Thoughts on going from Tacoma to Tundra

[Shepherd]

I went from my beloved Tacoma to a 2015 V8 5.7L Tundra 10 years ago, mainly because I needed the extra space to haul my three kids around. Its been great - it now has 215,000 miles and has only had expected maintenance over those years - besides the two deer I've hit. A great truck - has come in handy for hauling as well. Its now beginning to show a few light rust spots but I'm hoping to get 300,000 miles before I consider a new one. My kids are almost grown up (youngest are juniors in high school), so I'm not sure if I'll go with a Tacoma or Tundra when that time comes.

I have had a few issues with the sound system - it regularly turns off for no reason, but automatically restarts pretty quickly. And the poor gas mileage and smaller sized tank have been an annoyance on long trips but no vehicle is perfect.

 

[Oregon]

I went that route in 2018. Had a 2014 Tacoma and wife wanted a bigger camp trailer. So I upgraded trucks to a 2018 tundra. I should have kept Tacoma, but the trade in value was insane. They gave me 23.5k. I paid 29k new.
Tundra was 42k. I love my Tundra, but I still cringe when I run brush down the side or take it to the high desert. I’ve treated that truck awful. My buddies in there 3/4 ton trucks go 5mph down most 2 tracks. I go 20.
Gas mileage is awful when above 75mph, I don’t do any city driving, but I’d assume it would be awful as well.
Very comfortable ride, tows my 5600# trailer well, and does extremely well in 4wd.
85k miles on it with no complaints.

 

[Eagle]

Not a tacoma, but sold my 16 4runner in march and bought a 21 tundra. Honestly couldn't be happier with the switch. If I still lived in Colorado, I could see the tundra being a potential problem on a couple of the rough forest service roads I used to access hunting spots due to it's size compared to the runner or a taco, but full size is great otherwise. As others have said, the tundra will make it in no problem, just have to be willing to accept the possibility to scratch or rough it up on tight roads in the mountains.

 

[Silver Wings]

I’m in the market for a truck to take the pressure off my expensive 3/4 ton diesel, that really has no business in some of the places I’ve put it. I’ve been looking for the right gen 2 Tacoma with 6 cylinder, access cab and 6’ bed. This Tundra conversation has me interested though. If a guy was looking to spend $15k or less what years should I be looking at and which years should be avoided?

 

[Schmo]

I’m in the market for a truck to take the pressure off my expensive 3/4 ton diesel, that really has no business in some of the places I’ve put it. I’ve been looking for the right gen 2 Tacoma with 6 cylinder, access cab and 6’ bed. This Tundra conversation has me interested though. If a guy was looking to spend $15k or less what years should I be looking at and which years should be avoided?

No years to avoid in the 07-21 range. You’ll be in a 2nd gen for that price, meaning 07-13. For example, I’ll be putting up my 2011 for sale in about 3-4 months, and it should go for $16k - $18k in my area.

 

[Silver Wings]

No years to avoid in the 07-21 range. You’ll be in a 2nd gen for that price, meaning 07-13. For example, I’ll be putting up my 2011 for sale in about 3-4 months, and it should go for $16k - $18k in my area.

That’s helpful.
Tracks pretty close with gen 2 Tacoma years/prices.

 

[Schmo]

That’s helpful.
Tracks pretty close with gen 2 Tacoma years/prices.

Likely you’ll be fairly high miles in that price range

 

[Eagle]

I’m in the market for a truck to take the pressure off my expensive 3/4 ton diesel, that really has no business in some of the places I’ve put it. I’ve been looking for the right gen 2 Tacoma with 6 cylinder, access cab and 6’ bed. This Tundra conversation has me interested though. If a guy was looking to spend $15k or less what years should I be looking at and which years should be avoided?

The 07’s had some issues, and anything flex fuel can have cold start problems, but with you price range, you’re likely stuck with a flex fuel truck.

 

[Schmo]

The 07’s had some issues

Can you tell me what they were? I heard that before I bought my 07, and in research, couldn’t find anything definitive. Never had a year-related issue while I had that one.

 

[Eagle]

Can you tell me what they were? I heard that before I bought my 07, and in research, couldn’t find anything definitive. Never had a year-related issue while I had that one.

If I'm recalling correctly I think it was valve and head gasket issues, but in typical Toyota fashion, at least back then, they corrected it by the end of the first year of production.

 

[Schmo]

If I'm recalling correctly I think it was valve and head gasket issues, but in typical Toyota fashion, at least back then, they corrected it by the end of the first year of production.

Gotcha. Makes sense. My 07 had 187k on it when I sold it. Seems like it was from late in the year. Never had any engine or tranny issues out of it.

 

[Silver Wings]

How about 4.6L Vs 5.7L?

