2014 Toyota Tundra Early Sales Terrible – What is the Problem?
Tim Esterdahl | Oct 04, 2013 | Comments 55
It has been a full month since the 2014 Toyota Tundra was set to hit dealers and the numbers aren’t good. Is the truck market cooling, bad marketing, lack of incentives or is the truck just not as competitive as Toyota thought? What’s your take?
Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, was all smiles at the 2014 Tundra reveal. Wonder if he is smiling now?
Toyota has released sales numbers for September 2013 and they sold just over 9,000 units. This was down 2.9 percent versus 2012 (9,071 – 2013 vs. 9,338 – 2012). Ford was up nearly 10 percent and Ram was up 8.4 percent. Now, GM was down as well, but we are hearing reports that GM is having supply issues getting their popular V-8 engine in the new trucks. What is going on?
For the record, year to date, the Tundra is still up 9.1 percent.
Why the Lackluster Sales?
Here is our theories:
- While yes the truck has been out for a month, we have heard some reports of dealers not having supply until early into the month. Also, consider there was 2 less “selling days” in September 2013 versus 2012 and that could have caused the drop.
- Marketing for the new truck just really got started a few weeks ago (mid to late September). While, fans of this site have known about the new truck, the general public hasn’t. It could be that the marketing was too late to help the September numbers.
- It could also be that Ram and Ford have been running lots of incentives to push their product. And actually, GM got killed a bit by this as well. GM plans to run more incentives according to an Autonews.com story. Wonder if Toyota will with their sales lagging?
- It could be the truck isn’t as appealing to current Tundra owners like Toyota thought. Most often when a new truck comes to the market, it energizes the fan base and creates “excitement” sales. However, this doesn’t seem to be what is happening. Reading this site, forums and talking with others, it can safely be concluded that the majority current owners aren’t interested in the new truck. Don’t misunderstand, there are current owners who have traded in, just not a lot to make a big sales difference. The reasons make sense. klgirls kuala lumpur No new power train, minor exterior updates and a take-it or leave-it interior upgrade.
- Is the truck market cooling? Some has suggested that overall car sales have cooled in September and the numbers just represent that cooling. Maybe. Yet how do you explain the fact that Ford and Ram continued to sell well and have increases?
With a slow start to the new Tundra sales, we are wondering what impact all the strong pre-orders have had like Sweers said. If pre-orders were so strong, shouldn’t they be showing up on paper. They didn’t in August with nearly the same sales that month versus 2012 (11,365 – 2013 vs. 11,347 – 2012). And those “strong” pre-orders didn’t show up in September either.
Toyota has put up a goal of 120,000 units for the 2014 Tundra. This equates to around 10,000 a month. A spokesman told us that they anticipate reaching that goal by adding more market share and with a hot truck market. They are currently sliding backwards.
What is your take? Do these sales numbers reflect poor decisions on the new Tundra? Is it too early to tell? Is something else going on?
Related Posts:
Filed Under: Tundra News
Toyota can target events, etc., but most of the buying public does not go to these events.
Second, the major changes to the truck are looks and feel only.
Third, no change in available features. For example, a couple of notable features that are NOT available are an eLocker and integated trailer brake controller.
Fourth, the marketing is whimpy. When the 2nd gen came out, the marketing had testosterone, now it doesn’t.
These are off the cuff observations. As TQ has pointed out in the past, there are times when Toyota drops the ball for no apparent reason. Here’s another case.
LJC,
I agree this seems to be one of those times when Toyota has dropped the ball. For me, to become relevant to consumers and the competition, they needed a strong opening for the Tundra. That hasn’t happened at all. This is not good.
-Tim
won’t happen plan and simple with only a 1K rebate is all. Give me a 3K rebate and will be looking into them.
Same as the chevy silverado crew cab 6 1/2′ like I desire that tundra doesn’t offer (very dumb). msrp is 43.2K can get down to tad below 40K with NO rebates. Well, doesn’t take a brain surgeon to decifer you can get a 2013 silverado crew cab (although not 6 1/2′ bed) for 10K cheaper with huge 5-6K in rebates. NO truck is worth 10K more from 2013 to 2014 model year being nearly identical.
