2000 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Extended Cab SR5 4.7 Litre from North America

Summary:

Totally Unacceptable!!!

Faults:

I was the first one to purchase a Toyota Tundra in our town, because I worked for the dealership and ordered one as soon as I found out they were going to be released. I had previously owned a Toyota Tacoma and had approx. 160,000 miles on it with no problems and it was not babied in any way. I also own an older Camry and have had no real problems with it. Actually my only complaint with the Tacoma was not enough horsepower, so I was very excited when I learned Toyota was coming out with a V-8 engine.

I have used this Tundra somewhat like a 3/4 ton, so I have expected some problems. I had rack and pinion problems at 110,000 and had to rebuild it a couple of times. I have also had some paint issues on the lower door panels. However my main complaint has been the rear differential.

I started having a leak at 90,000 miles, and I replaced the bearings and seals twice as I did not realize the seal ring had to be pressed on a certain distance. Then the ring and pinion went out at 110,000 miles, and I ordered all the parts to put everything back together at a cost of over $1000.00 only to find the differential carrier worn on the inside after I had already installed the carrier bearings.

When I contacted the parts department at a local Toyota dealership again to order the carrier, I was informed that I could purchase a drop-in assembly for $825.00. I asked them why they did not inform me of this information to start with and they just blew it off by saying, I did not ask.

So now I have spent over $1800.00 in parts and guess what? My rear differential is still leaking. I have pulled it down and had a friend of mine make new axle seal rings, which did help until the vehicle had 130,000 miles on it. I have now spent about $2700.00 in the rear differential with new axle brgs. again, and of course each time you tear it down the brakes are soaked, so you have to replace the rear brake shoes.

Needless to say I'm very disappointed. The power is really great on the truck, but the way Toyota designed the rear differential is a joke. I was one of Toyota's strongest advocates, so much so, that I was the number 1 salesman for Toyota in the state of Colorado in the year 2000. Now I'm in the market for a new vehicle again, and I was very interested in the new Tundra, but obviously I have to get the one I now own fixed before I can trade it in, and I have to tell you folks, this experience (which is not over yet), has probably been a deal killer for a long time Toyota customer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2008

15th Nov 2008, 17:09

Consider yourself very lucky to have gotten to 90,000 miles before your troubles began. I don't know anyone who has bought a Tundra that went that far without major problems. I also don't know anyone who has bought a SECOND Tundra. They always go back to the more solid and reliable Silverados or F-150's after being burned by Toyota. Once the brakes, steering, engine, transmissions and differentials start falling apart, all of a sudden domestics start to look much better.

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2000 Toyota Tundra TRD from North America

Summary:

Good car with a bad brake system

Faults:

The brakes; I live in a city where there are lots of streets with hills, and stops in the middle of the hill.

Every two months I have to adjust the brakes on the truck.

My mechanic told me to change the whole brake system; I am inclined to buy a racing brand brake system, but it's a lot money to put in a car that was supposed to be the best truck of the year.

Is there a recall?

General Comments:

The motor of this car has balls... it runs pretty fast and soft.

It's comfortable to drive.

It's very uncomfortable to "make out" inside the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th February, 2008

17th Feb 2008, 18:11

Thought this was a "truck" not a car. A car is not the same thing as a truck. Or at least, that last time I knew it wasn't.

6th Mar 2008, 15:49

It's easy to confuse Japanese trucks with cars. Only domestic manufacturers build true "TRUCKS". Look at the Honda Ridgeline. Calling it a TRUCK is a real stretch.

The Tundra looks much more like a truck, but the frame members and mechanicals are still too inadequate to qualify as a real truck. Of course the Nissan Disaster... Er... TITAN is now on most "vehicles to avoid list", so it hardly deserves mention.

I suspect the Tundra will also end up on such lists, and hopefully Honda will stop calling its Ridgeline, which is an SUV, a TRUCK.

22nd Mar 2008, 21:10

Well, whatever you care to call a Honda or a Toyota, it's still a much higher quality vehicle than any GM, Ford, or Dodge. Sorry. That's just how it is.

23rd Mar 2008, 06:31

Sorry but the new full size domestics (GM Silverado Ford F Series) are better mechanically and have a superior warranty, ride, handling, people carrying capacity, load and better towing capability. That's the way it is.

I drove a new Tundra and a new Silverado and based my buying decision on the best function and twice the warranty. And the ride being much better.

The sales statistics also show far more sold as well. Full size truck owners do their homework... it's not just shopping for mpg or saving the most at the gas pump.

If you own a full size pickup, you want to be able to fully utilize its capability, otherwise a little economy hatchback will do and tie the trunk deck down.

14th Apr 2008, 22:51

Actually, I think the full size Chevy and Ford trucks get better mileage than the V-8 Tundra. Not to mention not requiring visits to the service department on a weekly basis.