Brother is in the market for a newer tundra at the $20k mark. His 05 with 350,000mi is starting to have some rust-related issues which will not be worth fixing at this point.
I'm trying to help him out, but don't know much about Tundras besides doing some basic maintenance on some his 1st gen 4.7
Are there any notable differences in technology, reliability or other points year to year within the 2015-20 ranges? Are certain years more desirable than others?
Thanks
There were a number of upgrades in the 2014-2021 generation, sometimes called the Gen 2.5. The later trucks got more updated technology, 2018 saw lots of tech upgrades, followed by keyless and Carplay Android Auto in 2020-2021. As already mentioned, auxiliary transmission coolers were gone after 2018 but there is still a heat exchanger (fed by engine coolant). However, at the 20K mark you will be looking at the older models in this generation. The basic body, drivetrain and interior on a 2014 is pretty much the same as a 2021. So if your brother doesn't care about the newer tech, than an older Gen 2.5 is fine. Overall, despite the dissenters in this thread, these are statistically the most reliable fullsize trucks you can buy. Some have more issues than others, just like any other make, but overall they are very solid trucks. I sold my 2008 this year with 185K trouble free miles, and without hesitation shopped for a 2020-2021 Tundra as I plan to keep it as long as my last truck. I have driven many other later model big three trucks, and while they are "better" or more advanced in some areas, in particular tech and convenience features, there was nothing complleing enough to pull me away from another Tundra. So I bought a 2021. And that's not to say I just bought the truck for reliablity and simplicity. I really like the way it drives and its very comfortable. They are great trucks, and most Tundra owners you talk to really like them.
This video by the Car Care Nut is one of the better one that summerizes the issues that can crop up with a Tundra.
It is disappointing at the lack of love that Tundra is getting on this page, lots of gross generalizations and incorrect information. For one thing, the AIP (air injection) system has been updated and not as problematic as the early 2nd Gens. Toyota actually has an extended warranty on it, which IIRC covers it for 8 years, and often will replace the entire system even it one compenent fails. 2WD models are very rare, I have never seen one. There are also several local companies that use Tundras as their exclusive work trucks, and they work just as well as any other half ton. Having owned two of these trucks, I can say there isn't anything I have encountered that a competitive half-ton does signficantly better. Maybe the fuel economy is much worse, but this is exagerated and considering it is essentially a 2007 drivetrain, it does fine. My lifetime average on my 2008 was 17 mpg (US), which I though was ok. From my recent rentals of a Ram Classics for work trips, when I hand calcudlate the fuel econmy, the Hemi 5.7L 8sp is only about 10% better in fuel econmy compared to my truck. I have noticed that the last couple Rams I have rented have had computers that estimate MPGs to be much higher than what the actual fuel economy is, compared to my Tundra which is usually farily close and if anything underestimates the fuel economy. I will say that the F-150s with the EcoBoosts I have driven are a better for MPGs than the RAMs and a signficant amount higher than Tundra. But the cost difference isn't enough for my to switch to F150, especially since I don't particuarly care for the way an F-150 drives.
www.tundras.com
