Okay, so what about Toyota Tundra's ???

[Fish Chris]

{about the Dodge.... Really nice trucks.... but I think my personal mechanic is steering me away from them..... and my buddy told me to do some research on Dodge Ram brake problems [i'm notoriously brutal on brakes in every vehicle I've owned] A quick search (even among the guys on the Dodge forum, who love their trucks) showed consistent problems a mile long}

The price is sure nice on the Dodge's though....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So last evening I went by the Toyota dealership.... And dang those Tundra's are sure nice ! And the braking systems are like total high performance, even on the cheapest model ! Horsepower is higher than any other V6 on the market..... in fact, its about the same as Dodges small 4.7 V8 ! .....and + 1 or 2 mpg as well ! Almost certainly because the Toyota's are the only ones that have a 24 valve system, while all the others are 12 valve.

As for the paint options, Toyota has this color called Pyrite Mica, which is somewhere between desert sand mettalic, and light charcoal mettalic, and it looks REALLY nice with Mossy Oak Shadow grass :-)

Problems with the Toyota are;

1) I'll have to wait 1 to 2 months until all the 07's are gone, to get the $5000 rebate on an 08'.

2) To get cruise control {which I absolutely must have} I'm forced to get the complete SR5 package ! Don't know how stupid the price for that will be. This package also gives you carpeted floors, and power windows and locks.... which is fine..... but it gives you an exterior chrome package which flat out won't work with my paint and camo scheme. Don't know what we can do about this yet.....

3) It also bothers me, that for a truck with such a good reputation, that they only give a 6 yr / 60K warranty standard. They said I can "pay" for an extended 100K warranty..... Oh sure. And I could "pay" for a freaking Ferrari "IF" I had money coming out my ears :-(

Anyway..... I know its a really solid truck, and I think it looks freaking awesome too :-)

So here's what I'm thinking..... Except 1) Regular cab {had to use extended cab to get the color to come up} oh and BTW, you wouldn't believe how much space the Tundra has behind the seats in the regular cab ! They advertise that you can fit a 5 gallon bucket behind them when fully reclined ! This totally eases my concerns about not getting an extended cab.

And 2) With tougher looking 5 spoke alloy rims, than those shown here, but still flat black..... But then how many guys will only look at the photo, and not even read this ??? :-)

So anyway, I can get a great looking Dodge, that I wouldn't trust as much, with tax, license, add ons, complete done deal, for about $21K. Or, I can probably get this Toyota Tundra, completely paid, tax + license, with everything I want, plus add-ons, for about $26K.....

At this point, I think I will probably hold out for the Toyota.

Hmmmm,

Fish

PS, Add on a small, all black running board, to hide all the unsightly undercarriage stuff....

[Bassn Blvd]

Toyotas run forever.  I think 26k is high for a standard cab and 2 wheel drive, I assume.   The cruise control deal is a bunch of crap.  You would thing CC comes standard on all cars.  That's like paying extra for door locks.

Check out Nissan Titan.  I've only seen them from the outside and they look nice.  They may be more than the  toyota but I'm not sure.

[roadwarrior]

I drive a Toyota Sequoria, my daughter has the Rav4, my partner has his second Tundra, his son the first and his daughter another. I have never heard a complaint against Toyota cars and trucks. It seems to me, they have set the new standard for performance and durability.

If you can find a deal you are comfortable with, you will be very happy with the vehicle.

8-)

[BadKarma42]

"So anyway, I can get a great looking Dodge, that I wouldn't trust as much, with tax, license, add ons, complete done deal, for about $21K. Or, I can probably get this Toyota Tundra, completely paid, tax + license, with everything I want, plus add-ons, for about $26K....."

So do you want something that looks good or does what you need it to do...without as many problems?

Not a knock on Dodge or a stamp of approval for Toyota.  Just something to consider.

[Dan:]

FC, I don't know much about the vehicles you are looking at but personally I would say go for the Tundra if you can wait and solve the chrome problem on the SR5 model. Toyotas are still more reliable than Dodges as far as I know and I've always like the look of the Tundra, and your color and camo scheme look GREAT on that Tundra

[Fish Chris]

Hey Bassn Blvd, I think 26K for a standard cab, 2wd is high too ! .....and that's with a $5K rebate ! But remember, I am including everything..... fiberglass bedcover, tow hitch and reciever, (and like it or not, I guess the SR5 package) + state sales tax and license....

