Author Topic: "Newer" Used Tundra's vs. Tacoma's (Read 5421 times)

rockthecasbah · « **on:** April 23, 2005, 07:21:35 pm »

I was just curious as to how the Tundra's stack up. I'm currently looking into a Tundra and was wondering what everyone's thoughts and experiences with it were? I know Toyota is well know for their reliability, but now that the Tundra's been out for a couple years now, has there been any problems with them or anything of that nature?

Also, while browsing Toyota's site, I noticed Tacoma's were more expensive than Tundra's even when I selected the relativly same options and packages? Maybe it was a glitch on the site?

I don't have a real huge problem with either a full size or mid size truck, as I currently have a '97 Ram (which I really do love and haven't had any problems with since I bought it used)

A couple other questions regarding the Tundra:

Gas milage/KM, how are they against other trucks? I know you don't buy trucks for fuel economy but it would be nice to know what you should be averaging.

Reliability: Does it live up to the Toyota name?

Power: Should have no problems in 4 wheel drive in a Canadian winter with a ton of snow on the ground, right?

Thanks for all those who can answer these questions.

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2005, 08:49:18 pm »

Nothing on the market comes near a 4x4 Tundra Crewcab. I drove one down to Brampton and back on Thursday. What a unit.

Basically the platfrom is 6 years old. The front brakes are 6 piston. Rear drums. Fantastic and very durable. Largest Tundra buyers are former GMC/Chev owners fed up with junk brakes and overall disappointing trucks. Apparently, GM has newer version on it's way. Don't buy a used GMC/Chev unless your stealing it.

The Tundra V8 is the Lexus 4.7. What more can you say. Open up the hood and take a look. Easiest truck motor to service on the planet. Masterpiece. Get one with the electric rear glass. Entire back glass disappears. The drive shaft is a two piece unit suspended by a centre bearing; makes for zero driveline vibration.

A 2002 Tundra club cab 4x4 passed thru my hands a few months back with 200,000 km and it was like new. Properly serviced, Toyota 1/2 tons are 500,000 km units.

I am more a Honda guy than a Toyota guy, but no offense to your Ram, you will not believe the difference. Without a doubt, the best used buy on the market 1/2 or heavy 1/2 tons.

davidy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2005, 09:17:47 pm »

Earlier this year, a co-worker bought a 2005 Tundra 4x4 Double Cab with off road package. Suprisingly, she recently told me that she wouldn't buy another Toyota again. I believe that she prefers her early 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee. She noted that her Toyota's exterior doesn't handle rock chips and such too well....as compared with the Jeep.

When I had priced her vehicle, it was in the mid to high 40's. A Tacoma with similar features was priced about 10 grand cheaper.

Dave

(Message edited by davidy on April 23, 2005)

rockthecasbah · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2005, 09:18:26 pm »

Thanks for the in depth reply, it was really helpful.

I bought my Ram last Summer as my first vehicle and have been very impressed with it, and it will still last me a while (only 63 000 KM's on it for a 97!), but the past few weeks I have been more and more interested in the Tundra, something has really caught my eye about it.

While I'm not a huge fan of 4 doors (I have no need for it), I'd probably get a standard cab or club cab. What should I expect in price for something like that with 4 wheel drive of course and around 125 KM's for instance? I know AutoTrader is a option, but the folks here at CanadianDriver really know their stuff.

One last question for anyone out there, what would you pay for a 97 Ram Laramie SLT, regular cab, 5.2L, long box, 4x4, clean, nearly fully loaded (sans leather and a couple options) but with a ding or 2 (nothing major, in the bumper and one on the side, thanks to some jackass, not my driving!) It also has a box liner and a tonneuo cover

Thanks again!

mrthompson · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2005, 09:48:18 pm »

www.yotatech.com is a good forum for Toyota truck specific info.

articsteve · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2005, 11:57:25 pm »

The problems with used Tundras are the super high resale that they are getting in the market. Very difficult to a value on the Ram because the mileage is so low. Dealer would be no more than 10K

(Message edited by Articsteve on April 23, 2005)

saint_satan · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2005, 07:36:17 am »

AS is right on. The only reason I'm not currently driving a Japanese product is the ridiculously high resale. Although I think in most cases the Japanese product is superior I had to ask myself "is it $12,000 superior?"

This is the same dilemma I faced when I bought my current ride. The choices were my Mother's 2000 Pathfinder (off-lease) for $23500 after tax or a 2001 Cherokee my Dad had on his lot for $12800. The Jeep had a few more miles and the Pathy had more frills (e.g., sunroof) but $11K can pay for a lot of repairs and they both do what I want them to do. Besides, the cost of repair at the local Nissan dealer would offset any potential reliability difference in the two units.

Another story, but my Dad could have gotten my Uncle an 2004 Ram 1500 4x4 with 25,000km (tons of warranty left)for about $20K less than he ended up paying with his trade on a new 2005 Tundra. My uncle trades his vehicles every three years anyway so I'm not sure he will have the vehicle long enough to notice the real quality difference. But that was his choice - I'm not sure it would be mine.

