Took my first Tundra test drive.....EVER

Over the years, I have test drove every truck out there at one time or another.
Both full size and mid-size except Toyota.
The Tundra was always rumored to have the worst MPG and terrible ride.

Read it on the internet so it had to be true.

Test drive both hybrid and non-hybrid.

Very impressed with the ride.
In order to test drive the hybrid, they gave me a "used" truck to test drive. It was 1 or 2 model years older and actually could tell the ride was not as smooth as the New truck. They may have improved the ride over the year or so unless maybe it had different tires. No idea, but it was a noticeable difference.

Up close the truck was slightly bigger than expected, but it seems all full trucks are nowadays.

Never understood why people were paying to have a spray in bed-liner in a composite bed but got to see both and can see why. Actually makes sense. Those beds can get slick.

My wife grew up around cars and was surprised to hear the engine sounding like it did.
Told her it was sound being pumped in through the speakers to which she replied "Thats f***ing stupid."

One thing we both noticed is the headrest. Neither of us could get it just right. Felt like it was pushing our heads forward. Mine wasn't as bad as hers, but figure its just a matter of finding the right adjustment.

Sales guy was very cool. Didn't speak at all during the test drive.
Even he suggested not paying the extra cash for the hybrid unless towing.

Asked him about discounts and he "claimed" they recently had $8k off.
Told him not sure I believe him as I was checking their web site about a month ago and noticed they were the only dealer to show they were charging more than MSRP on their web site which was very unusual. (Maybe not for Toyota)

It had a decent size screen. Actually didn't like it too much as it was a night drive and seem to be distracting. I think the Ram is twice the size its probably like having the tv turned on at night in a dark room.
The 360 camera was awesome and one of the primary reasons for going with the Limited model.
Not a fan of leather seats but these seem to have been done very well. The seats themselves were comfortable and didn't feel leathery if there is such a term.

Will post other thoughts as they come to mind.

Basically went from a "never going to buy" to a solid 1 or 2 ranking.

 

Center Console :
Never a fan seeing the small strip for resting one's arm.
During test drive, had my phone and wallet in the plastic holder in the center.
Took a couple of sharp turns and although they slide around, they still stayed in that little dish.
Actually thought that was neat as I thought back how many countless times I turned or stopped short and everything flies off the center console of my current truck.

 

If you end buying a Tundra, that "little dish" will likely become a source of annoyance to you. It's the noisiest rattletrap I think I've ever seen in a vehicle, especially if you spend any time off of pavement.

On the previous Gen Tundra, that dish was built into the console lid solid, it didn't slide or rattle, and was just as useful. The Gen 3 designers tried a little too hard to do something different, IMO.

 

Hmmm, I can see that potentially happening.
God forbid my 20+ year old truck makes noise I have to hear my wife complain.
Can't imagine having to listen to her on a new truck.

 

So in order to pin point the noise. Drive the wife and you about 20 miles. Pull overland stop. Let her out. Drive 10 more miles the opposite direction. You should now only hear one noise only coming from your side of the truck.

 

@JustLookingToTestDrive if they're not willing to come off the sticker price 5 to 7k. Walk away.
Center console trays..... gotta 2 piece rubber mat set for mine and they're nicely made with excellent fitment. No rattling or sliding change or keys, etc..
Large screen.....you can put it in dark mode if you're bothered by the glare.
Fake engine noise doesn't bother me, but you can disable that feature.
Headrest position is a little forward, but that's what adjustable seats are for. LOL

Happy shopping!!

 

From what I hear, getting 5 to 7K off would be a rare offering, but am prepared to play hardball if need be.

 

there are lot's of dealers looking to move these....

https://www.haleyhasit.com/new/Toyo...ORCE-MAX-2bb398e0ac182f20c6a6465aabdbcb7c.htm

I drove this a month ago - it is fully loaded and has the 4k Perf. Pkg as well ( a bit more pep and factory warranty...)

They called me today asking if I'd be interested at 73k - and offered 2k more on my trade (23' Pro...)

Erich

 

Im curious. Why are they wanting to buy used for a new. How do they win at the end?

 

my truck has a few mods and an assumable CPO..... so they likely think they can sell it easier then a top dollar Pro .... they're 90 minutes from any major metro...

 

I purchased my 2025 lunar rock Limited 03/25 with 12% off msrp plus rebates and customer cash!

 

nice ! that's a solid deal..... there are bargains out there - you just need to search multiple ways and not be afraid to travel a bit...

the same Pro deal exists in Boston Area and in WV - both like the VA one, outside of normal city travel routes...

