1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Platinum vs TRD Pro: Seeking advice on my first Tundra (and first truck) purchase

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by pitrow, Apr 30, 2019.

  1. Apr 30, 2019 at 8:49 PM
    #1
    pitrow

    pitrow [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Member:
    #29913
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Hi all.
    I've been reading through the forums over the past couple months prepping to make my first ever truck purchase. I suppose a thanks makes sense to start for all the contributors out there. So much great info on this site. Apologies in advance for the longish post to come, but thanks to anyone who can provide some thoughts.

    For anyone who doesn't want to read through the full post, here's the executive summary:
    • I like the comfort and ride of the Platinum, but the look of the TRD Pro.
    • What are the options I have to get the Platinum as close to TRD Pro styling as I can, without making it a stiffer ride?
    • Aside from Android Auto (which is important to me), any other reasons to wait for the 2020s to come out and when can we expect those? I think I read Sept.
    I'd love some input on my specific situation. I'm looking to make my first truck purchase. I'm coming off 15 years on a Land Cruiser I loved that it never needed anything outside of scheduled maintenance, oil changes and gas, and a 4Runner before that which also was never in the shop. My wife is in the German car camp and while I love driving whatever she has, her cars spend way more time in service than mine ever have.

    Anyways, I'm looking to move out of the SUV world and into my first truck. I've always wanted one and while my day job is web-related, I've spent a good chunk of my non-work time DIY'ing and fixing up houses over the past 8-10 years. We just moved and bought a tear down house in the Portland area and I need a new car so I thought no better time to finally get that truck!

    I drove some F150s, Ram 1500 and Tundras. While my wife and I liked the look of the Raptor, neither of us were a fan of the ride and the cost just seems excessive. We will be doing some Portland to SoCal road trips so something comfortable over the longhaul is important. We drove the Raptor, a TRD Pro and a Tundra Platinum back-to-back-to-back at the same dealership and we were both biggest fans of the Platinum ride and comfort. I love the look of the TRD Pro, but the less comfy seats and lack of seat heaters/coolers was a deal breaker for her. Not a deal breaker for me, but seems odd that seat heaters/coolers aren't even an option on a 50K truck.

    Checked all the Consumer Reports and other ratings and while it looks like the Tundra lacks in some areas like mpg, it was the far out winner in reliability and I already have a ton of confidence in Toyota from my years with the LC and the 4Runner. And hey, the MPG on the Tundra is still better than my old LC!

    So I'm set on a Tundra and think I'm pretty set on the Platinum, but I really do like the look of the TRD Pro. In full transparency, I'm not really doing any offroading, just like the look more. So here are some of the questions:
    • I've looked a bit into what it might take to add some of the Pro styling to the Platinum (black emblems, pro grill, wheels, black dual exhaust, etc) so was interested in getting an idea if anyone else has gone through that process. How close can I get without completely overpaying? Any recommendations on places to look for the parts, or better off trying to get the dealer to do it all out of the gate?
    • Might be a stupid question, but would upgrading to the TRD Pro shocks make it a stiffer ride? We did like the smoothness of the Platinum.
    • I do like the hood scoop on the Pro (yes I know it's not really functional). Dealer was saying swapping out the hood, but that seems a bit of a waste and expensive. I think I saw some posts here about getting the scoop separately, painted to match and then installed. Any idea on what that might run? I'm thinking this would be spendy and wasted money, but would love to know the cost.
    • The dealer also brought up the idea of going with the Pro and then getting new seats put in with heaters. I wasn't aware that was an option, but seems riskier for issues to me to add things that need electrical to a Pro vs adding more esthetic features to a Platinum.
    • Was odd to me that there's no Android Auto option, any recommendations on a workaround? I know this is coming with the 2020s which I think will be here in Sept, correct? I could potentially wait for the 2020s, but we'd be having to find a way to get by with 1 car from now until then. Not undoable, but if there are more reasons to wait for the 2020 I could figure something out for the interim.
    • Anything else I should be thinking about?????
    Thanks in advance for any advice out there.
    -
     
    Macreggg likes this.
  2. Apr 30, 2019 at 8:59 PM
    #2
    Macreggg

    Macreggg TRD No

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2019
    Member:
    #23895
    Messages:
    464
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mel
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra CM Super White
    wheels/tires suspension protection
    I was in the same boat last month. I went Platinum because the interior just can’t be beat. It came down to the only difference being wheels and suspension. Bought the Platinum and put on some wheels tires and Icon suspension. I feel like it rides better after the mods.
     
