2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7

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.

9th Sep 2013, 08:11

Why not buy a strong 3/4 ton F Series or Silverado, not offered by Toyota? A large, strong 4x4. Look at the power and frame construction, and get back to us. We have a # in our company that perform great every day.

2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7 V8

Summary:

One of the best trucks on the road

Faults:

Water pump leak at 110000.

Radio issues.

Driver's seat stitching worn.

General Comments:

I have the regular cab 6 1/2 ft. box with the 5.7 V8. Not many of this model on the road.

It's a serious performer. Handles well in all weathers. It's a little slick in the rain as the gas pedal is very touchy.

The dealership and Toyota have been top notch. They fixed the water pump free, even though the warranty was expired. There was evidence of weeping coolant, caught at the dealer oil change. There was a recall to have the frame undercoated, completed by the dealer and it looks good. There is also an extended warranty given for the air pump (10 year/240K), although I have never had an issue.

Gas mileage is an average of about 14L/100kms. On par for a full size truck. Runs well on regular 87 octane.

I have put 40K since I purchased it. I've been very happy with my Tundra so far.

The paint quality is poor; shows scratches very easily (red). Probably the most disappointing part of this truck.

This is a great truck; it feels very solid on the road. I highly recommend truck buyers to check it out. Made in Texas, and the fit and finish is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2013