buying a truck, need advice

[reed1285]

so I am finally in the market for a bigger truck. Right now I have a 06 f150 standard cab that has treated me well through the years. I've had it since 08 and its been a GREAT truck. Only maintenance things have been done to it. I bought the truck back before I was married, and had a child. So obviously I need to upgrade to a crew cab.

 

Originally wanting to stay with fords, I began searching for a 2008+ F150 supercrew under 100000 miles. First of all, that is tough in itself. Obviously the newer the year the fewer the miles in most cases, but I wanted to stay under about the $16-17000 range. I've found a few that have peaked my interest, but none that have been just perfect yet.

 

Well today I found a truck I've considered my "dream truck" for sale here in Chattanooga. It's the only other truck I've told myself I'd try out besides a ford. It's a 2007 Toyota tundra crewmax. I'm a diehard ford fan, will not ever try a Chevy, so don't go there lol. I've never owned a tundra, but man the 07+ look GOOD IMO, and have good reviews. Anyways there are two conditions I am kind of worried about. One is it has 129,xxx miles on it, two is its a little outside my price range, but I'm thinking the guy may be negotiable once I show him my preapproval certificate from my credit union.

 

So what do you guys think? If it were you, would you stick to your guns (no pun intended) and keep trying to find the 08+ ford supercrew under 100000, or would you  sacrifice the 29xxx miles and a little more money to get your "dream truck"?

 

Also as a side note, I got on KBB and looked at the value of the said Tundra. I put in the mileage and options this one has, and according to them it's worth around the $22-24k range. I've always heard Toyotas had the best resale value out there. I guess this proves it. He isn't selling this one for that much, his is listed at $18,995

[Mike.357]

if possible I'd try to get a good look at the suspension.  If it needs a lot of front end parts the price is going to get jacked up quick.   Also pull off the oil filler cap and look to see if it has a milky residue on it.  If so you might want to avoid it.

 

That's about all I know.

 

PS:  just thought of one other thing.  Make sure the AC works.  And to do that you gotta get the truck to operating temp.

 

And don't forget some people are willing to lie to make a sale.  

 

Caveat emptor 

Edited March 12, 2014 by Mike.357

[KOM2]

Toyota's are supposed to be great trucks. I haven't owned either but my brother has recently been in the same market. The 07 Tundra is the first year so he was staying away from it just in case. It does sound like a decent price and if you really want it then try and talk him down a little. The only other thing to me is the mileage where you said you wanted to be under 100k. Is that 99k or you'd really like to be 80k. What always kills me is I drive so much so if I buy the truck with 129k then in 2-3 years it'll have 200k. If you don't drive much then who cares.

[nightrunner]

I would look at dodge but thats just my opinion.

I used to be diehard chevy guy but since 07 their trucks are fugly IMO. Still have best enginea though.

Either a Hemi 1500 dodge or a 2500 Cummins Dodge.

[tnguy]

Personally, I'd look at keeping the truck but buy a more efficient family vehicle in addition but then again I don't really feel much need for a truck myself in the first place so YMMV.

[peejman]

I used to be a big car guy, but now that I have a family... meh, its just a tool I use to get things done.  My "dream truck" doesn't exist anymore.  That said, I'd want maintenance records and I'd look up the service intervals for various expensive things and let that guide how important that extra 29k miles is. 

[Mike.357]

tnguy has a good idea.

 

unless your existing truck is about DOA you could get a helluva used four door for that kind of money.  Heck you could buy a new car for that kind of money.

 

Assuming the existing truck is in decent order I'd buy a car.

[peejman]

tnguy has a good idea.

 

unless your existing truck is about DOA you could get a helluva used four door for that kind of money.  Heck you could buy a new car for that kind of money.

 

Assuming the existing truck is in decent order I'd buy a car.

 

 

Or a minivan...  :panic:

 

 

You might be amazed at what you can haul in a minivan. 

[reed1285]

In the aspect of buying a car, i forgot to add that we will be buying a camper in the future. The truck I have now is not up for pulling a decent sized camper. It's just the 4.2 V6. That was my original plan whenever I got into the car market a few months ago, was to just keep my truck because it is paid off, then go by car. But I got to thinking, I really need a bigger truck with more towing capacity for future work

[reed1285]

To tell you the truth that is still what I kind of want to do is go buy a car, but when it boils down to it I just need a bigger stronger crew cab truck. My wife complains every time we go buy something that requires picking it up in my truck. My daughter sits on the outside, and my wife in the middle. On top of that its a manual transmission so im busting her knees every time I shift into 2nd, 4th, or reverse. So that's another reason on needing a bigger truck, so my daughter can sit in the back where she needs to be anyway, and my wife can sit comfortably in the passenger seat.

