First Time Truck Purchase

Hi,

We've driven all of the major brands and we've decided that the 2024 Tundra drives the best for our needs. Besides the fuel economy and size, is there anything you would advise for or against when deciding to purchase a full-size pickup? The smaller size trucks (Tacoma, Ranger) don't work well for us as I'm quite tall and the seat behind me becomes very cramped.

Our primary uses are long road trips, camping (small-ish trailer), light off-road use to local lakes (Forestry Service Roads), ski trips, and the usual garden center runs. A lower-priority reason for the truck is that we live in an area prone to forest fires and the truck would enable us to get out of town quickly on secondary roads if necessary with sufficient supplies (as happened to friends of ours last year).

I realize this topic has been covered in the past, but the new generations of trucks seem much more 'family-centric' than previous generation trucks that friends have had.

Thanks for your input.

 

Welcome from Michigan. Only advice I have to offer is be sure to buy the fastest color!

 

Right! I forgot about that. Also, some TRD stickers on the motor for a documented 5 HP increase

 

Buy the Hybrid version with the Advance Pack....Covers all the bases for great milage, box/hitch loading, AVS, while providing all the creature comforts of life.

I also live in fire zones in BC so I get what you mean. I bought a 14' cargo trailer for the sole purpose of evacuations

 

If you keep vehicles long term plan to buy the factory extended warranty. The new 3rd Gen Tundra has had a few teething issues that seem to be persisting even into the 2024 model year. Not every truck will be affected, and the Tundra is still better statistically than the competition in the quality, durability, reliability departments but these new Tundras are very very complex compared to the Gen 2 and Gen 2.5.

 

if you haul or tow, I highly recommend the load level rear air suspension option

it’s super nice

 

If you like the general Tundra, then you start to think about packages. Comfort is real on a road trip. Yes, this thing is people/family oriented and comfortable.

For me, a big thing was vented seats. I run hot and that is really nice. I don't really like leather (I think I've gotten in too many really hot leather seats) so that put me in a stock Limited. From there, start looking at the other potential options. Sunroofs are neat, but can leak and to me aren't worth the cost. Premium Audio... most say it isn't much better. I tow and if I decide I need something for leveling, I can add it (I think that is only in the highest end trims).

As an overall consideration, the pro of full sized trucks are that they are bigger. The con is that they are bigger. Is your garage big enough? Are you going to care about 14-20MPG? Do you mind parking further from where you are going? You might want a running board to help people get in. Access to the bed is harder than on a mid sized truck, but if you are tall you should be fine.

I think you know what you want it for and it sounds like the right truck to get. Do the extended warrantee and enjoy.

 

Thanks for the quick replies - lots of helpful information.

One reddit thread was saying "it's a Toyota - there's no need for the extended warranty" but it sounds like the view here is that the warranty is a good idea as we plan on keeping it for 10+ years.

 

For comfort Platinum and 1794 are the easiest to buy. AVS/Air suspension is a major comfort+ and makes the trailer easier. Should be able to buy at $65K.

 

We’re trying to find a Platinum but there are none to be had at the dealerships within an hours drive. We might be able to get one in Vancouver. Platinum starts at $CAD81k and two dealerships I talked to said ‘no discounts’ as the supply is very constrained but demand is high (unlike Ford and RAM who are offering thousands off comparable vehicles).

 

These vehicles are a computer that happens to have wheels and can carry you from point to point. All the technology in them makes it imperative to have an extended warranty to cover the tech stuff! (And, in my opinion, that is true of EVERY vehicle being marketed today!)

 

To be fair....I bought an extended on my 22. Never ever in my life have I done this till this truck. I ordered mine, took 13 months , when it got here I paid up for the extended. Just got twitchy. If I was buying a 24.....never. But I got a 22. In saying that, truck is fine. No problems at all

 

You may want to consider Tundra with Trd off-road package, gives you better Trd shocks, rear locker, off-road tires and driving modes. It should be easier to find than the AVS air suspension.

Avs is a good option, but if you'll be doing frequent off-road then it may get stressed a bit more. Avs is mostly for cushy ride on the highways, ok for off road use but not really made for it as Trd suspension.

 

Advice: don't get the cheap seats.

You'll love your truck.

 

Thanks everyone - your responses are appreciated.

 

1. try to get the off road version, should help if you encounter any issues on the service roads if they get bad (fallen tree's blocking the main path requiring you to go around off the path)
2. either the 1794 off road (if you can stand the interior colors) or a platinum off road (good luck finding a off road version)
3. upgrade the tires
4. maybe install secondary lights for bug out purposes, ditch lights, aux front/rear lights (in case you have to bail during the night during fires)
5. avs system if you pull on a regular basis, especially above average loads which leads into 6
6. if you pull on a constant basis, look into the hybrid version, helps with towing but not with MPG

 

For me personally this would automatically rule out any truck with dash display over 5 inches, frame and suspension more complex than horse carriage and V8 engine more sophisticated than OHC. Not even VVT. Escape vehicle is escape vehicle, not Apple iTruck.

 

Forest roads are not like interstate highways system. It is often THE road. Take it or go home. Winch + chainsaw + recovery straps is simpler, less expensive and 100% efficiency. Oh, wait, no recovery hooks on third gen...

 

First time pick-up truck owner here also and I went with a 2023 Pro in August. Only issues I have experienced is a broken radio knob and an occasional light clicking noise from the headliner. Truck drives great but I have not towed anything with it yet. Multiple road trips from 100-500 miles each way and its a joy to drive. I bought the extended warranty from Jerry at Midwest for 10/125,000 as this will be our main travel vehicle and I plan on keeping it for at least 8-10 years so if you plan on keeping it for awhile I would buy the extended warranty. Make sure you get the rear view mirror with the video camera. Another thing I never realized I would like so much is the heated steering wheel. The camera system on the Pro spec is really nice.

 

So…we’ve changed our minds and decided against the Tundra. In the end, it may not be a big deal but the engine failure issue was weighing on my mind. We decided on a RAM Rebel instead. I know they have problems too, but other parents at my son’s school love their RAMs (hemi V8’s) and have had no issues with them. Parts seem to be readily available (just in case) and we can actually get a truck!

Thanks for all the input in this thread - most of it crosses over well to advice for the RAM

Cheers!

 

Ha-ha! Here you go: prospective owners started to steer away from Toyota because of low quality fear What did you do, Toyota...

 

Good choice!

 

They were in the running when i was shopping to and ultimately chose the Tundra because I liked the look better. My friend has one with the Hemi and it's a blast to drive. Gets better gas mileage than me too.

 

Spoken like a true 3rd Gen hater

 

I think you're the only last one left behind defending the 3rd gen Tundra. Everyone else from the old crowd are Mia

 

They are all here, they probably put you on the ignore list so they don't have to listen to you and your love affair with old technology.

And I am not defending it, but no key board warrior who has made a career out of slamming the 3rd Gen is going to alter my compass.....if anything they remind me of the fat kid in Grade 8 that just cant let go of the past.

 

What what what???

I love my new Tundra (more than the '16 CM with 5.7L V8)