Thoughts on going from Tacoma to Tundra

[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.

 

[bowhuntercoop]

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.

I got plenty of time for them to figure it out haha. It’s my hunting truck, I bought it in April and just hit 1k on it haha. I drive the gx550 more then anything or take the van when I take the kiddos.

Everything is payed off so worst case if the engines up being a total disaster in 5-8 yrs down the road we will get rid of them and get something different. I have no attachment to vehicles. After having a bunch Toyotas and few Cummins mixed in, I won’t own anything but Toyotas.

 

[Duh]

I got a 18 tundra and a 19 Tacoma. I hate taking the tundra off road. Probably because my Tacoma is a little more built up but the Tundra just feels like a boat.

The Tundra is the way to go for highway driving though. Both get close to the same gas mileage but the extra room is nice. Both beds suck as far as room space goes.