My take on tundra besides lack of incentives/rebates is dealers are not going down to dealer invoice and holding off on discounting them like in years past since they only have a few on the lot is all per month vs. dozens.
Back in 2007 when first tundra came out, the ONE and ONLY time I paid 500 bucks above dealer invoice was then and never again. Yah, only had 4-5 tundra on lot, but really liked that dark green timberline mica color, really sharp near one of a kind not seen too much. Well, that new 2007 tundra had a ton of issues in first 16 months: severe rust thru paint in 2 tailgate and rocker panels, cracked belt, rusted chrome front/rear bumpers/lug nuts needing replaced, and inferior seat/track also needing replaced at 5K miles. Never again will I pay above dealer invoice for any vehicle and dealers are not doing that right now simple supply and demand and dealers thinking they have a huge winner on their plate when all it is is a rebadged exterior and interior is all.
Do I like the exterior and interior. yes and no both. Some things are better, some worse, I can take both or leave as is not a big deal to me. Give me a crewcab 6 1/2′ bed and I may talk about buying then.
Why ford and dodge selling? Simple: dealers are deeply discounting them both and selling at or below dealer invoice plus huge supply on dealers’ lots.
I’m not saying give me 4-5K in rebates on a tundra, but 1K only is a joke plus not selling at dealer invoice pricing unless pay hard ball like I do always.
Times are tough and every 100 bucks makes a difference.
Give it 6 months or more when there is a surplus of 2014 tundra’s on dealers’ lots with larger rebates, then they will sell. Just buying because you like the vehicle with all the new hoopla buzz words does not cut it for the general American people.
Then again, my idiot neighbor bought when first came out the new ford edge for well above dealer invoice at around 33K not even close to dealer invoice because he liked it and dealer told him we cannot go down any lower since in short supply and selling like hotcakes. I told him to give it a few months or more rebates will go up and price come down, but he is the few who would buy and not save 1,000’s.
The general public overall is not that dumb anymore.
It doesn’t take me much for a sale. I go in knowing within a few hundred bucks what I expect from my trade in, know what exactly I will pay for the new vehicle, say get me this truck or find it with no 500 dollar dealer trade, then sign purchase contract off I go. Should be that simple, but salesman like to B.S. me way too much.
Everytime they ask me about extended warranty I cut them off immediately and state 110% NOT interested at all so don’t waste my time. Some get the hint some do not. I leave the dealer if they don’t follow my wishes and go elsewhere.
Pretty happy I don’t sell vehicles to you. LOL!
-Tim
Why Tim? Because I know what I want and at what price and know the facts and figures before I go into a dealer? Isn’t that an educated consumer? Why waste hours when 30 minutes will do if they go the truck on their lot I want? I hate playing the numbers game especially since I know the price give or take a few hundred bucks.
I darn near walked out right before signing on our 2011 hyundai santa fe. The salesguy was quick and painless done in 15 minutes after test riding it. The F&I guy was a piece of work was in his office for over 1 1/2 hours and it was a cash deal no questions should have been asked sign a few papers and on my way easy deal. I was so pissed and grumpy I about told him to keep the darn vehicle.
I’m with Mickey on this one, the msrp has gone up every single year on new model year trucks about 1 grand per year. The msrp is getting insanely high don’t know about you but the msrp is way above now what I make per year and has been for some time not too many people’s paychecks go up 1K per year. Paid 32K for my 2012 DC SR5 tundra never ever thought it would be EVER over 30K.
Liked the article posted before on new 2014 chevy silverado’s priced too high of msrp and that is exactly the case at over 43K msrp for a mid-level 2014 chevy 1LT/2LT pkg. in crewcab 6 1/2′ bed. And to ONLY offer 1K in rebates is hard to swallow stil would cost me over 38K to purchase – way out of my comfort zone has to be around that 32-35K tops price range for me to even consider purchasing. Doubt that will happen unless chevy offers yet again 4-6K in rebates and that won’t be for awhile again.
