If you were to buy a half ton today what would you buy?

I have a friend looking at purchasing a half ton. Could be new or used. He has heard of the tundra recall but is still somewhat interested. I suggested he look for a 2021 tundra or something along those lines.
If you were gonna buy a half ton today what would you choose and why?

 

Tundra, 3rd Gen if he has the coin, 2.0/2.5 if he doesn't.

 

Even with the recall concerns etc….

 

It seems that the big 3 offerings are all going to be hit and miss.

The 3.0 Diesel in the Silverado seems to have good reviews.

Perhaps the 2024 Tundra would be a good choice if they have the engine bits sorted out.

Then, there is your suggestion of 2021 Tundra.

 

Need a bit more context to better help. Used 21 if that fits his needs, would quite literally save ~$20k depending on trims. Buy a camper or boat to pair with it on the money saved, basically BOGO deal.

 

Are you saying we own 2/2.5 gens because we are broke and can’t afford a 3rd gen?

 

I’d still buy a Toyota half ton. Toyota at least gives a damn. Their gimmick is reliability, it’s their marketing differentiation tactic. They are going to keep plugging away at that.

 

2018 Tundra is the sweet spot IMO

 

Can’t argue with that.

 

Used to have a 2018. Should’ve kept it, would have been paid off by now.

 

Since this is arbitrarily and for no particular reason posted in the 3rd gen section of the Tundras forum, I'm going to say a 3rd Gen Tundra. Preferably a 2022 or 2023 non-hybrid model.

 

Should have kept my 13 Rock Warrior. Would still be worth about what I paid for it new ($35k). Should have also bought a new 2015 Tacoma at the time. They are still selling for $30k with lots of miles, last of the best Tacoma trucks IMO. Unfortunately even with lots of garage and oversized driveway, I can only fit so many cars!

 

3rd Gen Tundra. Love mine.

 

posted here cuz he is most interested in the 3rd gen but has concerns with engines failing

 

It is a fair concern. While it appears to not be an issue in the large majority of 24s, it is hard to say. My friend was recently going through the same analysis, but was looking at year old trucks. I told him I'd look for a 24 Tundra as discounts can be found or look elsewhere. He is getting an F-150 Tremor.

 

2024 Tundra Hybrid then.

 

I wouldn’t take it personally. I took it as buying a 2021 or older, given its now 2024, would mean you’d be buying used which would be cheaper than what a 2024 costs.
We have many 2015-2022 F150’s at work and they have issues but the aluminum is holding up great in the salt belt here. GM’s have their issues with DFM, which can be disabled. Also transmission issues are common around 100-120k miles.
I own a late build (Aug 23) 2023 tundra (manager has a 24 built September 23) and I don’t have a worry about my engine at all.

 

I would probably buy the same truck I have. My only regret is not getting one with a column shift and 6th seat.

 

$29 2014-2021 Tundra Driver Side (Chrome-Left)

2014-2021 Tundra with either the lowest miles you can find or some unique color/trim they find interesting.

Low miles like this guy for sale:

 

Another Tundra
Sierra with 3.0
I would look at the RAM with the new straight 6, that is a compelling engine on paper.

 

I’d still buy my tundra if I was looking at this point in time. Even with the engine recall. Fact of the matter is the majority of people will not have issues and social media likes to blow things out of proportion on everything. My 3rd Gen has been really solid so far (had it since Feb) and have not noticed any of the issues that some have posted about on this site. I’d tell him to take an extended test drive and make sure he really likes the truck. But for me it is light years ahead of my 3rd Gen Tacoma.

 

If I could find a stealership that doesn't treat their customers like shit I'd buy a brand new DCLB tundra. I'd wait for the engine issues to get worked out first though.

As it is, I drive a Chevy now because the customer service is so much better.

 

How you twisted that was a piece of art. I'm saying people need to spend within their means in this day and age of expensive everything. Don't over extend for the latest shiniest. Kinda sad I actually had to explain that to you.

 

Do some more research and the engine concern isn't as huge as Reddit/Facebook/Forums are making it out to be. Mine got totalled today I would buy another tomorrow

 

This - all day every day twice on recall day.

 

2024-2025 tundra non hybrid. Should get a pretty good deal too.

 

Hella creative, right? Wore my Da Vinci pants. No I get what you're saying. Interest rates playing a large factor as well, shine fades but the payment doesn't.

This and a real key.

Toyota getting picked on is newsworthy. Couldn't imagine Toyota not making it right for those affected.

 

I would buy what comfortably fits into my budget. Doesn't matter if it's 2.5 or 3rd gen.

But I would tell your friend to get on these forums to decide for themselves. Unless the "friend" is you...

 

Haha it’s not me. I’ll tell him to join just not sure if he will.