After 1+ year of research, I am finally a Tundra Man!

Firstly, if I'm missing any rules please point it out. I know some forums are particular to how things need to be handled.

I've been planning to buy a Taco/Tundra for over a year. I was leaning toward Taco bc of mpg but always liked the CrewMax since I have 3 daughters and want them to be comfortable. So I've been going back and forth on two, researching on forums TacomaWorld, Tundra, and Tundratalk.
Two weeks ago went to test drive Taco planning to buy. BUT, engine seemed to be lagging and rear seats were more cramped than my Prius!!! So I test drove the Tundra CM and it was soooo smooth and the rear was incredible. So I shopped around and got amazing deal:
$31,977 (+tax) for 5.7L SR5 CrewMax 2WD bench front seats (no packages or accessories). Thanks to the forums, I had never thought about front bench but the practically of a 6th seat if I need it. Also, wife could snuggle close!
So far loving it. Kids are sooo happy riding in it. I knew exactly which accessories to get to protect (ordered right when I got home): Pendaliner drop in (I think they are the vendor for the Toyota bed liner as well), OEM deck rail system, Husky Weather beaters for the front (including the middle hump), Weathertech digitals for the back, getting OEM running boards Sunday off craigslist, carbon fiber Tundra bed letter inserts. Should have everything done by SUN, will post after pics if you guys want for now I'll provide the before pics. Next mod will be the driver-side handle (Thanks TundraTalk) since I'm only 5'4" and can barely hop in it (trying to find on CL from people parting out 2007-13 Tundras. Running boards will help! Then the Sway Bar.

Need to research into storage inside cabin and securely in bed. Spent too much $$$ already so need to think economical. Would like hard tri-fold tonnoeau but can't afford 800-1K.

For those interested, John Coffaney of Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa. No BS, he gives you his best price right away (which is usually at invoice). I got mine below invoice (I believe) with the extra Toyota incentives. They obviously go off volume. If you are looking for a good deal I would definitely give them a try.

 

Welcome from eastern CO!

 

Hey! Welcome to the site. Your story is very similar to mine. Went looking at the Tacoma, came home with a Tundra. All the same reasons as you.

 

Welcome! A couple things concerned me, 3 daughters and a Prius lol. I have one daughter and what a hand full.

 

Congrats on your new truck and welcome from Santa Cruz. I have only 2 daughters. I've had Tundras, 5 of 'em, since before they were born. They're 12 & 14 and have always been comfortable and happily spoiled with that big back seat.

 

Welcome!

 

Awesome buy man. Looks like you did your homework. I also have a crewmax.

For interior storage, if the kids aren't in car seats, ESP (they are on here) makes nice under seat storage bins. For storage in the bed I went with a Undercover Swing Case (Amazon) and a BakFlip VP tri fold hard tonneau with a BakBox (gently used on CL).

 

Welcome! Nice rig!

 

Welcome! Glad you're enjoying it!!

 

Your story is same as mine as well. Dead set on getting another Tacoma but fell in love with the Tundra. Once you have this power and room, there is no going back. Welcome to the forum, you have a sweet ride!

 

I bought my ride at Freeman too and had a good experience with my sales rep, Courtney. However, I thought they were too aggressive with the "bolt-ons" in financing and they were definitely ready for me to go when we were done. I just couldn't imagine anyone would pay that kind of $ for warranties, extended maintenance contracts, etc AND finance that cost over the life of their loan!

Regardless, I like your ride and I recommend an exhaust from Keith (BAM). Makes the experience a lot more fun, IMO.

 

Welcome from CO.

 

welcome