Best build years for 2.5 and 2nd Gen Tundras?

Hi All. This is subjective but any thoughts on this for someone considering buying one? Reliability, quality, design etc...

 

Pre 2014 since you get more cup holders in the center console, get grab handles, underseat storage, less electrical shit, dual zone climate control, etc

 

ooof, tough one. I'm happy with my 2017.

There a lot more people here with much more experience than me that can chime in.

Welcome, hope you find a good one!

 

2016 and 2017 get the larger fuel tank, and transmission cooler, but none of the TSS nannies.

2018 gets LED headlights and few other updates, gets some of the nannies, but still has transmission cooler.

 

That ^^^.

 

Reliability-wise, pretty much all years are the same except 2020 and 2021 might have a few more recalls.

In terms of features, @MSU Tundra said it best.

 

They're all good.

 

2021 has the fewest recalls i have seen by year from a chart that a member posted on this forum not too long ago. Makes sense, they had the most time to fix stuff since it was the last model of the generation.

 

My only real musts are heated seats. I'd like to stay away from unnessary expensive repairs like navigation screens. Must be able to handle gravel and offroad (not mountainous).

 

2021 is the best build year. Last production year for the model, all the kinks are worked out and the truck is pretty much perfect.

 

No recalls on my '20, but I know some other VINs have had at least one. Nannies turn off. The trans cooler is a thing mine lacks, and it's a shiny penny to get it done as a mod. I have a 38 gallon tank that I love. I have heated and vented seats, and they're nice. The HU leaves something to be desired, but it's the best of any of the years you're looking for. Color differences may sway you.

3UR-FE is the thing you're really looking for, and it looks like you found it.

 

Current owner of 08, and 21. Both purchased new. It’s amazing how much space is consumed by electronics in the 21. I still love the 08. No issues until 300k. Tranny and starters replaced. At 450 k now and still rolling. I could be wrong but did the 08’ have longer warranty than the 21? Curious.

 

Any particular setup that's best for washboards?

 

I drive a ‘21, and if I had bought strictly to build, I’d be in a higher mileage pre-2014.

You can add seat heaters to any model year Tundra. I do love my ‘21 though. I’ll probably add Katzkins with heaters at some point.

 

Love my 2013 DBL CAB , but wonder about the bigger fuel tank ,but man its got to hurt if you let it get too low.

 

I'd say 2020-2021. Small details like removing the outside antenna, push button start in trims, better leather, etc...

Build quality is solid regardless. It's a Tundra

 

AMEN TO THAT, AND THE HELP IS NONSTOP AND THE EXPENSE IS or can be OVERWHELMING.LOL But ALOT OF FUN no matter what the year.

 

Yet the expense is generally tied to fun mods

 

Had an ‘18, hated the TSS stuff, dumped it at market spike. Just picked up a sweet deal on a 6 seater ‘17 that I like much better.

 

2017 is the best! No TSS crap.

 

Maybe I’m getting old but I sure love the creature comforts in the ‘20, smart key, Apple car play, heated seats, remote start, etc.

 

https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8

 

I had a 2012 Platinum and loved it. Great options, did all the mods I wanted (level, shocks, tires, exhaust, and a few other things). The truck was awesome. Was at 100,000 miles even and the local dealer offered me $5000 more than I paid for it. I bought a 2020 Limited with a shell already, spray-in bed liner and few options done, and 21,000 miles on it. I got a pretty fair deal considering the market, but the color-matched Leer shell, with locks and power, made my wife very happy. So we bought it. It bigger tank, but lacks a few of the nicer options I had grown used to in my Platinum. Folding mirrors, power moving steering wheels column, and storage and cup holders. 2012 was way better with storage and the sliding folding rear seats were amazing. But, 2020 is sexy, new, sweet, and ready to be driven all over.

 

When does the oil leak on the motor commonly start. It's kind of a scary video.

 

2016 or 2017 with 2018+ LED lights ftw.

 

My 2013 was an awesome truck. The Gen 2 trucks are less desirable and cheaper ... saving more $$$ for mods!

 

Sexy? I'm with you on that. Most of my "nice truck" comes from women. I Love how mine is put together now. 2020 DC TRD OR 6" PC lift 35 20's

 

The video has chapters and he has a summary at the end.

 

I think 2016-2017 is the sweet spot. I love my 19, but the lack of grab handle and trans cooler is kind of irritating. The TSS would be an issue if I ever decided to lift the truck as well, but I think I'm good on that.

ETA: Before anyone brings up the TSS works on the leveled PRO, the sensor on all other Tundras is in the center of the grille. The sensor on the PRO is at the bottom of the grille. More than enough offset for the level that it comes with.

 

16 - 17

But I love my 14.