you decide its not for you, it'll be a easy sale if you want something else.
     
    mundra likes this.

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