Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences

f1jules · February 2002

"f1jules...hey a witty, accountant surfer-dude. I can appreciate that, and I bet you're all the rave around the water cooler!"

Hmm, personal attacks. How mature. You must be all the rave at your preschool playpen.

losangelesemt · February 2002

I thought the guy was trying to pay ya a compliment ... maybe i missed something.

twowheeler · February 2002

I've only been visiting this site for a couple of weeks, since I bought my Tundra. But I think it's pretty humorous that the domestic owners come in and try to stir up hate and discontent amongst the Tundra community. All the commotion has me logging back in to see what else they're slinging. In fact, this type of behavior parallels another type of vehicular predjudicism: Harley Davidson owners and NON-Harley Davidson owners. Being an current owner of 3 "[non-permissible content removed]" or "rice rocket" bikes, and many others in the past, I've experienced negative vibes and slander from PROUD HD owners. But I just laugh at them cause I know that my bikes are technically superior and will out last and out perform the HDs for less money.

Yeah, sure, Toyota's aren't perfect. In fact, all vehicles and mechanical devices in general are a compromise between cost, function, and reliabiliy. Of the places I can think of off the top of my head that leans more towards reliablity than cost are NASA and Nuclear Power Plants. And I think even NASA had to swallow their pride a couple of years ago when the budget mission to mars ended up a total failure. What a waste of $350 million dollars!

Good Luck on this one now!!!!!!!!!1

twowheeler · February 2002

I also thought he was trying to compliment you.

losangelesemt · February 2002

So has that lemon Tundra fell apart on you yet ?? I hope you didnt overload it with groceries, the suspension will sag ya know. Not to mention all that weight from the food will cause brakes to warp and fail. Now why dont you run along and be a good truck owner and get yourself one of dem american ones, for plowing dem fields. Lol, hope trucks working good for ya buddy.

twowheeler · February 2002

After reading all the negative Tundra sayings I'm getting really, really paranoid and will likely go back to the dealer and demand my money back because they're knowingly selling a defective product. That's fraud. Then I'll take my money (with interest) and buy new Dodge truck with the "enhanced" warranty. How can you go wrong with a 7 yr/100M powertrain warranty. How bad can things get???

NOT!

f1jules · February 2002

Gee krez what's your take on this? Were ya complimentin' me or not?

obyone · February 2002

When in doubt, always go with your first interpretation....it's usually right. Better not to second guess yourself.

f1jules · February 2002

Oby-I'm not second guessing myself-I have other people here to do that for me. Thanks though-hehe.

grazk · February 2002

Does anyone know what the upgrades are going to be for the 2003? I read in Motor Trend that there are going to be SIGNIFICANT updates for the 2003 model year. I know about the 5.4 engine and the possibility of a quad cab (which I don't want), but is there anything else?

Does anyone know what the ratings would be on a 5.4l vs. the current 4.7l. What kind of hauling and speed (0-60) difference would there be?

I am VERY tempted to purchase a truck now. I'm tired of borrowing my boyfriend's truck. I would like to get the truck in the next couple months. I have a bunch of projects planned for my house this year and I would rather not wait on the 2003s if the changes to the truck are insignificant to me.

Also, there were posts here earlier about someone putting better shocks on their Tundra to make it handle more like a BMW. How true is that? Is it really possible? I have a BMW 330ci and I love the speed and handling, but a truck is more useful to me, especially if it could handle almost as well as my car.

Thanks.

arkie6 · February 2002

I doubt seriously if there will be significant changes in the Tundra for the 2003 model year. More than likely it will be the 2004 year model that will likely be introduced early to mid 2003. I haven't heard or read anything about a 5.4L engine either. Toyota is building a new V8 engine plant in Huntsville, Alabama, but I don't believe it is up and running yet. There is talk of a quad cab Tundra, but again, I wouldn't expect that till the 2004 model year. One thing that I think will be available in the 2003 model year is a stepside version of the Tundra extended cab. You can see pics of this at www.tundrasolutions.com

Regarding improved handling, I doubt you will ever make a Tundra handle like a BMW 330ci (nice car by the way - I'm currently in the market for an E36 M3 myself), but a set of Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks and a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar will significantly improve its performance in the curves (I have these installed on my 2000 Tundra 4x4). A set of the shocks cost about $300 and the sway bar is about $150 (not installed).

