Should I get a newer Tundra

I have a 2012 Tundra Crewmax Platinum 4wd with 99,000 miles that I've had since new. It's in perfect shape with all services done every 4,000 miles with Mobile 1. Just did a Transmission service. I love my Tundra but every now and then get the urge to get a newer one 2018-2021 with all of the safety features the newer trucks have.
I want to stay with the 5.7 V-8. Should I keep what I have or would it be worth it to upgrade to a newer Tundra with the new Safety features and lower miles. Thanks for your input! Charlie

 

No

 

Ask yourself what advantages you will gain over your 2012. Same engine, same drive train, and you bought yours new so you know it's entire history. No IMO.

 

No way. Keep yours if in good shape and your miles are not bad at all. That truck has a lot left in her.

Shoot, when I was looking at several 2016-2019 models, I bought a 2016 specifically because I didn't want the safety/nannies of the 2018+ trucks. That and it came with the factory trans cooler.

 

Definitely no!! That’s coming from a fellow 2012 owner. What you have is worth keeping compared to getting a newer model. The only difference is body shape. And missing Tran’s cooler on newer models too. Stay with your current truck. Or give it to me please.

 

I debated this issue myself although slightly different scenario. I had a 2013 with 97K. It was a solid truck but I was interested in the safety stuff too. I ended up selling it and getting a 2020. My difference was moving from a 4.6 up to a 5.7 and the purchase of a travel trailer. At 99K, your truck is just getting broken in and has a long life left. A few things to consider is that interest rates and payments are alot higher than normal right now. It comes down to what you want and are comfortable with.

 

I own a 21' and had an 03 taco before I came here. So just as a comparison from no-tech to tech. I really do love the rear-back up alert. People fly through parking lots and it has helped me a handful of times, it's also stopped me from hitting trees all over my property when I am in real tight spots turning around. Maybe I could be a better driver, but the reality is-it's saved my ass and insurance more than once.

Like others have said, what do you like about the new ones, and can you add it for cheaper than a new truck? I don't know if you can add backup alert type things. But heated/cooled leather seats and some LED lights are possible. New head-unit and a few speakers and you blow the new trucks out of the water.

That said, with a new one, maybe you get a nice limited or something and just add the trans-cooler and be good. But with your "low" 99k mile truck, it's a tough call.

TLDR: My bottom line is if you want the Toyota Safety Sense things, which is a legitimate thing, especially as folks age, then get the new truck. If you just want something fresh, put in some katskinz and a new stereo and save 20k.

 

I had a 2011, 5.7L, 2wd before buying my 2014. I sold the 2011 for financial reasons (my lady wanted a ring), so when it came time to buy another truck in late 2014 I looked at used second gens. They were about $5k less than a brand new one, so I was planning on going that route…until I sat in a 2014. While I preferred the second gen body by a long shot, the interior of the 2014 was so much better that it won me over.

Ten years later and I don’t regret spending the extra money one bit. That being said, I was looking at a small delta, not $20k. If you have the cash lying around, go for it. The updated interior alone will feel like it’s worth the change.

 

My 2019 has 99k on it right now; I just installed seat heaters this morning. They’ll have to pry this truck from my cold dead hands. No truck payment is amazing and I know the entire service history of this track. I couldn’t honestly care less about the other teach as I installed an alpine head into that “upgraded” the display. I might put a transmission cooler on it before the spring

 

Was your truck unsafe when you bought it in 2012? No. Its just as safe now as it was then. I would keep it.

 

If/when I need a "new" truck, it will be a pre-2017 DC unless my wife and I have another kid.

The bells and alarms of TSS would drive me nuts. Also not a huge fan of touch screens, as they inevitably take my eyes off the road for longer... Maybe thats the motivation for manufacturers adding all the nannies.? Hmm.

 

FWIW, I can turn off all the beeps and alarms with the press of one button, and it'll stay off in perpetuity until I choose to press said button once again.

Plus radar cruise control is one of the best convenience options to enter the car industry in decades. So all in all TSS is awesome and totally worth having. That being said OP should keep his truck, as it ain't worth spending big $$$ to upgrade from an otherwise perfectly serviceable truck.

Edit: almost forgot that TSS also includes LED headlights which are also phenomenal

 

100% No

I can't think of a single reason unless you like a screen in your truck more than a super reliable truck

 

No one has said it, but I say no..
If you like what you have, keep it until the wheels fall off.
It sure is nice not to have a vehicle payment.

 

I am happy to hear the TSS is defeatable and doesn't reset upon every restart. Opens up way more model years if/when I get to that point. I certainly appreciate that the parking sensors are designed that way since I only use them once every year or two. Use cruise control even less, so it is also a feature I'm ambivalent towards.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I'm leaning towards keeping my 2011

 

Should be 2012!

 

Gen2.5 has a better interior. Gen2 has much better under the hood access, I'm a big fan of grill moving up together with the hood! LED lights in later 2.5 are better than halogens. Actuators in 2.5 transfer case are less prone to seizing up, too, I think?

That said, I would keep 2012 and send the extra money burning my pocket to the retirement investment account.

 

With your truck and trim (and just seeing how good of condition it is in with the pic you posted) I say absolutely not. The only "upgrades" you could possibly make to your truck by switching to a Gen 2.5 would be a 38gal tank, and LED headlights.
While I'm not sure how difficult swapping in a 38gal tank into a Gen 2 would be (or if it's possible at all), you can definitely upgrade your headlights to the Sequoia LED's. Even with the price of the headlights being pretty $teep, you're better off than getting into a new loan or overpaying for a 2.5gen "premium*"

*until the Gen 3 main bearing fiasco resolves

 

Tundra LED headlights are priced very reasonably. Like $300ish/piece.

I wouldn't dump hundreds into a bigger gas tank. It's just pointless. When you need an extra mile, it's so easy to throw a few cans into a pickup truck bed. I still do it occasionally with my 38G tank.

 

I would sell it quickly, Ill buy it. My 07 with 192K could use a buddy.

 

He would need the Sequoia ones for his Gen 2 Tundra. Which are like twice the Gen 2.5 Tundra ones.

Even at more than hundreds, it certainly isn't pointless. Having 150% of your current fuel capacity is hardly pointless. Not having to manage fuel cans taking up small bed space of a crew max isn't pointless. Not having to fill up every 2 hours on a road trip isn't pointless, etc., etc., etc.,
Convenience is a premium that many people will pay for. If you're going out into the woods, then yes, toss a gas can back there with the rest of your gear.

 

Well, that's still better than $1200/piece of some other vehicle brand

The truck will still think it has a smaller tank. Not knowing the remaining gas would drive me crazy. I would rather rely on 2 cans in bed then on who knows how many gallons left in tank.

I have a Sequoia with its even small gas tank. It has a range of a regular car. "Not great, not terrible".

 

I loved my 2012.



I really liked my 2018.



I’m getting along quite well with my 2024.



They all have their pros and cons.