Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences

tundra_guy

Thank you all put my order in today! Just over 80$

fishnwiz

After 20 years of f150s, I am thinking of making the change to Tundra! I am nervous to say the least as I have NOT owned Toyota before.I like the limited very much but price is on the HIGH side. I have been reviewing these post and there appears to be alot of happy Tundra owners. I had very little problems with my fords over the years and hate the fact that the 300 straight 6 was taken out of the Ford line after many years of workhorse service. The Toyota i-Force seems to be a respectable motor to take over my 18ft glass walleye boat towing duties. Do I need to have any concerns with the Toyota towing capabilities? Thanks in advance! Mark

cliffy1

I tow a 20 foot bay boat (a Ranger built on a walleye boat hull) with my Limited. With the trailer, motor, fuel and batteries, I am tipping the scales at about 4200 pounds. The Tundra is great. I can cruise down I-95 at 75 to 80 without hassle. Passing and merging are fine. Stability is great. Braking is very good (helped by dual disc brakes on the trailer). The ride is a little heavy but still very comfortable. I get exactly 10 MPG when towing. If I backed off the speed a bit I would probably do better but that 'aint happenin'.

What kind of boat are you pulling?

stein5

I got my 2 WD Tundra in May 99. I tow a 31' travel trailer. It weighs about 6500 lbs. I live in Indiana, we have towed it to Florida and to Wyoming. Ive driven 85mph out west while towing, probably could have gone much faster. Not such a good idea though. Truck did great, in near 100 degree temps, engine temp stayed normal while towing at high speed. I get 10.6 mpg at 55-65 and 8 mpg at 75 mph. Ive gotten 22mpg on a road trip when not towing.

koko8

dealing with the gulf states toyota (oklahoma).can anybody give me a proper invoice price for 2001, 2wd, limited, cannot find on edmunds for 2001.also, dealer wants to add on charges like tad, maf, doc, what is maf???tell me what you think...

cliffy1

My dealer's web site has the invoice pricing for 2001. Go to www.alexandriatoyota.com and click on "build a Toyota". Enter your zip code and then use the drop down box to select the 2001 model year. It has everything except the advertising fee and any Gulf States or Southeast Toyota add ons.

Those two regions are owned by independent distributors and they can add on anything they want to the invoice. This practice dates back to the days when Toyota was trying to establish itself in the US and now they can't drop those distributors. You're kind of stuck with some extra fees unless you go outside the region to purchase.

ratboy3

hehe.. Ok it is tiny sitting next to an F250 crew cab with an 8 foot box! haha!

geneowens

Well I have both a 2000 Tundra 4X4 regular cab and a 1999 F-250 super cab long bed sitting under the shed outside. I would not agree that he Tundra looks tiny, hehe! In fact, I hope the 250 proves as dependable as my dozen plus Toyotas have been over the years since my first one, a 72 Celica purchase new.

cliffy1

For the 2001 model year, the restriction against installing a hitch on 4x4 Limiteds has been lifted. Thought you all might want to know.

toyotaowner3

We just bought our tundra access cab and are looking for a good well fitting bedliner. Would anyone have any suggestions for manufacturer, construction, material, over rail, under rail, price and any other considerations as we are new to this arena. Thanks for your time and consideration.
DK

ratboy3

I've been told get the spray in liners... my truck came with the over the rail kind... Toyota brand... it came lose when I drove with the gate down...

rushfan2112

I got the "drop-in" plastic bedliner from my Toyota dealer. I went with the under-the-rail style since I also added a fiberglass tonneau cover. If you don't plan to add a tonneau cover, shell, etc. you may want to go with the over-the rail style to protect that portion of the truck. Be advised though, that even with the over-the-rail style, you will probably get some scratching (maybe superficial only?) where the plastic rubs against the paint while driving (this happened to my friend's Dakota).

The spray-in liners look great and I hear lots of positive comments about them. I considered going with the spray-in, but ultimately decided against it since it does nothing to protect against dents. At least with the corrugated plastic drop-in liner, there is some protection against denting (and scratchng) the bed when throwing heaving objects into the bed.