All depends if chevy offers me the rebates I need to purchase or if tundra will later in 2014 guessing in the spring of 2014 I hope!
LOL! Just the way you word things. Not calling you out or anything.
-Tim
I’ve always found it odd the way the car industry works. There are not very many times in life that you dicker over a price of things. Can you imagine going to the grocery store and haggling over prices? Or the gas station?
Saturn figured out that people hate the B.S. Make a reasonable “this is it” price, and people will buy it.
According to Clark Howard, he says only go to a dealership twice. Once for a test drive, and once to pick up your vehicle. There’s probably something to be said for that.
I don’t know if this tactic is specific to Alaska, or they do it everywhere, but the up here there is always a sticker on vehicles with a heading “additional dealer markup.” WTF? It’s usually around $3,000 in addition to the MSRP.
I think that is part of the reason some dealers have moved to “no haggle” pricing. They try to work with your trade and/or credit score to get the deal done then arguing over price. I, personally, like it. There is just too many horror stories of consumers vs. “stealerships” for my liking.
-Tim
Tim,
I know you may have the ear of a Toyota Exec. from time to time… tell them to get serious with the redesign like they did with the 2007. The chrome on the front grille with the slanted headlights are a terrible combination…the Pontiac Aztec comes to mind when I think of botched design ideas coming to fruition. Redesign the rims (the Texas edition rims aka Wal-Mart hub-cap spinners *see link below*), grille, headlights, standard trailer brake controller and throw in some new power train options. Some changes are minor others not so much but it would be a huge improvement, along with a clever add campaign could be the game changer they wanted.
http://www.dub-nation.com/show.....gtg_12.jpg
T,
Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of the design, but Toyota execs like it. I really think that is because of that Calty design center. Frankly, if you look at their designs so far Tundra and Camry. They sure have some different design ideas if you ask me. My two cents is that I think Toyota should ditch them.
And yes, power train options, hell more OPTIONS altogether would be nice. I think they are working on it, but it is a capacity issue. Like I have said previously, keep an ear open for Toyota moving production around in the San Antonio plant. If they do it, it will be a game changer for the Tundra.
-Tim
Tim,
For some reason I can not respond to your response, but anyway… If the execs insist on using Calty Design Center the least they could do is talk to consumers and industry (not in the CA circle) and get feedback before rubber stamping a design. The new Camry looks better however it still lacks some boldness. The 2014 Tundra in my book should be called the T-150 given the Fordesk interior,exterior and tailgate stamp.
I give Nissan huge credit, 5.0 Titan diesel. Given how Nissan has a fraction of the sale even Toyota has at least Nissan is giving the Titan a strong rebirth unlike Toyota playing it a little to safe in some areas and Aztekesk in others.
But I will be interested to see what happens. Hopefully execs are having an epiphany given awful sales numbers and the lambasting of the design by both industry and the public.
T,
Agreed it is an interesting time for Toyota. They have changed this truck based on “customer feedback” and yet, there has been a mix of hate/like with regards to it.
This article I wrote spells out the styling changes pretty clearly (I think!). https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2014-toyota-tundra-exterior/
And I agree with the Nissan thought. I do give them credit for trying to something new to shake up the market. However, it might be a too late since the Ram EcoDiesel will be on the market well before Nissans.
-Tim
MK: Right there with you on the MSRP going up significantly each year, but this isn’t unique to Toyota, all manufacturers are doing it. I know manufactuers are hard pressed by the govt to install more and more safety features each year (couple years), which of course the R&D costs and parts for each vehicle are simply going to make vehicles more and more expensive. Like you talked about the Tundra MSRP going up roughly $1K a year, the F150 has seen similar increases. When I purchased my F150 in 2006, it listed at just over $37K. Looking at a nearly identical version on lots today, that same truck only a 2013 model has an MSRP of roughly $43K-$44K. Insane increase if you ask me.
Justin,
Manufactures bitch about this too. They get so frustrated at the amount of safety equipment that drives up cost when they are trying to lower cost. It isn’t just consumer bitching, it is manufactures too.
