Need to know if the Tundra is the right truck to buy

mwhals · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:09 PM

I owned a 2002 Access Cab Tundra 4x4 with the 4.7 liter motor. I loved the truck, but obviously can't get that model anymore.

I am interested in the 2008 Double Cab Tundra Long bed 4x4 5.7 liter truck. I am puzzled why I can't configure such a truck with the SR5 trim. I only get the Tundra Grade option.

I am getting a little hesitant about getting the truck due to all the problems I have heard (bed bounce, cam shafts, torque converters, rust, orange peel paint).

Can I get this truck and not regret it? Does it compare quality wise to my 2002 Tundra I used to own?

I am also looking at the Big 3 offerings and want to get the best truck that will not give me problems for a long time.

I will use it for pulling occasionally and hauling firewood. I live in WV, so I do drive on some hills.

Thanks for the honest information.

NOVA Tundra Owner · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:18 PM

I have a 2007 5.7L Limited DC and love it. I traded a 2001 F150 on it. I looked at Ford, GM and Chrysler. No comparison in my opinion.

The cam shaft issue is gone. It was limited to a small number of trucks at the start of production. Same with the torque convertors. I have not had problems with paint, rust or bed bounce.

Good Luck.

Rooster · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:19 PM

And don't forget the tailgate issue. I am also wondering the same as you as I own a 2001 Accesscab 4x4 Tundra and am debating on getting a new Tundra. But I do remember that when the previous generation Tundra came out, it was also plagued with numerous issues such as vibrations, brakes, hard start, diesel engine noise on startup, seatbelt retraction, and thin paint. These are just ones I can think of off the top of my head. Mine has been immune to most of the issues. The others I fixed myself or they went away on there own. I'm thinking it would be the same with the 2007/08 Tundras, you take a gamble as with anything else you buy.

Sequoia2003 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:25 PM

do what I did, lease it for 3 years. If it turns out to be a flop then it's Toyota's problem not yours to deal with when you resell it.

The only issues I think still exists is the Bed Bounce and the cheap tail gate that feels like it was something stolen from a 1984 Mitsubishi pickup.

wildbill129 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:25 PM

Knock on wood, I have had NO problems with mine. I love it, no regrets.......go for it.........

Kokanee1 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:43 PM

The problems you are talking about are few and far between. I have owed my Tundra for 9 months without any problems except a rat the chewed a few wires under the hood (he met his maker the next night). Gota love the 5.7 and 6 speed. This truck is fun to drive.

d-lo · #7 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:44 PM

Tundra is the best 1/2 ton truck you can buy.
I don't know where you are 'configuring' your truck, but double cab long bed sr5 (with or without 4x4) is one of the more popular packages and easily 'configurable' at Toyota Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Accessories -- see the screen cap below.
Whether you can get this truck and not regret is a personal issue and more a function of your personality than the truck. The Tundra is a very well designed and well performing truck across the board. I have never regretted my Tundra purchase for a second. I can't say the same for co-workers and contractors I work with who chose big 3 trucks for whatever reason. That's really all I can say.

07DCwhiteSR5 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:48 PM

the problems u mention are largely blown out of proportion or opinions anyway. thin paint is on all cars nowadays, as for orange peel, i havent noticed it on any tundras other than the rock chip area down at the rockers thats supposed to be textured...

if u search around in the 1st generation forum ur going to see problems there too and if u focus on problems its going to seem like a lot. forums are mainly problems posted that only take a few people to make it seem like it affects everything. theres nothing wrong with the tundra, nothing wrong at all so go for it.

GORILLA · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 02:51 PM

hi, i would wait till 2009's are out and than see if everything is resolved.
read the forum here, and stay up dated daily, before you spend a dime.
the way i understand it some are still having some issue's here and there.
i would like the fact that it is now a billet proof truck.
it's not like you can return it, with 90 days. your stuck with it.
gorilla

J-Peg · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 03:00 PM

I bought my 2008 Tundra DC before I found my Tundra and I'm glad I did, otherwise I would of been scared to death after reading some of things these guys claim to be experiencing.

Bed Bounce- never experienced it, but I will say that the Tundra rides like a truck. If you want an extra smooth ride - get a cadillac.

Tailgate issues - I'm 200 lbs. I stood on my tailgate (at both corners) and have hopped off of it a few times and have checked, but no visible cracks nor did the tailgate feel like it as giving in any way. It doesn't feel any less stout than my F-150 tailgate did.

Thin Paint - I really don't know what to say about this, as my paint looks fine to me when I wash it. I do know that the 2008 models went to a water based paint, as will all the major manufacturers. This information was given by a friend of mine who owns his own body shop.

The truck has good power, pleanty of room and is my idea of a TRUCK. I love it. Personally, I'd say go for it.

and on a side note - I really doubt we will see $4.00 a gal gas (diesel maybe) - the bottom is going to fall out of oil very soon as the economy has demand way down. Oil should start trading below the $100 a barrell mark next week and may hit as low as $80 a barrell in a few months. (already down around $101 right now.)

006 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 03:22 PM

I had a long post about my experiences and great reasons to buy a Tundra. But I decided to start over and just say this:

If you have to ask, then you shouldn't buy one.

~006

mwhals · #12 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 03:36 PM

Wow! Many responses in a short time. This forum is one of the best I have experienced.

I went to build your toyota and never saw the list that is shown above in a post.

I would love to get a Tundra, but I need to make sure I don't regret it later. Lease is not an option for me, because I think it is a waste of money since you never go without having payments.

What about the bed bounce? I saw a thread on here about it and it is probably my biggest concern along with the rust on the chrome.

Mark H

J-Peg · #13 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwhals

Wow! Many responses in a short time. This forum is one of the best I have experienced.

I went to build your toyota and never saw the list that is shown above in a post.

I would love to get a Tundra, but I need to make sure I don't regret it later. Lease is not an option for me, because I think it is a waste of money since you never go without having payments.

What about the bed bounce? I saw a thread on here about it and it is probably my biggest concern along with the rust on the chrome.

Mark H

Test drive the one you want to buy. Take it out on the freeway and get to about 50-60 mph. See what you think.

006 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 04:00 PM

I have an 08 and have yet to experience this "bed bounce." Nor do I have any rust (3800 miles so far).

~006

Keadog · #15 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 04:06 PM

Toyota will not let you configure a DC long bed in anything other than "Tundra Grade" in Midwest zip codes. I wanted a DC Limited long bed, but Toyota has decided I don't want, need or deserve one, so I will probably end up with a Titan or another 3/4 ton Chevy or Ford this fall. Why they won't let you order and wait for what you want is beyond me. Maybe they will have a change of heart for the '09s and I would still consider one. This process can't be helping their sales...