Just my two cents. Hope that some of this information helps you.

chriskendall

I bought the under-rail bedliner from Toyota for my 2000 Tundra Regular Cab. Given the force required to pop it in I feel confident it won't blow away. I think it looks better than the over-rail liner, too.

tundradude

You mean someone else has a regular cab! I have the underrail bedliner, too. It will rub paint in the very back next to the talligate so take precautions.

toyotaowner3

Thanks for the feedback. I went surfing on the internet and found carpet kits that looked as if they were meant to be exposed to the elements(h20 proof material). Have any of you had experience or knowledge of this type of bedliner? I also was wondering if I get an under rail bedliner if the rail caps are a good thing that wouldn't scratch the paint as much (less moving therefore less scratching). I saw some in a stainless diamond plate for $51.00 (a set or per piece? I am not sure) I also saw plastic ones that use an adhesive. It sounds as if all of you got the bedliner from the toyota dealership so no recommendations on other manufacturers? Any info is appreciated, thanks for your time and consideration.
DK

ryanbab

FOr bedrail caps try

http://www.wadeauto.com/

I have em on my silverado with an under the rail spray in they are great

bamatundra

I just got back from a 324 mile highway trip. I was going 70 to 75 mph most of the way back. This trip included a 3000 ft. climb (Mount St. Helens). I used 16.7 gallons of regular. That is 19.4 mpg!

I have an Access cab 4WD SR5 V8. I was amazed.

On the trip, I had to keep reminding myself that it is a full-size pickup. The handling was superb and it was very quiet. The seats (captains chairs) were very comfortable. The ride was smooth as glass (and I was going at speeds up to 80mph).

ratboy3

It's always the same damn nice sunny driving condition here in Arizona.
Well yesterday it rained hard. I realized the difference driving a bigger, heavier vehicle compared to my Tacoma. It felt like the truck is planted to ground even when going over water. Yead we don't have drainage on the road here so when it rains the roads become tiny rivers.
It felt safer, yes compared to my Tacoma.

thessick

A bit off the topic but..

The local (Tucson) dealer has a 2001 Limited in stock. They are keeping it in the back until more of the 2000's are sold. I could not see any difference but this is the first Green/Grey combo I have seen.
Maybe its time to reopen the 2001 Tundra Topic.

shawnmcd

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THE NEW TUNDRAS AND THINK I AM GOING TO BUY ONE.ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVISE ON OPTIONS? ON PRICING IS $100 OVER INVOICE ON A V8 SR5 ACCESS CAB 4X4 A GOOD DEAL OR CAN I DO BETTER?
(THAT WAS THE DEALERS OFFER) THANK YOU SHAWN

dogster

Still stuck on that slightly bigger size thing - Don't worry Shawn, the Tundra will do everything the Chevy will AND drive past the dealer's repair shop.

z71bill

Not stuck on it - it is a fact. The Silverado cab is 32% larger than the Tundra. I think the bed is also about 30% larger - can't recall the exact number. In your opinion is 30+ % larger not enough to notice? As far as Tundra doing "everything" a Silverado can do I will have to disagree with you on this one. Try putting 3 normal size people in the back of your Toy for a 2 hour drive. Try putting your Tundra in automatic 4x4 mode. I could go on but what is the point - you are stuck on the reliability fantasy.

redsilverado

just ignore him and he'll go away. LOL

john217

On the 2000 tundra the parts info sticker says
usa/canada 35%
japan 50%
(small % other countries)
2001 tundra
usa 55%
japan 40%

Does anyone know what usa parts are replacing the japanese parts on the 2001 tundra? Also, engine and transmission parts, country of origin is japan, but does that mean they are put together in japan, or the usa?

cliffy1

I just discovered yesterday that the Limited with leather comes with power lumbar support. As a salesman and an owner of a 2000 Limited with leather, I am glad to see this addition. It isn't enough to get me to trade my 2000 in for but it will be nice when my lease expires in 2 years.

ratboy3

Dogster.. this is Tundra Owner: Rate your truck..

go away you Tundra owner you..

redsilverado

.