-Tim
As to your assertion: “Why ford and dodge selling? Simple: dealers are deeply discounting them both and selling at or below dealer invoice plus huge supply on dealers’ lots. ”
Ford has always sold more 1/2 tons in any given month for any given year than the Tundra, regardless of discounting. No difference here. Ford sells more EB3.5 F150s in a month than Tundra as a whole. Ford sells more 5.0L F150s in a month than Tundra as a whole.
And actually, the Ram is a much better truck (IMHO) than it used to be even just a few years ago. I once thought the Tundra to be a better truck than the Ram. But after recent upgrades to the Ram and very little being done to the Tundra over the years, the Ram has surpassed the Tundra.
Tim ever thought about people were afraid to commit because of maybe the govt might shutdown. This may make money tight since the economy will definitely take a hit. Now to today we see the economy take a hit on the shutdown. A good example is my wife and I both work for the govt and we both are working for IOU’s. Not sure if we are going to get paid next Friday. My daughter and son-in-law are in the same situation. This cutail me in buying anything for now. This isn’t the main reason why I haven’t bought a 2014 yet. I have several reservations in why I haven’t made the move. One is if the 8 speed tranny comes out in 2015 model I would prefer that vice the 6 speed. I don’t want to trade a 14 for a 15 in doing it for the tranny. The main reason is I have a limited 07 model which had every option wired for it. Now I have to get a platinum to be wired for every option. That’s a bigger increase in money for that. I don’t like the chrome on the front end and limited don’t come with color match. I don’t understand it since the rear bumper comes color matched. I do like the interior. I for now can’t see paying $45+ for a truck also. The prices are out of my comfort zone. I can pay the price but right now can’t justify it. Even if I get more than $12k for mine I’m still not comfortable in trading in. I’m sure I’m not the only one in this position. I went to 2 dealerships so far looking at them and the salesman aren’t interested in dropping the price at all. What gets me is they feel the same way on a 2013 model. Maybe wait till Xmas to see if they really want to get rid of them. Tim I seen a 2013 model that was over $50k totally ridiculous pricing. It’s bad enough 6 years ago my sticker was $40k. I will not do that again. The thing is this isn’t a Cadillac which the prices were close back then.
Mickey,
Good point about the stupid shutdown. And yes, I can see that holding people back from spending.
I do agree that pricing has gotten out of whack for a lot of consumers. I do wish Toyota and others would market a true middle of the road truck for the common joe. It just seems like everyone is trying to add luxury to a truck and that skyrockets the prices.
Hopefully, this ridiculous shutdown doesn’t last and you can get back pay for being furloughed (I hear there is a bill being debated).
-Tim
So the shutdown is the reason, got ya. But Ford still sold 60K units last month, Ram 28K and GM 46K. Yeah, I think the shutdown may have played an extremely small part into this, but think that’s grasping at straws.
Not quite Justin. I don’t like the reason I have a Limited which has all options and now I have to pay for a Platinum to get the same I have now. Yes the shutdown did stop me from buying a vehicle. I was planning on buying a Harley which I will wait till this is over to do or at least before Xmas. Yes I would like to get a new Tundra but when it was mention that the possibility of the 2015 model having an 8 speed tranny I’ll wait to see. I would prefer that. You know the past years I travel a lot. I prefer the truck vs the wife’s Prius. To small and it actually hurts my legs to drive that little thing. Yes gas was great traveling in that. paying less than 1/3 of what I spend for the truck always sounds good but I like comfort when I travel. Plus knowing the wife won’t drive much when we travel is another deal why I drive the truck. I haven’t even tried or test drove a Ram and probably won’t. I only had 1 Dodge in my life time and it was a 73 Charger SE fully loaded with a 400 big block. Now we can talk about gas guzzling. You can actually see that gas gauge move. I was never much on Dodge. I always was into Chevy’s. You also know my reasoning why I won’t buy a Ford or Chevy. It does limit what I can look for and it’s also why I’m going to buy a Harley Ultra Glide Limited in attitude black.
