Purchasing Questions

I'm looking to buy my first Tundra at the end of this month, mainly to try and get a better price at the dealership. I'd really like to get a 2018 MGM Limited Crewmax with the TRD Off Road 4x4 package if at all possible ,but obviously now that 2019s are being delivered it has been harder to find. Color isn't a deal breaker for me but MGM, Cement, or Silver would be my top choices. I'm also finding that it's hard to locate a Tundra with the TRD Off Road and the convenience package that adds the rear sonar and blind spot monitoring. Any disadvantages or major differences (ride height, options, etc...) to purchasing a normal Limited model over the TRD Off Road? I don't care much about the stereo option since I will be buying a new head unit that supports wireless CarPlay. Any other suggestions on purchasing a new Tundra at this time of year? I'll most likely finance and just pay it off at the first payment due date since it seems that the dealers give more incentives to finance rather than paying cash upfront.

 

I got the 2018 SR5 this weekend, found one in the color I wanted about as loaded as an SR5 comes with safety/convenience pkg, SR5 upgrade pkg and TRD Offroad 4x4. Also got dealer to install TRD dual exhaust on it. Sticker was ~48k without the exhaust added. Rolled it for about 8k-9k off of MSRP purchase price. First was set on limited then looked more and more at SR5. Didnt like the light grey colored leather or accents on the limiteds I test drove. The limited didnt really offer any other tech pkgs or upgrades that I wanted or needed. You can always add leather seat covers or cloth if you dont like leather for a reasonable cost comparatively speaking to the grand scheme cost of the truck itself... Auto climate control is overrated for me...had on my Tacoma and found I was constantly adjusting it anyway. The JBL audio is ok but the premium entune suits my needs fine and I'll add Taco Tunes or something aftermarket later if I want to "bump".... my suggestion is not to settle for a color you dont really want because you're going to have to look at the thing for years to come and you want to be happy with it. Just my opinion.

 

Thanks. Basically I would get an SR5 but I really want the leather seats, sunroof, and dual climate is a must. I definitely agree on the color suggestion because I'll be driving this thing for a really long time.

 

I bought the Limited because I wanted a power sliding window. If your getting a crew cab, it doesn't matter I think. In a double cab (which is what I wanted) the power back window is only in a limited or sport. I know what it would cost to install leather, upgraded headlights and a power window. It was only about 500 more to get a limited. Offroad package only adds 75.00 to a limited. I wanted that because I hate those 20 inch wheels.

 

They aren't changing anything substantial on the 2019s to warrant a major price increase to my knowledge. The tundra is selling as slow as ever from what I've seen and read. "The Tundra is falling behind the Big 3 for the average consumer market " seems to be the general consensus out there. It drinks fuel like a pig and it's a simplistic (somewhat dated) design inside and out. But its proven and a solid vehicle. I personally love it for the utilitarian aspects the more I get in and drive it and the more i think about it. Less tech? Maybe. Less shit to break in my opinion. Anyway point is, dont break your back to maybe save a couple of grand between model years. They're dealing on 18s and theyll deal on 19s too if you find the right dealership who wants to move a truck.

 

Definitely agree about the wheels, I really don't like the 20'' limited wheels compared to the Off Road package wheels.

 

I hope in 2020 they have push to start. It's the only thing I miss about my Tacoma, I still walk up to the Tundra and grab the handle before I realize I have to get the key out of pocket like an episode of the Andy Griffith show

 

Yeah I haven't seen any real differences other than a couple new packages offered and paint changes. I waited this long because I thought there was a chance the 2019 would include Entune 3 but I have not seen that listed on any 2019s that I've seen listed at dealerships online. So now I'll just use that to my advantage to find a great deal on a 2018. I agree that the Tundra is way behind on tech. One of my friends just got a 2018 F150 Lariat and it has tons of features that Toyota doesn't offer on the Tundra. I just trust that a Tundra will last longer than any of the Big 3 brand trucks.

 

I think the 2020 will add that for sure, my wife's 2018 Sienna XLE has push to start and it would be awesome in a Tundra.

 

Agree with all of this.

 

I recently got a SR5 crew max. About the only thing I wish it had that it doesn't is the rear blind spot, my build sheet showed the convenience package but for some reason it didn't have the blind spot deal or I haven't figured out how to turn it on yet. It's always a love/hate with the rear blind spot warning, when I'm towing my boat I always hate it.

My truck has a regional appearance package (TSS Sport - wheels, tires, different spray in liner, sprayed running boards, blacked out badges) and I chose that over a limited with the leather seats. If/when I want leather, I'll do a Katzkin upgrade for a decent price.

My advice is to prioritize your wants/needs and to be honest with yourself. If you can do that, you'll be happy in the long run.

 

Don't worry about finding one on the lot. Just email at least 2 dealers in your area, telling them the exact options you want and what they're best price is out the door. They will be able to find one at the regional distribution center and order it for you.

 

Or just dealer trade. Mine came from a neighboring dealer and it was delivered within 90 minutes.

 

I am in the same market looking for a 2018 Limited Crewmax 4x2 w/ Limited package option.

So Cal dealers this past month have not really motivated me - offering about 10% off MSRP.

I want the 20" wheels over the 18" myself. Limiteds already have built in blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts right ?

Waiting till the end of the month or end of September to see if they call me back instead of me calling them....