I'm posting the following thread, cause in 3 yrs it's 245 pages long. There is no such thing as IMHO on Tundras.com, LOL
Hi guys, I am new here (from Canada) and looking to purchase my first truck (plan to keep it as long as possible). I am on the fence as I really like...
www.tundras.com
How do like that 5.7? Been looking at newer Sequoias for some time. Not a fan of the full IFS and a few other things but the kids are growing and we're needing more room. Our 4runner is getting claustrophobic. Mileage etc... been good?
Mileage is the most untalked about thing to Tundra owners. I've seen a couple of Sequoias, 100, 200 trucks for sale and many
comment on wanting 'cheaper to drive' in the description. I don't honestly think from comments of Tacoma/4Runner owners
that fuel economy is much better with smaller trucks, they are just smaller trucks. It took me a couple of years to get used to
the size over my 60, it's about a foot wider.
I've gotten as good as 13.5/100, about 22 mpg of our gallons on runsto Courtenay at 110-115 kph on highway run.
I got 13/100 on a hotshot run to Ft Nelson to pick up a jetboat. 1800 km each way,
took us 36 hrs. Got better in a couple of places, really bad thru Pine Pass running 180 k for a few miles for fun.
Last consistent check of return Ladysmith to Sydney YYJ was 16/100 over 3 trips. I've got severe OCD so I check, I don't care anymore.
The IFS is one of the most overbuilt rack and pinion steering mechanisms on the planet. I will be changing rear from SOA to SUA
and adding airbag to the rear very shortly. It handles like a car, feels and transmits road input like a truck. I went from 275 Coopers
to new 285 Toyo RT's and it transmits somewhat more road noise thru the wheel but it's comforting. They handle really well.
There is a reason the lessor Tacoma guys are installing Tundra stuff for upgrades.
The engine is strong. Bulletproof, virtually. I haven't gotten into full maintenance quite yet. I've only had it 3 months of actual
driving. I'm really happy and it does the job of everything I ask effortlessly. I'd recommend any rig on this platform.
Now for the conspiracy stuff. Yes, the throttle is jumpy - fast. I have to be really careful to not hammer down on lights.
THIS is the single biggest killer of economy but I almost think they built it so it isn't lagging competitively. It has a
frighteningly fast 0-100k time as a result.
I can keep up, get good economy without being first. Second is front end IFS. Simple - Is there any single competitive vehicle
on the planet that isn't IFS? Jeeps and solid axle live in the HD dinosaur era. Ask a Jeep to rush, or what the economy is?
I'm skeptical of the transfer case selector system. Its got internal motor/gears that need use. Lack of use leads to weird
issues. Its integration with the electronic nanny systems of Toyota LS and ABS - weird and frightening sounds but it seems
to work.
If you want to come up, I'd enjoy going to the gravel pit and messing with it with you. I haven't had an opportunity to
actually wheel it and stress 4LO and I would like to soon. Now new tires on and I will. Better bring Nick to winch us out!
Tundras.com is really good. There are guys there who work these things really hard and aren't afraid to modify and share
knowledge. Like anything it will cost money at times, 90% of the truck is so much easier to work on mechanically than
anything I've ever seen. 5% - alternator, starter swaps - will generate serious cursing and probably blood loss from
fingers. Toyota did some so they are easy, some defy logic. One reason that makes sense is the balance is almost 50/50.
The motor it low and back. Any interior work is fun, thing comes apart like Lego.
I'm happy with it, and its great family rig. Teri likes it, can get in and out easy and it's comfortable.
I saw one get hit by a semi on Highway thru Hell, and then drive home. If you want family safety, highest marks.
