Newbie here, Recs needed

Hi all,

Been driving a 3 series for the last 8 years and interested in a tundra (kid #2 on the way). Really just wld like a truck for safety, comfort, and to be able to haul typical things in the bed.

Im looking to order (if possible) one the following:

Black 2023 Tundra, black softex interior, limited, 4x4, crewmax 5.5, iforce, trd package, panoramic roof

Or

Black 2023 Tundra, black softex interior, SR5, 4x2, crewmax 5.5, iforce, trd sport premium package with options.

Opinions/thoughts from the board? Thx in advance and take care.

 

I would get the four wheel drive. Better to have it and not need it as to need it and not have it.

 

always feel like if you can swing it, the 4x4 is worth having just in case. Otherwise a lower optioned higher trim level will hold its value more than a higher optioned lower trim level with typically not a big difference in total cost (and negligible difference in monthly payment). I’d go for the limited 4x4.

 

The sales person told me toyota doesnt sell tundras with the few options i want, but rather id have to buy what they have on the lot (said he cant even order one); limited, crewmax 5.5, iforce, trd package, panoramic roof.

is this a line of bs to just get me to over spend on a truck in their inventory with more options than i want?

 

Welcome from NY.

I'd go with the 4x4, you never know when you might need it. It's better to have than want later.

 

Excellent, thanks for the insight.

 

Get what you want, but 4x4 is a great thing to have

 

He’s correct in saying he can’t order a specific truck. You just put in your desired build to them and they try to match it up with whatever vehicles come in through allocation. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible to get what you want exactly, especially if you have time and aren’t in a rush, otherwise if you’re on a fixed timeline then you’ll need to make a decision when a truck comes in that’s close. I’d call around to a few different dealers and see what they might have coming in before getting into a bunch of options you don’t want.

 

Had a RAM 4x4 for 4 years (purchased used, low mileage, great condition), never put it in 4 wheel that whole time. Extra cost, more weight, more options for problems.

You know what you need based on where you live (weather), life style (off roading, ranching, travel in country areas, etc). Cost, can you afford the extra expense of a 4x4 vs 4x2. Financing or paying cash; with #2 on the way job security, advancement, all that should be included in deciding on how much cost/debt to incur.

Also assume you have had this discussion with wife - she onboard.

 

Here you go https://youtu.be/pAlZFees18E

 

No you can't exactly custom order.

But Last year when I considered one and configured what I wanted I had one dealer tell me it is impossible to get a LTD with nothing added but a pano roof for just under 60k in my area. They swore to me Toyota wasn't sending them that way because most people want more. Then another dealer 45 minutes from them offered me a couple incoming trucks exactly like that at that price plus some 200 dollar fee.

 

Welcome to the boards from MA!
Congrats on your new second addition to the family.
Definitely go with whatever works for you don't get squeezed into something that you don't want because at the end of the day it's going to be yours and if your not happy well then,that just sucks...
I'm not sure what region you live in but 4X4 is the way to go for your safety,security and a piece of mind, plus the resale value will hold it's own.

Best of luck on your decision and remember don't settle for less it's your money you worked hard for it so make an educated decision.

Cheers!

 

I have a 4x4 Sport and love it but I'm not necessarily one to say everyone needs a 4wd. My last 3 were 2wd and was never an issue. I don't hunt or go off road so not a huge need for it myself. This truck happened to be a 4wd and I wanted a sport because, to me, they look better. And minus the Pana roof I believe my sport has everything a limited will. It's all preference and availability. Can't go wrong either way. I love mine!

 

Set a budget for a truck you like with what you actually need. New trucks are so expensive these days you can talk yourself up from mid 50s to 70s pretty quickly. A truck will last a long time so lowballing yourself on options is not good. But spending 10k on never used and nice to have features to get a few k at resale in 8-10 years is not wise either.

My 2022 SR5 TRD Premium is a 2wd. I have zero need for 2wd so the upfront costs, reduced MPG and maintenance of a 2nd differential will not be fully recovered at resale. The Softex is fine and equivalent to the builders grade leather you will find in most all non luxury brands.

The other consideration is trim. I am a stock guy that does not want to spend time or money de-chromimg a higher trim to make it look like a TRD Sport. So factor in if you are or are not a guy that wants to tinker with add ons to include replacing trim parts or taking them to paint shop.

If you are coming from a car absolutely do the PVM cameras. I use them daily to park in my garage and frequently to navigate tight drive thrus. Best $1k you will spend.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! This has been true for a few years with Toyota. When inventory is up, they can get closer to what you are asking, but the supply chain issues screwed that up.

 

Good to know. Perhaps ill reach out to multiple dealers w the order request and see who can get it for me.

 

Congrats on the baby...3 young ones here and they love "the truck." They also all fit comfortably in the back w/ car seats/boosters, which is great (and was shocking at first as a fellow car to truck convert).

I have the SR5 TRD Sport Premium 4x4. Overall couldn't complain...as many have said about the 4x4, it's a good option to have if needed, but weigh your current situation and whether you're actually going to need it. I think I've clicked the 4x4 on a half dozen times in about a year...no major off roading here, just really rural back roads in some weather.

Someone mentioned the PVM cameras, it's a fantastic feature. Parking, getting into garage, all a breeze. 1,000% worth it IMO.

My FIL has a limited, so when I got my SR5 there were about 3 things I was disappointed that I didn't have in the SR5. 1) cooling seats 2) front seat memory 3) tailgate side button. I haven't thought about 1 and 3 since about a week after getting the truck. Front seat memory is still annoying me. Well, really annoying to anyone else who drives the truck because I don't let them touch the seat position The SR5 also came withOUT all that chrome, so that tipped the scales for me.

Enjoy it, you're gonna love the truck!

 

I have a 3 series and a Tundra. Why not keep both?!

Also, I'll also add to the 4x4 recommendations. I have had my truck for 2 weeks now and would have already been stuck in sand with 2WD only. Was in a "parking lot" for a trail that was deep sand and pulled into a spot and sank 3/4 of the way into the spot. Needed 4WD to pull the rest of the way in and then to back out again. Simple to push a button and change the drive mode. I also have AWD on my 3 series and have been really grateful the handful of times it helped me out too. I'll trade the extra weight and complexity for functionality every day.

 

this late in the model year, if can hold out shoot for a 2024 MY, the changeover will occur in aug/sep in dealerdaily.

if you want a good primer on the whole allocation process (ordering per se for those not familiar with toyotas, you can see my thread here

https://www.tundras.com/threads/toyota-allocation-ordering-transporting-system-explaination.107512/

 

i think the only thing id want in the SR5 trd premium package is the panoramic roof. Other than that i think its all that i need!

 

I can absolutely wait for 2024 ML as im in no rush really, and the bimmer is paid off so thats nice.

this is very helpful, thank u!

 

only reason i say is i ordered a may-2022 tundra (MY 22) but it took so long to fulfill the allocation request, that the 2023 model were starting to be made. the dealer had to switch the allocation request to a MY 23 in dealerdaily since they couldnt fulfill a MY 22 for my request. i had to go back in aug-22 to change my MY requirement.

it finally got built in nov-22 (as a MY 23) and i picked it up in feb-23. (QA holds and delivery delays killed my xmas wish to the wife).