Welcome Toyota Tundra - III

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Comments

  • bluebeastbluebeast Member Posts: 258
    Penrose, yep, you said exactly what I was thinking when I considered trading in my 95 T100 Xcab, the rear seating area was almost identical to the Tundra. Here they worked on making, quoting Toyota now "a full size pickup" and the rear seating area stays the same? The diminisions of the T100 & the Tundra are so close I wonder how the T100 was considered "midsize" and the Tundra magically became "full size".

    Cwirth, Tundra much better than the Silverado? I do believe that the Silverado was "Truck of the year in 1999" and being a former owner of 2 Toyota pickups 89 xcab 4x4 V6 (6yrs) & 95 T100 xcab 2x4 V6 (4yrs) I believe the 99 Silverado is very close to the Tundra. Since Feb 99 (10K miles later) my Silverado has been a excellent truck, it ranks tied for 2nd place of all the trucks I've owned (6 trucks), 1st place 72 Chevy Cheyenne Super 1/2ton short box, 2nd place 89 Toyota & 99 Silverado. After spending two full days of vacation driving both the Tundra and the Silverado they both were great trucks, I wanted the Tundra for the simple reason that all my years of ownership has proven to be almost trouble free. But for me 6' 235 lbs, my wife 6' (can't mention weight), 15 yr old daughter 5'6" and my 6 yr old 4' 5" !!! along with the dog & other junk that goes back there the Tundra was unacceptable. However, for some, the size of the Tundra is more "manageable". My wife liked how the Tundra was easier to navigate through traffic and park easier (she is considering trading in her 98 Lexus GS300 on one). Which is fine with me, like I said, both are great trucks. Funny thing though, she said the Silverado would be the "family vehicle" and hers would be for driving to and from work and used for errands and such.
  • a4mer_gm_fana4mer_gm_fan Member Posts: 6
    I sat in the back of a Tundra last night. I can't say it is a viable seat for an almost $30K vehicle (an aux sticker said +$2500 for "Market Adjustment"). The seat is too low to the floor to be usfull for an adult in my opinion.

    But after a few more hours have passes since my $2000 ordeal (I should say my wife's beacuse she was the one stranded in the middle of the freeway) my perspecive is stabilizing. I don't care so much about the back seat, it could be a bed of nails for all I care - I just want it to keep on working when my family is trying to get home.

    I'm disappointed in GM especially because it seems there appears to be little they are willing to do about these transmissions (how many years have they been out?)- the tech said there is nothing in the replacement unit to prevent *it* from having the same problem.
  • egbakeregbaker Member Posts: 13
    I have a T100 and will get a Tundra next year. I believe that Toyota has made an excellent move in sizing of the Tundra. If you want a "crew cab" go elsewhere.
    But for my money I don't believe you can beat the combo of power, utter reliability, nimbleness and parkability you find in the Tundra.
    A quote from a friend who owns a Ford F150 "This Ford will do everything . . . but turn corners"
    If you want something even bigger check out Peterbuilt.
    The T100 works for me!
  • ferris47ferris47 Member Posts: 131
    We are here to talk about Tundras. Personally I think comparing the Tundra to a Silverado is not really an apples to apples comparison. The Silverado is designed for both personal use and fleet construction, roofing, etc. needs. In such it is a large truck because it has to be. As a bonus you get that very nice back seat. The Tundra however is slightly smaller then the domestics and as such gets the smaller back seat. I believe my Tundra can work just as hard as the big 3 and I truely believe that it will last longer without major problems. I would not consider using it for anything other than a personal use , pleasure, vehicle. It handles well, accelerates great with nice sound to boot, and can carry 4 people in a pinch more comfortably than most sports coupes. Plus I get the added utility of a truck that everybody needs now and then. I personally like the fact that the Tundra is smaller and easier to manage in traffic. It is very nimble for a "Large truck".