Hey RW, well yea'...... remember, I've driven the living $#@$ out of a Toyota Tacoma, for the last 11 years, and although the motor sounds like a steel can with marbles in it, and it is starting to burn a little oil, it does still actually run.... and I'd have to call my 216K miles, the equivalent of most peoples 300K + miles. So yea', I really can't complain.

Hey BadKarma42, totally ! And the fact is, I think the Toyota Tundra (especially the way I plan to have it) looks REALLY good too ! Maybe about 5% better than the Dodge. I'm telling you, you should see this Pyrite Mica paint in person, in bright sun :-) Freaking cool :-)

Hey Dominion. Thanks, I have to agree. Especially for somebody like me who never buys a truck, thinking about resale. Instead, I buy a truck and if it last 200K that's great ! 250K is even better ! 300K Whoo Hooo ! .......and then its pretty much straight to the wreckers for $50 :-)

Peace,

Fish

[Fish Man]

my cousin has one and loves it. cant tell you much more than that but he did recently buy a ford and would take the tundra over it any day of the week

[roadwarrior]

Okay, I thought you were wondering about the reliability of the newer models.

[Fish Chris]

Oh, I'd definately trust a Toyota..... It just bugs me a bit that with such a well built truck, that Toyota doesn't give a 10 yr / 100K "standard" warranty. In that department, I think Toyota needs to step up to the plate.

Fish

[burleytog]

Oh, I'd definately trust a Toyota..... It just bugs me a bit that with such a well built truck, that Toyota doesn't give a 10 yr / 100K "standard" warranty. In that department, I think Toyota needs to step up to the plate.

Fish

All a warranty does is sell you a guaranteed piece of crap (there's a reason Dodge has such a long warranty).

FWIW, I would wait until those 08 Tundras hit the market.  Or look at a Ford F150.

I love Toyota vehicles, but the Tundra I drove didn't feel like a truck.  Send TheBeast a PM about the Tundra's frame, he installs hitches on the things weekly.  His comments to me about the Tundra vs. the Chevy or Ford half-ton have not been favorable.

If I were buying right now, I would look long and hard at the Chevy Silverado.  And while I drive a bowtie daily, I'm not much of a Chevy man.

[JayW]

I drove a Tundra with the 5.7 and it's a beast! I have a 2005 Toyota 4 Runner and it has 43,000 miles on it and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned! No rattles, no pings, smooth as silk! This is coming from a die hard Chevy fan, but after my last couple of GM's... I went over to the dark side and have never looked back! I know a lot of guys who have or have had Dodge trucks and have had a LOT of issues! Trannie problems, fit and finish, one had a tie rod fall apart on a new truck after just a few months! Fords are nice trucks, but the fit and finish is no where to compare to the Toyota's! I have a 1999 F-250 with 205,000+ miles on it and it's still going, but it pings, rattles, squeeks, runs rough, etc and has seen the shop plenty. That said, it's still been a good truck to make it that far! I just prefer the Toyota's.  

[Fish Chris]

Yea' I think a Dodge is just about out of the question for me now.

You mean > until the 09's come out, making the 08' that are out right now, drop way down in price < correct ? I agree. I just hope that doesn't bite me, with not having the best possible selection, as like I have said, I'm am going to be relentlessly nitpicky. Their is only "one right truck" for me. I won't settle for something that's not quite perfect for my driving style, and my tastes in the looks of the thing.

I've driven a plain jane white toyota Tacoma for 11 LONG years. This time, I want one I can look at and be proud of...... Plus, with the styling ideas I have in mind, it's not like I will ever have to walk out to a big parking lot and say, "Wait a minute.... Is that mine" ?  :-)

I don't know what this says about American made trucks (or the economy), but our giant, new local Ford dealership just filed for bankruptcy last week ! I have heard that Dodge, Chevy and GMC were close behind.

In fact, the only truck dealers keeping their heads above water in these parts is Toyota, and Nissan. (BTW, I looked at Nissan Titans.... Awesome trucks ! But no V6 available, and the sales guys their were complete idiots... Oh, and lousy / unworkable paint options).

Anyway yea', I can imagine a Toyota being a little "softer" than a Chevy 3500HD, or Ford F350..... and I'd probably be leaning towards one of those if I was hauling something heavier.... But as it stands, my V6 Tundra is rated at a max payload of 1590 lbs.... I might load it with 300 lbs. And the max towing is 5100 lbs.... I think my boat, motor and trailer weighs about 1300 lbs. So, I think I should be okay :-)

Peace,

Fish

[Fish Chris]

Yea' like I have said, my little old Tacoma is just about ready for the pasteur.... but with the "equivalent of" at least 300K hard miles on it ! That poor old thing doesn't know what an easy mile is :-)

I have heard about the front end, and brake problems with Dodges. You'd think that Dodge would take care of that right away.... But internet research doesn't make it look like they have. Hmmmm.

