2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7 from North America
Summary:
Would make a great garbage truck; once you get to the dump, you wouldn't even need to unload it
Faults:
Radio 3 times within the first year. No functions worked and Japanese writing was displayed.
Front differential was replaced at 50,000 km.
Both front drive shafts replaced at 50,000 km.
Gas pedal about 70 or 80,000km. Recall was performed, and now the gas pedal is unbelievably sensitive.
Transmission started to slip around 60,000 km. This, combined with the sensitive gas pedal, is an amazing combination.
Wheel bearing about at 50 or 60,000 km.
Chrome started rusting at about 100,000 km (3 years).
General Comments:
Cheap construction. The fit and finish are not what I am used to in a Toyota. It is similar to an American vehicle.
It does however have a ton of power, is very comfortable, drives well, and looks good.
I have the 4x4, it has low ground clearance compared to comparable trucks (Ford, GM).
Weak tail gate. Bent it the second or third day I owned the truck while unloading a snowmobile. Something I did on my 2002 Tacoma hundreds of time, no problem.
After owning the vehicle for some time now, I have realize that I have bought an American vehicle with Toyota stamped on it. It is designed by North Americans for North Americans, and built by North Americans, just like a Ford. The parts are made in Mexico and the truck is only assembled in the US.
The dealer service was also terrible. I live 2.5 hours from the dealer. When I had the radio issue, I had to take the car to the dealer, leave it for the day so they could "experience the problem". Then they would send me home while they ordered a new radio. And then another 2.5 hours drive each way and leave my truck for the day to have the radio changed. This happened 2 more times. Each time they had to "experience the problem", and refused to order a new radio before I arrived. They also scratched and chipped the bezel around the radio.
As for the slipping transmission, the dealer test drove the vehicle and said there was no problem. I asked to speak to the tech. The tech was actually a guy that use to live in my area. He was a backyard mechanic who never went to school and was a self proclaimed VW expert. My only prior experience was when my girlfriend took her car to him to get the exhaust fixed. He said some wires were in the wrong spot so he switched them. The car never ran again. We asked him what wires he switched and he refused to tell us. He said that is how it should be, and that is not the problem.
I could go on for days about this vehicle and the service, but you get the gist of it.
Not happy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 8th September, 2013
9th Sep 2013, 06:37
Should have bought a Tacoma, or an American truck. Heard a lot of bad reviews about the Tundra; seems like it still needs some quality control issues worked out.