This says it all about the article Quad touts (from the article): "a lot of California drivers also face windy narrow roads, so CU’s judgment in this regard carries a bi-coastal appeal." What a bunch of BS this Mike Davis writes! Obviously, when he thinks of CA, he only visualizes the famous winding uphill road in SF. When I read the above highly ignorant statement, I knew the rest of the article was nonsense. He must be a domestic owner.
Theres plenty of narrow windy roads around here ... I believe they call them on ramps/off ramps. Funny how the state targets tourism by showing all the PCH shots along ocean and so on. Yet im still waiting for them to show you and I downtown in the worst traffic in the nation, listening to Leykis as a mild road rage inhibitor. The article didn't make much sense for me, I'm really not sure what the point was.
I'm considering purchasing a Tundra. I won't be doing any hauling or towing, basically just using it as a passenger car. Does the V6 provide ample power, or should I chose the V8?
So far my experiences with my 2000 Tundra LTD Drivers side seat belt failed to retract properly which caused the seat to become ripped where the seat belt buckle caught it. Replaced by Toyota under warranty Serpentine belt and/or idler pulley squeaking when cold Will be replaced by Toyota under warranty Passenger side seat belt making strange noises (clicking etc...) Will be replaced by Toyota under warranty Today I had the occasion to take my 2400 pound boat with 1000 pound trailer to our local launch ramp. The trailer got caught over a six inch ledge and I put the truck in 4 wheel low and proceeded to drive up the ramp. There was a loud retracting grinding sound coming from in front of the rear wheel and the truck quit moving. After being towed up the ramp and then going back for the boat with the tow truck I had the truck towed to the dealer. By my calculations I think I was towing aprox. 3200 pounds and I really don't understand how the transfer case could come apart that easily. What would happen if you towed 7000 pounds with this unit?! I have heard that Toyota is using Tacoma running gear and if that is the case that would explain the problem I had. It would disappoint me if Toyota has tried to save money be utilizing parts from the smaller Tacoma and coupling them to the V8 engine. I will let you know what happens after the dealer looks at the truck next week. John.
What model year of Tundra do you own? In your post you said it was a 2000 model and in your profile you put a 2001 Tundra. If it's the first year model it may explain a lot of the problems you are having.
It appears that most of your problems with your Tundra were minor and quickly repaired. I am surprised what happened to your Tundra in your last post. You might want to file a case with NHSTA so it can be documented.
Sorry it was a typo error I didn't catch. My truck is a 2001 purchased in Nov. 2000. You are correct in that the small problems were taken care of in a professional manner by Toyota. I am quite happy with the way they have handled things so far. I'm just unhappy that the drivetrain seems to be weak. Hopefully it is just a gear or something that didn't get heat treated properly. John
Forgive me for boring in on this further, I'm trying to determine what caused the tranny failure your brother had. Did the shop that repaired it give any indication?
Was he in the habit of towing heavy loads using the OD? Had he had any tranny service done prior to the failure? Not sure, but believe the book says first tranny service at 30K. I tow a boat in mixed driving and take the OD off in hills - only use OD on flat interstate driving at cruising speed. I think I can get away with this since my boat only weighs in at ~2K pounds.
Anybody else who tows regularly with the Tundra - recommend a shorter interval for tranny service?
My brother's Tundra transmission was replaced with a new one by Toyota. He had over 50,000 miles on it. He has a 2000 year model Tundra and purchased when it first came out. He works in construction and drives the truck hard.
He has towed with the Tundra like his jet skis during the summer months.
He was told that the transmission had a factory defect and that is why it failed.
In regards to service, I bought a Tundra 4x4 Xcab last week and plan to switch to synthetic fluids during the first year. The first change I will do is to switch to Mobil 1 oil after 1000 miles. Then I will switch the air filter to a K&N or the TRD equivalent.
The rest of the fluids will be changed before their scheduled service.
Tied to get my oil changed not too long ago on my Tundra, and Jiffy Lube said they hadn't received the specs yet and couldn't. So I changed it myself, which I have done plenty of times on previous vehicles. When I took off the filter, there was a drainage of oil that came out of the block. If you have done this you know access isn't the easiest, and the oil drips (or in my case flowed) to the metal sheet below. Had to sop up the extra oil. Anyone have a solution to catching this extra drainage besides taking it to Valvoline or the dealer?