Edited March 12, 2014 by reed1285

[reed1285]

I would look at dodge but thats just my opinion.

I used to be diehard chevy guy but since 07 their trucks are fugly IMO. Still have best enginea though.

Either a Hemi 1500 dodge or a 2500 Cummins Dodge.

 

Ive looked at the dodges too, I like the 02-06 body styles, DO NOT like the 07-08 body, and REALLY like the 09+. Ive ruled out a 02-06 though, cause I want something newer than that, and since I don't like the 07-08's, in order to buy a dodge I'd be looking at an 09+, which is still pretty pricy. I have seen some around the $18k range, but they are too far away, or too much mileage.

[E4 No More]

In the spirit of "opinions are like buttholes: everyone has one, and they all stink" I would stay away from the Fords for one reason - the sheet metal. I had a 2009 F150 Lariat 4 x 4 crew cab and the dang thing would dent just looking at it. When you shut the door you could see how flimsy the sheet metal was over the door.

[Guest semiautots]

There are a lot of flooded vehicles on the market.  Make sure you put it on a rack and look at the underside metal.  Focus on the nut & bolts and inside the frame, where it's hard to wash out.

[Patton]

I can not speak specifically for the 07 plus Tundras but Toyota trucks are three times the muscle and reliability you think they would be by looking at them. My best friend has a 2010 Tundra, he sold a 2008 4.8 F150 that couldn't handle his travel trailer. My dad has always driven Toyotas, mostly Tacomas, and has worked them hard. Some of his trucks have received 300k miles and seen more work than most 1 tons. He currently drives a 2006 Tundra v-6, it's a he'll of a truck but doesn't have the longevity of the half million mile Toyota 4cyl. The 2006 Tundra has about 200k miles and has been used as a truck hauling loads that max 1/2 tons.

I have had three Toyota trucks, two Tacomas and one 1985 4Runner. I still have the second Tacoma and lost only a couple of thousand on the first one after 4 years and 50k miles of wear and miles. The 4Runner I broke even on owning it only one year. I do not put my trucks under as much work as my dad but they occasionally get the call. I took my 2003 2.7liter to pick my buddy's boat up on the side of the road. His 2004 Trailblazer broke down coming back from the ocean, yes I said ocean. It was a large boat ~5k lbs. After dropping his boat off at the house he couldn't believe how well the "V-6" pulled and the breaks stopped. I had to break it to him that my 4cyl was more truck than his Chevy v-6. Edited March 12, 2014 by Patton

[bersaguy]

Does the Tundra your looking at have the V-8 engine in it? Your looking to upgrade to a stronger truck and you already have the V-6 so make sure your looking at v-8 Tundra. Everything I have heard about the Tundra's has been positive but just get what you want because your the one that has to be happy with your decision...............jmho

[Wingshooter]

29k miles isn't really that big of a deal IMO. My 1500 Ram has 230,000+, and I expect to put many more on it. I don't think you'll ever regret getting your "dream truck".

[Patton]

Since I got on a Toyota rant, F-150's are still great trucks. I often drive some that are relatively new at work, they are very reliable and the truck will fall apart I think before the drivetrain shuts down. I n one of my old jobs we had some Super Duty 6.0 L diesels that were terrible trucks, they were always in the shop getting $2k-4k worth of repairs. I commented to the service technician that we didn't even need as large of trucks, he said the 5.4L gas engines required costly tuneups and that it was essential that they received them.

[jtmaze]

Keep your truck and get a mini van and small trailer. That is what my dad does. He has 2 caravans and a 5x8 trailer. Rides better. Better for trips. If you need to haul something larger the trailer is more versital. . JTM We the People of the United States, in order to form a more Perfect Union......

[Patton]

Does the Tundra your looking at have the V-8 engine in it? Your looking to upgrade to a stronger truck and you already have the V-6 so make sure your looking at v-8 Tundra. Everything I have heard about the Tundra's has been positive but just get what you want because your the one that has to be happy with your decision...............jmho

If it is a crewmax then it will have a V-8,271hp or 381hp. The 5.7 is a monster and unnecessary, the v-6 will not be in a crewmax, but is still a fine engine at ~235hp.

[LagerHead]

Aside from the practical advice above, I have an '08 Tundra Limited, and man do I love it! I guarantee you my next truck will be a new version of the same truck. Here are some things I like about it:

 

1. The cab is ROOMY! Adults can fit very comfortably in the sliding and reclining rear seats. 

2. All the wiz-bang features. I got nav, in dash CD changer, dual power heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, leather, sunroof/moonroof, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise, DVD player for the back with wireless headphones and remote, 20" wheels, 6 air bags, LSD, back up camera, seat memory, power heated mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, aux port for the iPod/iPhone, huge center console, etc.