  3. Apr 30, 2019 at 9:17 PM
    #3
    itsjustmetal

    itsjustmetal New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2018
    Member:
    #18977
    Messages:
    26
    First Name:
    Ryan
    You can actually buy a TRD Pro grill, painted bumper corners both front and rear, painted door handles (I know platinum has chrome) as body matched mirror caps and you can actually get a good price from www.sparksparts.com and they will even paint match to the color code of your truck before they sent them out. They are great people and very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Good luck on your new truck
     
  4. May 4, 2019 at 11:56 AM
    #4
    pitrow

    pitrow [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Member:
    #29913
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Thanks guys. Appreciate the input and the links.
     
  5. May 4, 2019 at 7:48 PM
    #5
    Landonkmiller

    Landonkmiller New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2019
    Member:
    #23807
    Messages:
    66
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Landon
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited
    3” Toytec Lift, Method MR314 Wheels, 35” Toyo R/Ts, LED External and Internal Lights, Spray in Bed Liner, Amp Research Power Steps.
    Agree with most. Get the platinum.
     
    Toyotoholic likes this.
  6. May 4, 2019 at 8:19 PM
    #6
    malveman

    malveman New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    Member:
    #5865
    Messages:
    191
    Gender:
    Male
    New jersey
    Vehicle:
    2022 Limited long bed MGM
    Platinum and if the ride gets to soft especially going around turns u can always upgrade the the suspension
     
    Toyotoholic likes this.
  7. May 4, 2019 at 10:43 PM
    #7
    Inquiringone

    Inquiringone -Blue N Blac- an a little chrome

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2017
    Member:
    #11421
    Messages:
    2,023
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ter
    NorCal 408
    Vehicle:
    U can take the guy out of the garage, But U can’t take the garage out of the guy
    Not many yet, mostly stock.
    How much 4 wheeling are you doing.?
    If not alot pick the Platinum, if a lot pick the PRO.
    I have a 1794 bought for creature comforts...either way you can't go wrong. Welcome aboard from NorCal. Good luck Sir.:popcorn:
     
  8. May 4, 2019 at 10:55 PM
    #8
    PSUtundra4

    PSUtundra4 New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2019
    Member:
    #30091
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 MBM Platinum Tundra
    TRD Pro grill, 20% tint, Tyger siderails, black out doors/mirrors, Bakflip tonneau cover
    I had the same dilemma and couldn't decide between the two. I chose the Platinum over the Pro and it's much better in my opinion. Mine is a '17 so I'm not sure what the Pro version has now, but it was lacking all the creature comforts from my year. I just got done taking all the chrome off and changing the grill and i think it looks pretty nice. Not expensive at all.
     
    Toyotoholic and Inquiringone like this.
  9. May 4, 2019 at 11:03 PM
    #9
    Inquiringone

    Inquiringone -Blue N Blac- an a little chrome

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2017
    Member:
    #11421
    Messages:
    2,023
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ter
    NorCal 408
    Vehicle:
    U can take the guy out of the garage, But U can’t take the garage out of the guy
    Not many yet, mostly stock.
    I did the same to mine, chrome had to go,TRD grill and some other goodies.:D
     
  10. May 5, 2019 at 4:01 AM
    #10
    Navy Jumper

    Navy Jumper Airborne Paratrooper

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
    #28608
    Messages:
    309
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD PRO
    I am also stuck in a similar situation. I'm leaning towards waiting for the 2020 Platinum with the Android Auto, 8" screen, push button start, keyless entry, etc. But I would be tempted for a 2019 Platinum for a steal of a deal as well.
     
  11. May 5, 2019 at 5:53 AM
    #11
    LS Powah

    LS Powah New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2018
    Member:
    #14362
    Messages:
    46
    Gender:
    Male
    Boise Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2010 Platinum - Black
    Go Platinum. If you had asked about 4 wheeling details and such, TRD might have checked a few more boxes. Platinum definitely sounds like the package for you. If you do decide to go off road a bunch later on, bolting on some suspension upgrades is far easier than duplicating the luxury and creature comforts-- and you can always swap out the cosmetic stuff. About the first pacific northwest summer evening you crank down the rear window, you will know what I am saynig is true. You sir are gonna love having a Tundra!