    Now the Silverado is an excellent truck with some great features, the most notable being that back seat area. The size does hurt you when driving it though. I do not feel nimble when in a Silverado. My other concern is that Chevy has been having a myriad of early design problems. This is to be expected and in a few years the Silverado will be what I consider almost as good a truck as the Tundra. I just think they were built to fullfill two totally different needs. The Silverado is more of a workhorse, while the Tundra more the everyday person's vehicle. I have researched both and Toyota simply has a better reputation for overall quality and customer service. GM however is closing the quality and design gap with every year, the problem is they seem to spend more time making new and innovative gadgets and less time building up their abysmal customer service. The fact is Toyota backs there product up with the 5 year 60K powertrain warr. This may be just a token but at least they seem to have more confidence in their quality then their domestic counterparts. We live in a great time. Great vehicles abound for all of us. I mean even Ford Expenditures are selling like hotcakes and who really needs that beast in their garage. Ok actually parked out in their driveway.
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    Check out the Desert Excursion at f150online.com. If I needed that kind of vehicle (maybe next time) that's what I would look for. Couldn't agree with you more. The Tundra is the sports sedan of the pickup crowd. Anybody "slammed" one yet?
  • bluebeastbluebeast Member Posts: 258
    Man, that was well written and thought out....brought a tear to my eye. Can't argue with anything written except:

    I think customer service has improved with Chevrolet, but what other direction did they have to go?

    Do any of you Tundra owners ever take pictures with/without modifications (wheels, exhaust, etc), post'm on topic 775, I'd love to see'm.

    P.S. Yes mine is there.
  • ferris47ferris47 Member Posts: 131
    I can't decide if it is hideous or kinda cool in a functional sort of way. At least it doesn't look like it requires lifeboats. People should buy what they like. Kinda like the sprite commercial obey your thirst. Drinking sprite is not going to make you a better basketball player, driving a Silverado is not going to make you the marlboro man and driving the Tundra isn't gonna make me Iron Man Stuart. Drive what makes you happy. Besides you better be happy with what we pay for any of these.
  • jemanjeman Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know what the lighting package comes with or is????????
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    I believe it's the overhead console and the lights on it, as well as a light for the vanity mirror perhaps.
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    My tundra has 3200 miles and so far is nearly perfect. Very refined and it impresses more and more as time goes by.

    One problem I have is that the paint really does seem to chip very easily. I work out of it, so it's not being babied, but just touching it with something hard leaves a large chip mark. I have a couple along the bed rail and one or two on the side, where apparently pebbles have come up from the wheels. The chips are 1/8" or so, much bigger than I'd imagine they would normally be. My '91 Fourunner's paint looked better when I sold it at 95,000 miles than my Tundra's paint looks already. The impression I get is that the paint is more "brittle" than it used to be. Still a great truck, and the paint is still better than my dodge or ford trucks'.
  • trucks4metrucks4me Member Posts: 42
    Brittle paint on a toy is the plague of many, leads to all them rust bucket toys restin at the junker. Ever wonder why ya never see a 10 to 15 year old toy? Rust and the head-gasket be the answer on this one. Sorry to hear ya got one startin so young. Good luck on this one now!
  • egbakeregbaker Member Posts: 13
    Bruce, You should at least document the paint chip problem, probably by talking to the dealer and getting a response in writing, if there happens to be a future recall you have the record. This is only just in case, because I haven't personally seen many problems with Toyota using lousy paint.
    However in the mean time you could check out the spray on bed liners. The ones I have seen look bullet proof and quite thick. I also think you can get the spray to go over the rail.
    There is a thread in this Edmunds forum that has some discussions on this type of liner.
    Good luck.
  • lhyamalhyama Member Posts: 7
    One dealer rep seems to think it is bad gas. He suggested I fill up with Cheveron gas a few times and see if the problem presists. What octane gas is everyone using on the Thundra
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    Straight 87 proof for me.
  • mviglianco1mviglianco1 Member Posts: 283
    I assume most people in here are on the West Coast or in the Rockies. Where I live, NC, 87 is as low as it gets. I guess it has to do with altitude or something but when I drove out West last Spring my truck never sounded worse, I am used to 93 here. No real point, just babbling.
  • bluebeastbluebeast Member Posts: 258
    for all those Tundra pictures to be posted on topic 775 !!
  • kentekente Member Posts: 28
    Has anyone had any experience with the SPORT TEK tonneau cover. It's literature says that it can be removed and reinstalled in all temperatures with no problems (such as the EXTANG experience).
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Toyota offers an option called anti-chip paint, I think it comes with the cold weather package and only costs an extra $75. This may also include a heavy duty battery or starter, you can look it up on Edmunds. Could be worth the small extra $$ in the long run.
  • bob259bob259 Member Posts: 280
    bluebeast, did I read your append correctly where you say you make your wife, kids and man's best friend sit in the back seat of your Silverado. Guess I see why she wants one of her OWN.