3. Plenty of power. It can pull the space shuttle. 'Nuf said.

4. Sexiest truck out there. Period.

5. It's a Toyota. I like having a car I can drive, rather than one my mechanic can drive. I have 96,000 miles, give or a take a grand, and haven't had a single repair done to it other than the preventative maintenance. 

6. For a truck, it handles pretty well. Mine is about due for some shocks though. If this one hasn't had them, it probably is too.

7. Made in 'Murica. Tundras are built by American works in Texas. Not in Mexico or Canada under an American name.

8. The bed rail system that is standard. Pretty slick system for tying stuff down in the bed.

9. Pretty much everything, except:

 

 

1. Mileage. It's a big truck. What do you expect? I average 15.9MPG. I drive somewhere between mild and semi-aggressive. I don't floor it everywhere I go, but I know how to merge with Interstate traffic at Interstate speeds and I do so. 

2. Big tires = big tire cost. Factor that kind of stuff in.

3. Really, my only complaints about this truck will all be money related. Though total cost of ownership, even with the higher price tag, will be below some of the other brands. 

 

I really can't recommend the Tundra enough. I get compliments every time somebody new gets in it, sometimes even the third and fourth time they get in. The Tundra rocks. You will never hear me utter a bad word about. I like it that much. Best vehicle I have ever owned, with the possible exception of the three Honda Accords I have owned, including my wife's current car. 

Edited March 12, 2014 by LagerHead

[reed1285]

[quote name="bersaguy" post="1123589" timestamp="1394644928"]Does the Tundra your looking at have the V-8 engine in it? Your looking to upgrade to a stronger truck and you already have the V-6 so make sure your looking at v-8 Tundra. Everything I have heard about the Tundra's has been positive but just get what you want because your the one that has to be happy with your decision...............jmho[/quote] Yeah the one im looking is a 2007 tundra crewmax limited, with the 5.7 v8

[reed1285]

Give me a little bit and ill put a link of the exact truck im looking at, then i can get your thoughts and opinions it specifically. Thanks for all the great advice guys!

[Guest TankerHC]

I am now on my fourth Tundra. Love em. Mine is the SR5 TSS Crewmax. Tons of pulling power, I am not out for compliments, I was out for something that would pull my trailer, nevertheless, I get a lot of compliments on my truck. Its a beautiful truck, inside and out. 

 

Based on that,my recommendation would be......Buy a Ford.

 

I havent read everything, all the other comments, so do not know if you have made your final decision or already purchased but after looking at the new Fords, comparing to the new Tundra's, last year I would have said Tundra or Ram Laramie, but today I say...buy a Ford.

 

Eff....ohhh....aree....deeee...............Fooorrrwwaarrdddd....

 

Based on J.D. Power, talking to people that own them, looking at them on the lot.....

 

FORD!

 

In case I didnt mention it, if you bought a Tundra, great Truck, congratulations, same with any of the full size trucks, except Ford...and even the smaller trucks....so if you bought something else...Congratulations..

 

But you shoulda bought a Ford.

 

effff...ooohhh....aaarreee...dddeeeee....FORWARD......

 

Ford. My next truck.

Edited March 12, 2014 by TankerHC

[reed1285]

I am now on my fourth Tundra. Love em. Mine is the SR5 TSS Crewmax. Tons of pulling power, I am not out for compliments, I was out for something that would pull my trailer, nevertheless, I get a lot of compliments on my truck. Its a beautiful truck, inside and out. 

 

Based on that,my recommendation would be......Buy a Ford.

 

I havent read everything, all the other comments, so do not know if you have made your final decision or already purchased but after looking at the new Fords, comparing to the new Tundra's, last year I would have said Tundra or Ram Laramie, but today I say...buy a Ford.

 

Eff....ohhh....aree....deeee...............Fooorrrwwaarrdddd....

 

Based on J.D. Power, talking to people that own them, looking at them on the lot.....

 

FORD!

 

In case I didnt mention it, if you bought a Tundra, great Truck, congratulations, same with any of the full size trucks, except Ford...and even the smaller trucks....so if you bought something else...Congratulations..

 

But you shoulda bought a Ford.

 

effff...ooohhh....aaarreee...dddeeeee....FORWARD......

 

Ford. My next truck.

 

I'm a ford man myself, don't get me wrong. That was my first choice till I found this tundra. Im still not dead set on the tundra, but as I've said I've always wanted one since the first time I saw the 07+. If I don't get this tundra, or another tundra like it, I will most definitely be getting a ford.

[ironsniper1]

I'm looking for a truck aswell I'm getting a Nissan frontier crew cab