Issues with 2018 Tundras?

Hi all,

I'm currently looking to purchase a used Tundra. I've found a few good deals on used 2018s lately. The issue is that there's an unproportionally large amount of 2018s for sale in my area compared to other years. Is this just a coincidence or is there an issue with the 2018s that I haven't come across in my research? I used the search function but didn’t come across anything info that would explain the large amount of 2018s for sale.

Thanks

 

Coincidence. Great trucks. Last year with the transmission cooler from the factory.

 

7 year itch

 

1st year of TSS, last year of trans cooler
no push button start or carplay though.
i love my 2018

 

Also has the updated instrument cluster. 2018 was a good year. CarPlay, keyless entry, and shark fin antenna is all that’s missing

 

2018 here with zero regrets. Bought it not knowing anything at all about Tundra's and came to find out through researching lots on this forum that it's one of the best years IMO.
For me I like that there's not a whole lot of tech behind it like sensors on every corner. Jus the TSS sensor if you decide to relocate for a pro grille but that's optional. Then as @Tundra family and others have stated, last year of trans cooler so I didn't have to worry about installing one, also the no push start is ideal for me.

 

Just a coincidence. Find you the best deal & become a Tundra owner

 

Love my '18 and I ain't giving it up any time soon. As long as they have maintenance history, I don't see why there would be any issues with picking one up.

Most folks above hit the main points. A lot of it is due to the vehicles holding their value so now that the new gen Tundra has been out a few years, folks probably traded their '18 and got probably close to what they paid for it originally, granted that still leaves 30k to finance on a new tundra but to each their own. I rather keep my 18 and spend money on it hahaha

 

Love my 18!

 

I had an ‘18, honestly it was a great truck but I bought low and sold high out of luck. I went without a tundra for a while and played with a gx460 but it wasn’t the same. I wasn’t crazy about the tss or the big center console and I stumbled on to a great deal on a ‘17 with a bench seat so I snatched it up. I wouldn’t hesitate to own the last year of the trans cooler and just deal with the tss, I know I’m in the minority there but that’s ok.

 

Only small downside to mention is the A/C refrigerant switched to R-1234yf for 2018. This refrigerant needs a larger A/C condenser, the 2018 did not get one, still has the combination condenser/transmission cooler. For 2019+ the A/C condenser is larger, replacing the area previously occupied by the transmission cooler. I’ve owned a few Tundras, and can feel the difference but has not been a problem.

 

Bought my 2018 brand new and right about now is when I am looking for "the next one."

Not because it's an 18... I think it's arguable that 2018 was a major unicorn year for the truck.

But, I commute, I drive professional work folks around, and I do like stuff in nice, new condition.

Anyway, point is, I think that around year 7-ish, there is something to be said about recognizing that this isn't a new vehicle, and wondering what will come next.

But that bug hasn't really bit me yet, as my truck still looks and feels pretty darn new due to my vehicular OCD.

I'm probably a little behind the curve and will get more serious about a new car in a year, maybe two.

I'd guess the average 2018 truck owner is changing vehicles now, and that's what you're seeing. Next year, it'll be the 19's mixed with diminishing 18's.

 

Depending on where you are, year 7 is when you may start having luck with punching the rusted Toyota frame all through. The weakest point in the whole truck a Rust belt resident should pay very close attention to.

 

Do your homework on where the truck is from. In my area, and most of the west coast, local vehicles don't usually have a rust issue, but dealers like to import used Tundras from Canada. The ones from BC should be fine, the ones from Alberta might be rusty depending on the area they were used in. Another thing about the Canadian imports is they may have a sunroof and heated seat package that wasn't offered here in the lower 48.
I just replaced my 2023 Tacoma with a low mileage 2018 Tundra. Had a 2006 and missed the towing power and room in the cab. Good luck on the purchase!

 

My biggest issue is the long start in colder weather with Flex Fuel. Needs the CReader for reset and runs flawless. Mine didn't start doing this until two years ago, about 138k miles. Other than that flawless and will cross 200k in about 3 months.

 

So far love my 2018. Was looking specifically for a low mileage 2018 1794, First year with the new gauge cluster, TSS, And last year with the Trans cooler. Had mine since September 15, 2024 and have not had an issue

 

I bought my 18’ new, I’ve never had an issue with it, mine has 51k on it.

 

They suffer the same major issue as all the 2.5gen Tundras, they cause immediate envy and rubbernecking from surrounding traffic leading to a potentially dangerous situation.

 

If you can see one? I thought the idea behind a supercharger is that you can't see the truck, only hear a Doppler effect.

Dammit, wrong thread. But 2018 is still a good year!

 

Honestly, having had carplay I would go with the 2020 which I think was the first CP/AA equipped year.

 

Carplay can be added to any vehicle. As lousy as the factory sound is in these, it's a worthwhile upgrade to replace the head unit anyway.

 

EXACTLY!! This guy beat me to it. The factory sound “system” sucks anyway. Drop some coin on a new system that has car play. My wife’s Lexus has the Mark Levinson system in it directly from Lexus and it’s pretty decent. The factory stuff for Toyota though, not so much.

 

You know what's weird about that? My 2018 Tundra Platinum has the factory JBL and it's sound quality is downright abysmal. My wife's (new to us) 2016 Sequoia Platinum has the factory JBL system, and it's sound quality is incredible

 

Agree with you on The Tundra's Dismal Audio, My wife Highlander Limited is SSSOOOOO much better

 

TRUE!!!! SO TRUE

 

It cannot be stated with enough vigor or contempt.

The sound systems in gen 2.5 are worthless garbage. I'd say boat anchor, but they'd fail at that too.

If you want Car Play, might as well have quality sound to go with it:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/new...600nex-into-a-2018-sr5-entune-non-jbl.100157/

 

No regrets on mine. Bought used in ‘21 with 60k miles. Installed a blower @ 70k miles. Just leveled it @ 80k miles. Love this truck…

edit: looks high in the from because the driveway is sloped…(bottom pic)
edit2: just put on 275/70-18 KO 3’s. (Top pic)

 

Purchased a 2018 used a couple years ago with low mileage. No issues whatsoever. Love the vehicle! Currently have 60k on it now.

 

Bought mine new in 18 and it’s been rock solid ever since with 70k miles on it now.

best car buying decision I’ve ever made.

 

2018 is a great year