I do not think the 3,400 load you were towing had anything to do with your breakdown. Have you every used 4WL before? Maybe you have (had) a defective transfer case - would have broken down with or without trailer.
Even the smallest one made can tow 3,400 pounds.
Your problem sounds like one in a million - you were just unlucky enough to be the one.
I haven't changed the oil yet on my '02 (only got 500 miles on it) but on my previous Nissan pickup it was the same as you described - The oil flowed out when the filter was removed. Luckily, the belly pan below was fairly easy to remove - about 6 bolts. I'm guessing the pan on the Tundra can be hopefully removed fairly easily?
I suspect that the Toyota engineers designed the lube system to keep the oil filter packed with oil so that during startup, the engine would be provided with oil immediately.
Before removing the oil filter take a hammer and an old screw driver and punch a small hole in the bottom of the filter to let the extra oil drain out. When it's done draining, remove the filter with little or no mess.
I'm thinking on buying an 02 Tundra to replace my 94 Nissan P/U with 320k miles on it. Will probably buy the cheapest model, the 6cyl, auto tranny reg cab long bed. Dealers out in So Cal are offering them for $14k plus tax, etc. What I need to know if anyone has added cruise control. (aftermarket) How much did it cost? Who makes it and can you get me some info? Gotta have the cruise for dem long drives ya know. Drove the auto tranny and the 5 spd and they're both nice. Will only tow an 2000lb trailer once or twice a month. So I've driven the American trucks and although they're larger the the Toy, I sure would like to put another 320k miles on the next truck too. Oh, has anyone taken out the bench seats and put more comfy buckets in a reg cab? Where would I find them besides going to the junkyard and taking them out of a wreck? Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
We're considering a basic V6 Tundra long bed as well, although haven't test driven. How is the acceleration & torque? I'm not looking for a sport truck, but don't want a slug either. Difference between the 5 speed and the automatic? I'm curious about cruise control as well.
My other question: Can a limited slip differential be fitted at reasonable cost? We live in the northeast but don't want the cost of 4WD. The gearing for the V6s is different, but can the core of the diff be changed out? Is the whole rear axle different? What do people know? Thanks.
I used to have a 2000 V6 Tundra with the 5 speed. I now have a V8 SR5. The 5 speed was ok, but it was noticable stiffer than previous Toyota trucks with manuals. I would recommend the automatic.
There is nothing wrong with the bench seat in comfort for two passengers. The middle part is just plain uncomfortable because of the armrest that is built in.
The gearing is perfect for the truck. It tows real well and I towed 5000 pounds.
Acceleration with the 5 speed is 0-60 9.0 (Motor Trend). Automatic is probably real close. Torque is always plentiful.
Why not just have the truck come from the factory with LSD and cruise? Order what you want -it has to cost less to have the factory build it then have the dealer add it latter. Am I wrong about this?
My early research (brochures, websites) indicates that these items are not offered with the V6. They may be able to be special ordered, which I will do if I can. That would be the best way. I want to have researched the issues well before I go to the dealer and ask for something out of the ordinary.
I have a few buddies who went to carsdirect.com and left with new trucks for invoice. Not only so, but their invoice price was a few hundred lower than some of the dealers invoice. I believe you can customize to your needs on site if it's of any interest.
Does anyone know if the Auto tranny used in the Tundra V6 the same unit as the V8 auto tranny? I s'pose that Toy wouldn't put out an inferior tranny for the 6 banger, but I've owned an Aerostar and I'm darned leary of anything that might have been built in France... Been reading some of the other stuff on the new Dodge trucks. People seem to be pretty happy with 'em but I'm gonna check back on the site in 6 to 8 months when their trucks start falling apart. I hope I'm wrong but after having been burned by inferior products... Well, someone may have added cruise to a Tundra V6 out there aftermarket, so I'll wait a few weeks to see if anyone replies to this board. Couldn't care less about the LSD though. Found a stretch cab in SoCal that had cruise as part of a convenience package. $23.5k sticker. with the V6. Yeow
Thanks for the suggestion about carsdirect.com. Still looking to find out if options like cruise are available on the regular cab V6 even if not listed in the brochure. Sometimes happens. I wonder if a good high-volume dealer can get unusual special orders put together.
