Toyota Tundra 2000

tp4unc

Congratulations.

lexmark

If Toyota recommends high octane fuel, were the advertised horse-power tests done with 87, or something better? I suppose the Tundra will ping if you drive at high altitudes without the high octane? Anyone tried it in the mountains? I'm still waiting for the local dealership to bring in Tundra that is not dark green. The first one was a plain jane with no chrome, no alloy wheels, etc. Maybe I could learn to like the looks if I could see an up-scale version. Now, if only I can find a way to get my wife back to the dealer to look at one now that she is convinced the Tundra looks like an army vehicle.

Regarding bed covers. . .do they do anything other than protect the bed? An friend of mine uses his trucks, from new, without a bed-liner, then installs one just before selling. That way, when it's time to sell, the buyer sees a beautiful, unmarked liner, and theoretically is more prepared to open his wallet. I've also heard of some corrosion and scuffing problems with the bed liners. By the way, my current truck has a single sheet of hard-faced plywood on the floor because I frequently roll heavy crates on, and off the bed, and the ridges normally found on bed liners would probably mess me up.

bregan

to potential buyers---skip the bench seat, the center console on bench seat models vibrates, gyrates and rocks and rolls on any slight bump starting at about 30 mph---quite annoying...someone sits in the passenger seat and its fine...an obvious design flaw, many others have same problem...toyota hdqrs knows about the issue but has no answer...yeah, I can stuff something between the console and a seat to stop the noise, but quite tacky considering the cost of this vehicle...i love my tundra in every other way and thats the only complaint I have...if you are going to purchase---go with the captains chairs...i got bench as it does fit 3 adults comfortably and my slight framed teenager is fine in the back...but drive by yourself and the noise drives you nuts...if any bench seat tundra owners have come across a fix from a local toy shop speak up...great truck in every other way---and no vibrations in brakes,steering for me as others have posted. radio aint the greatest but I didnt buy it for the sounds.

present4u

"Well you can freeze the
Tundra, I've gone to the Frontier Crew Cab."

You bought that hideous monstrosity of a Nissan 850 compact crew cab with the open-air trunk!? Why didn't you just buy a Pathfinder, which has more passenger room AND cargo space?! That trunk is useless for hauling anything larger than a 12-pack of beer.. in cans.

I had a Nissan 850 4x4, and it was an excellent vehicle that only cost me oil, gas, a battery, and a battery cable in 10 years of service...

.. But I wasn't ABOUT to consider the Nissan Frontier with the comically small bed that looks like circus clowns ought to be riding in the back of.

But if YOU like it, I'm glad you're satisfied.

jcm1

okkk....I have had my Tundra for a 8 days now....lets see....I Love it...things I would do different??? The captain chair arm rest is way to narrow and to far into my body...but I have adjusted my driving position and kind of enjoy not even using it. If the center console was higher I think it would be my arm rest. Well what else....oh..does anybody else notice this...with the AC on if the radio isn't on, I can hear a relay switch clicking behind the controls. Yes its not loud but dam this truck is quite, you hear everything on the inside. Its amazing to be driving with the windows down ,then put them up.
So the clicking I'm sure is the compressor cycling...I just find it strange to be able to hear this relay in the passenger compartment.
That is all my complaints.
Oh one more.. the radio/cd player we all know about...I can't take it much longer...it really does su#$...but if anybody thinks its great and are happy with it...great..I'm not putting you down...It just doesn't matter to a lot of people..and that's ok...but anyone replacing it knows what true high fidelity is.
The high-light of my week....a family of five in a Camary on the highway,all turning around as I came up on them giving me the thumbs up.....this is a great truck...I wouldn't trade it for anything...well.............. maybe a Hummer....

