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Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences
1986 messages, Last post on Apr 01, 2013 at 10:05 AM
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What is this discussion about? Toyota Tundra, Truck
#950 of 1986 LA_EMT by bamatundra
Nov 17, 2001 (6:37 am)
I used to live in LA. Actually San Pedro. I miss the weather and the beaches.I used to ride dirt bikes near Palos Verdes Peninsula. Those were the days.
I have owned my Tundra 2 years. Here is my review:
1. The first thing I noticed was how quiet the truck is. I hear almost no wind or road noise. The 32valve DOHC V8 can barely be detected running at idle. There is no noise insulation under the hood(unlike the Chev which sounds like a diesel even with insulation).
2. The ride has to be experienced. Let's just say that Truck Trend was fighting over the keys. They stayed away from the Chev they were comparing to in droves. They even wrote that the Chev's ride caused their backs to hurt.
3. Toyota's legendary reliability. Winner of J.D. Power initial quality award in both 2000 and 2001. My bet is that they will win '02 also. Add 40% more powertrain warranty than the weak2 and you have an unbeatable combination. The Tundra had been rated a "recommended buy" by Consumer Reports since its inception in 2000. The '99 Chev is rated a used vehicle to avoid. Every Chev since is not recommended and has "Much worse than average" reliability. Makes you wonder if GM will ever get its act together.
4. While the Tundra doesn't have as much rear seat legroom as the Weak2, it has more front seat legroom. The Chev has been described by Edmund's as having "Toyota Corolla footspace" in the front. I felt cramped in the Chev I test drove.
5. Truck Trend preferred the Tundra over the Chev when towing a 5500 lb load. The Chev got 3mpg less mileage while losing. Where's the beef?
6. The Tundra stops quicker than the Weak2 by a large margin. Load the Tundra with 1350lb and it STILL outbrakes the Chev.
7. The Tundra is a much more capable off-road vehicle. The Chev has 3" less ground clearance, a longer wheelbase and a much larger turning radius - this makes the Chev very weak off-road. Of course, most Chev owners never off road their trucks anyway.
All in all - the Tundra is the best truck (and vehicle) I have ever owned. It has far exceeded all of my expectations.
#951 of 1986 Just a bunch of magazine tells now... by 52farminchevy
Nov 17, 2001 (8:30 am)
Yep, them magazine tells be impressin some folks, thats for sure. But truth is, them forien ones lack haul. So what be the point of gettin one of them ones if ya cant work em any? When put too that real test of workin em, them forien ones just aint goin hold up now, and that be that fact on that one now. Work that farm with one of em, that will give ya that truth folks is seekin, but quick! Good luck on this one now!#952 of 1986 52Chevy by bamatundra
Nov 17, 2001 (9:14 am)
Why are you posting about '52 Chevs? It seems that you have been passed by about 30 years ago. Are you saying that Chev has not changed since '52? I can believe that.My father in law has a farm. He has a beater truck that is at least 20 years old ( and worth less than $1K to work his farm. He doesn't want to damage or wear out his daily driver. I think he is typical. Not many farmers want to destroy a new $30K pickup on a farm.
#953 of 1986 bama by ryanbab
Nov 17, 2001 (1:43 pm)
check out some of the silverado topics and other gm topicsThere are quite a few guys with newer trucks working them on the farm, plowing snow etc. A truck is meant for work not just show. THats why the majority of people buy them
#954 of 1986 Babs - Common ground by bamatundra
Nov 17, 2001 (3:20 pm)
I agree - the majority of people work their trucks (very infrequently).The majority of people Including Shakerrrrado owners seldom (Let's say less than 5% of the time) work their trucks - Right?
Do you see the distinction?
If you disagree - tell me the percentage of the time the typical Chev owner "works" their truck.
#955 of 1986 by ryanbab
Nov 17, 2001 (3:46 pm)
i agree there are ALOT of trucks and i mean alot of trucks out there that haul nothing. GO to a lumber yard watch and count. First hand experience#956 of 1986 A Happy New Tundra Owner by zorb
Nov 17, 2001 (5:12 pm)
After driving my shake, rattle and roll Suburban for five years, I finally got rid of that lemon for a new Tundra. The difference is obviously dramatic. I have become convinced over the years that many Chevy, Dodge and Ford truck drivers aren't bothered by mechanical breakdowns. They like doing the work themselves! For the rest of us who would just as soon do something else than auto repairs (check out Consumer Reports for verification of this), we will keep driving Toyota products. The 93 Suburban I owned was perhaps the worst (and most expensive) vehicle I have ever owned. It did pile through snow however.#957 of 1986 Bama by losangelesemt
Nov 17, 2001 (7:51 pm)
Well Bama , I appreciate all the good info.. I work on an ambulance in L.A. and while at work last night, I couldn't help but overhear some of the guys talking about their American " lemons " . I didn't wanna laugh, but the stuff coming out of their mouths was just too funny. One guy has a shakerado as you call it lol, and the other a newer S-10. Neither are happy and they're calling it quits. Too many problems to even mention.I've worked on cars for quite some time. It wasn't until I was shop foreman at the college rebuilding engines that I was able to see the American vs. foreign difference. Over 2 years time and several engines torn apart, I realized just how cleaner the inside of Toyota and Nissan engines were. The American parts seemed to have more residue and heat discoloration / wear on the bearings and pistons, as well as other areas. I think this is part of the reason that foreign engines run smoother and quieter.
One final note. All of our ambulances are Ford's. I realize that its unfair to compare an emergency vehicle which has hard miles on it to anything else. I will say this though. We average 1-2 rigs broke down each day and usually 2-3 times a week, one comes back on a tow truck. They all rattle and smoke and shake like a Cadillac full of diesel. In Ford's defense, we do have quite a few of them that are over 100,000 miles. Not necessarily with factory parts but nonetheless theyre still running.
#958 of 1986 Zorb by losangelesemt
Nov 17, 2001 (7:57 pm)
Congratulations on the new truck. I'm looking forward to getting new one soon myself. Really hoping that it performs the way I imagine it will. Let us know how the trucks doin every once in while. And hey, its nice to know that even Suburbans can get down and shake , rattle, and roll lol.#959 of 1986 ZORB... by frey44
Nov 18, 2001 (10:16 am)
What tundra did you buy ? I too am planning to buy one soon, as soon as I get my 2000 Ranger sold (I am trying to sell it for $ 15750, and still no takers !! It is a 2000 4x4 XLT 4 door cab with 5 speed auto and a 4.0, fiberglass cap, new Michelins and 13000 miles !) . The depreciation is KILLING ME !! In Ohio here, I can get a Tundra 4x4 with V8, LS rearend, ABS and TRD package for about $27600 (That appears to be about 2000 off the sticker). I think they will come down to maybe 27200. Good luck with your new Toyota !!To POST a message, please
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