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Tundra Recommendation Advice

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by maz226, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. Jan 4, 2021 at 12:22 PM
    #1
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    Dallas, Texas
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    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    Hi all,

    I am currently looking to trade in my current 2011 F150 in for another truck. I have invested a lot of time in research and have narrowed down my options to a 2018-2021 F150 or a Toyota Tundra. As I understand, Toyota, in general, is well known for its reliability. I also love the look of the Tundra especially the newer models. However, I would like to know from the Tundra community what the major reasons were why y'all chose the Tundra over any other truck.

    I am not so interested in all the bells and whistles most "luxury" trucks offer today. I am interested in reliability, power, on-road and off-road performance, and comfortability. If you would, would you please let me know what model year you are referring to as well. That would be very helpful in deciding which Tundra to look at. Any models or years I should watch for? Importantly, my budget is $45k.

    Thanks for all your help!
     
    YardBird likes this.
  2. Jan 4, 2021 at 12:55 PM
    #2
    Team4M

    Team4M New Member

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    I was in the same boat not long ago. I come from a "ford family" and I think the interiors and technology are great in the F150. I choose a tundra because I plan to keep it a long time and don't ever want to worry about it starting when I turn the key or not taking me as far out on the trail as I want to go. I sleep good knowing I have a Tundra in the driveway.
    Like any vehicle, previous maintenance means everything so if your going used know the history.
    You'll find a wealth of information on this forum about anything you could possible want to do with it and the aftermarket support for the Tundra platform is outstanding.
    For your stated budget, you can get close to a loaded new vehicle but don't hesitate to find a good deal on one with a few years on it. The 2018 (i Believe) got LED headlights from the factory so that's a good place to start (or budget for a $700 Headlight upgrade!) Good luck.
     
    YardBird likes this.
  3. Jan 4, 2021 at 1:29 PM
    #3
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

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  4. Jan 4, 2021 at 1:54 PM
    #4
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Trying not to mod it
    You have a healthy budget so you could pretty readily get a nicely optioned Tundra, if you can find one.

    • The biggest thing to be aware of on the Tundra is that the payload is pretty low by today's standards. If you don't plan to tow or haul heavy, it's certainly got great reliability ratings.

    • Any new (2019+) tundra won't have an external transmission oil cooler either, but they can be added later if you choose to do it. Plenty of threads on that.

    • There is the occasional Cam Tower leak on the 5.7 as well, but it's not ultra common or a major issue from everything I have gleaned from the many many threads.

    So basically, unless you tow a lot or heavy, a stock Tundra is going to be hard to beat in reliability. I personally went with a 2019 SR5 with the TRD Off Road package (LED headlights are fantastic) and the SR5 Upgrade package for BSM and the larger fuel tank. I didn't want a bunch of bells and whistles, so the basic hot/cold for heat/AC and a basic touch screen head unit was fine for me. Still got adaptive cruise, power driver seat, and the options mentioned previously. MSRP was $47,XXX and before I walked in the door they had it at $41,XXX for their internet price. Even with the craziness of the last year you should be able to find a Tundra in budget.
     
  5. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:15 PM
    #5
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    O7 to present 5.7 L/transmission have not changed. 2013 to present refreshed exterior and interior. Great platform.
    Not as many bells & whistles as other makes which helps out on reliability.
    Purchased an 07 2 years ago with 130k miles, truck runs and drives like it has maybe 40-50k miles.
    No years to avoid. MPG's are poor on all of them. Lol
     
    khunk, Wallygator and FundraTRD like this.
  6. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:19 PM
    #6
    grandmabetty

    grandmabetty New Member

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    Based on your list of wants sounds like tundra is the choice. I just put a deposit down on an SX package. Price before TTL was $40,500 for a crewmax. Added running boards, spray in bedliner, remote tailgate lock and front and rear sway bars. After TTL I should be around 45k.

    A TRD off road or sport can be had for around 42-43k before TTL where im at in Minnesota after a little negotiation.
     
  7. Jan 5, 2021 at 9:06 AM
    #7
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    Thanks for all the responses. Much appreciated.

    Any comments on the power?
     
  8. Jan 5, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    #8
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
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    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Most think plenty of power / hp. Many think pedal response is lacking. Some replace exhaust for improved sound & some pwr, some also add tuners like Bully Dog for more hp.
    Several folks add something like the Pedal Commander to liven up the accelerator.
     