rwellbaum2

Yes, the solenoid sound is definitely audible. Mostly because the Tundra is so stinkin' quiet. If the solenoid is too bothersome you could find it and attempt to insulate around it with dense foam insulation. The armrest on both sides could be a little more comfy but their not really that bad. All minor....shows you what a great truck this is. We are nit-noiding to find problems while the "other" truck buyers are dealing with very serious malfunctions. The Frontier crewcab configuration is a mainstay of the asian world, Toyota has a model just like it. While in Japan I never saw the drivers try to carry anything but small items back there (like buckets of fish that you wouldn't want to smell up your trunk). It's totally useless for most applications here in america for construction work, etc. It could catch on as a fad with teenyboppers, since it's different. The one I saw was retailing for 23,000. Pretty steep for a very small, unrefined vehicle.

arkie6

Reply to Lexmark in post # 388:

The Toyota owners manual that I looked at recommended 87 octane for the Tundra V8. I would assume that testing was done with that fuel.

There appears to be some misunderstanding regarding octane ratings of fuel. The octane # refers to the fuels anti-knock index, or ability to resist knocking - the higher the octane #, the more resistant to knocking. If the engine compression ratio and engine management system are optimized to run on 87 octane, then there is no benefit to running a higher octane fuel (contrary to what the gasoline companies would like you to believe since they make more $/gallon on the "premium" stuff). In fact, there may be a loss of power with the higher octane fuel due to it having less energy (lower BTU content) and being slower burning (helps resist knock).

To make the most advantage of high octane fuel, you have to increase the cylinder pressure by increasing the compression ratio or by forced induction.

The higher the cylinder pressure, the more likely the engine is to knock, and vica-versa. Cylinder pressure is related to atmospheric pressure since that is what fills the cylinders on the intake stroke. Higher atmospheric pressure = higher cylinder pressure, and vica-versa. Therefore, when you are in the mountains at a high altitude where the atmospheric pressure is lower, cylinder pressures are lower, the tendancy for engine knock is lower, and the minimum octane requirement is LOWER. This is why the minimum octane available at sea level is 87 octane, while in the mountains of Colorado for instance, the lowest octane available is 85 octane.

michaelb3

I have a green Lmtd TRD on order and requested it without the decals on the back. They're just going to remove them with a heat gun at the dealership before they detail it. Paying almost 30k for a vehicle and I'd rather not have stickers on it...personal preference. They took off those big blueish purple swoosh decals on my 96 Tacoma when I got it and it worked fine.

kzrevv

ok here goes.........
i bought my black tundra SR5 access cab 4X4 just a little under 3 weeks ago. got it for $1000 under sticker. i drove the dodge,ford and chevy first. all trucks i wouldnt mind owning except: the ford interior was, quite simply, plain; the dodge is going to have transmission problems; and the chevy that was available the day i bought my tundra had only THREE doors, and for my needs the door was on the wrong side(oh sure the door allows you to open it out of traffic, but when i pull in the driveway, i dont want to walk around the damn truck to get something out of the back)
i traded in my 93 toyota 22RE 2wd pick up with 100,000 dependable, no wait, DEPENDABLE miles on it. i have the dunlops with absolutely positively NO vibration problems. got a rhinoliner spray in bedliner for $450, my advice........ get one
i now have 1,100 miles on mine, if youre riding the fence on getting one- just break down and buy it-this is one incredible truck
and if you already own one- we got something special here guys
is it the perfect vehicle? of course not, no one has built that yet, but i can assure you all, it is the most perfect vehicle i have EVER owned or driven

P.S. why is it that you NEVER see a Dodge tow truck?
(and will we be seeing TUNDRA tow trucks?)

thessick

Has anyone seen or driven a 6 cylinder Tundra yet?
If so, how does it compare to the 8 or T100?

Thanks
Tom

thessick

I have not seen Michelins on a Tundra yet. What package includes them?

Thanks
Tom

tp4unc

There is one 6 cylinder, regular cab, 5-speed on the lot in my hometown. I have not driven it however. Sticker price was around $19,000.

