Purchase Decision

Hello - New to this forum. I'm looking to buy my first Tundra and could use some input. I've narrowed down my search to the SR5 (or up). I like the tow package inclusion. I specifically need something reliable to tow my TT @ ~6k #s. I will be making a couple cross-country trips, and will be towing a lot after that trip too. I have my eye on a 2020 CrewMax 2WD at ~62k miles, and a couple 2017 SR5s with 100k + miles.
Thoughts on higher miles?
I know there's a lot of comments on the transmission cooler in the 3rd gen ...
2 WD vs RWD vs 4WD
Thanks for any input!

 

If properly maintained, either of those Tundras would be a good choice. 100k miles is really nothing as far as the life of the running gear as long as they were taken care of.

If you do not need 4WD, 2WD will be more efficient (better MPG), less maintenance, smaller turning radius. My 2006 I had for 12 years and 225,000 miles + my 2018 I've had for 6 years, both 2WD.

Transmission cooler can be added from what I understand, the 2017 will have it already. My 2018 has one stock but it was the last year with that function. Some models come with an integrated brake controller (mine did) and that would eliminate having to have one added.

Good luck with your search and report back what you end up with!

Dan

 

I'd be more focused on maintenance than miles.

I bought my 1st gen from my FIL with 155K miles with no worries because I knew it had been meticulously maintained. Sold it 6 years later with 205K still going strong.

I bought a 4Runner from my wife's cousin with 111K with no worries because I knew it had been meticulously maintained. Sold it 11 years later with 225K still going strong. My credit union made an exception to their rules about loaning money for vehicles with more than 100K miles on this one specifically because it was a Toyota.

The '17s will still have the external trans cooler where the '20 will not. My '19 doesn't have one... whether or not that's even an issue remains to be seen. I'd prefer they left them but I feel like Toyota engineers know what they're doing. Not like we're hearing about a bunch of transmission failures on '19+ Tundras.

I got by for a long time with 2WD and I don't often have to use 4WD, but it sure is nice to have when you need it! (Better resale too)

My campsite last weekend was uphill and gravel/DG. Started to spin a bit with the 5,500 lb. trailer behind me. Yes, I'm sure I'd have gotten out, but it may have taken more speed/momentum than I really want to use maneuvering out of a tight campsite with kids, campers, dogs around. A simple twist of the knob and just walked it out.