    Lie you I tried them both and chose the Silverado, but I do believe Toyota will make the changes necessary to win over more consumers.

    brucec35, the paint chips have been a problem for my friend here in the NE as well. I think Toyota has the rust problem fixed, as do the big 3, if you look back it was a problems or every manufacture during a certain time period as they looked for lighter steel and worked to get the galvanizing process worked out. I know may a Chevy and Ford that had the same problem.
  • bob259bob259 Member Posts: 280
    bluebeast, did I read your append correctly where you say you make your wife, kids and man's best friend sit in the back seat of your Silverado. Guess I see why she wants one of her OWN.

    Lie you I tried them both and chose the Silverado, but I do believe Toyota will make the changes necessary to win over more consumers.

    brucec35, the paint chips have been a problem for my friend here in the NE as well. I think Toyota has the rust problem fixed, as do the big 3, if you look back it was a problems or every manufacture during a certain time period as they looked for lighter steel and worked to get the galvanizing process worked out. I know may a Chevy and Ford that had the same problem.
  • tp4unctp4unc Member Posts: 437
    MPG update for V8 Tundra Access Cab SR5 4x4:

    8486 miles to date

    Last fill-up: 404.6 miles 22.8 gallons
    17.75 MPG

    Mixed driving------87 octane.
  • lhyamalhyama Member Posts: 7
    I was wondering where Toyota puts their alarm
    blinker light on the RS3000 security system. I am having a Vipor Alarm system in my Thundra. I would like to avoid putting a hole in the dash board even if it is small. Any suggestions

    lhyama
  • lhyamalhyama Member Posts: 7
    Does Toyota recommend a break in period for Thundra's I have 200 miles on mine and I was wondering if I should drive it above 65 Mph for the first 1000 miles. I have already driven on the freeway at speeds of 65 to 85 mph. Will this harm the Truck or Not?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    There is a rectangular cut out in the dash to the left of the steering wheel for the alarm indicator light.

    As to break in periods, look at your owners manual. The suggest keeping speeds under 55 for the first 500 miles. I spoke to our service guys about it and the quote I got was "a monkey could drive that thing and you wont hurt it." They believe that except for the brakes, there is nothing you can do to a new vehicle that will hurt it.
  • powercatpowercat Member Posts: 96
    FYI, some people have been complaining about the headlights
    being squirrly on the Tundra. I just put a set of Osram 100/80
    watts on mine and WOW! The guy had these and thought that
    Osram was out of business now but someone bought them out.
    These bulbs are extremely bright and the dark/light line area on
    dims is reduced significantly. I'm not sure if the wattage is too
    hot for this headlight assembly so any info on this would be
    appreciated.
  • trucks4metrucks4me Member Posts: 42
    This here is what that Truckin tells on them limited ones:

    ... appears to be a mid-size truck...
    ... oversize T100 ....
    ... last years T100 in new clothing ...
    ... trim appears flimsy ...
    ... cushy, handling is sacrificed...
    ... pricey ....
    ... Toyota has a way to go to appeal to people who are simply used to a more plush and rugged looking American fullsize truck...

