Tundra-less Newbie, looking for advice

Just playing with you...

 

4.7 v8 RWD. And that's about what I was thinking. But hoping for a little better.

 

Only drive down hill.

 

Good idea. I also have a prius, and I find that the downhill doesn't compensate for the uphill, mileage wise. And where I live, any direction I turn is either uphill or down. And the opposite going home.

 

We all do, she is good peeps!

 

It looks really clean. Have a mechanic look it over and test drive it. It may cost a couple hundred bucks but it could save you thousands. If the mechanic gives the green light, go for it!!

 

Nope!

You’re not old. Especially for a Tundra! I see a lot of “older” people driving around in them. Usually they have the newer ones but that’s just Vegas. YOu get what you like and you’ll be happy. Sorry, not much help on what to stay clear of since mine is a 3rd gen.

 

Sounds like you know what you want. The truck looks very nice I say drive it have someone you trust drive it if you like it (you will) keep it. Good luck
Welcome from MA I know most of us on here will be happy to help you any way we can

 

Thank you so much, you have all been amazing!

 

Welcome from Obx.

 

So, I decided against the Tundra I was looking at, and have been searching ever since. Now I just found an amazing 1998 T-100, 6 cyl 4WD. The problem is that it is the exact same engine as the Tacoma my son used to own, which he said was gutless. I want to pull a small vintage trailer, maybe 2,200 to 2,400 empty.But I live in Salt Lake City, and everywhere I would want to go is pretty much straight uphill. My son is telling me I need an 8 cyl, but this T-100 is awesome. It is an standard transmission. I guess I'm hoping there is some magic about the T-100 that would give it more pulling ability? The guy who owns it says he pulls 3,000 to 3,500 regularly up pretty steep hills in Idaho. Is there any reason the same engine in a T-100 would be better than in a Tacoma? Thanks for your help!

 

A 1953 year group here too. I don’t visit the forum very often, and as I read through the reply’s I’m very surprised that some hasn’t really answered your questions. 1) a 6-cylinder engine isn’t NOT going to have the towing power of the V8. 2) Do your research on the towing capacities of the models you are considering. You do not want your trailer to be at the high end of the gross limit of the truck. 3) Here is a good article for the years that you were considering. http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/toyota-tundra-towing-basics-what-to-know-before-you-tow/
I pulled out money from my IRA to buy a 2015 Tundra, with a 5.7, and a HiLo trailer. I normally got 13-15 mpg, and 11.5 mpg in the mountains. I never had an issue of not having enough power. However, it sounds like it is much higher $’s than your budget allows. My suggestion, if you cannot find a Tundra with the 5.7, then do not go with anything less that at 4.6 (V8). Anything other than that will be under powered to pull in the Rocky’s, or Cascades.

 

Thank you so much for your response. You actually said exactly what my son said. It's just that this T100 is so beautiful and well taken care of (and a wonderful green color) that I was trying to find a way to make it work. But you are right, and I have to let it go. So, back to the classifieds for me. And thanks again. I just needed to hear it from someone who I didn't give birth to. Dammit.

 

@Newbie1853
Wikipedia has pretty comprehensive information regarding recalls and problems.

My Tundra cost 5 times as much as my first home! Guess I’m old too...

 

I have a 97 Tacoma with the same 3.4L V6. It's definitely not going to pull the same as my 5.7 tundra but that motor is bulletproof if it's been taken care of.
Pulling 3k shouldn't be a problem. Your not going to tow 80 mph up a pass like the 5.7 will but it will tow it. I've towed a 4k trailer up steep grade with my taco at 60.

It just depends on the performance your looking for. T100 was the predecessor to the Tundra but really the new Tacoma more comparable in size.

Yes the V8 would be preferable for towing but you'd need to step up to a newer tundra to get that. The 3.4 v6 is still a good motor.

 

Hi Carolyn!

Glad to see more utahns on here!

I'm not sure what portion of the state you are from but in the salt lake area we have lots of Tundras that pop up on the market (primarily through KSL private sellers). However, most of them are either overpriced or beat up. It's a little bit of a waiting game but I'd be happy to help you find a few and you can look at them on your own accord.

Either way, good luck and let me know if you need help!

 

Thanks so much for your offer. I'm trying to be patient. Not very successfully, I'm afraid. I've been trolling KSL for weeks (I know, not that long, but it seems like it) And I'm pretty specific in my needs, so I eliminate most of them right off. Had one sold out from under me when someone offered them more. I would love it if you would let me know if you find something.