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Forgive me for jumping into this thread, but it seems the most likely collection of folks to help me, since I'm trying to *become* a Tundra owner soon, but need help figuring out which combination of the options is best for what I'm trying to do.
I posted an article a few days ago, titled :
" Please Help Tell Me Which Tundra Options Achieve the Functionality I Need? "
.... and not a single person has replied, although other articles on similar themes have gotten lots of responses. Did I do something wrong? Am I just being impatient? Is the article not visible in the list?
I really like everything I've read about Tundras, and the reliability issues with even brand new domestic trucks have me very concerned, so the Tundra seems the right direction for me to go, but I need help narrowing down the options after that.
If any of you would be willing to help me, I would sure appreciate it if you'd check out the article I posted that explains what-all I need to be able to do. If you could help me figure out what I need to select, I would SO appreciate it!
Thanks enormously,
-Lauren
Please help me, I am fundamentally clueless in several important areas. Maybe all of them.
This will be long, but I hope you will bear with me. If you're a "cut-to-the-chase" kind person, then jump down to the line below that says "SUMMARY".
After research, if I get a new truck, it will be a Tundra, or at least whichever Toyota you folks recommend, so, while I am wide open to what you suggest from this point on, please don't try and convince me to get a truck from some other company. We all have our biases, and that's mine. (From the fire storms I've read here, I'm sure this will be one of the areas people will tell me I am clueless about - BUT - I've spent the last two days, and about 30+ hours crawling all over the web, eg, reading 'tundrasolutions', and this forum, and every entry in Click and Clack's Car Talk web site for every 1/4 ton truck made by any manufacturer, for 1998-->2002, and comparing trucks with web-comparison-engines, and the American-made truck mechanical difficulty horror stories terrified me. I'm thrilled that there seems to be such a thing as a *reliable* pickup truck out there, ie, something by Toyota. I only desperately wish Honda made trucks.)
Ahem.
Okay, *please* help me.
I have never bought a new vehicle, period. My only two experiences with a dealer were with new-to-me vehicles, and both experiences were so excruciatingly painful, that I have gotten all other vehicles directly from individuals. I suppose I will have to suck it up, to buy a Tundra, but I will educate myself on how to duke it out with a Dealer, later on in this process.
If you don't mind some background on me, let me explain why reliability is such an issue with me...
I am *not* mechanically inclined at all, and, having moved to Texas recently, although I have always had good experiences with buying-from-individuals, I have been nothing-but-ripped off on the last three vehicles I've bought here, by both sellers and mechanics, in the last few months. These included
a) A used Chevy pickup - recommended by a mechanically-knowledgeable co-worker and their mechanically knowledgeable spouse, who would have bought the truck themselves if it had had A/C, as sold to them by their good friend, who actually *is* a mechanic. Sounds like something a mechanically clueless person could gamble on, right? Wrong. The "friend" would have scammed them, and certainly scammed *me*. Over $800 of repairs in the first *week*. And the truck was obviously tricked up to provide a smooth test ride. It bucked down the road every day thereafter. The second day I drove it, when it just plain quit for no apparent reason, after I finally had somebody jump it, as I drove up into the nearest mechanic's driveway, just as a treat, the radiator blew its little green brains out, just in front of the bay. I developed a close personal relationship with the tow-truck guy, whom I had to call 2-3 times *a week*, for *months* (until the bloody truck blew up for the final time just last week) to come and get me.
I've *dated* people I've seen less often. I was further wounded by the mechanic I thought I could trust, who had inexperienced trainees he was training do the work on my car, and then charged me, for example, $400 for a *simple tuneup*. This was an old, simple, truck. The tuneup should have cost half that.
b) a used Ford F-150 which is a situation still unresolved. I trusted someone *else's* mechanical knowledge on this one, met the seller, transferred the title, then went to "test-drive" the truck as a mere formality, after all, it had already been checked out by someone I trusted, right? The thing nearly caught fire under me during the test drive. I haven't paid for it, but the title is in my name. The thing belched out *clouds* of black smoke that covered the truck and the horizon. "The carburator's just running too rich" said the admittedly non-mechanic who had accompanied me on the 'test-drive'... I'm thinking "BILL GATES isn't THAT rich." The test-drive, by the way, was to the nearby mechanic's shop, with this flunky of the seller (who turned out to be a dealer - my *3rd* experience with one) to repair lights and fuses that were out - and who dropped and shattered the back light lense when he took it off to replace the bulbs. These folks have gotten the truck to a mechanic, and they swear it's all bett
er now. I figure I'm about to get ripped off again. I owe them another test drive as a courtesy, but then I expect to be declining this one. Yes, I was an idiot to buy the title, sight-unseen.
c) a car I test drove this last week (worked fine), and had Lemon Busters check out for me the next day. Enought of relying on mechanically expert friends, right? The car worked fine during the Lemon Busters examination, so we went right to the title place, and I bought it and drove it back to work. Finally, my problem of reliable transportation was solved. No more missed days at work, boss!.... and four hours later, when it came time to leave for the day, and go pick up the *celebration dinner* I'd ordered to share with a friend ("I have a new car!") the heap would barely move foreward.
