Any good? Do they tow for sh&%? Just curious, you can pick them up for a song loaded.
Skeep
I have a 2000 4X4 V8. I've put 126K hard miles on it with zero problems. Just fluid and filter changes/routine maintenance
Its the best truck I've owned to date. Bulletproof reliable and pulls great. I used to tow a 4,000 pound boat and now tow a 5500-6000 boat. Does great.
I am in the market for a new truck now, and stumbled across the Tundras. I was amazed that you can buy a "03 with the V8, TRD, SR5 etc, for around 20K. Do you get decent mileage?
Thanks,
Skeep
Are you serious about getting one for $20K? I paid more than that back in 2000.
I get 17-18 non towing and 9-10 towing. I got about 12 towing the ligher boat.
What kind of rig do you tow?
Just as a reference point to give you an idea about towing. My truck has a snug top shell. Fully loaded with 2 large dogs, loaded icechests, supplies, wifey, etc, I pull Cajon or similar grades with the 6K lb boat in 2nd gear in the steep sections at 3,800-3,900 rpm at 55 with only about 1/4 throttle. Its never run hot up the grades. The tranny fluid comes out bright red with no foul smell at every fluid change....
Those Tundra motors have very strong mid range HP/Torque for their 4.7L size.
I'm a GM & Ford lover, but would buy the Toyota if I needed a half ton.
With a GM/Ford expect a fuel pump change, new alternator, water pump failure in the first 100K. maybe even a few trannys on the Ford.
The Toyota will probably go much, much longer without these hassles.
When Toyota and Nissan release their 3/4 ton models that they've announced,, I'll certainly consider them over the GM or Ford.
I used to own nothing but Chevy 1/2 ton extended cabs until I bought my Tundra last year. I'll never go back to Chevy and will wait until Toyota builds their 3/4 to buy a new truck but will be surprised if I don't get atleast 250,000 trouble free miles out of this one.
My truck is a 2wd and it tows 4500lbs worth of boat much better than my wifes 02 1/2 ton Suburban. The 4.7 is an awesome engine.
If you can find an 03 for $20 grand you should but it quickly - they worth quite a bit more in CA.
I'm still surprised how well my Tundra pulls my 25 foot rig.
So far 126K trouble free miles. Only fluid / filter changes, brake pads, one set of new tires, one timing belt (routine change at 90K), and one torn front CV boot (my fault from running over a rock 4X4ing). Other than that nothing. It runs like its brand new. Doesn't even burn any oil.
Originally posted by rivercrazy
I'm still surprised how well my Tundra pulls my 25 foot rig.
So far 126K trouble free miles. Only fluid / filter changes, brake pads, one set of new tires, one timing belt (routine change at 90K), and one torn front CV boot (my fault from running over a rock 4X4ing). Other than that nothing. It runs like its brand new. Doesn't even burn any oil.
Rivercrazy,
Did you say timing belts? My 2003 has chains and doesn't make any reference about replacements...
Hmmm. I'm not aware of any changes they made to the V8 motor over the past few years. Mine has a timing belt that calls for changes ever 90K miles. Its an interference engine so the belt changes are important. My belt was changed around 96K miles and still looked new with no cracks
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