The Michelins(in my area) are a distributor installed option. Combined with the distributor alloy, they sticker for around $1100 or so.(I'm sure someone else here can tell you the exact price for the Michelin upgrades).

rphron

I am about to purchase a Tundra but am requesting the bench seat. I have 4 kids and at some point might have to take the whole fam damily together in the Tundra. We have a minivan for the normal family drives....but I digress...I have been pre-approved for my truck loan via my credit union and am doing the circus tricks with the dealer.

But from I guess the bench seat sucks! What is the deal there...any other opinions on the bench?

Thanks,

eoster

The bench seat and in particular the seat back and arm rest brackets lack lateral stability. They vibrate for about four cycles for each bump the vehicle encounters. The seat back is OK but the arm rest is supported by the seat back and has a second set of brackets that amplify any movement. Annoying yes, unbearable no. Toyota is aware of the problem.Try one and see how it feels to you.

If you don't like your dealer try mine. See posting #393 above. Learie told me he can have a car shipped anywhere. Give him a call

dave146

Thanks. I appreciate the info. I too would use my extended cab for stuff only (light fixtures etc. that can't go in the bed).

artp

Regarding the question about the V6 Tundra.

I was looking at the Tundra specs and noticed - the fuel economy difference between the V6 & V8 was 1 or 2 mpg difference.

Considering the lower resale value of the V6 I can't think of any possible reason to buy a V6 Tundra, unless you must drive a 5 speed manual. Maybe some people are *afraid* of all that power.

tundradude

Having a V6 tundra, its just as quite as a V8. Its much smoother than the T100 (had one of those before the Tundra.) Its also about the only one around here with everyone getting the V8 extended cab models.

The gas mileage is hanging around 20 miles per gallon.

There will not be any lower resale value on the V6. I sold my 94 T100 more than i paid for it two months ago and it was a 4 cylinder. The reason to buy a V6 Tundra is monthly payments. I paid 16000 for mine and its not a stripper. I have driven the v8 version and it is powerful, but the V6 isn't that far behind. Besides i could add that supercharger to the v6 and have more hp than the V8 and still come out cheaper if I bought the v8 version. Getting the V6 Tundra is one of the best deals from Toyota.

PS: The T100 was a great truck, but I needed the V6 to pull my camping trailer.

scout07

I am going to buy a Tundra this week and I am working between four dealers. The biggest problem I am facing is are you guys buying your Tundra with or w/o taxes included?? Your feed back would greatly appreciated.

rwellbaum2

I'm an Oregon resident, so no sales tax on my Tundra.

atoyot

OK, I talked to my Toyota mechanic friend today at church, and he said that the wheel vibration problem has been addressed by Toyota and there is a fix. He said it involves a heavier steering wheel, adjustments to the rack and pinion steering, alignment and rebalance of tires. He also said that this problem was with the earlier models and that the later ones more than likely have this fix from the factory.

I asked him about the bench seat problem and he said that he hadn't heard of any info on it. I will keep asking him and see what progresses.

atoyot

Some Toyota basher brought up the issue of the timing belt having to be changed every 60,000 miles. I asked my Toyota mechanic friend about it and he stated that it was the suggested change time, and that it was only one belt not two. Cost should be about the same as all of the other Toyota timing belt changes, but he didn't know for sure as he hasn't done one yet. If you look at page 9 of the Tundra sales brochure you will see the engine and it looks like it only takes a couple of removed covers to get the belt changed. Much easier than a chain!!!

My opinion on belt vs. chain has changed upon talking to him. I used to love the chain due to the extended life of it, but wasn't that happy about the cost of replacement. Major $$$$$. I changed my mind once I learned that belts keep much better timing than chains due to the stretching of the chain and wear of the sprockets. Belts also rob less horsepower from the engine due to friction and weight. Just my added thoughts. Let me know what you think.

atoyot

"The all-new Tundra full-size pickup continued its strong debut with 5,193 sales, bringing its three-month sales total to 17,011."