Good question about the automatic on V6 & V8. I'd be more confident if they were the same. The LSD (with winter tires) is desirable to me as an economical alternative to 4WD here in the snowy, icy Northeast. You can go most of the places on-road that a 4WD can, without the weight, cost & gas mileage penalties. Those costs would really add up over the long life of a Toyota truck. Just speculating, but think that if the rear diff case and drive shaft are the same on V8s and V6s, then a factory LSD would be a possibility. If not, then it would be a too-expensive custom fit-up.
Sorry to report this to the fantasizer's out there looking for Tundra problems, especially the GM type. But I have had no problems what so ever with my 2001 SR5 V8, 10 months in service and just hit 13,000 miles. The truck runs just as good as when I first bought it. Plenty of power,great brakes (no warping rotors),decent gas mileage and to top it off the ride is as smooth as a baby's backside. I put in synthetic M1 on my last oil change and didn't notice any difference as far as fuel economy, will probably switch back to regular oil and change between 3500-4000, still less than the owners manual.
Glad to hear that. Geez Bama posts that his Tundra has been trouble free since new and nobody seems to believe it. Let me clarify, very few of the non Toyota fans, seem to believe it. Don't know why though, Toyota is famous for making a quality product.
Went to the local Toy dealer and found out the auto tranny in the V6 is different than the V8. Ah well. Also found an aftermarket cruise for the reg cab. Toy wants $2k for the parts alone for cruise, plus probably 6 hours labor. Yeow. Will buy the reg cab V6 which does not offer the cruise in the reg cab V6. Looking forward to putting 300k miles on a Tundra.
2 grand for cruise is an oucher lol. Almost enought to buy a Harley to cruise on instead. 300K on a Tundra is definitely possible. Let me know how the V6 goes, been thinking of getting the 6 myself, good luck.
Just rolled over 35,000 on my 2000 SR5 V8 4WD and had my first visit to the dealer. Got a check engine light...it did take two tries to repair it correctly. I guess the car gods are just repaying me for the 98 Explorer the shop and I owned.
Well I always expected the 2000s to be the worst bunch of Tundra's. Just be thankful though you got 35,000 good miles out of it already. Theres other trucks on market that have been Lemons way before they ever see 35,000. Best of luck in future.
Have you checked the Rado threads on Edmunds lately? The check engine light is emission related nothing more. It has nothing to do with the truck breaking down or stranding you on the freeway. The light can come on if you even forget to tighten the gas cap hard enough or if you have a defective oxygen sensor.
What was the problem? My engine light just came on after 45,000 miles on my 2000 Tundra. Bad oxygen sensor. The good news is that Toyota is going to pay for the parts even though it is out of the mileage warranty since the truck is less than 2 years old. Didn't even have to ask. The service dept went ahead and took care of it (Chatham Parkway Toyota in Savannah, GA). Other than this, the truck has been great averaging over 19.5 mpg.
some Tundras going over 45K without any major problems. Many people thought the Tacoma parts in the Tundra would never last - I guess they were wrong! If Toyota upgrades the Tundra in 2004 (larger cab, more HP, better choice of options) I may give Toyota another chance to earn my business.
A few high mileage (25,000-35,000) toymotas, but totally ignore the pleas of fragged differentials and broken 4wd systems. Who could ask for anything more?
I was basing my statement on the belief that a Toyota, renowned for their reliability, would have at least as good an emissions warranty as a Ford product.
The coverage on a Ford for 8/80,000 miles includes; Cat convertor, Compuvalve, PCM, OBD VCL, Air Flow sensor, Air/fuel feedback, Air induction system, Altitude Compensation, Cold start enrichment, Cold start injector.........
It goes on for another page.
It's a shame Toyota cuts it off on the parts listed by Mr. Weasel.
I also apologize if I broke protocol by posting here, I didn't realize that it was a prerequisite to own the vehicle in the topic or that some Toyota owners were so easily offended.
parts were covered. The only mandated parts are what you listed. I just find it odd that Ford would then cover more than they have to and Toyota wouldn't, specifically sensors.