Alan

bamatundra · February 2002

I agree with Arkie6, you will never get a Tundra to handle like a BMW. The 2WD versions will handle slightly better because they are lower and have less unsprung weight. The Tundra will kick the beemer's butt off-road

I remember a cute Tundra commercial where a Tundra raced a Lotus in the quarter mile and got massacred. When they came to the end of the track, the Lotus stopped and the Tundra just kept going off-road.

grazk · March 2002

Thanks Arkie & bama.

I just hate getting something and then four or five months later, something comes out with the options that I REALLY wanted. I don't want that to happen with the Tundra. I'm willing to wait, but I would like to get the Tundra before the end of the year.

The 2002 M3 convertible (Imola Red, of course) is my dream car. I just can't justify selling my house to pay for a $60,000 car, ya know? Maybe in about 10 or 20 years I'll get one.

If you guys get any info about the 2003's or if Cliffy1 happens to see this post, let me know.

Thanks!

professor4 · March 2002

You discussed shocks and an anti-sway bar in your post 1411 on this board. I am seriously considering a new Tundra, but I am getting mixed signals from local dealers about the warranty impact of aftermarket parts. I cannot imagine that shocks and anti-sway bars would cause them concern, but what about exhaust systems (eg. Flowmaster) and air intakes (eg. AirAid or K&N).

Thanks.

obyone · March 2002

Here's some links for you:

http://www.performancedieselparts.com/mmwa.htm

http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=7253

professor4 · March 2002

Thanks. This is some impressive (and legal and quasi-legal) reading.

I think a lot of what would or would not be warranty impacted by an aftermarket part(s) will depend on the dealer. That, in turn, leads me to the conclusion that I need to stick with one whom I know and, hopefully, can trust.

obyone · March 2002

resulted in the failure of other components lies with the dealer. Course if the dealer decides that, it would probably take an attorney to convince him otherwise. It doesn't hurt to call the Service Manager and get his opinion on it. After all, the final decision to honor the warranty without the assistance of an attorney would fall on him.

I've made a lot of aftermarket parts installation on my truck. The only one that the dealer insists would void the factory warranty would be the "aftermarket turbo or supercharger". He surmised that with an increase of 100HP, transmission and other engine parts not designed to handle that amount of increase would result in failure of those components in direct relation to the aftermarket part installed.

shortlid · March 2002

Tundra Solutions web site is GREAT!

tundradude · March 2002

Interesting figure for comparison.

Towing my camping trailer with the V6: 11
Same with my new V8: 10

kcowboy · April 2002

Haven't seen any posts here in awhile. I think maybe because they are satisfied with their product!

ndahi12 · April 2002

busy enjoying our trucks rather than complain about them :-) At 6500 miles I am still smiling everytime I drive my truck.

xman1035 · April 2002

I recently purchased a Toyota 4x4 Tundra XCab and it is doing great. I have 1000 miles on it and that V8 is silky smooth.

skippydo · April 2002

Bought the Tundra a month or so ago, traded a Crew Cab Nissan. So far the Tundra has impressed me with it power train and overall performance. The Nissan(2K model)was one of the best vehicles I've ever owned, but needed a bigger bed and I decided that 4 WD would solve some versatility problems I continued to encounter. Hopefully, I'll continue to enjoy this truck...we'll see.

kcowboy · May 2002

I'm just counting my blessings I didn't buy a gm made truck. The Tundra has been great!

drgo · May 2002

My Tundra 4x4 rides pretty darn high. When people get "lifts" on their truck, does the ground clearance increase much? If I lower my 4x4, would the ground clearance change much? Even after 1200 miles, I still feel a bit removed from the road. Guess I miss my old '92 access cab toyota truck ride. Luckily I recently sold her at 152,000 miles to a good family who will continue to enjoy her for many more years.

