I sold my pickup truck. Now I need a different truck.

[Peter417]

Five years ago I bought a little pickup to haul mulch and get me to and from work on the cheap. I don't drive to work anymore so the truck sets in the garage most days. I recently made the realization that I could probably trade up to a similar year v8 pickup for about what the little truck was worth.



After driving my truck for 5 years and 20k miles I was able to sell it for $300 less than what I bought it for.





So now I am on the hunt for a small half ton 4x4 with a v8. Reliability and longevity are my primary objectives. I am currently looking at the 05-06 tundra with the 4.7. I am limiting my search to KC/STL and south. I am looking at higher mileage trucks. Something around 150k-200k miles is fine with me if there are records to go with it. If anyone has any other suggestions I am open to them.

[aftermath]

If reliability and longevity are your top concerns, you might want to stick with Toyota. You have a first generation Tundra in the picture. Are you looking for a newer one? The 4.7 is a rock solid engine and Toyota is as reliable as you can get. I have owned 2 4Runners, a Prius, an '08 Tundra and now have a 2017 Tundra and a 2020 Rav 4 Hybrid. My last 4Runner had the 4.7 V8 and it was the best car/truck I have even owned. Traded it in on the '08 because I was getting a much larger trailer.


ALL of my Toyotas ran without a single problem. My first Tundra did have a bad bearing in the front end that Toyota researched and replaced under warranty. Good luck in your search. Good used Toyota trucks are hard to find.

[kpfate]

I am a GMC person, but I know many friends who love their Tundra's and have been driving them for years. Also heard that Nissan's are good as well.

[moosetags]

Good luck in your quest. That is a very nice looking Airstream that you have there.

Brian

[McStreamy_]

I had an 06 Tundra that I drove for a decade and loved every minute of it. Unmatched reliability and plenty of power. We sold it a few years before buying our Airstream, but I don't see any reason it couldn't pull yours comfortably.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by kpfate

I am a GMC person, but I know many friends who love their Tundra's and have been driving them for years. Also heard that Nissan's are good as well.

I think Nissan still builds a decent truck. I might look into that a bit deeper. Their other vehicles look like total junk though:

http://dashboard-light.com/reports/Nissan.html

[KK4YZ]

Depending on your budget, I would suggest looking at a 5.7L Tundra. You’ll have a little more capability for future requirements (bigger trailer, etc)

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

Depending on your budget, I would suggest looking at a 5.7L Tundra. You’ll have a little more capability for future requirements (bigger trailer, etc)

I am hoping that by the time I find my 1976 caravaner the old 4runner will have been updated to something with a 5.7. There is a chance the Tundra could be called upon for the rescue mission but by the time the restoration is done the primary TV will be a large SUV. From what I have seen, clean high mileage examples with the 5.7 are about 4-5k higher than the older 4.7.

[uraljohn]

Last 2 years of the smaller (right sized) Tundra. Great trucks. Couple of things to look for. Make sure the timing belt has been serviced. If the belt breaks with engine running it is toast. Pistons will hit the valves. Lower front ball joints are another issue. There was a recall a long time ago and Toyota replaced a bunch. The truck has rather small front disc brakes and drum brakes on the rear. They tend to go through front rotors/pads a little faster than most other trucks. The brakes are good, but not the strongest point of the truck. Higher mileage trucks are going to need Catalytic Convertors replaced at some point. Not cheap even if you use quality after market convertors. Toyota OEM convertors are laughably expensive. Other high mileage things to look for are the driveshaft carrier bearing and U joints, front struts and bearing plates, drivers door window moter, and headlight lenses that are milky white.

You may want to look for the lowest mileage truck in the best condition and pay a bit more up front. A really nice Tundra 05/06 with lower mileage (under 100K) can be had for less than $15k. Good luck with your search. There are some very informative Tundra Forums on the Web. Take a look. They will be very helpful.

[Halford1]

just curious why focus on Toyota? Ford Expedition has been longest lasting vehicle. it is also a good TV for your AS.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by Halford1

just curious why focus on Toyota? Ford Expedition has been longest lasting vehicle. it is also a good TV for your AS.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/...xpedition.html


I would guess that expedition sold in greater numbers than the tundra. Searching for the same years 05 and 06 for both:

Toyota 41 over 200k

Ford 27 over 200k

[Foiled Again]

Expeditions 10 mpg towing? 13 not.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Halford1

just curious why focus on Toyota? Ford Expedition has been longest lasting vehicle. it is also a good TV for your AS.