Sir LAEMT, Thank you for the encouragement. I don't base my opinion of all Toyota owners because of one misguided individual.
Sorry I didn't address you as "sir". It appears that some Ford owners posting to this topic have feelings of inadequacy and must refer to other adults as "sir". I haven't called anyone sir my entire life.
I agree with you that any correct information posted to this topic is welcome, no matter the source.
One Ford owner's first post was obviously wrong. So much for knowledgeable. Then he posted two apologies each telling us how great his Ford is.
If the Ford owner wants to be objective - why not start another topic:
1. Why does their superior Ford have 40% less powertrain warranty.
2. Why did Ford copy the Toyota Tacoma styling for all of their present pickups?
3. Why does their larger displacement Ford get spanked 0-60 and quarter mile by the Tundra?
Of course these should be new topics, since this is a Tundra problems topic.
I am glad that the troubled Ford owner is proud of his/her truck - but wouldn't it be better if they had the common sense to post to an appropriate topic with accurate information?
I really feel for this individual who is obviously in a lot of emotional turmoil. I think that this person has not been in contact with their "inner child" - or maybe they ARE a child.
I think that we should pity him and reach out to help him. I think that maybe something in his childhood may have fostered such feelings of inadequacy. I do not blame the poor, misguided individual. I am sure that he represents a very small percentage of all Ford owners. We can all hope!
You're correct Mr. EMT, some people have ulterior motives and very little respect.
As far as powertrain warranty, what good would 40% more be if it doesn't cover parts that actually wear out( 02 sensors)?
According to Mr. Weasels informative post the Ford may actually have a better warranty to 80,000 miles. One that covers real world electronic and emissions equipment instead of the vague "powertrain" warranty.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at the "copy Tacoma" styling remark. Very humorous indeed.
A couple 10ths of a second slower in a vehicle that has a 200 pound higher curb weight and lower numerical gear ratio is hardly "spanked."
Esteemed EMT, thank you for the service to the community and your very insightful view into the behavior of one obviously angry individual.
I am curious as to how our fair and impartial moderator has allowed this individual to attack nearly everyone on this board.
Comments
Thanks
Drivers side seat belt failed to retract properly which caused the seat to become ripped where the seat belt buckle caught it.
Replaced by Toyota under warranty
Serpentine belt and/or idler pulley squeaking when cold
Will be replaced by Toyota under warranty
Passenger side seat belt making strange noises (clicking etc...)
Will be replaced by Toyota under warranty
Today I had the occasion to take my 2400 pound boat with 1000 pound trailer to our local launch ramp. The trailer got caught over a six inch ledge and I put the truck in 4 wheel low and proceeded to drive up the ramp. There was a loud retracting grinding sound coming from in front of the rear wheel and the truck quit moving. After being towed up the ramp and then going back for the boat with the tow truck I had the truck towed to the dealer.
By my calculations I think I was towing aprox. 3200 pounds and I really don't understand how the transfer case could come apart that easily. What would happen if you towed 7000 pounds with this unit?!
I have heard that Toyota is using Tacoma running gear and if that is the case that would explain the problem I had. It would disappoint me if Toyota has tried to save money be utilizing parts from the smaller Tacoma and coupling them to the V8 engine. I will let you know what happens after the dealer looks at the truck next week.
John.
It appears that most of your problems with your Tundra were minor and quickly repaired. I am surprised what happened to your Tundra in your last post. You might want to file a case with NHSTA so it can be documented.
John
Was he in the habit of towing heavy loads using the OD? Had he had any tranny service done prior to the failure? Not sure, but believe the book says first tranny service at 30K. I tow a boat in mixed driving and take the OD off in hills - only use OD on flat interstate driving at cruising speed. I think I can get away with this since my boat only weighs in at ~2K pounds.
Anybody else who tows regularly with the Tundra - recommend a shorter interval for tranny service?
Jeff
He has towed with the Tundra like his jet skis during the summer months.
He was told that the transmission had a factory defect and that is why it failed.
In regards to service, I bought a Tundra 4x4 Xcab last week and plan to switch to synthetic fluids during the first year. The first change I will do is to switch to Mobil 1 oil after 1000 miles. Then I will switch the air filter to a K&N or the TRD equivalent.