What do people think about my wanting to lower my Tundra? Is it an unwise choice compounded by an added cost? Is ground clearance going to be affected? I guess visibility would be slightly affected since there are so many excessivly large SUV's out on the road. How much lower is the 2 WD vs the 4x4? (I recently had to take care of an adult patient who was dragged 15 feet by an SUV traveling 5 mph or so. Doesn't really sound true but it supposedly is. The patient is in a world of hurt though. It's a scary world with all those SUV's. Are we also at fault?

Craig

drgo · May 2002

Where do people recommend getting instructions on 4x4'ing and staying out of trouble, especially in a Tundra?

Thanks.
Craig

twowheeler · May 2002

www.tundrasolutions.com the site is dedicated to mainly Tundras. The BBS there has a section for Sequoias and highlanders as well.

tundradude · May 2002

When you average 74 mph and tow around 5000 lbs., you average just over 8 mpg. At 60, its 10 mpg.

h1vc · May 2002

Can those of you that have heard quad cab rumors give me some more info on it if there is more or tell me where you heard the rumor? Thanks.

bob259 · May 2002

I'm thinking about getting another pickup and after all the small problems I had with my past GM's decided if I do it will probably be a Tundra. Now the real world questions;

1) What are you seeing as City and Highway MPG with the V8. I wasn't impressed with what I saw for average's when I last looked at them Vs the GM 5.3.

2) Warranty problems? Have you had any problems, if so what.

3) Overall satisfaction... your opinion of the vehicle.

4) Wish list, what doesn't it have you would like to see.

5) How about that back seat and it's usability, it still seems awful cramped and unusable.

Thanks

arkie6 · May 2002

"1) What are you seeing as City and Highway MPG with the V8. I wasn't impressed with what I saw for average's when I last looked at them Vs the GM 5.3."

I've got a 2000 Tundra Access Cab 4.7L V8 Auto 4x4 with approximately 30,000 miles on it. Driving a mixture of in-town and 2 lane country roads, I usually get anywhere from 15-17 MPG. I get better in the summer months, typically 16-17 in summer, 15-16 in winter. My last tank was 17.4 MPG with no trips greater than 20 miles. On the interstate at 75+ MPH, I usually average 17-19 MPG. On two 400 mile trips that I make every year I got 19.6 MPG one year and 21.4 MPG this most recent year. By the way, I'm running Mobil 1 Synthetic in the engine and drivetrain and I have a bed cover on the truck. I'm also running the original factory tires (P265/70R16 Dunlops)at about 32 psig. I'm kind of a lead foot at times also and always push the speed limit by +5 to +10 mph, sometimes more on the back roads close to home.

"2) Warranty problems? Have you had any problems, if so what."

I've had my truck back to the dealer one time. That involved installation of a redesigned center support under the 60/40 bench seat. 2001 and newer trucks have this new design. I also had them replace the drivers side door panel because it was starting to show a little wear where you rest your elbow. It seems to be holding up fine now. These appear to be some early model production bugs that have since been worked out. I also had a driveline thump when I came to a hard stop that was caused by an inadequately lubricated driveshaft slip yoke. I fixed that myself by liberal application of moly grease to the slip yoke. I think there was a TSB on the driveshaft grease thing, but it was easier for me to fix it than to take it to the dealer.

"3) Overall satisfaction... your opinion of the vehicle."

I'm satisfied. For my needs, I would purchase another Tundra given the current selection of trucks. But I don't anticipate replacing mine for several years. My last truck I had for 10 years.

"4) Wish list, what doesn't it have you would like to see."

Mine doesn't have the limited slip rear differential. That is an option available on 2002 models that I would probably get for the couple of hundred dollars that it costs. I've never been stuck in my 4x4, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra traction in 2WD with an empty bed on wet pavement. I added a set of factory running boards to my truck to make it easier for the short women in my life to get in the truck. I have the SR5 model with all of the power options and the upgraded wheels. I can't think of anything else I would add to my truck.

"5) How about that back seat and it's usability, it still seems awful cramped and unusable."