    My wife loves the Bavarians, but they are a maintenance nightmare, and they take a HUGE value hit after the warranty expires for that reason. I love working on cars to relax, but have been touting a "no more German cars" rule after her latest one. Meanwhile, my Platinum rolls on rock solid at 188,000.
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2019
    pitrow[OP] and Migraine like this.
  12. May 5, 2019 at 6:46 AM
    #12
    Beastmode1794

    Beastmode1794 Masshole

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2019
    Member:
    #27304
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 tundra 1794 edition smoked misquite
    If it was me I'd get the 1794 hehe
     
    TxTaco likes this.
  13. May 5, 2019 at 6:56 AM
    #13
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2017
    Member:
    #11787
    Messages:
    2,172
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Spoolston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM 1794 TRD 4x4
    Toytec/Radflo Lift, Ambit RS02 18x9+0, Bridgestone Revo 3 295/70/18
    From my buying experience the 4x4 Platinum/1794 is easily 4-6k cheaper than a Pro. Put that amount into suspension/tires and you'll have something just as capable if not more so, plus all the extra luxury features of the top trims.
     
    pitrow[OP] and Migraine like this.
  14. May 5, 2019 at 7:11 AM
    #14
    Reelman

    Reelman New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2019
    Member:
    #30070
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    I’m in the same exact boat. The dealer can get me parking sensors and put on bsm mirrors with the pro, but it will cost you a lot! Even with those features it still lacks a few items that the platinum has.

    So, I’m either getting the platinum or waiting for the 2020 platinums that will have an 8 inch Nav screen, android/apple play, keyless entry, and push button start (or so I read). Who knows, the Toyota dealers can’t even confirm with me if their gestures will truly be on it on the 2020’s, but they may just want me to buy a 2019! Haha.

    I like features, so the Pro is a no go for me although I agree that it looks better cosmetically! So I vote you go platinum!
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2019
    pitrow[OP] likes this.
  15. May 5, 2019 at 9:55 PM
    #15
    Texagonian

    Texagonian New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    Member:
    #29796
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    I have to disagree. I have multiple builds in front of me on paper.

    TRD Pro - $51,390
    Platinum/1794 with basic options, and moonroof, w/o TRD Pro package - $53,135
    Platinum/1794 with basic options, and moonroof, and with TRD Pro package, dual exhaust, and off road shocks upgrades - $56,580

    You spend a lot more to configure a Platinum/1794 into a TRD Pro then just the TRD Pro comes stock. You still spend more with Plat/1794 even without the TRD Pro stuff. Of course you do get a few more creature comforts, certainly a step up in quality of leather seats. Just a lot for it I am thinking.
     
  16. May 5, 2019 at 10:03 PM
    #16
    Beastmode1794

    Beastmode1794 Masshole

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2019
    Member:
    #27304
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 tundra 1794 edition smoked misquite
    The trd pro I looked at was around 55k and they wouldent budge on price my 1794 was 53,780 list but I got it for 48k it was a easy choice also there are no basic options it has everything
     
  17. May 5, 2019 at 10:28 PM
    #17
    Texagonian

    Texagonian New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    Member:
    #29796
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Migraine likes this.
  18. May 6, 2019 at 5:19 AM
    #18
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2017
    Member:
    #11787
    Messages:
    2,172
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Spoolston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM 1794 TRD 4x4
    Toytec/Radflo Lift, Ambit RS02 18x9+0, Bridgestone Revo 3 295/70/18
    @Texagonian nobody should be paying MSRP on a platinum/1794. A 4x4 should be in the 46-48 range depending on accessories and incentives.
     
    Migraine likes this.
  19. May 6, 2019 at 8:14 AM
    #19
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper Not a new member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,347
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    You forgot about discounts off MSRP that are almost non-existent on the Pro while 15% is not hard the get on other models.
     
  20. May 6, 2019 at 8:16 AM
    #20
    Texagonian

    Texagonian New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    Member:
    #29796
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Uh thanks? I'm not sure where you feel I condone paying MSRP? I even so much as said it one post up from your's, even linked to an example of a place that deals well below MSRP on TRD Pro...

    But for the purposes of comparing new values, you have to go by MSRP. Not what people think they can shrewdly negotiate them down too
     
  21. May 6, 2019 at 8:18 AM
    #21
    Texagonian

    Texagonian New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    Member:
    #29796
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    I forgot nothing. 15% off is ridiculous. On any trim level, at any time of year.

    If you have a dealer losing his butt like this constantly please PM their details!

    Like maybe on an SR out SR5 at the end of the month, on the end of the quarter, during the change of model year.
     
    Last edited: May 6, 2019
  22. May 6, 2019 at 8:34 AM
    #22
    19TRDPRO_FL

    19TRDPRO_FL New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Member:
    #29303
    Messages:
    73
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Parkland, FL
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD Pro
    Audio: Pioneer 8200NEX Infinity Kappa complete speaker package 4 Channel Kenwood amp 5 Channel Kenwood amp 10 inch JL Audio W1 shallow mount sub X 2 Readylift Pro Plus 4in lift (6 total) 22x12 Fuel Sledge wheels 35x12.5R22 Nitto Ridge Grapplers LED bar in hood scoop LineX step rails
    I chose the TRD Pro, as I work for JM Family and got a 9k dscount off of MSRP. I looked at both and def agree with a few, that you will miss a few creature comforts... I wanted the Pro for how rare they are and the fact that I can add anything I miss for the most part...
     
