Tundra vs Tacoma for new truck

[nctacoma]

Hi,
Looking for advice on a new truck purchase.
I have a f350 dually flatbed diesel right now and it is just too big, gets poor gas mileage, and is undeniable and expensive to fix.
I am a carpenter so I need something as a daily driver that can carry all my tools and also do double duty on the weekends to head up into the mountains.

My wife and I are about to take a 6 month trip to find a new place to settle down. We will be based out of the new truck so sleeping in it sometimes and traveling daily with the two of us as well as all of our camping, snowboarding, climbing gear, and my 55lb dog.
I used to have a Tacoma and loved it, I know Toyota quality. I don't know much about the tundras, but looking at the stickers they look like they get about the same gas mileage on highway travel and the cost can be comparable. I know the tundra would be more comfortable on the trip and would feel like a more manageable daily driver. I am just looking for sonething reliable with 4wd and a warranty that will last me a really long time What are some pros and cons of each to help me make my decision.

Thanks

 

[Jis4Jeep]

I am bios for the Tacoma since I used to have one. I wish I never would of sold it but factory TRD with Off Road Package 4x4 is an out the box dream on the trails. However for the price of a Tacoma you can pay a litte more for a Tundra which can pull a house if you need it to.

Lift kits for Tacoma's are not expensive and I am not sure how much for the Tundra. Only disadvantage about Tundra its HUGE!!!!

 

[OTR]

I love my Tundra crewmax. I agree that a double cab may be better since you may want the larger bed space. The main thing I didn't like about the Tacoma was the seating position, I felt like I was sitting in a lounge chair. The Tundra is more like sitting in a regular seat/chair with excellent height from the floor to the top of the seating services. This was important since I do a lot of long distant driving with minimal stops (Alaska to Ohio in 3 days w/sleep, Dallas to NY,NY in 22 hours w/no stops several times). This by far is the most comfortable truck for my size, 6'4", and more comfortable seating position than a Lexus LS430 for me.

As for as reliability I have over 100,000 miles on my 2007 Tundra and have had zero mechanical issues. The only problems I've had is an airbag sensor and a seal in the rack-in-pinion which where fixed with in the first 20,000 miles.

The truck is simply over built for a 1/2 ton and more like a 3/4 ton with a 1/2 ton ride and comfort of a luxury car (if you opt for the limited). Mine has no squeaks, rattles, or wind noise even at 100,000 miles. The steering is tight and the truck looks very good for all that it's been through. I have a lot people that can't believe the truck has that many miles when they ride in it. I think this says a lot for build quality and reliability of the truck.

As far as fuel milage goes my best is 21 mpg @ 70 mph from Dallas to Houston with an empty load. My worst is 10 mpg with 2,000 ib truck camper and towing a 6x10 enclosed trailer with 3,000 lbs and a strong head wind at 55 mph. I average 14-15 in town with a lot of idling and a heavy foot and 18-19 on the hwy.

 

[freeze]

I dunno if this will help a little... there's a thread with a similar question here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42005

 

[nctacoma]

thanks for all the replies. I read that entire thread that is similar to mine.

Very informative.

What are some mpg numbers that you guys with Tundras are seeing? Which engine do you have, a 4.7 or 5.7?

Thanks in advance.

I went and test drove a 2007 tundra sr5 4x4 access cab tonight with a 5.7. I couldn't believe how nice it drove. My past 2 trucks have been f350 diesels and this was like my wifes prius to drive. It was really nice. Damn 6.5 foot bed seemed so small though, but the cab seemed HUGE

 

[WeJammin589]

I went from a 2006 Dodge Diesel

to a 2010 Tacoma

hid headlight kits
to a 2008 Tundra

The Tacoma is a great daily driver and great for weekend trips. I felt it was very limited with any weight in the back or over mountain passes.

As you said the Tundra is going to be more comfortable. The seating arrangement in the tundra is MUCH better than the tacoma for long trips. You sit more upright which is better IMO.

I would suggest going with a Tundra Double Cab. It will give you plenty of bed space and enough interior space for your dog. The Crewmax has a 5.5 foot bed and a HUGE interior. It may limit you with your tools.

I cannot compare the power of a stock Tacoma to a stock 5.7 Tundra. I assume there is a night and day difference. I bought my 2008 Tundra with a supercharger and the power is INSANE.

Price wise on the used market there is no difference from my recent research.

The Dodge diesel I think looks the best but the Toyota I feel performs better. Just my opinion though.

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Probably go with a Tundra for me...

I am pondering the same decision as well...Currently, I have a 3rd generation 4runner (Good for a daily driver, however, it's small for a family of 4 and all their gear).

The Taco is nice, but it seems like a 'lateral' move (size wise) with just a little bit more room with the bed...

I like the Crewmax because I would use the interior space more than I would the longer bed...

Good problems to have...

Regards,

BWJ