Peace,

Fish

[fatmanslim247]

You should be able to buy a cruise control kit through toyota, i know on the dodges its just putting the buttons in and telling the computer it has cruise.  You also have to remember you get a lifetime powertrain warranty with a dodge, I have heard that toyota is having quality control issues, plus your having to pay more for toyota parts versus dodge... just my 2 cents even though it is kind of biased

I don't know what your talking about when it comes to brakes, the guys carrying huge goosenecks and have huge rims and tires... yes they have problems b/c they don't properly upgrade when they do all of that and i've seen alot of people towing way to much on a half ton truck.  We have some front u-joint issues but those are the 3500 that are 4x4.  honestly there isn't anything that really sticks out when it comes down to those vehicles especially the gas motors.  Plus if something does go wrong you have a warranty for the life of the truck

[Micro]

I like Toyotas.  I have a Corolla with 60,000 miles on it now and I have never had a problem.  Not one.   My friend with Toyotas nevr have problems, either.  They have great reputations.  But I will say (I'm an insurance adjuster) Tundra frame rails seem mighty fragile for a full size.  Even a minor hit in the front or rear seems to damage them.  From what I've seen, they are about as big around as my wrist.  Toyota says in one of their ads that their hitches reach farther up the frame rails compared to Chevy and Ford.  That's because their rails are significantly smaller and extra support is needed.  

Look at NHSTA ratings for crash safety.  Tundra does not do that well compared other full sized trucks.  

[BUCKEYEone]

I've got more trust in Toyota than any other auto maker.

[Chad.]

Please no camo. ;D

[bighed]

Chris, it sounds like you've already sold yourself on the Toyota but I thought I'd throw this out there.  For decades Ford, GM, and Dodge have fought for truck market share.  How do you win over the competitors customer?  By building the very best truck for the very best price that you can.  What year after year, decade after decade of this has resulted in is a very high quality product from the big 3.  I don't think the Toyota is a bad truck but I'm sure that the American trucks are as good if not better.   They are worth a look and a test drive.  

BTW, I think I'll puke if I have to watch another Tundra ad on during my fishing shows.

[Pond Hopper]

Fish,

Why not the Tacoma?  I am in the market for a new truck and have pretty much settled on the Tacoma, except for the crew cab one.  For what I want it for and reliability it is tough to beat.  I do not need a full size truck but my Ranger is not big enough to meet my current needs.  Just another option and I believe it even comes in a 4 cyl.

[Fish Chris]

well Chaddy, your talking to a guy who absolutely loves his camo boat.... is wearing a camo hat, and camo boots as he sits here and types this.... and who is sitting besides a camo bedspread :-)

I just have a thing for the "outdoors look" of camo.

If you are thinking along the lines of like a "bright red truck, with 20 inch chrome rims".... I was thinking about trucks like that earlier, and I had an idea for a decal on my new truck, which would read >  "Hey, that's a 'pretty' truck you have there. Is that yours or your wifes" ? ;-)  LOL  I'm going to be driving a "mans truck", thank you :-)

I have to admit, I might have developed a bit of a complex, as my little Hyundai, which is bright orange mettalic, and has flashy, aftermarket rims gets all kinds of compliments.... However, the number one thing the girls say is, "Oh, what a 'cute' car"..... Uhhh.... geeee.... Thanks.... I guess   :-/

Hey Bighead, no doubt the American builders make some really nice trucks, however, I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but Motor Trends full sized truck of the year award for 2008, has gone to ..... drumroll please..... Toyota  Tundra :-)

Hey Pond Hopper, in a nutshell > the price. To get a V6 Tacoma (at least in these parts) it has to be the SR5 package, with extended cab..... which is all fine, but with that package, plus the fact that (again, around these parts anyway) they are not offering the big rebates on the small trucks, that they are on the full sized ones, a little SR5 Tacoma, will end up costing me about the same $25K, as the full sized Tundra :-(

Those new SR5's are some really sweet trucks though.