The back seat is great for carrying my hunting gear. It is ok for carrying the guys at work to lunch on occassion. I just scoot the front seats up a couple of inches and they have plenty of room. I wouldn't want to subject 6'+ guys to an extended trip back there though. My 5'0" mom has ridden back there with no complaints for a several hour trip. She just brought a pillow and stretched out and took a nap. I think the 2000+ models have a little better seat angle than the 2000 models, but I added some angle to my rear seat by installing some 1.5" spacers and longer bolts on the bottom of the seat to give it a better angle.

Alan

bob259 · May 2002

Alan, Thanks for the information. I know the dealers are having a hard time getting them, alway's my luck. But I'm not is a rush and like I said will not be getting one of the big 3's again.
Thanks,
Bob

losangelesemt · May 2002

I'm not sure how quick you are to jump into a new truck, but I'd definitely wait for the 03 Tundra to hit the floor. I can't guarantee that there will be any radical changes, but I have an old buddy who works for corporate Toyota in Japan who says that Toyota will indeed release a " bigger better Tundra " by the year 2005. Im certainly hoping this includes a crew cab, or even just a bigger back seat to the current version. I myself am fighting the urge to go get a 2002 model, but will wait the remaining few months until the 03s hit the lot.

BTW when you're ready, keep Carsdirect.com in mind. Very low prices, the lowest I've ever been quoted compared to all the dealers around here in LA area, including Longo Toyota, the largest in the nation. Not to mention the site will allow you to customize the truck with no obligation to anything. I myself am not impressed with the quality of GM trucks in particular and have never been a Dodge fan, so it will remain Toyota for now.

Cheers

ndahi12 · May 2002

I have had my 2002 since Nov 2001 and I really like the truck. It is the best light truck on the market right now. I have a few things that I would like to say though:

1. The driveline thump that Alan mentioned. I want to fix mine but I have not had the time given that I am constantly working on my race car for the next race :-)

2. I have an anoying rattle below the glove compartment that I need to locate and cure. It does not happen often, but it is annoying when it does.

3. I would like to see the bed made 2-3 inches deeper. As its is, it is hard to fit TWO 205/50/15 7 inches wide rims on top of each other.

4. I have almost 8k on my tuck and have had zero problems so far. I am hoping for a long term relationship with this truck. I need it to two my race car once a month and it does a great job.

5. The stock shocks SUCK. They are very soft and designed with comfort in mind. I had the stokcers for 425 miles and then switched to the TRD Bilestin HD shocks. That is the best and only modification that I have done to the truck. The truck is now firm, but not jarring and handles dips w/o floating and wallowing like the stockers do. You can get the TRD package as an option to get better shocks. But mine are even stiffer than the TRD option shocks.

6. I am a single man and I do not have kids, so the rear seat is for storage mostly. I have not tried it. But to be honest the rear seat is ok for a small adults or children.

Kirstie_H · May 2002

A major daily newspaper is writing a story about collision damage insurance, and is looking to talk with drivers who have run into deer or moose. "In most states, such an encounter is not covered by comp. or collision damage insurance; you need special coverage. I want to talk to people who have had these collisions and learn how they handled them. Likewise, I'd also like to hear from people who were involved in some other sort of incident involving their auto and found out that insurance they thought they had was not there." Please respond no later than Monday, June 3 to paudel2001@msn.com and/or jfallon@edmunds.com. Thanks as always!

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

mr620 · May 2002

DETROIT AUTOMAKERS MOVE UP

Out of 16 car and truck segments, Toyota and its luxury division Lexus led in the quality rankings in nine.

In a troubling sign for Detroit's automakers, which dominate truck sales, Toyota virtually swept the truck awards, topping six of seven categories, including mid-size sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks.

"It is a remarkable performance. They've captured virtually every truck award that we have," Walters told Reuters in an interview.

mr620 · May 2002

to see obyone and quadrunner500 are so interested in toyota threads, maybe they got tired of hanging out in GM threads and giving out advices to other GM owners with truck problems.

Obyone, i read before that you are very interested in buying a Lexus LX 470, did you bought one yet?

obyone · May 2002

I'm still contemplating what I will get next. Drove a friends new LS 430...little too small. Have to check out the offering from BMW and MB too.

