About to Pull the Trigger (Update)

A little background. I am a middle-age male with no previous off-roading experience. I live in south Texas (transplant Texan), have never had a need for 4WD, and it is not a priority in this purchase. I have had several pickup trucks in the past (S10, C1500) as well as a large SUV (Envoy XL). I do miss the ability to make large purchases or move large items that comes with having these larger vehicles. I have a toddler and a pregnant wife: Tundra will provide the space/safety factor, keep my driveway minivan free, and allow me to get stuff done on the weekends. With a growing family and my wife pressing for a new house I cannot afford to jump into the financial investment of a brand new vehicle.

I have narrowed my options down to the following two choices. Both are priced within a few hundred dollars of each other. I am also fortunate to have a close connection to the dealer so hidden fees and haggling are not an issue. The choices are:

2012 Platinum 5.7L FF 4WD CM SB with 35K miles.

2016 SR5 TRD Off Road 5.7L RWD CM SB with 25K miles

Platinum is second-generation with a few more miles. I’ve heard pros and cons to flex fuel. It is four-wheel-drive but again, this is not a feature that I prioritize. The Platinum does have all of the creature comforts of the upgraded trim package. The SR5 is newer, fewer miles, and equipped with TRD OR trim.

Ultimately these are both well maintained vehicles and I am looking forward to having a Tundra in my driveway. Curious to hear how current owners would choose and why.

 

2106 SR5 and its not even close IMO....

 

If you don't need 4wd, definitely the 2016. If it has the 38 gallon tank thats a major +. What color are they?

 

2016. Can upgrade the seats later.

 

2016 for sure if the price is close. And like stated above, can always upgrade the seats later if you're after leather.

 

I'm with @Sean266. No 4WD, no truck. For that reason, I personally would go with the 2012, given that it still has low mileage. Bonus points for the creature comforts.

 

I'm a fan of both. Both have low miles, well maintained.

It's a toss up for me, I've never gotten a 4wd but have wished I had one before, of course I do go off-road on trails to the hunting and fishing camp.....bit I love the 3rd gens (14-present)

Tough call

 

I have only owned 1 2wd truck and sold it the next weekend after getting stuck in the desert pulling a trailer. I will always have a 4WD truck, but that being said, if you don't see yourself ever needing 4WD, I think the 16 is the only way to go. Newer look and probably all hiway miles being a 2016. Think that's a win win. Keep us posted.

 

It definitely all comes down to the 4WD. I originally purchased a 2015 2WD and almost immediately regretted not getting 4WD and ended up trading it in for a 2017 4WD. Like @Sean266 said, it's better to have and not need than the other way around. If you don't need 4WD, I think the 2016 is a better buy just bc it's 4yrs newer

 

Now that I've got a 4x4, I wouldn't buy one that doesn't have it. Keeps the resale value higher along with the other more obvious benefits. But if you honestly don't care about 4x4, the newer truck is the way to go. Some of the salesmen that come to where I work drive 2WD Tundras and they rack up the miles just from driving around. That truck could be one of those.

 

Most definitely the 2016 brotha. I also have a new born and family, since mother nature can't make up her mind on whether or not she wants to snow rain or shine, better safe than sorry. the warranty on the 2016 should last much longer also. Have you driven both? I personally am a fan of the 2nd body style but the internals of the 3rd gen. Gas tank being bigger will also limit your stops on trips with the family as well.

 

A 4x4 is a completely different beast than a 4x2. Having said that, if you don't think you will ever need it, then 16. But then again, even those who live in the south have needed them (e.g., parking on grass, slippery boat loading dock, etc.). In my opinion, an unloaded truck that is 4x2 is worse in slippery situations than a regular non-truck 4x2 because of its weight distribution.

 

The '12 has a back seat that slides forward and the '16 doesn't. Sliding that seat forward a bit and reclining it a bit was really nice and comfy for my kids on long trips. I really miss that feature, not to mention it gave me a little more storage. I used to put the sleeping bags behind the seat when we went camping. I think, in the long run, the 4x will hold it's value better.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. In the end we decided to go with the 3rd Generation. I had the service department source and install the Go Rhino RB10 prior to taking delivery. Unfortunately, the are on the wrong sides so the louvers face the wrong direction. Not a big deal just needs be swapped during next service. Raining out so no pictures as yet but I'm sure most know what a stock SS looks like.
My wife (18 weeks pregnant) found it is easier to get our toddler in and out of the back seat of my Venza. So for the past month I have been commuting in her LS250, which is like wearing a suit jacket 3 sizes too small. By comparison the Tundra feels like sitting in a recliner!

 

I'd go newer...

Also have always felt bigger is better with a family. Wife drives a QX80, just bought a 3rd Gen CM LTD...parking the Armada for the kids in two years. If there's ever a meeting between one of our vehicles and another road purveyor, I want my family as safe as possible.

 

I don't even know why they still make 2wd trucks. All trucks should be 4wd if not what's the point.

 

Congrats! Hope you enjoy it.

 

@SR5TRDTUNDRA I don't find your comment constructive. Fly'n Family pretty much nailed it. Should all Minivans be 4x4? I live in a city of 1.4 million people and commuting on busy expressways is a fact of life. Several times a month the news reports fatal traffic accidents. If a distracted driver attempts to occupy the same space as my family while at high speed; I take the Tundra thank you.

 

if the platinum is the only one with 4WD, then thats the one. Wouldn't even consider a tundra without 4WD, IMO.

 

Think that was the right decision Jason. Less miles, newer style truck. Enjoy your new ride and post some pics when you can.

 

Like I said in my first post, the Gen 3 is definitely the way to go if you didn't need 4WD. Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the family. And like all families, there are always going to be some different opinions, but in the end, we all share the same love and passion for all Tundras

 

Its funny because I've rescued 5 (1 2wd tundra, 2 chevy 4wd's and 2 GMC 2wd's ) trucks in ditches with my 2wd Tundra then the people swear my truck is 4WD...To me it doesn't matter what drivetrain you have if you can't understand its capabilities and put the truck in situations to where it cant get you out. Understand the limitations of what kind of truck you have and it'll satisfy your needs every time.

 

Lol if you don't find my comment constructive that's fine, it's still my opinion. That would be sweet if all minivans were 4x4
But anyway welcome and congrats on the new truck! It's a tundra so you've made a good choice. And also congrats on the new baby on the way.

 

Not everyone needs 4wd. And one day you may even regret not getting one. But until that day comes enjoy your awesome ass truck!! And welcome to the forum!