Also Justin I’m not saying that all shutdown employees are just interested in Toyota. Working at the sub base I do see a lot of Military driving the Tundra. Quite a few of us employees drive a Tundra. About the same as Ford drivers. Most of any spending not just vehicles but anything else is curtailed by this shutdown. This shutdown affects more than you think.
I think there are a couple reasons.
1. Not enough significant changes for current owners to run and buy the first one on the lot. I’m one of them
2. The dealers around here in Southern CO just don’t have many on the lot. My local dealer hasn’t had more than 3 on the lot and they were late getting them compared to other dealers across the nation. Limited supply means limited sales, people want options/packages that are not available yet.
3. Economy has definitely taken a downturn since the end of July, and with the shutdown, downward momentum looks to continue. Toyota has had really bad luck with their timing of new Tundra models (see 2007 release)
DJ,
Your right, Toyota has had terrible luck! It is interesting about the supply.
I just felt the need to write this story right now. It could change by the end of the year.
-Tim
Would have to agree with your #1 point as the major reason as to why the Tundra has seen lackluster sales so far.
I think DJ nailed it. Here in WV we’re seeing a serious economic downturn thanks to the squeeze the EPA has put on the coal industry here. Also, I have not seen but just a handful of new 2014’s on the lots so far. Not a good way to do business IMO. Finally, when I did have a chance to check out a 2014, I felt that there isn’t enough difference to justify the buy. My ’12 RW has been a champ and the ’14 off-road just didn’t impress me enough to make the trade.
Tim,
I think it’s points 1, 2, and 3 that you listed above.
The entire new vehicle market was down 4% in September. My local Toyota dealer only got one 2014 in stock and they didn’t get it until mid-September. Granted, I live in a small town so the local dealer isn’t high on Toyota’s list for allocations.
I’m just now seeing commercials for the new Tundra. When the gen-2 came out, Toyota had launch events at the local dealer with ride and drives.
At the end of the day, money talks. Pricing and discounts are usually near the top of customer’s priority list. Even GM just announced that they are add rebates to their new trucks.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.c.....ore-602353
Goldie,
I do wonder about inventory, we will just have to wait and see what the next few months look like to see if that is truly the case.
-Tim
Toyota has always taken a “soft sell” approach to marketing and that has been successful for them in the past. The problem is: potential truck buyers are unaware of Tundra’s strengths over the competition. The Toyota dealers have no knowledge about the truck market and adding insult to injury the Toyota salesmen might as well be scarecrows the way they run off customers. Add to that the demigods of the automotive press and 90% of what is published on the Tundra is pure fiction; it is no wonder the Tundra is not under consideration for most buyers. Perhaps the “soft sell” and “word of mouth” will eventually produce a significant increase in sales for Tundra, but in today’s market I doubt it. Toyota has an untapped gold mine sitting on the shelf, the 2014 Tundra. It would be “easy” to walk into any mid-size to large Toyota dealership and increase Tundra sales by a factor of five in eight weeks. Know your market; know your competition; know your product, now sell it. What are they waiting for? Yes even having another downturn in the economy, then I would be selling the SR5 like there is no tomorrow.
Toyota should start selling Tundras outside of North America. It’ll help generate profits and in turn, Toyota can allot more money in new innovations for this truck.
My 94 Toyota compact truck is an ugly duck and is good only for trips to the home improvement store. I want to buy a new full size truck. Even though I believe in Toytoa’s quality, I am not buying a Tundra unless it has a HD model with 3000 lb payload, a crew cab with 6.5 feet bed so I can put a truck camper on it. I am waiting for the 2015 new GMC Sierra, and will make a decision to buy it or go for the F-250. Toyota will loss this loyal customer unless the Tundra has a HD model in 2015.
Joe,
I’m hearing that they could have an HD in 2015. https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/toyota-tundra-hd-coming/
-Tim
The changes that Toyota made to the ’14 are mostly a disappointment and seem to have come from left field. The things that owners have been asking for didn’t get addressed at all other than the dash update. From my perspective the ’14 is less truck than my ’07 is.
@Justin: When the RAM can win JD Powers and Associates award for dependability 7 times in 8 years, I’ll believe your statement about RAM being better than the Tundra.