dogster

How could the bed of one half ton pickup be 30% larger than the other? Aren't most 1/2 tons have approximately six foot beds? The Chevy I drove did have a little more room inside but I found the back seat very uncomfortable - as I recall it was the angle of the seat bottom. And it already had squeaks and rattles just on the test drive. I wish Chevy could build as good a truck as they put on the drawing board. They always short-change in materials and workmanship. Ford, Chevy and Dodge could build a hell of a truck - if they wanted to. Too bad they choose to short-change the consumers in the materials, workmanship and engineering for longevity depts.

ryanbab

Are you saying the tundra has a better more comfortable back seat???

jambo

I HAVE A TUNDRA TRD AND IT GOES INTO 4X4 JUST FINE. WHAT IS THE CHEVY NUT TRYING TO SAY?

z71bill

The 30% larger bed is based on the volume of the bed. Not a big issue unless you plan on putting a cover on your bed (which I did). The Tundra bed is only 16 inches deep - my cooler would not even fit in the back - unless I removed the cover.

Jambo-
The Silverado 4x4 has 2 wheel high, 4 wheel high, 4 wheel low and autotrac. The Autotrac feature is great - when in auto mode the truck is basicly in 2 wheel high, but as soon as a rear wheel starts to slip it automatically shifts into 4x4. It happens so fast and smooth you will not even hear or feel anything (except the traction of being in 4x4) after your wheels stop spinning it automatically shifts out of 4x4. I think it makes the 4x4 feature much more usable. In the rain for example, or if the roads are part ice and part dry. In these conditions most people do not like having the truck locked in 4x4.

Don't take my comments about the Tundra as criticism. I am not anti Toyota. I have owned them before. They just fell short of what I wanted in a full size 4x4. I still think the Tundra is the best mid-size truck on the market today. Would I say that if I hated the Tundra?

bamatundra

-90%! Off their charts it was so bad! And the 4WD was predicted to be worse!

Sure makes me want to go out and buy that new GM gimmick. I hear they have free roadside assistance too - they are going to need it.

3yr, 36K powertrain arranty on that Shakerado also. Gee - the Tundra is 5yr, 60K. But that Shakerado does have a big back seat.

Sorry Z71 - you aren't going to convince any Tundra owners that your Hyundai is even close to the full size Tundra. Better luck next time!

ryanbab

Shakerado bama you cant come up with anything else can you?

modvptnl

Please state facts; The G.M. has a 3/36 bumper to bumper, not powertrain warranty.

ratboy3

I thought my eyes were lying to me when I noticed that the gaps between the bed and cab are different. I thought the left side was smaller than the right. I tried to ignore it but I couldn't.
So I took a ruler and measured it. Yes the gap was smaller on the left side (or bigger on the right?!)
I've had the truck for about 3 months now. I don't know what the dealer will say if I show this to them. I've got to get me a measuring tape so I can measure the box. It doesn't look crooked to me but I'm wondering why the difference in the gaps.

rushfan2112

Wow, that might explain something that I noticed recently...

I added a SnugLid fiberglass tonneau cover to my Tundra and noticed that on the right side, the mounting hardware has actually come into contact with the back of the cab. Consequently, I have a few scratches underneath my rear window on the right side near the SnugLid "hinge". Even though there is no contact when parked, the bed/cab must flex once in a while while driving (especially off-road I imagine) to the point where the hinge has made the scratches on the cab. I've been wondering why there were no scrathes on the left side. The gap appears to be even all the way across, but now I have to check.

tundra_jules

I just bought a 2000 Tundra last weekend. Man, I love this truck. This is the first truck I've owned but I've driven many trucks. I only seriously considered the Ford F150 and the Tundra before buying the Tundra.

Funny how people have all these misconceptions about Toyota's being more expensive than the domestics (the Ford dealer even said this to me). I found the opposite to be true. The F150 I looked at was $26,400 for an extended cab, 6' bed, 5.4L V8, automatic w/split bench seat, no CD player. The Tundra I bought listed at $25,600 with same equipment (4.7L V8) with CD player and captians chairs (I actually paid about $1,000 under this price though).