  23. May 6, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    #23
    Vector W8

    Vector W8 Old guy with a lot of expensive habits.

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2017
    Member:
    #6844
    Messages:
    1,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2015 Platinum Super White Crewmax 4X4
    FFV, TRD Supercharger, Bullydog FFV Tune, 2014 Fit Kit, TRD Dual Exhaust, Sequoia Front Sway Bar, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Skid Plate, TRD Pro Grill, 040 White Mirror Covers, 040 White Door Handles, Ready Lift 3"/2", Anzo 3rd Brake Light, Winjet LED Tail Lights, LED Fog Lights, LED Rock Lights, Axle Vent Mod, SDHQ Hidden Winch Mount, 12,000lb Winch. Storm Trooper Shift Knob. BMF BATL Wheels.
    Do the following: 59.jpg
     
    pitrow[OP] and Steve89gt like this.
  24. May 6, 2019 at 8:52 AM
    #24
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2017
    Member:
    #11787
    Messages:
    2,172
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Spoolston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM 1794 TRD 4x4
    Toytec/Radflo Lift, Ambit RS02 18x9+0, Bridgestone Revo 3 295/70/18
    We'll have to agree to disagree on that, since I think MSRP is totally irrelevant if the vehicle never actually sells at that. The $46xxx TRD pro is an excellent deal and I'd have jumped on that if it was available.
     
  25. May 6, 2019 at 9:43 AM
    #25
    d0zer

    d0zer I beat the internet.

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2017
    Member:
    #6272
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    Definitely somewhere
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM Platinum
    ADS 3.0" & 2.5" AllPro APEX Sliders SCS SR8 on Cooper ST MAXX 295/70r18
    Platinum Gone pro:

    [​IMG]

    Added Armor and ADS suspension. Best of both worlds!
     
  26. May 6, 2019 at 9:58 AM
    #26
    tbell18

    tbell18 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2019
    Member:
    #27593
    Messages:
    36
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Thomas Bell
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD Pro
    46k would be a great deal but I would be skeptical of them actually selling it at that price. I had one locally for 48k and went to purchase and they claimed it was an error even though stock numbers and vin matched. They refused to sell take any money off.
     
  27. May 6, 2019 at 10:38 AM
    #27
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper Not a new member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,347
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    I think you will find plenty of people that have received 15% or even more off the higher trim levels.
     
  28. May 6, 2019 at 2:41 PM
    #28
    Texagonian

    Texagonian New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    Member:
    #29796
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    I'd wager if I saw the nuts and bolts of those deals, that 15% off they "think" they got it for, was made up elsewhere.

    I'm living this scenario right now in real time, contacting dealers nationwide. Shopping hard and seeing the prices nationwide. Comparing deals.

    15% off is not happening. Serious. Try and contact anyToyota dealer
    in the nation. Tell them you want to pay cash, outright but you want 15% off MSRP. They won't bother with you unless they can play the shell game with your financing, trade and extras.

    If anyone knows of any Toyota mainland USA dealers, blowing out the top 3 trims at 15% off MSRP buying outright please PM me their details. seriously, I've spent weeks trying for 15% paying cash. No dice. Save me the frustrations.
     
    BuckWallace and Navy Jumper like this.
  29. May 6, 2019 at 3:25 PM
    #29
    Navy Jumper

    Navy Jumper Airborne Paratrooper

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
    #28608
    Messages:
    309
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD PRO
    I've been only able to find an average of about 12% so far
     
  30. May 6, 2019 at 3:41 PM
    #30
    Dontra

    Dontra Newer

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
    Member:
    #25234
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    AR
    Vehicle:
    2021 Ram Big Horn
    2021 Ram Patriot Blue, Lonestar or Bighorn, Crew cab 4x2, 5.7 bed, 5.7 Hemi etorque, Level 2, anti-spin 321 rear end, Air ride, 33 gal tank, 18 in wheels, Multifunction tailgate, Ram box, Wheel liners, MT Brown Deluxe bucket seats, 8.4 no navigation, Trailer brake controller. Front and rear rubber mats. Mopar power steps,8 yr 85K extended Mopar warranty.
    If you want the 15% off or more you should shop at the end of the month or end of the quarter, then you have a better chance of getting it
     
    pitrow[OP] and Navy Jumper like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top