@Randy: I agree 100%. When one looks back at the ad campaign back in ’07, it looked to me that it was designed by engineers. Today, some of the ads for the Tundra are doing more harm than good.
@Justin: One more thing for the RAM, it needs to be safe too.
Our dealer finally got the first one on the lot last week. They can’t sell what they don’t have. I don’t what was the reason for slow distribution.
That is odd.
Like I said in the article, we will circle back to this topic next month when sales results come out. However, Toyota has laid a giant egg so far with their new truck.
-Tim
I suspect our dealer was storing the 2014s off site to try help move the 2013 models. We have one of the larger Toyota dealerships that I’ve seen.
The have close to 100 trucks in stock on the lot. (Tacos and Tundras.) I suppose it makes sense to trim some of that old inventory before setting out the new stuff.
Just a theory. I’m not sure why the slow roll out here?
I don’t get it either. Seems like Toyota has been ramping up production since mid-August which means you should have plenty.
-Tim
Well, I saw a 2014 commercial last night. It was about as exciting as watching red paint dry. It showed a shiney new Tundra driving on the road. I can’t even remember what the guy was saying.
How’bout telling the viewers that the Tundra won numerous awards, is the only J2807 compliant pickup in the universe, and that the Tundra has proven it’s a quality vehicle, durable and reliable.
LJC,
I’m with you. The competitors don’t mention Toyota at all in their commercials and Toyota doesn’t mention them in theirs. If Toyota wants to be a major player, they should challenge the other makers in their advertising.
-Tim
I’ll be the one to point out the elephant in the room – it’s probably because they built a fugly truck…. The look definitely hasn’t grown on me at all.
Hellamatic,
Just a question, have you seen it in person? I have heard opinions change when you see it in person.
-Tim
I did see it in person – I wandered on down to the local stealership on the weekend to take a peek. I find it just as fugly in person; I just can’t get over that ridiculous grille, and I really hate the Super-Duty-esque narcissistic “TUNDRA” stamped into the sheetmetal…I prefer a sleek debadged look, and that’s going to be a hard emblem to shave off….
Thanks for responding, I was just taking an informal survey. And yes, debadging is going to be really difficult with the stamped look. Did you read my “what they were thinking” piece. Might shed some light on it for you.
https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2014-toyota-tundra-exterior/
-Tim
Own a 2010 Tundra Crewmax 5.7 V8 Not enough new to convince me to trade yet. Fuel tank still at 26 gallons and new powertrains remain as is. No advantage to me yet. Need a 32 gal tank for towing travel trailer
I was told a larger gas tank is coming. However, we have been told that before. It is simply a capacity issue at the Texas plant. When, they get more capacity, I hear they will be able to offer more options like a larger tank.
-Tim
Tim remember Toyota wasn’t planning on selling much this year with the mix of 13 and 14 models. If I’m not right 107k. Next year a 30% increase to 137k.
Mickey,
They told me in Jackson Hole, they wanted 120k. When I asked, it was both 2013/2014 and was based on increased sales from hot market and increased market share.
All in all, they are going backwards.
-Tim
Maybe I’m in the minority. I like the 2014 over the 07-13 design. I like a more squared off look. I hated the Ford F-150 for a few years when it got a curved wimpy look.
By the way “T from Phoenix” the original name of the Tundra was the T-150. Ford went nuts and threatened law suit claiming Toyota was stealing the 150 name. The name was quickly switched to Tundra.
It’s simple. People are paying attention to the whole market. They are waiting or the dust to settle.
When a few vehicles come out of the pipeline close to or at the same time, the public sits back and waits to see who has the best truck. During this wait, perhaps they’ve realized the Tundra hasn’t done anything to the heart of it’s truck: The power train. A few years ago, GM came out with an upgraded Duramax and its Allison trans. But they didn’t touch the exterior and interior design as they were in the midst of a financial rebuilding process. But the truck sold because it got better albeit, without a re-skin.
Today that truck (1500) has been revamped inside and out with a good DI engine and buyers can not only assume the 2500 will get the same skin, but it might be refreshed as well.
