Comments/advice on the Taco->Tundra switch?

Hi folks,

Long time Toyota pick up owner and current 16' Tacoma TRDOR nearly daily driver. I've been car shopping for the last week and a half for a replacement for my Taco that is just more comfortable/quiet for longer hwy miles. I'm doing less and less that requires much clearance these days and more long weekend trips with my girlfriend and dog. In the last year or so, the long hwy miles to get to our camp spots or where ever we might be roaming has gotten to my back, neck and shoulders; only when we take the truck.

So, I decided to go look at a Ridgeline as I'm not ready to give up the bed completely but honestly it would be plenty for the little bit of truck only stuff I need to do these days. Didn't care for it and damn if Honda isn't extremely proud of them price-wise anyway. On a lark, I sat down in a 18' Tundra... well I'm sure you can guess what's next. A week worth of test driving, shopping and researching full size trucks (which I have never owned, always the smaller trucks) and the Tundras are the most comfortable things I've driven (even compared to nicer sedans).

So anyone have any words of wisdom for someone switching from a Taco to a Tundra? I've looked at everything from a 15' Certified all the way through brand new in just about every trim level possible. If I buy new, it'll likely be an SR5 2WD and I'll do a few things to it but I'm looking at higher trim level used ones and honestly can't imagine them being a problem if they're anything like the smaller trucks I've had all my life.

Thanks for any advice and input and I'm glad to see there's a good forum for the Tundra just like there's always been good resources and fans of the smaller trucks.

 

I have a 06 taco got it New. Toyota replaced frame and suspension at 180000 miles. Made me pay for shocks only. Over 200000 on it now. Still going strong. Got new tundra a few months ago. I love the tundra kept the taco too. I say get the best one you can. It will last forever. Bigger truck is much for comfortable. Fuel mileage was about the same.

 

Thank you for the vote of confidence in the Tundras! I wish I could keep two trucks but then there'd be less room for street rods and I can't have that. =p I'm going to go look at a used 1794 this weekend with low miles and see how it feels.

 

I traded up from an 08. The only thing I miss is turn radius and mpg. Even filtering those in, I wouldn't switch back.

Cam tower leaks seem to be the most major thing with the tundra.

A used higher trim will do just fine. Personally I'd get 17 or older, as they dont have the TSS.

 

We're driving a few hours north and towards the beach this weekend to look over three. A 16' 1794, a 17 Plat and am 18 Limited. All under 35k miles and about $40.5 for the 1794 and Limited (Out the Door) and $43 for the 18 limited with only 22k miles.

Hoping things go well and I can come home with one, the 16 and 17 are CPO cars, 18 is not. Not sure how much that matters to me but I need to decide in a day or so.

 

Some people don't like the Limited leather, they find it stiff and not cushy or are not happy with the lumbar adjustment range, so if you are entertaining possibly going leather, you might want to sit in it for a bit to see if you find the seat too hard. I had a 2002 SR5 Tundra before I got the Limited with leather, and yes the cloth seats feel softer and more cushy. You had mentioned comfort over long miles so am pointing this out. The leather, at least in my case, is softening up as I drive it (daily driver) and I like the firmness and adjustability range of the seat, I feel supported. But others want that 'living room couch' feel I guess. Before my previous Tundra, I had a '94 4x4 Toyota Hilux and while I loved that truck, being lighter and smaller, it beat me up a bit more than the Tundras. And with the softer P rated Michelin tires that came on my latest Tundra, it's surprisingly smooth riding. Everyone that rides in it with me comments on that.

 

Thank you, that's extremely helpful and exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to hear after posting. I really like the 1794 interior (I realize I might be in the minority here) so I'm hoping that feels nice. I'm not a huge fan of the tuck pattern on the limited but the looks wouldn't keep me from buying it but the feel might. I was really surprised and more than a little disappointed that despite driving the midsize and a couple full size sedans, the Tundra still felt great to me and it has a bed when needed.

Thanks again, I'll heed the warning.

 

White, 16' 1794 model has now been re-homed and the reading of posts and over-spending begins.

 

Congrats on your new truck from 2015 white 1794 owner. You made a great choice. I just read your thread and was going to warn you to take a check if you test drive the 1794, because you’ll be driving it home!

 

Congratulations on your new truck! Give it a wash and post some pix here! I bet that interior with the white exterior looks mighty nice. White is the fastest color, you know. I happen to like the 1794 but could not justify the extra $$ as I had to allocate 3g for the cap I wanted, along with another G for new tires (that I am still researching what I want). So I hear ya on the overspending LOL. Wait till the de-chromers get hold of you.