  9. Jan 5, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #9
    Kung

    Kung Dead sexy

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    KG, VA
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    Spiffy console tray Spiffy N-Fab steps Spiffy Katzkin seats
    I traded in my 2013 F150 (it had the 5.0L), and I'll compare the two in the areas you listed above. I can't compare the Tundra to the current year(s) F150, as (to be honest) I didn't even consider them when I got rid of my F150 due to having had several issues with my 2013 F150. The Tundra was my ONLY consideration.

    Reliability: No contest at all; this is obvious.

    Power: If you're comparing the Tundra to a 5.0L, no contest. Coming from the 5.0L, the 5.7L is an enormous difference. I traded in my '13 F150 5.0L, and while the 5.0L on paper seemed to only have about 20 less HP, it also had 3.31 gearing and it liked to make most of his HP up high. In contrast, the 5.7L has 4.10/4.30 gearing, and is a torque monster.

    Now, if you're comparing it to the 2011 Ecoboost, you'd probably find it has a bit less power, as the Ecoboost makes a bit more torque and does so via turbos. With that said, knowing about the issues the 2011/2012 Ecoboosts/5.0L's had, I'd still have no issue with the 5.7L.

    Off-Road Performance: For me, this one will be short. I dunno. (LOL!) I've not used either of my trucks a ton off-road. I can tell you that where I've needed the 4WD (I live down some seriously nasty gravel roads), the Tundra was/is far more composed off-road. I thought the antilock brakes, traction control, etc. on the F150 was pretty good (and it was) but the Tundra was/is far better. I've even TRIED to get it stuck in some situations and it's almost like you can hear it saying "Heh, nice try buddy, I see what you're trying to do" and it motors on through.

    On-Road Performance: If you compare the 2011 F150 to the 2020 Tundra, to me, the Tundra rides far better, and a lot less 'jittery' (ESPECIALLY if you have the SuperCab). I don't know how the non-TRD versions ride, but mine (2020 Tundra TRD Off-Road package) rides like a dream compared to the F150 XLT I had. None of that 'shudder' you'd experience running over bumps.

    Comfortability: Seats in the 2020 Tundra are easily more comfortable (while being more firm) than the 2013 F150 was. Backroom space in a CrewMax is TONS more than in a SuperCab, and even than the Crew Cab in an F150.

    Now...with all this said, you can get more power/comfortability in an F150 easily. However, in my case (hell, in every case), you WILL sacrifice reliability for comfort/features/power. My F150 wasn't particularly unreliable, but it did have more than a few issues - and more concerning, some of those issues still didn't have fixes 6-7 *YEARS* after I bought the truck. That's not considering some of the more recent issues that Ford has had with reliability (from 2018 on), so if reliability is a major concern, the Tundra should be your only focus.
     
    WBW and Cpl_Punishment like this.
  10. Jan 7, 2021 at 8:41 AM
    #10
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Tundra 1974
    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    Thanks for all the comments!

    I am debating on a 2019 Platinum TRD off-road package versus a 2020 1794 TRD off-road package. The 1794's leather / interior seems like one that you either love or hate as it is so loud. They are both the same price.

    Anyone have any comments as to how either leather configuration holds up with time?

    Thanks again!
     
  11. Jan 7, 2021 at 8:48 AM
    #11
    NCSkeeter

    NCSkeeter New Member

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    I would get the 2020 if the price is the same.

    Regarding the Platinum, I didn’t think it could be had with the TRD OR package.

    I’m happy with my 1794 leather.
     
  12. Jan 7, 2021 at 8:57 AM
    #12
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    Good to hear. I am honestly confused on how a 1794 with TRD off-road package could be so cheap though? I drove an F150 of comparable trim and it was close $10k more...The F150 had many more technological features - most of which I do not care about. The ride seemed more or less the same as against the FX4. By no means am I complaining, but I cannot help but wonder what makes the F150 worth so much more. Is it really all that technology? I know 10-speed is a big part of it as well.
     
  13. Jan 7, 2021 at 11:20 AM
    #13
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    TRD Fox, RAS, 285/75 DTs, dual battery, SS3 Pro
    With the Ford, you’re prepaying for anticipated recalls and warranty repairs. And paying for marketing. “#1 selling truck” etc...
     
  14. Jan 7, 2021 at 11:40 AM
    #14
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    I got my 2020 1794 in May and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The interior is why I chose this trim. If you can get it for <$45k, you're getting a steal!
     
  15. Jan 7, 2021 at 1:28 PM
    #15
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    Its a 2020 1794 with TRD OR package for $47k roughly. It has 14k miles. There are 2 more that are 2017 and 2018 43-44k without TRD / TSS and have 40k miles.
     