I got that statement from the Toyota web page, and that means that they are averaging 5670.33 trucks a month. To meet the 100,000 a year goal they need to move 8333.33 trucks a month. That is great news for me because it means that Toyota might start coming down on the price by January when I want to purchase my truck!!!

atoyot

Just to qualify my last post, does anyone know if the Indiana plant is up to full production yet, or if the August sales total was with limited availability???

esumpter

I live in Georgia and paid county sales taxes on the Tundra.

ch_norell

I picked up my new Tundra this weekend and noticed the problem with the bench seat right away. I solved the problem by sliding a 12" piece of 5/4 x 6 lumber between the bottom of the center of the seat and the carpet. it fit kind of tight and the center of the seat is now supported and 90% of the vibration is gone.

rwellbaum2

Do you know what the serial numbers or date of manufacture are primarily having the vibration problem? Would your friend, the Toyota mechanic, have any idea?

artp

I think the prices most people are quoting is without tax and government fees.

Where I live must be the worst.

7.5% sales tax
$550 registration fee (tax!), this is annual
not to mention 87 octane gas sells for $1.65 per gallon here

The great (sarcasm) state of California, northern to be specific.

neussl

Toyota's are great, I've had about a dozen, but you are much better off with the V-8 in the Tundra. It is the same motor used in the 50K Land-Cruiser and the 55K Lexus LX470. The 3.4 V6, standard in all Tundra's except the Limiteds, is also used in 4Runners and Tacoma pickups. I used to work at a Toyota store, and if you only knew how many cylinder head gaskets have been replaced on the 3.4 V-6's since introduction in 1995, you would be amazed. Toyota stands behind it product so most, if not all the head gaskets have been replaced no charge. The v-6 you really want is the 3.0 V-6, used in all Sienna's, Optional in Camry, Standard in all Avalons, and standard in Lexus ES-300. This engine has had virtually no problems as far as I have heard. Remember if you buy a Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner you will have a Japanese produced engine. Check the 4x6 inch notice on the window of all new vehicles to see where your major components (i.e. engine, transmission) come from. Be aware if you buy a new Camry (especially east of the Mississippi) as most of the 2.2 Litre 4 cylinder engines are sourced in the USA, in fact some of the engine blocks are sourced from a subsidiary of GM. Yes, my Tundra V-8 is smooth and leaves nothing to be desired.

atoyot

I don't know what the serial number range is, but I will ask him next time I see him.

nestorf

Does anybody know what the deal is with carorder.com's prices. I logged on to order my new Tundra at 1K over invoice, and the price had suddenly changed to almost 2.5K over invoice.

Has anybody else notice this price changing, and have you seen it go down at all??

I'm hoping they raise the prices on the weekends, or maybe for the holiday, and will be checking daily in hopes that it does drop.

jyarnold

I just traded in my 96 4runner in for a Tundra LTD at a Denver dealership Cause I just can't stand stressing out the 3.4 V6 driving up the mountian home everyday anymore. Now seemed like real good timing for 4runner to Tundra tradeins I think because tundra based 4runners haven't been seen yet so 96s, anyway, bring in top dollar. I got 19.2 for tradein, (sr5 loaded and clean) and paid MSRP for one coming in within two weeks. Wondering why dealers seem to get 'em long b4 carsdirect.com could...

fdgboy

Help, the three local dealer's inventory is sparse to none. Has anyone driven a Tundra with the manual 5 spd? One local dealer has told me that they won't be produced for another 6 months. Likewise has anyone driven and compared a V6 vs the V8? Even though the V8's performance numbers look great I would probably do just as well with a V6. By the way, I drive a 1990 F150 4x4, 5sp, straight 6 now with 97K miles, she's been pretty good but I've been seduced by the Tundra!

nestorf

I guess I'm what you could call a newbie to pickups, and thought someone out there might be able to lend a hand.

I'm trying to decide between an over rail or under rail bedliner. What is the difference (besides the obvious)? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to either?