It seems the only way to get value from the Toyotas and Honda of the world is to buy them new.

These are questions only you can really answer. Later in life, I will probably get what I what but there are bigger priorities for me right now (like housing, starting a family, etc.)

barrie1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2005, 04:39:58 pm »

I would visit the Toyota truck complaint site as their trucks have had their share of recalls. The transmission are not the best and the load capacity is not as good as the Gm's and Dodge's which will work harder and longer for you for a lot less money. I think you are better off keeping your money to be used on further repairs on your truck in time to come. Its a much better truck then the Tundras as well. I drive a GMC p/u everyday now that the good weather is here and will continue to drive this truck for many more years as well. Its an old 1972 that has been restored and can work just as hard as the new ones still.

reggin · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:47:20 pm »

Don't listen to Barrie - He's the resident GM whore... If GM introduced a car that spontainously combusted, Barrie would buy it... Ohh wait, they already did - Anyone want to buy a used Fiero with Barries cooked carcus in it ?

Serniter · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2005, 03:09:21 pm »

Reggin, thats a stupid post.

I'm not looking at a truck in the near future, but do want to save up for one. I drove the F150, Dodge Ram and Chevy Silverado. Of these I prefer the Silverado the most, and thats the truck I'd like to get. In small trucks, maybe the Tacoma. I've seen several Chevy/GMC trucks on the road but few Tundras. Do we have a thread anywhere here that compares trucks?!

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2005, 04:21:47 pm »

Personally - and not just because I worked there - I think Toyota makes the absolute best trucks. No, they're not heavy duty units with diesels (yet... wait till '06/07) but for the great majority of people the Toyotas are fantastic.

They used to be somewhat premium priced compared to how competitively Toyota prices in the US, but Toyota Canada is holding the line more nowadays to boost truck volume in the coming years. Reliability of the trucks is darned good, hence the resale.

The regular Tundra and Access Cabs are significantly different from the Double Cab 4-doors. The DCabs are more lumbering in feel, and make no mistake they are large trucks. I find rear seat room to be great in them.

The 4.7L just received a significant boost in power for '05, but even with a sophisticated engine the fuel economy is about on par with every other V8 out there. But it is a very smooth operator.

The brakes are good, and the truck was clearly the safest FSize truck right out of the gate. Now the new F-Series is great too, but it took them till now to match the Tundra.

The resale is insane, so I, too, would buy a new one. I REALLY like seeing the Toyota trucks on the road, and give the thumbs up to people driving them. They look great to me.

As for the Tacoma... they look even better. I see more and more of the new ones on the road, and the new bright blue/red/black/silver on them works like dynamite. They've always been pricey in our market, but the new one has more value than the last, especially with certain packages, and a vastly improved interior. Again, to me it's the best compact truck, but on price you really can't compare (until you go to resell) because the domestic incentives.

In the US Toyota sells over 100,000 units of Tundra, and Tacoma is far and away the most popular compact in California and leads the nation by a slight margin this year. Solid trucks, and I can't wait till Canada buys more of 'em.

(Message edited by sirAQUAMAN64 on April 25, 2005)

rockthecasbah · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2005, 06:38:39 pm »

anyone else?

barrie1 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2005, 11:27:37 pm »

Reggin you are a Complete and utter Moron who has had his last kick at me. You haven't been here long enough to be so smart mouthed. We will always have a problem from here on in and there won't be any forgiveness from my part. Go to the site and learn something about the vehicle before you ever post again anything about me. GOOF. 43 posts and a total troll Idiot. Read the latest recalls then you can open your sickening face hole.

(Message edited by barrie1 on April 29, 2005)

saint_satan · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2005, 08:15:49 am »

Siraquaman:

I love Tacomas but they are very, very expensive. I find that the Nissan Frontier gives more bang for the buck. You still get Japanese quality but for thousands$$$ less. I think you can get a "base" Frontier (which comes nicely equipped wth everything I'd want) for around $30K

84im · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2005, 04:58:05 pm »

I haven't driven them, but I spent quite a while going over the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline at the Vancouver Auto Show. I like all the bells and whistles, so all three ended up around the same price; $39,000. All three can be had for around $35,000 in lower trim levels. I really liked the Ridgeline; great interior, but the exterior....from some angles it looks good, and from other angles it looks butt ugly. I like the Toyota's interior, but I found the seat too low. The Nissan's interior seemed lower in quality, but I think it's the best looking of the three. If I were to order them in what I'd buy it would be Ridgeline #1, Frontier #2, and Tacoma #3. That order could change after taking all three for a test drive. Unfortunately, I just paid off my 2000 Ranger 4x4 Supercab and my wife says NO WAY. It's hard to convince her that we need a new truck when the Ranger has been trouble free for 73,000 kms.(I know it's hard to believe, being a Ford, but it's the truth)