Seeking advice on a Tundra purchase

Greetings. I'm new here. I'm exploring the collective knowledge of Tundra owners so I appreciate any relevant feedback.

I have V8 4Runner with over 200k and it's a great vehicle so I'm sold on the brand. Now looking for a heavy duty pickup truck for typical pickup truck duty. Basic moving, towing, hauling, etc. chores, and some off road capabilities. [I also have a car, for car stuff.]

My budget is about 10-20k and I'm looking around 2007-2014 years. I'd want the 5.7L V8, 4x4. I'm looking for a tow package, and ideally lifted but that may be aftermarket. I'm in a cold weather climate with mountains if that matters. Most of my driving will be on road, but off road is desirable and will be used.

I'd probably want the cab with the 1/2 doors. I'm not sure on the terminology used. Not sure if I need a full 8' bed or the 6.5' is fine. I suspect the 6.5' is fine.

Can anyone succinctly summarize the generations and their main differences and benefits or known problems to watch for? [Some brands are notorious for "avoid XYZ year, bad transmission, bad engines, etc.] I generally think Toyota trucks don't have these problems and it's why I most want a Toyota.

Finally, what does the Tundra give me that a Tacoma doesn't? I just want to ensure I'm getting the right size.

Any wisdom is appreciated to help me think this process thru.

Edited to add: I want a V8. Period. No replacement for displacement. I don't care about gas economy. My 4Runner has a 4.7L and Challenger has a 6.4L Hemi, and I love them both! No small turbo charged engines for me. I do not know enough about the V8s in the Tundras to know if they have that variable valve fuel economy gremlin that some companies are going with but I do NOT want that. So many companies have wide-spread problems with these VVs to save on gas. NOT FOR ME thanks.

 

The only thing I can speak to in regards to your questions is that the Tundra has more hauling capability than the Tacoma - like 3,000+ pounds more. One of the main things to consider is that moving from a six-cylinder to an eight-cylinder means spending more money on gas. The Tundra's are notorious for horrible gas mileage - especially when lifted. I've got 35's and a 2.5" lift and I average 11-12 MPG around town and 13-14 MPG on the highway. I haven't heard of any years to avoid especially since Toyota has used the same engine since 2007 I believe.

 

Hello,
I have had both the double cab and crew max models. I regretted buying the double cab because the interior space is to small. I use the crew max as a family vehicle so it gets used in a wide variety of applications. I added a bed extender and it comes in handy at times.
Gen 2 and gen 3 are very similar and some would argue there is no true gen 3 tundra. They have had the same engine since 07-current.
If you search this site I think the biggest worry would be cam tower leaks..

 

Well Tacoma is out , no v8

 

And I’m not sure you can even buy a truck without variable valve timing in the age range you specified!

 

Buy the latest model, lowest mileage truck you can afford. Generally, the later the model, the lower the mileage, but some will have been driven hard. Pricing will vary depending on condition and mileage. Depending on location, 4WD may be hard to find. If you want a minimum of 6.5' bed, then you're looking at Double Cab...CrewMax come only with 5.5' beds.

Tundras hold their value, so expect to pay more than other brands. For $10K, expect to buy maybe an early second generation (2007+). If you spend $20K, you may be able to get into a early third generation (2014+). This is offered only as an approximate values; my intent is to give you an idea, not to do the research for you. You might see better deals, but be careful of "gift horses". For example, I saw a 2018 5.7 4WD with 132K miles at a dealer near me for $20K...Heck of a deal right? Actually, I wouldn't be interested...from 20' it looked like it had been beat badly, so there's likely plenty of surprises there, and it's priced accordingly.

Go to KBB.com, and click on "Price New/Used". Select "Toyota", then Tundra model of interest. Skip model year and select "Browse Listings". Enter your Zip and how far you're willing to travel, then select "Sort By : Price - Lowest" on top right of page. Look the listings over and see what you really want and how much you want to spend.

Edit: Welcome to Tundras.com from the Texas Hill Country.

 

Go with the tundra ! I owned a tacoma and well it was so under powered. Especially if you already have a v8 4runner. The question always if are you hauling people or stuff. If you have a family they will love the crew max.

 

If you want no smaller than a 6.5 bed, the double cab is for you, as for engines you cant go wrong with either. You have a 4.7 already, the 5.7 iforce is just as good. Fuel mileage sucks, but looking at what you already own it won't matter. I'd look for an SR5 double cab TRD. My last one was a 2012 and wouldn't hesitate to buy one again other than that era I got worse mileage than my non broke in 2020, and I dont particularly care for the non aggressive looking front ends.

 

Tundra gives you more payload, towing and interior space (and bed space if you're going Double Cab with the 6.5 ft box) than the Tacoma with similar fuel economy. The primary advantages of the Tacoma are smaller size (if parking is an issue) and locking differentials on the off road models.

Get the 38 gallon fuel tank if you can. I believe this is part of the tow package so if you get that, you should be covered.

 

If you go with pre 2020 you can get a 4.6L which gets better MPG than the 5.7 and of course less towing/payload capacity. I obsessed for several months over Taco v Tundra. If you want room and would like to carry 6 adults go for the Tundra SR. The Taco is just small and does not come with the split bench front seats. Obviously if you want a v8 then forget the Tacoma.

 

Just to close the loop, I found an bought a well loved beautiful 2000 4.7L Tundra and came in well under budget. There's a thread here if you want to see what I got. https://www.tundras.com/threads/im-part-of-the-gen1-tundra-family.66790/page-2#post-1742504