Thanks in advance for any help.

nestorf

Anyone order the ABS option on the Tundra? Is it worth the price.... about $600.

I'm teatering between adding it and not, and was curious what the experience is like.

Thanks

lexmark

Well sorry die-hard Toyota fans, this past weekend I got a chance to sit(scrunch) in the back seat(torture rack) of the Tundra. Anyone who says it is too small for anyone but kids, must not love their kids enough. That is the smallest, most uncomfortable back seat in full-size pickup land.

Now that I think it is ugly, and I know for sure it is uncomfortable, it is obvious to me that Toyota has managed a "strike 2" with the Tundra. And we thought they learned a lesson with the T-100. Once the hard-core "Toyota at all cost fans" buy up a share of Tundras, there will be lots of them out there - don't pay what the dealers are asking.

Honestly, you may never see the kind of problems the other big 3 have, because I doubt that the Tundra will ever be worked very hard. Buyers looking for serious work trucks will never buy these in large numbers. Tundras will live out their lives as family cars - babied and pampered. Even so, I read of rattling seats that can be cured by shoving a chunk of wood under the seat? Maybe the owner should have shoved the back seat under the front seat - that way there would be more storage in that little cubby-hole back there.

The truth does hurt. I am as disappointed as anyone that Toyota couldn't build a decent full-sized truck.

Good luck toy owners - hope someday your resale is better than the T-100.

cwirth

lexmark:

Maybe your comments are true, but at least the Tundra is of better quality than anything the Big 3 puts out. Believe me, I know from experience.
GM builds nothing but junk!

tp4unc

It is obvious you don't like the Tundra. Go buy something else(a "serious" truck)...work it "very hard"...and make your kids happy. I wish you the best. I want you and your kids to be comfortable while on your way to the service department! Have fun.

nestorf

Has anyone had any experience with this package? Is it worth it, and how does it affect the ride characteristics. I test drove the limited, and the ride is just like my 96 4Runner. I like this about the Tundra and wouldn't want to change it to much. Do the heavy duty Bilsteins make for a rougher/bumpier ride?

Any info would be great.... thanks.

jyarnold

Nestorf;

I'm convinced my ABS brakes on my 4Runner saved me from a high speed accident allowing my to brake and steer out of harms way. I wouldn't get the Tundra w/o them as it is a heavier vehicle and bound to do even higher speeds.

z71bill

The cost to replace a timing belt (including accessory belts) is $560. This is per Automobile magazine October issue. This may sound like a lot of $$ but replacing the timing belt is much more complex than replacing a normal fan belt. The procedure starts off by draining and removing the radiator, removing all accessory belts as well as the fan and fan clutch. Once you are this far into the job you will also want to replace accessory belts and put in new anti-freeze, also a good time to replace the hoses. Some dealers will also require a tune up be done with the timing belt replacement $240 (per auto mag) since they want to make sure everything is running right when they set the timing. I would also recommend replacing the idler pulley when the belt is replaced - will add about $50 to the job but it will be worth it in the long run. The bearings in the pulley will be shot before you hit 120,000 miles. I learned this the hard way when the pulley went out at 75,000 and cost me almost as much to replace as a complete belt replacement. I had the belt replaced but was not told about the pulley. l would not trust my truck to a shade tree mechanic for this job. To many things can go bad and it could cost you an engine. The bad news is before you drive out from this 60,000 mile maintenance you will have spent about $1,000, the good news is your truck should run like new for another 60k miles.