All of which, after decades of buying used cars from individuals, has taught me that I'm not going to be able to do this successfully in Texas, and maybe it's time to stop giving my mother, father, and all my friends grey hairs, and buy a new vehicle, which won't break down on me all the time. Except, wow, it looks like even brand new *anythings* have lots of problems! Toyotas look like they have the least, though, so that's where I'm heading. So "Reliability" is number one on my list, but I realize that issue starts a holy war around here, so let's just move on:
======================
SUMMARY
======================
Why I Need Help:
--------------------------------
1) I'm mechanically clueless. Reliability is essential, I've decided on a Toyota, please don't try to modify this one, unless it's to tell me I need a T100 or a Tacoma instead of a Tundra.
2) I haven't ever bought a *new* car, and no car from a dealer in over a decade. Although I have crawled all over the Toyota/Tundra web site, for the life of me, I can't figure out what all the initials and letters stand for, and how they match up with the features I need ("S"? "L"? "SR5"? "4x2" versus "4x4", aren't those sizes of *boards*? "Access Cab"?). I don't even want to *think* about the nightmare of dickering about prices yet.
3) I also know I don't even *know* all the features I need. For example, I would have opted for a standard transmission, but I will be using this truck to tow and haul things, and I read that I should get an automatic for that, in order to make it easier on the transmission.
Anybody have any opinions for/against on this one?
The Functionality I Need:
--------------------------------------
1) must be able to tow (guesstimate) 3,000 pounds (2 horses in an old, small, no frills trailer.
Gimme a break. If I had to call a tow truck 2 or 3 times in any ONE week for any vehicle I sure would'nt give it the chance to go on for months! Sounds like the Tundra will suit your needs just fine-good luck with your shopping and remember-if one dealer won't play ball just move on to one that will.
1. Stop telling mechanics you are mechanically inept, many of them are dishonest and decide you are ignorant and can be overcharged, so go to a new car dealer who you can trust for service and trust them. Also, I've been in Texas the last 55 years and mechanics here aren't any worse than any other state when it comes to being inept or dishonest.
2. My personal advice is to buy a new Tundra, since it is more troublefree than any truck with similiar payload on the average, and purchase it from the biggest dealer in the state. They didn't get that big being dishonest, this works for domestics also. If you don't want to learn how to buy a new car, (right here on Edmunds), you can take a friend with you. I recommend Fred Haas Toyota in Houston for purchase and service if you live near, offer $4 or $5000 under sticker on a loaded 2001 truck, $3000 under on a stripped one. Hard to go wrong there. If you have a trade-in, look it up in Edmunds used vehicles and use the trade-in value, also use Kelly's Blue Book on the internet. Use as much detail on the evaluation as possible and stick to your numbers or go to another dealer. It helps to print out the evaluation and take it to the dealership.
3. Don't worry about the codes, find one on the lot you like, drive several and drive on the freeway at 70 mph and 55 mph with the radio and air conditioner off, windows closed and listen. If it makes too much noise or has vibration, look at another. Special options like TRD and 4X4 are for people who want to go off road or drive in snow and ice or pull a big boat up a slippery ramp, not essential in South Texas otherwise.
4. Try to forget your nightmares about domestic trucks, you got used vehicles which weren't properly maintained, properly maintained ones won't cause anywhere near that much grief. So take your vehicle to the new car dealer for scheduled factory service after purchase.
Good Luck.
Finally saw a Tundra in the flesh and it is the greatest looking pickup I've seen. Only 1 problem with the Tundra and 1 with Toyota personel. The Tundra axle is way too close to the cab for a fifth wheel , so Tundra is out until they increase their wheel base. Toyota needs to school it's people (both dealers and customer service) on the aspects of towing .
I will be getting an 02 Silverado instead of Tundra because I am staying with my fifth wheel and I also found that the Silverado equipped the way I want it(which is impossible with the Tundra) is about $2500.00 less than the Tundra.The 2500 will buy an extended warrentee and let me get some extra goodies.
Thanks again for your come back
Ken-o
I would look at the vinyl tundra mats.
You are also better at getting an aftermarket cd player instead of the factory one.
If you upgrade the tires, let the dealer get them so you can choose your tires.
Lastly, go ahead and get that towing package if you plan on doing that kind of thing.
I do agree with you BFG tires are much better than the crappy ones that come with these trucks. Dumped my fstones for bigger bfg's and they improved the ride and handling alot.