    Dodge 4 door came in first, Silverado second, tindra at bottom. Good luck on this one now!
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    Howdy rublue2,
    Glad to see you've been able to sneak back onto edmunds under a different name. Once again your fussin' and moaning about the Tundra. Your squawking like an old haggard, hillbilly woman that can't get her busted shiv to start up. I hear tell Franklin got fired off the job after you two got caught in that bathroom stall at work. You two best keep that foolin' in your broken down chev on a back road now. Now I'm not trying to offend, just repeating what other shiv owners is saying about you. Good luck on this one now!
  • trucks4metrucks4me Member Posts: 42
    Hmmm.... you sure got a theme goin on that mo stuff, seein a pattern here now. Best keep that mo stuff between you and your partner, please leave us straight ones be now, thats all I got to say on that one. As far as them trucks go, them tells came from that Truckin magazine, was no squawk of mine. Guess they hit the nerve on yours, judgin by your come back to me now. Good luck on this one now!
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    No nerve hit here, rublue. As for your lifestyle, that be your own business. Just sorry it cost Franklin his job. I see now Truck Trend has picked the Tundra over the rattling silv. Looks like your fighting a losing one on this now. I say never quit...so you best be thinking up more stories and rumours to sway folk from the Tundra. I see now lots a folk selling their busted shivs for the Tundra. Not one Tundra traded for a shiv. What say on this one now? Keep on truckin....and keep on posting!
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    Almost hitting 10,000 miles on my Tundra and averaging 19.5 mpg.
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    Not too shabby! Do you have a 4x4? Do you have a topper? I'm still only getting 18.2 MPG in mixed driving. Hope putting a canopy on will improve my highway mileage at least.
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    what about the "tin" door on my '98 F-150 that was cracking at the window frame? From what I her, this is a near-universal problem. You have to look closely on some, but the crack is there. Add that to excruciatingly uncomfortable seats, and you can see why I sold it.

    As for "flimsy trim", almost every review I've read of the Silverado mentions weather stripping that falls down when you use the passenger door, knobs that pull off in your hand, and worst of all, REAL problems like transmission failures, engine problems, and vibrations they can't find a fix for. Good design, but too big to park easily and still in teething stage.

    As for Dodge Trucks, anyone wanna buy my '97 Ram? Now at 44K miles....in the shop three times for tranny, two CD players have failed, the brakes sometimes don't work right(pedal bottoms out) and they won't/can't fix, the paint looks like it's 10 years old despite waxing (my '91 Fourrunner looked new at 95,000 miles), the hood clearcoat is peeling, tranny still oozes fluid, seat fabric is faded, A/C has caused odor in cab.....etc. etc. But hey, it is macho.

    I think that truck "review" was a tad biased towards size and crudity. In their eyes, a truck that hauls cargo, hauls [non-permissible content removed], handles well, and rides smoothly just can't be true. They've got to knock it.
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    Sport Truck magazine jan2000 page19:

    Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings for 99 models.

    Toyota 4runner /good
    Mercedes m-class /good
    Lexus rx-300 /good

    durango /acceptable
    explorer /acceptable
    land rover /acceptable

    shiv blazer /poor
    gmc jimmy /poor
    nissan pathfinder /poor
    oldsmobile bravad /poor
    infiniti /poor
    motero sport/poor(and rated worst)

    Also stated "there was a huge difference between best and worst performers"
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    Same magazine states that Toy will be adding another line to their Tundra production or possibly a new plant because of the popularity of the Tundra. Good luck on this one now!
  • rphronrphron Member Posts: 21
    I have been using about 87 to 88 octane fuel, been avoiding the oxygenated crap and have gotten 14.5 to 15.9 MPG. Mostly mixed driving and some 4WD on the snowy days.

    Hate the clock position, that needs to be changed. Could have used side view mirror defrosters and rear window defroster.

