Toyota Tundra

[ryanabrams]

I'm seeking input regarding the 2011 Toyota Tundra, 4.6L V8 truck. Or just about truck ownership in general.

What are the hidden gotchas (besides the obvious MPG issue)? What are the hidden benefits? Do you have any experience with Tundras, Toyotas, or Trucks in general?

I'm in the market in the near future, and I want to make sure I've done my due diligence.

Thanks.

Comments

They look best in white.

[iheartoothecae.livejournal.com]

Unless you need massive towing power or a big VROOM sound or are afraid the other cowboys are going to laugh at you, get a V6 instead of the V8; the gas savings aren't a whole lot, but it helps. And every little bit helps, because holy Moses trucks eat a lot of gas.

I'm not sure how set you are on buying new, but there are a BUNCH of used, er, "pre-owned" out there still in great condition with price tags often 10k lower than new. However, side curtain airbags (and a few other safety features) didn't start being offered until 2007, and they are harder to find the older the truck model (mine have them but it was a hell of a search). I *think* they became standard in the Tundras in 2010.

When you call to see if a certain truck you saw advertised is available, talk directly to the new or used department. The internet department doesn't know crap, and their in-stock listings can be a week old. Fuck you internet departments. I was basically bait-and-switched by the internet departments of Toyota of Dallas, John Eagle Sport City Toyota, and Toyota of Irving. Cowboy Toyota, however, were great to work with; my salesguy was John Petro.

When I was looking I also checked out the Tacomas, which had slightly better gas mileage and similar safety ratings. However, as one salesperson put it, they "hold onto their resale value" -- so that's good as a trade in, but if you're looking to buy used it's not exactly a benefit.