People are waiting for the Nissan’s diesel to come out and the new, lighter Ford F-150. This makes sense as the Tundra is not scoring well amid the pack as it is.
The Tundra, like Lexus’ LS 400, was a great first strike, but Toyota should know this segment is competitive and it should at least have brought a new engine and 8spd to market.
This is not to say I don’t like the new redesign. I like it and It’s growing on me but the market is what it is.
I think it was the engine/trans. To me, it’s still the best truck out there.
Its UGLY, especially the front end.
I can live without a new powertrain but what is INexcusable are the little things that they took away from current owners and options they omitted which we have begged for. I LOVE my tundra and the new one only gives me cosmetics. But even that is poor because I have no door handle grab, no removable drink holders, no second glove box, no reclining seat, no larger bed in the CM, no upgrade to the rear seat vents (they suck! and have for 7years!!), no more overhead storage, no larger gas tank, no improved mpg, and a few others. So for me who loves my truck and owns the title why would I go 40K into debt when the new truck gives me ZERO advantage/benefit to my current 08??
Toyota had a chance to hit another homerun like they did in 07 but now they passed the baton to Nissan. Toyota will have 5yrs of piss poor sales due to this 2014 mistake (but its still a great truck, just not better than anything else on the market)
I thought the 07 truck design was OK, but the new design does not turn me off – it just doesn’t anything for me. Now, I am a Toyota loyalist: 2000 Avalon XLS which refuses to die and still runs great (with factory shocks and struts in good shape, 162,500 miles), and a 2012 Avalon Limited with all the options. I love my Toyota dealer – the service department is absolutely excellent and has saved me a lot of money – even their tire and battery prices are extremely competitive.
I have my eye on a tow vehicle and it is between the Ford F250 Super duty diesel and the Tundra. I can afford whatever I want to buy but I am not willing to throw money away, which I did with my last Chrysler and GM products – lousy dependability. Had a Nissan Titan that had a design fault which caused the rear axle seals to leak and need replacement at 68K miles. Truck was babied and meticulously maintained. Dealer service gave me only $100 off an almost $700 dollar job (Google pre-2008 Titan rear axle seal failures.
I am through with undependable vehicles. I will buy a 4×4 Tundra, at least a limited if not a platinum or 1794 edition, based mainly upon utility and proven dependability. I am too old (64) to buy a truck with uncomfortable seats, as well. I have been told by other owners in my area that the Tundra seats are extremely comfortable. Yes, I would like to see better gas mileage, but the proven dependability of the present, very adequate powertrain and other components is very difficult for me to argue with. I like the service my 2000 Avalon has given me.
Even so, I will not buy without a serious discount, more than $1000 dollars, and a very good financing arrangement, even though I will put down at least 30%. Give me a reasonable deal and Tundra has me.
Man, u a real piece of work, your that guy that walks into a dealership with a chip on your shoulder. Take a deep breathe and try kindness while being stern with what you want next time you go to a dealer, u sound like a miserable s.o.b. Life is to short and believe it or not you don’t have all the answers, stop being a hard headed know it all. You get a lot more bees with honey than u do using vinegar. Life is to short u.
we have been lookin for a truck and are leaning toward the toyota tundra. Fords are Great but have a rust history thats unbelievable, Chevy trucks sit to low, rust problems, the motors seem ok. A truck needs the body off the ground, a great towing package, a frame that will hold up, a strong transmission, and an undercoating that will truly prevent the body and frame from rusting away. Go look at used trucks to see how a new one will hold up. Ford, chevy, and dodge you find them everywhere with many problelems. Try to find a used Tundra, we cant , and I take this as they must be so dependable and rust free people keep them.Fancy stuff not needed just want dependable truck
I believe toyota is making an imprtant mistake calling the truck “Tundra” to many the name sounds russian-siberian and the connotations with that are not good, to others “Tundra” just does not sound American. I just do not like saying I own something called Tundra. not even a jack hammer.
Toyota should choose another name. I would suggest Rodeo, Rover, Montana, Puma, Hercules, Max are better than Tundra.