Reason I ask is that I've been shopping for a replacement for the old Explorer, as I'm getting to the point where I really need a V8 instead of the V6. Found a used Tundra that looks like it would fit the bill, rated for 8,100lbs towing (4.7L V8).

Would like to know the good, the bad & the ugly on these trucks, especially how bad the ugly can get. For comparison, I've owned my Explorer for 7-1/2 years and have had NO major repairs needed. Kept up on the routine maintenance and had to replace items that wear out once in awhile. Only one factory recall.

Have browsed threads for 'Tundra' and it sure looks like you guys love those trucks, but would like a bit of reassurance before committing to a car loan ... we've been debt-free on vehicles for over three years now, so this is kinda major to me.

Thanks all!

I had a 2001 tundra 4 x 4 with the 4.7 and put 194,000 trouble free miles on it before I bought a 2011 4x4 last December. The 2001 was still super solid when I sold it I just needed a bigger back seat for the kids. I had numerous compliments from Ford and Chevy owners on how solid and quiet it was even after all those miles. Hopefully the new one treats me the same. Good luck.

The only ugly was I had to replace the starter and it costs like $800 because they have to take a lot of parts off to get at the starter.

How much does that used Tundra cost?????

$11,000 is the asking price.

I just received my new Tundra. I had been driving an Explorer for almost 12 years and switched to the Tundra, so I know where you are coming from!

I assume you have the 4.0 in the Explorer. That is a great little motor. I gave my son my Sport Trac and it has the 4.0. It does not use A DROP of oil between 5000 mile changes. It is pretty peppy in the Sport Trac but I would guess the Explorer is haevier. I have a Tacoma and it is a great truck. Most people I know that have owned Tundra really like them. I would buy one except the Tacoma suits me better.

Terrible gas mileage!....http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2011_Toyota_Tundra.shtml

Yeah, the 4.0 is a good motor, as it pulls alot for a V6 (just shy of 5,000#). No problems with oil & I change it myself on schedule. If it could pull 8,000#, I would be doing just fine lol

So far as mileage goes Huckleberry ... I honestly don't expect any V8 towing truck to get very good mileage, say 15/19 or thereabouts, so the ratings on that link are within what I'm ok with. Maybe a bit depressing, but I can live with it.

I have put 33K miles on my 2010 Tundra SR5 4x4 Crewmax with no complaints. When I bought this truck I had in mind that I would keep it for about 10 years.

I've only had mine for a few months, but so far I love it! Gas milage sucks, but I knew that going into it. Pulls the boat like it aint back there.

Well by the time I got comfortable with the Tundra as a towing vehicle, the one I'd looked at got sold. But, we're in a bad economy, so there'll be other bargains.

Thanks to all!

I have a 2003 used to drive it as a company truck went from brownsville to waco, fort stockton to beaumont, pulling trailers with up to 5k on them never did it leave me stranded. It now has 191K miles on it and I still love it. If gas is an issue get a beater for a DD and leave the tundra for pulling. Best gas mileage I got was 22mpg average would be about 17 but that is on the old body style. If your okay with the gas milage you wont be disappointed with the truck

I bought my Tundra in 07 when the new body style came out with the 5.7 v8. The truck has been super for me with absolutely no problems. I have a friend with an older Tundra with the 4.7 v8 and his mileage is actually a little less than mine. He pulls an 18' Bluewave I pull a 19' Frontier. My truck pulls better, stops better and has a little more room. I would not hesitate to buy the same truck again. The only things I have added is a bed cover and a backup camera.



Jim

4.7L V8 have timing belts.How many miles on the on you are looking at? Its a high dollar repair bill to replace timing belt and water pump.Dealer wants 1000 to 1200 hundred. Did mine myself for under 300 bucks. They do like gas.

Freeman, I've been looking for a vehicle with under 60,000 miles on it. For a low enough price I'd take something with 80K. No hurry for me, I just keep watching for screaming deals ...

The more I drive my Yota the better the mileage gets. I have 15,000 on it and I am now getting 16-18. Not too bad.

My observations are from a close cousin of mine that had a 5.7 toyota...cant remember the exact year model. It was one of the newer ones.

We took it on several fishing trips pulling my champion and would get right at 10 mpg. He said he was getting 14-15mpg on the highway not towing.

It would pull great...comparable to the hemi I had at the time. He always complained about turning radius but I do not have any first hand knowledge of the sharp turning.

He has since traded it the gas mileage was a deal breaker for him.

'08 SR5 4X4 w/ 5.7L about 60,000 miles on it and have had it for a year now. No problems yet other than DRINKS the gas, but hey it's a big V8 4WD truck w/ balls what do you expect. I had a '04 Titan before the Tundra, night & day difference. Titan was in the shop for problems almost as many times as it was in for oil changes, junk IMHO. So far so good, love this truck.

You fishing nastywater today? Pretty sure I saw this truck at the ramp...

I have a 2006 with 50,000 miles and so far it has been the best truck that I have owned. It tows my boat great.

Have a 2005, love the truck, hate the gas mileage. Installed K&M filter, didn't see much diff but had to help.

Yes sir.

Do any good? Was a nice day.

Well, my Christmas present to myself is complete. I just got the 7" lift from BDS installed on my 08 Tundra.

Here are a list of mods.

7" BDS Lift
20" Moto Metals with red inserts painted to match the 5.7L badge
325/60/20 Toyo AT's
Magnaflow exhaust
Tuff Country apache front and rear bumpers