 

[bowhuntercoop]

As much I loved my 2 tacos I had I would never go back. Had a 2.5 gen tundra and also wouldn’t go back, 3rd gen tows better, rides better, and the mileage blows the 2.5 outta the water.

I’ve had a pile of truck and this is hands down my favorite. 10 years /125 warranty was dirt cheap and makes the worries go away if you’re scared about realiability issues.

 

[WeiserBucks]

How about 4.6L Vs 5.7L?

Gas mileage sucks on all of them, might as well have the power while you're at it.

 

[NateO 77]

Thanks all who commented it sounds like I need to start looking 2.5 gen with Low miles and a 38 gallon tank.

 

[bowhuntercoop]

Thanks all who commented it sounds like I need to start looking 2.5 gen with Low miles and a 38 gallon tank.

After having both I wouldn’t ever go back to a 2.5 after owning my 3rd gen. Leaps and bounds better in about every category. 10/125
extended factory warranty is 2k. Well worth it imo.

 

[5MilesBack]

10 years /125 warranty was dirt cheap and makes the worries go away if you’re scared about realiability issues.

That's all fine and dandy, but what about years 11 through 40? We won't know how reliable these are for several more years.

 

[GLB]

I switch from a 2008 Tacoma to a 2018 Tundra both bought new at that time. I really enjoy the Tundra and plan to drive it many more years.

 

[StuckInTheEast]

After having both I wouldn’t ever go back to a 2.5 after owning my 3rd gen. Leaps and bounds better in about every category. 10/125
extended factory warranty is 2k. Well worth it imo.

As much as I want to like them because its the Next rendition of the tundra...having driven multiple and worked on a few at this point and been able to see how everything is put together top to bottom...I won't own one.
Talk about 10lbs of s%$t in a 5lb bucket. Google what that new turbo engine looks like torn down with the heads off and the piles of associated parts to get to that point.
Alot of guys are intimidated working on the 5.7l or even old 4.7l engines...the 3.4TT makes them look basic and simple. Better hope you have a very solid independent shop or dealer with competent techs nearby if you do need any powertrain repairs warranty or otherwise.
The jury is still out on long term reliability if they actually fixed the engine issues and if any other major mechanical problems will arise with 5-7 years of real world use and getting enough units into higher mileage to see what fails...things will fail.
Im glad you like yours, I hope it serves you well and you don't NEED that extended warranty. No doubt the ride is definitely improved in stock form...lifted with oversize tires, not so much of a difference.
I really don't care for the steering feel in the 3rd Gen. Reminds me of a Chevy with EPS...feels disconnected from the road and heavy.
Looks wise....its all subjective. Some people love them, some hate them. I fall more towards dislike. Tolerable raised a bit with different wheels and larger tires, but cosmetically the 3rd gens do nothing for me inside or out. I couldnt care less about tech nonsense in a truck and personally hate the big dash screens with all the BS integrated into them...lane keeping, auto dimming head lights,radar cruise, overhead view in reverse, electric parking brakes etc, etc...I dont want or care about any of it other than basic cruise, power windows and a back up cam for hitching trailers...Toyota lost me full size truck wise with the 3rd Gen Tundra in just about every category.
Personally Id give it at least a couple more years before entertaining a used 3rd gen Tundra.
New, sure...no more a gamble than any other as long as it's under warranty and Toyota at least seems to still keep parts inventory available. Down range parts support is still solid. Toyota definitely wins the gold there presently vs any of the "domestic" options.
No shot at you or your truck Coop, just a counter based on observations and experience thus far with 3rd gen tundra, which I will openly admit is still limited in sample size.
I hope they prove me wrong over the next 7-10 years

 

[akmerle]

I doubt you’d regret it. I recently went from a 3/4 ton diesel(with 1 ton suspension) to a 21 Tundra for my daily driver. Love it.
One note, the 18-21 Tundra is missing an external trans cooler, but you can add one if you plan to tow. Some say it isn’t nesessary.

Just FYI, 2018 does indeed have the external trans cooler, 19-21 do not. 2018 is also first year of updated dash / Safety Sense, which is surprisingly well done and easy to turn off (and stays off).

For OP, lose the Tacoma and dont look back. Been a Toyota truck guy for almost 30 years now (1997 Tacoma, 01 Tacoma, 01 Tundra, 10 Tundra, and current 18 Tundra), wife is in a 24 GX 550 Overtrail (previous 20 Pro 4R and 17 Camry), and son drives an 11 Prius.

Extra power, comfort, interior room, and overall capacity of Tundra are massive improvements over Tacoma. Will get a slight decrease in MPG, but its worth it. If not wanting Tundra, I'd take a 4R over a Tacoma any day.