 

In the Denver metro and surrounding areas, a $3K MSRP discount plus a $3K factory cash back is about the best deal you can find on lower trim packages. Higher trim packages have lower discounts.

 

Its my first experience with the Tundra pricing (I suspect Toyota in general), but am use to MSRP then dealer BS add-on shown within an Addendum sticker next to the Factory Sticker.

Here is Florida, the MSRP is custom as those "dealer" add-ons are done (from what I was told) outside the plant and on the docks before shipping to specific dealers.
As a result, these extra items appear on the MSRP but under the "Dealer" section.
Then as always the Dealer also add another Addendum sticker.
Right off the bat an extra $3k-$6k on top of MSRP so getting $6k off really isn't a great deal.

If I go the Tundra route, I will have my work cut out trying to work out a deal.
Better prepare.

 

I do like the idea of borrowing from one's 401k. Nice you only pay yourself back and then some

 

Just a quick note: the armrest also becomes an issue if you have a dog like mine who likes to sit on the center armrest for short drives.

My '24 Nissan Titan Pro4x was a single piece console. With the tray now, my buddy has to watch his step and can't really lay comfortably.

That said, I love my '26 1794 w/TRD OR package. Best truck I've owned already by far. Was a battle to get a good deal on that configuration in a 2026. MSRP was basically $79k, then the dealer addendum.

Best of luck to you!

 

Can totally relate.
Also have a Titan our dogs loved sitting on top when parked.
Actually was hoping to get another bench seat front row again.
The center bench seat was perfect for the doggie seat , but no one seems to make those bench seats anymore.

 

Not a good plan for lots of reasons that I won't go into here.

You can afford the truck or you can't.

 

I agree, leave the 401K alone.
I did make a decent down payment plus my trade-in, but it was from savings.
As well, my 5-year loan will be paid off in 4 or fewer years.

@JustLookingToTestDrive I highly recommend an extended warranty since you keep your vehicles for several years.
Not just for the engine failure phobia, but for all the tech in these new vehicles.
Don't buy it from the dealer and finance it; use one of the sellers in this thread and pay cash for it.

Extended Warranty | Toyota Tundra Forum

It's a long thread, but you could probably just read the last 10 pages and get the gist of it.
I used Troy; emailed questions, decided to go ahead and buy it (you have until 3 years/36K miles), sent him the info and he called me for payment.
I'm good for 10 years and 100K miles, my dealer only sold them up to seven years for twice the price of what I paid.
I don't think they sell in California if you live there.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

Yeah, that's not what I was suggesting AT ALL!! Please don't do that.

 

Wife did that to payoff a debt and paid it back ...

 

How old was she when she did that?

 

41

 

Here is a rough estimate of market return the past 10 years
23%
25%
26%
(18%)
28%
18%
31%
(4)
21%
11%

Avg 10 year return 16%

If you took out money from your 401k to pay off a loan that had 30% interest you were smart.
If you took out money from your 401k to pay off a 7% car loan you actually lost a lot more than you know.

 

Yeah, never pull from a 401k, especially while employed. I pull from an IRA when I need funds, and it returns on average 20-30 percent. Don't hit your 401k up till you are at the age. Make sure you pay taxes and withhold extra if you are employed still.

I am not sure about financing as I get 3-4 percent from Credit Unions on new vehicles and it is credit specific.

 

I got 2.9% for 60 months from Toyota in October, better than my bank or CU could offer.
I was hoping for 0% like I got with my 2005 and 2014, but no.

@JustLookingToTestDrive, if you wanted a deal, try to fund a 2025 sitting on the lot..
Deals and offers may be different in your area, this is in Gulf States.

Local Toyota Finance, Lease and Other Specials | Toyota.com



There is also an additional $500 for military, but it's pretty strict.
It should be all veterans with no restrictions.

 

Not to get too deep into the IRS weeds, but your 401K is pre-taxed money, meaning you have to pay income tax on withdrawals. Even worse is, if you withdraw before the age of 59-1/2 you pay a 10% penalty on top of the taxes.

So, depending on your wife's tax bracket, she likely got dinged for 25-30% for drawing from her 401k at 41. That must have been some expensive debt she paid off.

 

The wife did her research. She is in account and dug into the pro cons. I told her not too

 

Good Lord! As I said, financial planning should be required curriculum in high schools.

 

Traditional IRA is around 20%. Roth IRA is money that taxes have already been removed. But investments made from Roth IRA are taxed along with Traditional IRA when withdrawn. I believe.