Torn between two Tundras

I’m in the market for a Tundra (family has outgrown the Tacoma) and torn on what to do.

1) 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited TRD OR in lunar rock (4k off MSRP) $61,000

2) 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in lunar rock with 44,000 miles @ $49,800 (1 owner, no reported accidents)

I’m looking for long-term (8-12 years) reliability. I love them both aesthetically. Love the tech in the newer Tundra, but can also appreciate the simplicity of the 2021 (less to go wrong) and aside from not having wireless car play…it has the things I really care about (leather seats, Bluetooth, backup camera). Better gas mileage is a plus on the newer models, but it doesn’t seems to be significantly better from the 5.7 V8 (please correct me if I’m wrong).

The 2021 is located 8 hours away…so I’d have to probably strike a deal without seeing it. I’m so torn on what to do. I would appreciate any insight. I love them both.

 

Please don't do this.

 

Being a long term play would go new myself and looking like a 5-10% discount on all but a pro right now. Consider also that after buying used a third resell will bring in even less. My last truck was used 2016 Platinum with 65k miles, put oem mods to bring to 2021 standards and updated nicely. Was happy to leave everything for eventual 3rd owner and in better shape than I had it. Now at around 86k miles but still on dealer's lot, tells me tough times are coming. It's reasonably priced too.

edit: since Oct 11, 2023

 

I would be leaning more towards the 2021. You can always add a carplay device and your resale value will be better down the road and the issues with the 3rd gen are still being worked out.

Fuel economy wouldn't be that different according to others who have compared the V8 to the TTV6. Mine isn't that great especially when you get into the boost from the turbos.

The towing capacity is amazing which would be a reason to lean towards the new generation. That's what I use mine for primarily.

 

Yeah, what snake said. . I definitely wouldn't do that. . But as far as the trucks go, picking one all boils down to preference. I've had 2 2.5 gens and now a 3rd gen. I'll say that I love this 23 night and day more than the older 2 but I also don't keep a truck 8 to 12 years. If long term reliability is your biggest factor, it's too early to tell with the 3rd gen and my gut tells me it WONT be as dependable long term. Repairs will also be costlier it seems. Good luck with the decision!

 

I too came from a Tacoma and bought a 2024 limited iforce max. I never drove the 2nd gen but heard great things about them. But coming from my 2021 trd pro Tacoma I realized the perks of the new tech. I loved my Tacoma but man it is so nice getting into my tundra. No downshifting constantly, power is extremely smooth, tech is amazing and it has just about everything I could want in a truck. I had about 110 mile drive home from the dealer I bought it from and it was quiet and comfortable. As for reliability, think about how many 3rd gen tundras have been built compared to the ones that are having issues. You will read the forum and drive yourself insane cause you will be worried it might happen to you. But I wouldn’t get to hung up on that, there are plenty of 3rd gens driving without issues. Only time will tell on reliability but Toyota has a good track record. One thing I thought it would hate was the auto start stop but honestly it’s really not noticeable on the hybrid so it hasn’t been much of a bother since driving the truck. Only had it 2 weeks so I can only give initial impressions, but I love it so far. But if I was in your position I would trade up to the new 3rd gen and enjoy the power and the new tech.

 

Tough choice. If the 21 has been well taken care of then that is the easy choice for known reliability and it has the creature comforts you like. 44k miles is nothing so that is a wash in my mind. $11000 pays for a cool toy so that could be another thing to think about.

It seems most of the bugs are worked out of the 24s so you have a good shot at a reliable vehicle given how Toyota builds all of their vehicles.

The driving experience in the 24 is light years better than the 21 in my opinion. 21 is a great truck but it is sluggish and drives and rides like a tank compared to the 24. If the 21 gets 11-12mpg you will likely get 15 with the 24 in around town driving. You can realistically get 16-17 if you mix in 50% highway. Some guys report low 20s on flat all highway trips. I have never done better than 19.5 on the highway staying at 70 or less.

in conclusion the 21 is bullet proof and drives and rides like a truck. My 22 does everything the 21 does but I have a smile on my face the whole time. And it absolutely rips in sport mode if you want to get stupid. Hope this helps.

 

For me If I am planning on keeping for a period of time... I would choose reliability and cheaper maintenance (5.7L)

But if money is available then I would probably go new

 

what kind on warranty do you get with the used? You get a warranty with the new. Why is the seller dumping the used one? Sure it says no accidents but unless you are the original owner you really don't know. Pre Gen3's have issues too - don't be fooled by the Gen3 haters. We all like our Tundras. I came from a Gen3 Taco and like you looked at Gen2's - just could not bring myself to buying a used vehicle for the $ asked - decided to go new and know I had a warranty if needed. Other than the few recalls (which are insignificant IMO) my Gen3 is perfect. GL with your search and decision.

 

Which ever vehicle you get, down the road if you don’t like it, trade it in. Having a plan to keep a vehicle a decade or more is great when you write it down on paper but, for me, if there are issues it’s not worth the mental stress of worrying about it. You know you better than those of us on this forum. Go with your gut & remember most any mistake can be rectified when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.

 

From a depreciation point of view, the 2021 is probably the better deal. Right off the bat you will $11,200 ahead.

 

From my experience as a Lexus & Toyota mechanic. I would not consider owning a new Tundra long-term for the first few new model years. Let Toyota work those new model kinks out over time. My personal and professional opinion is that the 21 Tundra is a better long-term buy.

Now, buying a vehicle sight unseen can be sketchy. Although a 2021 Tundra is less of a gamble. With that said, still seek out a 3rd party inspection performed by a Toyota specialty shop or Toyota Dealership. I bought a 2010 Tundra with 150k miles many states over from me after paying for a local and reputable shop to perform a comprehensive used car pre-buy inspection. Cost me $120.00 for the inspection and worth it. The owner was willing to coordinate this and make it happen. Sign of a stand-up dude.