    FundraTRD likes this.
  16. Jan 7, 2021 at 4:28 PM
    #16
    Eaganite

    Eaganite New Member

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    Two or three years newer, 20,000+ fewer miles for three or four thousand more?

    Seems like the way I would go, especially with TRD package, unless something else is up with the 1794.
     
  17. Jan 7, 2021 at 8:01 PM
    #17
    FundraTRD

    FundraTRD New Member

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    Tundra but make sure you get the fastest color
     
  18. Jan 7, 2021 at 8:03 PM
    #18
    FundraTRD

    FundraTRD New Member

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    What does your average say for mpg 14?
     
  19. Jan 8, 2021 at 4:58 AM
    #19
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Not sure I understand the question.
     
  20. Jan 8, 2021 at 5:50 AM
    #20
    Trogdog

    Trogdog New Member

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    I didn't even look at the F-150 when I got my 2020 tundra a few months ago, my comparison matrix was: do any manufacturers make a a full size crewcab with a manual transmission: No (well crap), is there a significant different is build quality/reliability between first place and second place: No, Toyota is more reliable by far.
    Go with the Tundra, and if you're looking at 2018 or newer models you might as well just find the best deal on a new one the prices used aren't really much different for lightly used ones.
    There's only a couple significant differences between the models, bench seat vs bucket seats, leather/interior trim, stock suspension height.
    I bought the the new one because I wanted with the whiz-bang safety features, auto breaking, lane departure warning, etc, it's the primary kid hauler.
     
  21. Jan 8, 2021 at 6:03 AM
    #21
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    That's right - Silver Sky Metallic!
     
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  22. Jan 9, 2021 at 8:59 PM
    #22
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    So I decided to go with a metallic silver 2019 1794 edition with 29k miles. Love it. My only complaint is the audio could be a lot better. That def needs an upgrade. Stickered at 49k roughly. My girlfriend and I negotiated the price down to $34k. We even got them to throw in a new spray in bed liner. Total steal! I was always a Ford dude but my mind has definitely changed!

    B397D838-7B1F-4E2F-929E-ECB5D890E88C.jpg
     
  23. Jan 9, 2021 at 9:01 PM
    #23
    FundraTRD

    FundraTRD New Member

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    Holy crap where do you live?
     
  24. Jan 9, 2021 at 9:20 PM
    #24
    maz226

    maz226 [OP] New Member

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    Fox Racing 2.5 Series w/ Reservoirs (front); ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms; True Street Motorsports Dyno Tune; Line-X spray-in bedliner.
    Dallas, Texas.
     
    gkelm likes this.
  25. Jan 9, 2021 at 9:23 PM
    #25
    B33

    B33 New Member

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    Nice Truck , I did something similar went from a 2017 TRD Tacoma to a 2007 Tundra 4.7 4X4 Limited and love the new to me Truck I picked the 4.7 because of the reliability Truck had 118k when I bought it for 15k now has 121K
    and Runs perfect
     
    maz226[OP], TUNDRA375 and Wallygator like this.
  26. Jan 10, 2021 at 4:59 AM
    #26
    dpast88

    dpast88 New Member

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  27. Jan 10, 2021 at 5:09 AM
    #27
    NCSkeeter

    NCSkeeter New Member

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    TRD Rear Sway Bar, Truxedo X15 Tonneau Cover, Toyota OEM Bed Mat
    Nice...sounds like an unbelievable deal...
     
    maz226[OP] likes this.
  28. Jan 10, 2021 at 5:15 AM
    #28
    Haggis777

    Haggis777 I.L.J.C.M.L.

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    LEDs interior & exterior, stubby antenna, Bak-Flip cover, 285's, AGM battery, block heater, Pine tree air freshener
    Wow....I don't think you could have done any better on the price considering the year, mileage and package!
    Bravo!$!$!
     
    maz226[OP] likes this.
  29. Jan 10, 2021 at 5:35 AM
    #29
    TUNDRA375

    TUNDRA375 New Member

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    Welcome from GA..I think you go an awesome deal on that truck
     
    maz226[OP] likes this.
  30. Jan 10, 2021 at 5:50 AM
    #30
    NCSkeeter

    NCSkeeter New Member

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    TRD Rear Sway Bar, Truxedo X15 Tonneau Cover, Toyota OEM Bed Mat
    Did you trade in the F-150?

    Seems like the dealer must have made their money on that side of the deal....otherwise my assumption about my truck’s value is way off.
     

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