Two more minor points. You can have the belt inspected by removing the covers enough so you can see the belt. If your belt breaks when you are pulling a load or at high RPMs you can do major damage to your engine - valves,pistons ect that will make the $1,000 maintenance seem like chicken feed.

jyarnold

Mr. Lexmark, I’m perturbed by your assertion that the Tundra is ugly. It's the ONLY PU I'd consider buying, and did, as I find the rest of them, especially the big 3, to be oversized monstrosities with about as ugly a color spectrum as one could imagine. The interiors of the big 3 look, to me, like remnants of the 80's and knowing I'd pay as much or more for a gas guzzling non LEV rated “classic” American PU that looks and feels glued together makes my purchase of the Tundra all the more gleeful. As to why you find it necessary to bash what others have deemed the best damn PU available, on a Tundra message board no less, makes me question your motives. Admit, you sell Fords and you’re single handedly trying to save your soon to be dead client base. Keep trying, you just might convince me too that the Ford Exploder is a better vehicle than the 4Runner. Finally, just how big are your kids? I found the back seat comfortable enough for me, (for short jaunts), a full sized adult compared to many compacts I’ve had to scrunch in. Luckily I don’t plan on propagating but if it happens I sure hope they look more like a Tundra and less like the junk you find beautiful!!!

PS it's funny you find the Tundra noisy, I can hear any of the big three a mile down the road.

mmarcum

I test drove a TRD LTD 4X4. IN comparison to the regular 4x4 I found it very rough on pavement without a load. Not at all like the quiet,refined ride of the regular truck. I ordered the limited with ABS and not TRD. If you do a lot of offroad though the TRD seems to be a bargain on the limited, I think it's $95.

tundradude

I have a 5 speed. Like I said before, the V6 is a bargain to the V8. The V6 is just as smooth and friendlier on the wallet and the trips to the gas station.

schroedera

I ordered my truck without the CQ or electric locks and windows but want the alarm. Is there a way to tell the dealer to install the alarm as a port option or is is moot.

nestorf

Thanks for the input on both ABS and TRD options. Youv'e helped me make my decisions. SR5 w/ABS w/oTRD it is. As soon as carorder.com calls me back the order is in.

Thanks again, and good luck with your Tundra's.

hopper1

Contacted Carorder within last 2 weeks and was quoted a price for Tundra access 4x4 limited, leather, for $1000 over invoice. Sunday got on Carorder and now price is $475 over MSRP WHAT!!
Contacted Carorder and response was "sorry price only good for 7 days." Today (Tuesday) price is $500 under MSRP. Far cry from the $1000 over invoice from last week. Carorder rep said they are not sure why price has gone up so much and was told "Go to dealer if you are unhappy with the price". She must of worked for a Toyota Dealer before going to Carorder. She may be looking for new job when Carorder's orders go down/down/down. Checked other cars on Carorder and those prices are way up too. It's a shame that Carorder has done this.

atoyot

New Motor Trend just came in and they called the Tundra 'Frisky'. Said it was also 'quiet, solid, and squeak free.' The conclusion was that they used to pick the Chevy or Ford for thier favorites, but 'The suprise this year is that the new Toyota Tundra is quicker, better handling, and one helluva good value too!' Never would of thought that they would of liked the Tundra.

volkej

Someone (jyarnold) called the big 3 pickups gas guzzlers, so I checked the mileage figures for the big 3 and the Tundra:
Tundra 4wd Access Cab V8 = city 14 Hiway 17
Chevy 4wd Extended Cab both V8s = city 15 Hiway 18
Ford 4wd SuperCab 4.6 V8 = city 15 hiway 19
Ford 4wd Supercab 5.4 V8 = city 13 hiway 17
Dodge 4wd Club Cab 5.9 V8 = city 12 hiway 16

Uh....it looks to me like they're all gas guzzlers.

powercat

It's obvious to anyone that has driven or has a Tundra that this character is ranting about something he knows nothing about, I doubt that he has even seen a Tundra. He wants something he can't have so he whines and fibs like a 2 year old. Your last name wouldn't be Clinton would it Lexxy?

fop26

Ordered a SR5 regular cab (4wd v-8) best i could do was $1,500 under MSRP,not the greatest, but i wanted one. Anyone interested in a 96 T100 SR 5 access cab 4 wd with 38,000 miles on it? william.garman@worldnet.att.net