The rest of the fluids will be changed before their scheduled service.
http://home.attbi.com/~nhparrot/ts/airfilter/AirFilterTest.htm
Even the smallest one made can tow 3,400 pounds.
Your problem sounds like one in a million - you were just unlucky enough to be the one.
I suspect that the Toyota engineers designed the lube system to keep the oil filter packed with oil so that during startup, the engine would be provided with oil immediately.
John
My other question: Can a limited slip differential be fitted at reasonable cost? We live in the northeast but don't want the cost of 4WD. The gearing for the V6s is different, but can the core of the diff be changed out? Is the whole rear axle different? What do people know? Thanks.
There is nothing wrong with the bench seat in comfort for two passengers. The middle part is just plain uncomfortable because of the armrest that is built in.
The gearing is perfect for the truck. It tows real well and I towed 5000 pounds.
Acceleration with the 5 speed is 0-60 9.0 (Motor Trend). Automatic is probably real close. Torque is always plentiful.
I want to have researched the issues well before I go to the dealer and ask for something out of the ordinary.
Good question about the automatic on V6 & V8. I'd be more confident if they were the same. The LSD (with winter tires) is desirable to me as an economical alternative to 4WD here in the snowy, icy Northeast. You can go most of the places on-road that a 4WD can, without the weight, cost & gas mileage penalties. Those costs would really add up over the long life of a Toyota truck. Just speculating, but think that if the rear diff case and drive shaft are the same on V8s and V6s, then a factory LSD would be a possibility. If not, then it would be a too-expensive custom fit-up.
Toyotas are fine automobiles but the dealer did you no favor by replacing something they had to anyway.
urkillingme,
Sensors are not covered under the 8/80 warranty. That only covers major components like the computer and catalytic converter.
Is he confused? Tired? Angry? Resentful? Who knows - but he is going to post to Tundra topics anyway. Please try to ignore the babble.
The coverage on a Ford for 8/80,000 miles includes;
Cat convertor,
Compuvalve,
PCM,
OBD
VCL,
Air Flow sensor,
Air/fuel feedback,
Air induction system,
Altitude Compensation,
Cold start enrichment,
Cold start injector.........
It goes on for another page.
It's a shame Toyota cuts it off on the parts listed by Mr. Weasel.
I also apologize if I broke protocol by posting here, I didn't realize that it was a prerequisite to own the vehicle in the topic or that some Toyota owners were so easily offended.
Sir LAEMT, Thank you for the encouragement. I don't base my opinion of all Toyota owners because of one misguided individual.
I agree with you that any correct information posted to this topic is welcome, no matter the source.
One Ford owner's first post was obviously wrong. So much for knowledgeable. Then he posted two apologies each telling us how great his Ford is.
If the Ford owner wants to be objective - why not start another topic:
1. Why does their superior Ford have 40% less powertrain warranty.
2. Why did Ford copy the Toyota Tacoma styling for all of their present pickups?
3. Why does their larger displacement Ford get spanked 0-60 and quarter mile by the Tundra?
Of course these should be new topics, since this is a Tundra problems topic.
I am glad that the troubled Ford owner is proud of his/her truck - but wouldn't it be better if they had the common sense to post to an appropriate topic with accurate information?
I really feel for this individual who is obviously in a lot of emotional turmoil. I think that this person has not been in contact with their "inner child" - or maybe they ARE a child.
I think that we should pity him and reach out to help him. I think that maybe something in his childhood may have fostered such feelings of inadequacy. I do not blame the poor, misguided individual. I am sure that he represents a very small percentage of all Ford owners. We can all hope!
As far as powertrain warranty, what good would 40% more be if it doesn't cover parts that actually wear out( 02 sensors)?
According to Mr. Weasels informative post the Ford may actually have a better warranty to 80,000 miles. One that covers real world electronic and emissions equipment instead of the vague "powertrain" warranty.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at the "copy Tacoma" styling remark. Very humorous indeed.
A couple 10ths of a second slower in a vehicle that has a 200 pound higher curb weight and lower numerical gear ratio is hardly "spanked."
Esteemed EMT, thank you for the service to the community and your very insightful view into the behavior of one obviously angry individual.
I am curious as to how our fair and impartial moderator has allowed this individual to attack nearly everyone on this board.