Do you know if the pistons on the Tundra are forged?

mr620 · June 2002

I don't know that one but i doubt it as toyota doesn't see tundra owners running their trucks at over 4000 rpm excessively.

jaguar0027 · June 2002

Careful of what model BMW you look at. My wife has a 2001 325ci which has had its share of problems.

On a good note, a buddy of mine just got his 5 series beemer about six months ago. No problems with it to date. If you are interested in BMW's let me know and I can e-mail you the laundry list my wife has had.

obyone · June 2002

OMG. Didn't want to go there. Actually was thinking of the X5 and the ML500. BTW, how was the dealership's service department?

jaguar0027 · June 2002

The service department was not the best. My wife has been to the dealership so many times, they are pretty much on a first name basis!

They did fix most of the problems, however it took anywhere from 3-5 times per problem for them to figure it out and then fix it.

Most of the time, the service dept had to be prodded if you know what I mean. They were not very forthcoming with information and you kinda had to get tough with them to get something done. (Kinda like GM huh):)

The X5 is not a bad ride. My friend's sister has one and has not had any problems with it yet. It does ride a bit stiff, but then again its an SUV.

I can't speak for the ML500, although they do look real nice. Keep me posted on what you decide.

BTW, you've got mail.. I sent ya a couple of questions.

Jim

bob259 · June 2002

obyone, I have a ML320 and love it, no problems, etc. You may want to try and hold off till the 04 models come out many new changes I'm hearing and many are major.

obyone · June 2002

Should be no problem doing that...

nwdodgeguy · June 2002

Hey, I came into the truck world as I inherited my 2001 4.7 V8 Club Cab Auto Dakota from my late father. I got the truck with 14,000 miles and have had it to the dealer twice. Once for a headlight issue, the second for bigger tranny issue that caused the truck to stall. I have over 20,000 miles on it now, and I am convinced that my lifestyle supports owning a truck and really like the Dodge in every aspect other than reliability. It really sucks, cause Dodge did everything right with this truck other than make it reliable, which is STUPID.
I'd like feedback on Tundra reliability from owners....do you guys feel confident on a good 100,000 miles with minor detail problems?
I have to say that before I got this truck, I drove a 1989 Camry for 6 years and had 278,000 miles on it with NO....and I mean NO....need for ANY work whatsoever. But I would like honest opinions if I'm gonna trade my Dakota in before the warranty runs out....
Thanks all!!!!

weasle · June 2002

I owned a Dakota previous to my Tundra. I was at the dealer 6 times in 15,000 miles. Only been twice in 46,000 with the Tundra. First time was because it was delivered with bad alignment. Second time to replace the oxygen sensors. The quality is alot better. Too bad, I would like to see some competition for the Dakota. I here the new Chevy Colorado may grow to that size, but I'm not too sure about reliability there either. I know my next truck will be a crew cab. I would love to see a larger Tacoma with a diesel.

obyone · June 2002

For additional feedback on the Tundra, headover to www.Tundrasolutions.com Lots of owners there to give you their insight on the truck.

twowheeler · June 2002

the TS site is an excellent place for Tundra info (Sequoia's too). I've only got about 1,400 miles on my '02 SR5 Access Cab 2WD V8, only prob I have had was a minor vibration coming thru the driver's side floor pan at 2,500 rpm. I did some poking around under the truck and figured it was the heat shield resonating. I was able to change the resonant frequency and lessen the vibration of the shield by bending it around a little. A couple of more tweeks and the vibe should be gone, hopefully.

Some of the probs I have read regarding the Tundra reliability are O2 sensors as weasle mentions, cold engine knock, driveline thump when stopping (axle wrap?), chipping paint, vibration, and minor squeeks and rattles. I haven't gathered that these are widespread problems but more than a couple of folks at the TS site have the cold engine knock, driveline thump, and chipping paint probs. I'm crossing my fingers that my truck will be as good as your Camry. BTW, did you ever change the timing belt on it (or was the cam chain-driven on that model year)? Oh, forgot to mention another prob - can't put a snowplow on the front end apparently, that is, if you wanted to.

twowheeler · June 2002

There is the issue of the brakes...most common problem.

gregfocker · June 2002

Does anyone have a Lund Interceptor hood deflector/bug guard installed on their Tundra?

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