Good luck!

 

Yep, this.

 

I have a 2011 Crew Max and I like it ok.
In all honesty I'm starting to look around for a 2001-2005 tundra to buy for while I'm retired. My 01 Tundra Limited drove like a Cadillac and never caused me any difficulty. I'd still be driving it if I hadn't driven it into the ground at 324,000 miles

 

Price and proven reliability, you can't go wrong with the 21'. Even us Gen 3 guys will admit this. Personally I'd still go 2024, it's just better

 

Get the 21.

 

Ya,
So you’re comparing apples to oranges. The only thing that is in common is the color and brand between the 24 & 21 models.
You can purchase and extended Platinum Toyota warranty for piece of mind in case “something goes wrong” and can get 10 year extended warranty’s through Toyota cheaper than you think. There is a thread on here for that.

You will get more value from the 2024 in 8-12 years vs the 2021.

 

Did you test drive both trucks generations to see how you feel about it?

Don't worry about reliability, both of these trucks will be very reliable. Buy one that you enjoy driving more.

 

If I had it to do all over again right now, I'd still pick the 5.7L for the same reasons you mentioned. I'm not a 3rd gen hater, but I am a little salty at Toyota over some of the choices they made with it.

Re. fuel economy. Look at Fuelly. Real world averages for the 5.7L are upper 13s/low 14s, and for the 3.4TT, it's upper 16s/low 17s. Are there people who do significantly better on each platform? YES. I can get 19 on the highway without too much effort. That's with skinny 35" LT tires, a 2" lift, and extra static weight. Some guys get 22-25 on slow speed highway cruising trips with the 3rd gen.

My forever main point regarding fuel economy: 3ish mpg isn't making or breaking anyone buying a $40-75k truck.

Other points:
• You can fix the wireless CarPlay thing in 20 minutes in your driveway. Many 20-21 drivers have done this.
•Both generations are built by Toyota, but the v8 is proven. The 3.4TT might end up being the most dependable of the TTv6s out there, but it's still FAR harder on itself to provide that "effortless" feeling, and it's an order of magnitude more complicated than a NA v8.

Things I prefer about my truck: higher rated axles, far smaller turn radius, better visibility, shorter hood that doesn't blind you, ability to supercharge (which I think I'm about to spring for).

There are many on here who prefer the new one. That's fine. I am not here for a big screen, more automation, more tracking, etc. My truck is also perfectly comfortable, and I trust it FAR more over the long term being ridden hard and put up wet.

To be fair to the 3rd gen, I'm sure the low end torque is nice, and if you're a guy who places a lot of value on tech and ride comfort or just likes new things, you're probably going to disagree with me. That's fine; they're all Toyotas. I just happen to think you answered your own question, @babond, when you mentioned 8-12 years of dependability.

But PLEASE don't buy a used vehicle without inspecting it.

 

Back in 2007 I was looking for a Used Diesel Ram, beautiful condition, low miles. I found one in Portland Me. I called the dealer and we talked at length. They assured me the
Ram was in perfect condition. I told the dealer I would come the next day to see it and is as described I would buy it. They agreed to hold the Ram till closing the next day. It was a long ride but I got there about 1PM. The Ram was very nice until I opened the cab door.
The dash had quite a few large cracks. The dealer said it must have cracked over night, ha ha ha. I left. Never buy a vehicle with out your eyes having been all over it, never
Paul

 

see it first !!!!!!

1)

 

The newer trucks are more refined but have nowhere near the reliability of the '21.
I'm still thinking about a '25, so I like the newer gen 3, but reliability and fit-and-finish aren't apples and oranges at this point, not even close.

 

Kind of seems like an easy answer - 2021 TRD Pro.

 

I'm a 1st Gen owner so I have no skin in this game. But I will say this: 2.5 Gen - proven reliability. 3rd Gen, potential reliability. In the end, you do what you feel is best. But inspect and test drive any truck you're thinking of buying.

 

This ^^

 

21
There’s no comparison

 

Get the one you like, as you’re the one who’s going to have to live with it.

 

I have had a Gen #1 and now a Gen#2, both excellent trouble free trucks. I would go for the 2024 for sure, new with warranty and not looking dated in the next couple of years.

 

As a general rule, never buy used. I'm 67 and have yet to find an honest car dealer anywhere. Learned this early on when I traded in a whipped 1979 dodge colt 138,000 miles to a Chevrolet dealer for a new red Cavalier. My new wife and I decided to go back to the dealer and check out our old car on the used car lot. They reupholstered the seat exactly like the factory ( was quite impressed) and rolled the odometer back to 33,000 miles. Over many years I have observed dealers doing horrendous other things to unsuspecting customers. When you buy used you have zero clue of what you are getting. Really ! My rule is I buy new, the most reliable vehicle I can, keep it for the life of the vehicle, 200 - 300 K , take excellent care of it and pray that I never have to see the dealer, Service Advisor/ up seller ever again. Not saying that folks have not gotten great deals on used cars that have lasted 500, 000 miles. But no car dealer on Earth, Mars or Pluto is going the EVER, Ever tell you, yes this vehicle has had problems, or was in a flood and we cleaned it up real nice.......or Grandma let this oil run out due to oil consumption. Buy new, take good care of it and hang on to it for the life of the vehicle. Used cars are truly a crap shoot at best. Now let me go talk to my manager so I can see how much money we can fleece from you .......yea I distain car dealers and for for good reason...... so this is how I do things. Kid

 

Yup. Get a new truck and keep good oil in it. We'll chat again in 20 years.