Guide me to the right tundra- BYE BYE GMC!

Looking to buy my first tundra preferably something 2016-2020 5.7 4x4 SR5 I think less is more when it comes to reliability (why I’m going with a tundra) I know there has been some problems with the TSS system and have heard people say 2017 was the best year to get. Is TSS something to really try to stay away from and what was the issues with them? Help me pick something guys! Ready to get something to last and that is actually reliable. Spent thousands fixing my Sierra this year, problem after problem.

 

What year Sierra? I may be a bit biased but agree 2017 is a good year; pre- TSS and I have had no issues. Spent on tires, wheels, exhaust... not repairs.

 

2 years ago I ditched my GMC Sierra for a Tundra also! Welcome!
2015 Is a solid year for Tundras.
I don't know if you want all the bells & whistles, but a SR5 TRD has pleased me!
More affordable than a Limited or Platinum.

 

My current truck is a 2006. I’ve been looking at used tundras and they seem to be the same price of the new ones even with 20k miles on them. Just weighing my options at the moment. Also unsure of crew max or double cab due to bed length

 

Yeah I’m not worried about options. I just want something tough and reliable. Can anyone speak on the problems with the TSS? Is it something that can leave you stranded on the side of the road or something simple like throwing a code

 

Because of COVID-19, anything used is getting top $$. Dealers have really low/limited inventory. If you can, wait until December...best month to buy. Be patient, it will be worth it.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! I've not heard or read of chronic issues with the TSS. Good luck in your search!

 

Welcome from NY.

No issues or problems with my TSS on my 2018 TRD Sport.
Good luck with your decision.

 

I live in Spanish fort as well, small world

 

Welcome from Wyoming.

TSS won't leave you stranded. At worst it will disable your cruise control and have lights in the dash. The problems are also not common. Even if you lift your truck it's not a guarantee of it having any issues.

As I see it, the merits for your preferred years are as follows:

2016 & 17

• No TSS, if that worries you
• External transmission cooler if you plan to tow a lot
• Potential to save buying used

2018

• You want TSS but also want the external trans cooler
• Similar potential to save a little buying used

2019

• Not afraid of the trans cooler being removed or don't tow
• Potential to save on a new truck because it's last years model
• Potential to save buying used

2020

• Has Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Push button start and smart entry options
• Guaranteed to have a 5.7 engine

As for cab/bed size, that is a personal choice. I went CM because I can pull a trailer if the bed isn't big enough and I wanted that massive roll down rear window.



Final Note: CHECK YOUR PAYLOAD RATINGS!!!! Tundras have a very limited payload so don't think you'll be towing a 40 foot toyhauler.... or a 28 footer for that matter. Read up on the towing threads for more.

 

Thank you, that was very simple and to the point. Answered all my questions. I have a 17ft welded boat with a 70hp Yamaha that’s light weight so towing won’t be an issue. I do plan on buying a 19-21ft bass boat with a 200-250hp do you think a trans cooler Should be a must or no?

 

2018 here. 3in lift with tires and the only time tss disables is with snow build up or condensation from the fog. Never an issue with the lift.

I pull a 20 ft camper and the gvwr is 4800. Pulls wonderfully. Trans cooler. I feel comfortable with one, although I'm not pulling up inclines.

 

Welcome to the Tundra family!

 

Welcome from Ohio

 

I think that wind resistance is a bigger influence on trans temp than the weight (within reason) when towing, but I don't know enough about boats to be able to make give an informed answer to that question accurately.
It is possible to add a trans cooler to the 2019+ trucks and the topic is discussed at length here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/2019-transmission-cooler.60550/

Where the weight will bite you the quickest on the Tundra is the payload. Just research the towing and payload threads and you can figure that part out. You just have to decide what your priorities are going to be. If you want bigger toys you need a bigger truck to pull them, so you may have to manage your expectations on what you can have if you choose the Tundra as your tow vehicle.

 

Cool! Give me a wave if you see me. My avatar is on the back window of my truck, a Sky Metallic Silver 2020 1794. And if you buy new, the only (relatively) honest dealer in this area is Springhill Toyota in Mobile. Call and ask for Tina. Eastern Shore Toyota will throw a Mardi Gras ball with the money they make off you.

And it's good to have another member from around here. Most of the folks active on this site seem to be from out west or from the northeast.

 

I previously had a 2017 and recently sold it and bought a 2018. Obviously there isn't much difference in these trucks, but if it was me I would look for a 2018+. Nothing against the 2017 but I love the new gauges in the 2018 and the digital speedometer. Plus I have never had any issue with TSS and it is a nice feature to have along with adaptive cruise control. Those are some what minor things, but in my mind they are definitely improvements over the previous year Tundras.

 

Another thing to consider is if you like a bench seat up front and a traditional column shifter you get the 26 gal fuel tank. I’ve got a 17 SR5 TRD off road. Bench seat, column shift, and the small tank. I’d have liked the bigger tank but wanted the bench seat. SR5 upgrade package and higher trim options gets you the 38 gal tank.

 

Welcome aboard from The PSW.

 

Welcome from Ontario Canada

 

Out with the old


In with the new

 

sweet!

 

Will do and thanks for the info. I was planning on going to eastern shore Toyota because of the “lifetime warranty” but I know how that usually goes. I do know a salesperson there but they’re not the brightest to be honest lol. Have you had an issue with them before or did their customer service just not compare to Spring Hill?

 

Thanks for all the help folks. Due to everything y’all said and reading other stuff on the forum I’m probably going to get a new one when I get back from Philadelphia. I like the idea of waiting until the end of the year but the dealers already don’t have anything on the lots

 

I had a first hand bad experience with their service department for my wife's Highlander and have heard several stories of others not being happy with them. But that was their service department so I did get them to quote my truck when I bought it. They came in about $2k under MSRP, which was nowhere near the best quote I got. Then after I received a bunch of other written quotes I asked if they would come down any more since they were the closest to me. Not a nickel.

Springhill had the best price and I was ready to close the deal, but Milton Martin Toyota, in Gainesville, GA, north of Atlanta came back with an unbeatable deal. Tina at Springhill, who I was closing the deal with, gave me my down payment back and told me to take the deal at Milton Martin. She said she couldn't touch it and would feel bad if she didn't advise me to take it. I WILL be going to Springhill for any service I don't do myself. And I recommend Tina for any local people looking for Toyotas.

The "Lifetime Warranty" is a gimmick. You HAVE to have all of your services performed at that dealership $$$$$ for them to honor it (based on the salesman who was trying to sell me on it). And if an oil change is due at 10k miles and you have 10K + 1 miles when you take it in, the warranty is void. You pay so much more for the services, AND they don't give you that great a price for the vehicle up front. No thanks!

 

You won’t really go wrong with any model! Just get your butt in some seats and find what you like and fits your needs best! I ditched my 2500hd Silverado 5-6 years ago for a used Tundra cause I got tired of the rattle trap, and fixing the POS!!

 

Good looking rig man. I think I might get a camper shell too. How do you like it?

 

I bought it with the camper shell, figuring I’d sell the shell ASAP! But it didn’t take long for me to realize the benefits of having it! Now I don’t think I’ll own a pickup again without one?

 

Well I can say my 2016 5.7 has performed flawlessly. Only 65k miles so far. Love it. Still look forward to driving it places.