Plus i have a much better looking tire
I think every dealership should have a Truck Dept. I ran into some real dumb (fill in the blanks here). Guys didnt know the difference between bucket or bench seats. Also when i told them ill be ordering in a month they would immediately leave and ignore me. I actually ordered and bought my truck from a guy i started to talk to online. The dealership was 2.5 hrs away from me but i was willing to travel. At first i didnt even know where this place was. He put up with all my questions for a little over a year. We are pretty good friends now and talk all the time.
I'm glad you found a good dealer to work with and that you rewarded him with your business.
Noticed the past few days now that on crawling speed. When I slightly apply the brakes to slow down even more, the brakes acts like it catches then let go.
It's in the service dept right now. Took it there before it gets worse. Or maybe the numb nuts there will make it worse. I mentioned that I too have the warped rotors and he gave me the 'what you talking about Willis?' look.
I just smiled and told him to just fix it.
They put in new set of updated drums and rotors, and pads. The drums were warped for sure but the rotors were good. He said they replace all 4 assemblies and ship them back. Dunno where, I didnt ask.
http://www.activesuspension.com/
I have the Roadmaster Active Suspension installed on my truck. It does add about a 1000#'s more to the hauling limit, however, I wouldn't recommend exceeding the manufacturer's ratings as the brakes and frame weren't meant for it. The only reason I installed it is that I'll carry a 2000# load every so often, thought that the stock springs were too soft, and am lazy so the idea of filling and emptying air bags wasn't too appealing. For me, the Roadmaster was an install and forget kinda thing. Since I also installed the Velvet shackels, had to modify the bracket on the Roadmaster. If you have stock shackels, this would not be a problem. And you could install it probably in less than an hour once you figure out how it assembles.
BTW, the truck still sags with a 2000# load but doesn't bottom out. With the airbags, this would not be a problem.
Wishful thinking so I guess I will get my 2500 Siliverado - thanks again for all your input
Keno
Thanks.
(I'm going to go measure my wheels)
I measured mine - guess I'm just a sucker. My black tundra is dead on both sides. I also looked underneath to see how this might be possible. I can't for the life of me see how this could be bolted in wrong... too many other pieces and parts that connect that wouldn't reach or connect if it was off by 1/2 inch. But I have no way of checking your personal story out.
I'm going to buy the Tundra sometime this April. I'm torn whether to brake my bank and go for the $30,000 decked out 4x4 V8 TRD SR5 or just go with the $23,000 supercab with v6, buy the big black fender options listed in the TRD catalog and get the nicer aluminum wheels.. Folks with the v6, how do you like it? Has anyone driven both, and if so, is there a noticeable difference in normal driving?
How is the selection of Tundras with Anti-lock brakes outside of Texas? I can't find a single tundra that isn't at least $28,000 with anti-locks. Toyota must have been smoking crack when they decided to make that one an "option".. that's the only thing I'm really upset about with buying the Tundra.. ohh well. I'm curious how much some of you have "talked down" the dealerships.. ie, what was the msrp and how much did you actually pay? Thanks for any advice in advance!
The V8 has more power with slightly less gas mileage. My V6 averages around 17 in city and 20 on highway. It also averages around 11 pulling my camping trailer.
Overall, I love my Tundra. It was a fantastic buy for the money. I would suggest trying both engines before you buy.
One more thing, whichever model you get, get the FOG LIGHTS.
Changing the filter is also a major hassle. Has anybody tried relocating the oil filter with one of those relocation kits? Where did you put it? Any risks to using one of those?
I called the local dealer.A sales man said sure the Tundra would handle my fifth wheel (He still don't know if I have a 3000 lb. 20 ft or a 12,000 lb 36 ft)I asked him for the measurement and he said they didn't have it in the specs , so I asked him if he had a tape measurer and a Tundra .Then he said he wouldn't get under the truck to do that. Duhhh
I said just put the end against the cab and eyeball center of wheel.His response was that I should come in and he would be glad to talk about it. - No way am I gonna listen to a sales pitch from some one who don't know what he's talking about. (Still say that Toyota needs to educate their people on trucks and trailering)
Now, on to your question. I don't have my tape measurer handy, but you'd be best off making those yourself anyway. Obyone has the right idea.
I hope it isn't too far from northeast Texas
Ken-o
I know its not in texas thats for sure.
Ken-o
Son lives in Leesburg and feels same way. Wife loves venison but rest of family goes bonkers at the thought of eating Bambi - this leaves me and wife and one daughter and son-in-law to do the eating (their loss)
Ken-o
Does anyone know what the tire size limit on the Tunrda V8 4x4? Will this affect the MPG if I install tall wheels and tires? (+) or (-)MPG numbres? Will taller wheels and tires restrict the turning radius? Will this affect the computer?