I’m guessing he wants that brand. I get it. I’ve owned several brands and never had a problem with any of them. I had a Toyota, several Fords, recently a Dodge diesel, and now a Ford diesel. All have been great.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Expeditions 10 mpg towing? 13 not.

If you’re in this for mileage you might be in the wrong hobby. Power and torque matter when towing and hauling, and it takes BTUs to get them. That takes fuel.

[Hans627]

There no question the reliability on Toyota vehicles are outstanding. But the Tundra is far behind on creature comforts and safety systems. Of course, not having all the bells and whistles helps with the reliability.

I would suspect the new model under development will address many of these issues.

[brokeboater]

Originally Posted by Hans627

, not having all the bells and whistles helps with the reliability.

Not having all the bells and whistles was a big attraction for me. Abysmal fuel economy and barely adequate cargo capacity sealed the coffin. I'd like to hope 2022 Tundra will increase both payload and fuel economy without adding too much electronic clutter. Until then I'll keep my 5.9 Cummins limping along.

[Luke Grisott]

Can highly recommend the 2020 Ram 1500 limited Hemi 4 x 4. Has all the interior luxury of a high end SUV. Easy to enter and exit the vehicle for us gals.
Towing capacity 12,050
Tongue capacity 1045
Air Suspension.
A beautiful ride. All the power needed. Oh by the way we tow a 2018 25FT FBT International serenity.
We had a independent broker search the United States to get us the best price. 15,000 .
We Couldn’t be happier. Never thought I was a truck gal .
Once the vehicle was located he had it brought to a dealership near us. Then Dealership delivered it to our front door. Never thought we buy a vehicle this way. It was a great experience. We only step foot on one dealership just to look at colors . And then gave our first second and third choice for colors. A few months of research on the Internet as to what we wanted.

[aftermath]

Originally Posted by brokeboater

Not having all the bells and whistles was a big attraction for me. Abysmal fuel economy and barely adequate cargo capacity sealed the coffin. I'd like to hope 2022 Tundra will increase both payload and fuel economy without adding too much electronic clutter. Until then I'll keep my 5.9 Cummins limping along.

I am a Toyota fan, just wanted to get that out there. I don't tow "heavy" and my '17 Tundra is great matched to my 25FB. The 4.3 rear end does hurt mileage but when towing, I find it very comparable to friends that have other brands. I get between 10-12 miles on trips while they get very similar numbers. It is not at all equitable to compare the 5.7 with your diesel.



The last major redesign of the Tundra happened way back in 2007. There have been many, although minor, changes since. They stuck with a tried and true drive train combination that continues to perform well and has continued its high reliance and dependability reputation. It is a very good half ton truck meant for half ton duty. If you need something heavier you need to look elsewhere.


If you desire the newest toots and whistles, plush cabs with huge backseats, well, you have lots of options. I feel mine is plenty comfortable for me. Someone said Tundras are not as "safe" as other brands. Uh, you will have to let us know what you are thinking here. The OP mentioned getting a good used high mileage rig to replace his current truck. I am not sure that plush leather seats with automatic interior climate control will be tops on his list.

[brokeboater]

Originally Posted by aftermath

I am a Toyota fan, just wanted to get that out there.... I get between 10-12 miles on trips while they get very similar numbers. ... It is not at all equitable to compare the 5.7 with your diesel.

I would say I'm a Toyota fan also. I traded in a Toyota on my diesel and Toyota was the last man standing when doing my list of possible replacements. I base my fuel economy comments on Fuelly data and the comments of Tundra owners. Very few people consider the 5.7 to be anything but a gas hog, especially as compared to more modern engine like the Ecoboost. I don't see where you come up with I compared the mileage of a Tundra to my diesel.

[switz]

I have spent countless hours pouring over the Toyota 2020 specifications and owners manuals to determine which models have the specifications to tow our 2015 23D International Serenity (929 pounds tongue weight and 6,068 pounds fully loaded for camping).

Neither the 2020 4Runner nor the 2020 Highlander V6 have more than a 5,000 pound trailer rating. The new 2020 Highlander lacks the pre-wiring necessary for a braked trailer (brakes federally required for trailers 3,000 pounds or heavier) with only a four wire connector. That means one is looking at the 2020 Sequoia or 2020 Land Cruiser which both have the very thirsty 5.7L V8. Of the two, the top model Sequoia has the best equipment of the Toyota SUV line to tow a 6,000 pound trailer and have camping gear plus passengers in the car.

Pushing the numbers for the 7,300 pound 25 foot Airstream series would leave the Sequoia with two 150 pound people and a shared toothbrush.