Like I said earlier, I have considerable experience driving all of the "Big 3" 1/2 ton trucks and personally, I wouldn't buy Chevy or Dodge because of reliability issues. I like the Ford trucks but I don't think they are even up to the Toyota's standard as far as customer satisfaction and reliability are concerned.

This is obviously my opinion so please don't start a flame war-it's not going to change anything. Trust me on this one.

ratboy3

The dealer will straighten out the box. Said sometimes they come out misaligned or they shift.

ratboy3

saw in the dealership that they sell the bed extender for the Tundra.. goes for $218.. anyplace where they are cheaper?

ryanbab

Steal one out of a ford explorer sport trac haha just joking i do not condone stealing

Ryan

edk1949

I purchased my tundra in March 00. Great truck with almost 12000 miles.
Only two problems.
#1 the right door trim has turned white which I have found has happened to some of you as well.

#2 My engine makes a noise like a lifter or valve. This is a very light noise and is difficult to hear. In fact my son and wife think I am hearing things but I DO hear it. Some times it is easier to hear and sometimes you can hardly hear it at all.
When you let off the gas it stops.
I have listened under the hood and it sounds great. Has anyone had this noise.
NO ANSWERS FROM THE CHEVY-FORD CAMP PLEASE.
Tundra owners only please.
Everyone loves my Tundra.
ED

ratboy3

wouldn't have to steal (or want) those extenders if I had bought a bigger truck? haha!

rwellbaum2

I've had the noise you describe. Mine happens only occasionally when the engine is cold. It sounds like a fuel injector to me. It is barely detectable and after a few miles is no longer audible. It's been real warm here lately and I haven't heard it at all.

dogster

Ah, criticism in disguise. Don't worry. I'll bet Toyota makes their sales goals. As for discounts, all the big 3 are offering huge discounts this time of year. The discounts on the Tundra won't effect resale because, guess what? After they sell all the remaining 2000 models it'll be the end of the big discounts. For all makes, not just Toyota, so you'd better buy now!

rwellbaum2

I was one of those that got ripped off. I paid $26500 for my SR5 4x4 access cab. My neighbor got a great deal on his silverado....only 31,000(plus CA tax). It has alot more useful features, like, ummmmm. Oh yeah! A light that tells you to change your oil. Now that's worth an extra $4,500!

ryanbab

I doubt he paid 31K

My trucks sticker was 33 something but i only paid $29,691 after taxes and all my accessories (bedliner nerf bars rail caps bug deflector)

Ryan

rwellbaum2

I don't think he'd lie and say he paid more than he should have. He said sticker was 33 and he paid 31. He thinks he got a good deal and I'm not going to try and make him feel bad by telling him you paid over 1300 (not even counting the taxes he paid) less. When I priced the Silverado last year, typical sticker was 31-33. Typical Tundra sticker was 32-34 because of the ridiculous dealer markups. I used autobytel to find a dealer that wasn't price gouging. Buying in my home state of OR saved me from paying tax.

edk1949

On some of the past cold mornings it seemed more noticeable however I can hear it even after the engine is hot. Low rpm is when it is most noticeable at a slow acceleration. You never hear it at idle or above 40 mph. I have used a engine stethscope on the engine and can hear nothing but this noise drives me NUTS. I plan to take it to the dealer soon so will update you after that.
ED

rwellbaum2

Good luck! Dealers.....(uhhgg!)

rwellbaum2

The dealers are directly responsible for not selling more Tundras. They added $4000 to the MSRP. Most people take one look at the ridiculous markup and beat feet for the nearest ford dealer(they always seem to be having some kind of incentive deal). I came within days of buying a chevy (although I knew I really wanted the Toyota)simply because the salesman (all the way up to the head manager) wouldn't budge below $28,500. That was @2000 above invoice for the model I wanted. They still haven't learned their lesson. The same place (Fairfield Toyota) still has those markups...on 2000's! Their front lot is lined with at least 10 Tundra 2000's and they ain't movin'. I smile at their dilema every time I pass by. BTW, my other nieghbor across the street and 2 houses down has a new Tundra (his wheels look just like mine but they are chrome).