Look at a tundra 4x4 best year used

Was wanting to know the best year to buy 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 4x4 crew. Also what year to stay away from if any. Thanks. TS.

 

18

 

Or 17 depending about how you feel about the TSS sensor and “features”.

 

19

 

Really depends on the trim level you're looking at in regards to features you'll get w/some of the packages, and like someone already said TSS turns some folks off quite a bit...

So, IIRC the 20's and early 21s had some glitches (which I believe most can be attributed to sitting for months after production until reaching a dealer due to the whole chip shortage mess), but we are rarely hearing about any consistent additional issues from those 2 years. Some folks struggle w/the whole no tranny cooler (2019-2021), but as a few here have pointed out... we're not hearing about any transmission failures from these model years yet either (even those towing). For those that monitor transmission temps and want them in a certain range when towing, most have just installed an aftermarket cooler.

Basically, I think it comes down to finding something that is configured the way you want; was properly maintained (and broke in hopefully); didn't spend time in the rust belt; has mileage logged on it that you are comfortable with; and is priced fairly

 

It depends on what you want and your intended use.

2017 was the last year that did not have the Toyota Safety Sense systems (TSS which includes radar adaptive cruise, pre-collision system, etc.) so if you don't want that stuff it's the only model year you listed that won't have it.

2018 is the only year to have both the TSS and a factory external transmission cooler.

2019 is the first model year to not have the external cooler, but there are aftermarket coolers that can be added using factory plumbing if you are so inclined. 2019 is also the last year you could get a CD player.

2020 was the first year to get Android Auto/Apple Carplay functionality, but only if plugged into a specific USB port in the dash. It was also is the first year that push button start and smart handles became available. All previous model years have regular old fashioned keys for the ignition. 2020+ trucks also had the exterior antenna eliminated for a shark fin on the roof. Previous model years had a standard antenna on the passenger side front fender. I believe the 2020 MY also saw the elimination of the flex fuel engine option and the smaller V8.

2021 I'm not certain there were any major changes from the 2020 model year.



Whatever year you buy, make sure you get the 38 gallon fuel tank unless the truck will be restricted to in town duty. The 5.7 V8 is thirsty and having more fuel on hand makes fuel stops much less annoying, especially if you intend to tow.

 

2018, TSS is not that bad. Transmission cooler is nice to have but like they said, no transmission issues for the ones without the cooler

 

2013.

Cheaper to insure, cheaper to buy. Hardly any electronics to talk about. No sensors telling you where to park. Rear seats in the Crew recline and slide, great for kiddos and road trips.

Stock fuel tank is fine even with towing; especially if you have kid bladders to think of...

 

'18 and up also came standard with the updated LED headlights/fogs.

 

LED running lights, yes, but the headlights are not all LED.

 

I'll be dammed. I had to check this. SR, SR5 and Sport still ran halogen. Higher level trim levels ran LEDs

 

The TRD packages also upgraded the trucks to LEDs.

 

Watch out for cam tower leaks (5.7), rusty framework, sticky 4x4 engagement, and bad timing chain tensioner noises or diesel like tapping at cold startup(5.7). I'd try to find a one owner, low mileage, and issue free 5.7 private seller and not be too concerned about the year it was built. Things like the head unit, headlights, tss, transmission cooler, etc. are easily remedied and a little bit of searching here on the site will explain the options. Expensive and time consuming drivetrain issues on the other hand can be a little more challenging. Regardless, run 5w-30 and change it every 5k or so for the longevity of your new investment.

 

I have a well equipped 2021 for sale.

 

17 IMO but I am not a fan of all the tech they are putting in cars. I think it makes people more distracted than ever especially when you add a phone in the mix.

I like my cars K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, stupid.

 

True, on my 2018 the LED headlights were part of the TRD Off-Road Package. Also, as mentioned earlier the TSS is really no big deal, easy to turn most of the "features" off.

 

You can't really go wrong with any of them, but @GODZILLA gave a good synopsis of the differences. The drivetrain is practically identical for all of those years.

 

I concentrated my search to 2015-2017 (no TSS) SR5 or nicer 4X4 Double cab (for the bed). Bought a 2015 SR5 from the dealer with 166,00 miles. Full service record, one owner local trade in (verified). Rides and drives like new, no leaks at all.
$21,500 out the door with a 30 day "all lubricated parts" warranty in writing. Can't believe I paid that much for a used vehicle but I love it. (This was in August)

 

19,,,,,21

 

17 or 18, 19 if you don't care about a tranny cooler. If you plan on replacing the suspension and skid plates, look for a Limited non TRD.