Peace,

Fish  

[Davis]

Oh, I'd definately trust a Toyota..... It just bugs me a bit that with such a well built truck, that Toyota doesn't give a 10 yr / 100K "standard" warranty. In that department, I think Toyota needs to step up to the plate.

Fish

Seriously Chris..........you won't need that warranty anyway. I have a Tacoma that is three years old this year and I have'nt had one problem with it. The brakes feel just as tight as the day I bought the vehicle which is crazy since I use to change brakes once a year on my last chevy. Buy Toyota....you won't be disappointed. I fully expect my truck to give me at least 200,000 since everyone else that I know has there Toyotas going strong over that. The bodies will rust out before you have any major problems. Go for it.

[bighed]

You do realize the Tundra is made in America (Texas) by an American Co. right?  Anyway, the long wait for a new one will make it that much sweeter.  I drove old 100k-200k mile trucks until I got my first new one in '02 and it was worth the wait!  Good luck with your purchase.  big

[Pencil Pusher]

I have a 2001 Tundra V-6. I have had zero problems with the truck. I bought the cheapest one available, standard cab 5 speed manual trans. My boat is a 16 foot Carolina Skiff and when I am towing, I don't even know its there. I would buy another Tundra in a New York minute.

[TheBeast]

fatmanslim:  The Dodge has a lifetime warranty for a reason, just like Burley said all your buying is a guaranteed piece of crap.  

I work on all different brands of trucks here daily and just form woking on them putting in goosenecks/5th wheels and about any other accessorie (including fiberglass covers Fish Chris) the frame and undercarriage on the Tundra and the Dodge pale in comparison to the Chevy or Ford.  The sheet metal isn't nearly as sturdy either especially on the Dodge, I don't even have to pre-drill to put a scre win a Dodge just a little pressure and the screw jumps through the metal.  The same with the frame I do have to drill through them for 5th wheels but usually it takes 3 different bits to make a 1/2 inch hole in a Chevy or Ford on the Tundra and Dodge I can just go right through with the 1/2 inch bit first instead of starting with a 1/4 and then a 3/8 then the 1/2.  The frame metal is not as thick and is softer and easier to drill.

Fish Chris:  Seems as though you are set on the Tundra no matter what, and for how you use your truck not hauling anything of significance it will be fine with the lighter suspension components and frame.  For your use you would get just as good service form a V6 mini-van like an Uplander or Sienna, plus with the van you have more room for your tackle and rods the truck bed is way to short to carry a good swimbait rod or about any other rod for that matter without bending them.  Or you could just opt for the Colt Vista Wagon, lunkers don't care what kind of car you drive to get the boat in the water, ain't that ritght Randall, or hell even ask Mike D a geo will suffice as well.    

As far as the cruise control don't worry about it you can easily get an aftermarket system, I use Rostra/Audiovox and for the Tundra it would cost about $250-$300 installed(depending on where you go) and is a simple install for this truck with a steering wheel mounted RF switch.

For the money to get the use out of a truck if you plan on using it like a truck the the Chevy or Ford is the only way to go, they have heavier frames and suspension components that are made to work.  

[Fish Chris]

I'm definately a truck kind of guy. I've already worn out two of them, from start to finish. The first was a Chevy S-10 that I actually got 257,000 miles on ! The second is my current Tacoma (which has had a much harder life than the Chevy did) and has 216,000... but as I always say, it has the equivalent of most other peoples 300K.

Their are actually other reasons why I will end up being forced to get the SR5 package.... besides the cruise control, the color that I "have" to have, is only available in a reg cab, with that package. The stuff that I could live without, but will be pretty nice anyweay, is fully carpeted floors, electric windows, and door locks. Again, the only problem with that package is that "they think" they are going to "force" some exterior chrome on me..... But that's not happening.

Speaking of which (kind of funny) I was talking to the dealer yesterday and told him > You will just have to reorder black door handles, grill surround, etc, etc, and swap them out in the shop. To which he says, "But what will we do with the stuff we take off" ? I told him, put it back in the package my black stuff came out of..... It's still brand new, right ? Of course he was like, "But... but...."..... So I just told him, "I'm already going to have to pay more for the SR5 package, so I'm sure you will make the chrome disapear, if you want to sell me the truck" :-)

Anyway Beast, like I have said, I know the Fords and Chevies are good trucks too..... but after owning my Chevy S-10, and my Tacoma... come to think of it, I owned a Ford (darnit... can't remember the name now... little economy car) and it was a good car too.... But yes, I am pretty much sold on Toyotas.

Peace,

Fish