    Other than that, love this truck. Have to continually talk my wife out of using it. Maybe Santa will have to deliver her a truck of her own.
    Ho Ho Ho
  • bluebeastbluebeast Member Posts: 258
    Wife may be riding in the front or the back, it depends on where the dog wants to sit.
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    Where did you find this gal? I didn't know subserviant women existed anymore.
  • bob259bob259 Member Posts: 280
    Well this explains why she want's her own vehicle doesn't it.
  • jray38jray38 Member Posts: 9
    Can someone help me out ? My Tundra 4x4 LTD voltmeter/ammeter is alway close to the top (+).

    Its been like that since day one and I have 450 miles on it now.

    The dealer says this is ok, don't worry.

    What do you think ?

    Milwaukee
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    There is a tick mark close to the upper scale. As long as the needle is on or below that tick mark you are ok. If it is beyond the tick mark and the dealer says ok then if it still bothers you have it checked by a second opinion. I'd get a readout on what the alternator is actually putting out versus where the needle is on the scale. Does it fluctuate with lights/windows, etc...?
  • bluebeastbluebeast Member Posts: 258
    Met her in 3rd grade, trained/dated until we got married in 1979.....married 20 years now. Can't find'em like this anymore.
  • atoyotatoyot Member Posts: 58
    Wow, good job. My wife has been training me. Well I tried to buy a Tundra the exact way that I wanted it and it was going to take 3 to 4 months to get one, so I broke down and ordered a Limited 2x4 two tone Emerald Jade/Gray with all of the junk that the factory sends (6disk CD-changer, anti-lock brakes, etc.) and was able to spec what the port would install. Got it for $629 over the invoice price. Still, with TT&L at 7.5% interest it comes to about $580 a month!!! I sure hope I love this truck as much as I think I will.
    Oh, yeah, the wife made me get leather because she doesn't like the fuzzy look of the cloth seats. Anyone know why they can't put cloth like what the Tacoma has in it???
    On a side note, the port is putting a hitch on it and it is rated at 7200 lbs. Looks cool, as it is hidden up under with only the 2" receiver showing.
  • tp4unctp4unc Member Posts: 437
    I'll have to get one for the wife.
  • janrlowejanrlowe Member Posts: 5
    Does any one know for sure when the Tundra will be offered in this most basic of configurations, for tradespeople who haul cargo, not passengers? My t100 with the 3.4 has been trouble free for 75,000 miles but I've been waiting for the V8 for two years. Thanks for the help.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    I have a 4x2 and the bed is always open.
  • pbatemanpbateman Member Posts: 2
    After watching the Tundra since February and learning everything from these board, I finally pick up my truck today.
    Limited Access Cab
    4X4
    TRD
    ABS
    Running Boards
    Security and Keyless entry
    Delux 3-1 Stereo
    Captains Chairs
    All weather
    OTR Bedliner
    All in White

    Bargined to $2000 less than MSRP with no dealer add-ons. Not great, but not too bad. Will be driving in the East Tennessee area and will keep this board posted on mileage, satisfaction, etc.

    Thanks to all for your helpful info!
  • cole12cole12 Member Posts: 10
    I just installed a rear sway bar on my tundra. It is from Hellwig. Man what a difference. There is no body lean in corners at all. It only cost $ 149.99 shipped to my door. Took me about an hour to install, no drilling at all, holes are already there from the factory, Very interesting.
  • coltcolt Member Posts: 2
    Cole, Glad to hear about your sway bar installation! Can you tell me who you ordered your Hellwig sway bar from (name, number, or web address)? I would like to get one for my tundra as well. Do you know if a larger than stock is available for the front too? Is your Tundra a 4x2 or a 4x4? Thanks in advance!
  • rwellbaum2rwellbaum2 Member Posts: 1,006
    Sorry to hear your mileage is so abysmal. There has to be something wrong to get 10-11 mpg.
  • old144old144 Member Posts: 2
    I have a tundra limited with ABS and summatime lites. Summatime they work and summertime they dont. Would like to know if anyone else has this problem with their daytime running lites
This discussion has been closed.

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