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2000 Toyota TundraToyota re-releases its full size pick-up with the introduction of the new Tundra. The Tundra, larger and stronger than the T100, is...
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Toyota re-releases its full size pick-up with the introduction of the new Tundra. The Tundra, larger and stronger than the T100, is available with an optional V8 engine that boasts the first L.E.V. (low emission vehicle) rating by the EPA in the segment. Both 2WD and 4WD are available in either a Regular Cab or an Access Cab, with dual side access panels. The high-end Limited model features color-keyed bumpers, fender flares and outside mirrors, as well as power windows and door locks. Optional equipment includes four-wheel ABS, daytime running lights and a Limited Leather Trim Package. 4WD models offer an optional Off-Road Package, which includes off-road suspension, heavy-duty shock absorbers and BF Goodrich tires with aluminum alloy wheels.
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61 Reviews from Epinions.com
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2000 Toyota Tundra
I USED TO BE a GM and Ford Flat-Rate Mechanic in a dual Dealership. I diagnosed and repaired driveability complaints, engine and transmission problems, electronic circuits and everything else in between...
I wanted a new full-size truck, but just couldn't bring myself to buy one. I really hated the thought of finding 20 or 30 defects on my first day of ownership.
But way back in '77 I had purchased a new Toyota SR5 long bed. I loved working on cars and motorcycles, and the Toyota was better built and had more well-thought out features than the domestics. After 80,000 miles I had never taken the truck back to the dealer for any reason, but I totaled it out on a hairpin curve. From that moment on- for 22 years, I almost forgot what QUALITY was all about. I had many cars and trucks.. Fords, Chevys, Dodges and more. But in the back of my mind was that memory of how the Toyota remained rattle-free, maintainance-free and quiet-- OOH how QUIET it was.
When I first read about the Toyota T100 around '93 or so, I thought how good a truck it must have been ..I also had a small business of my own-- Installing Home Satellite systems- and was ALMOST ready to buy a newer truck than my '81 Ford 150.
In August of '99 I test-drove a Tundra V8, and also in August of '99 my employer was really jerked because I bought that Tundra--ooh well-He couldn't sell me a Ford or GMC that even comes close- and I believe I may be qualified to say that!!.
I'm not going to give you leg heights, headroom heights or any of that top-rated reviewer bullcrap!! I'm not going to compare vehicle lengh to X brand or Y brand cause I or you really don't care do we? We just want the best for our hard-earned money and I think the Tundra is it.
I challenge anybody to go test-drive a Tundra and just compare it to another truck.. and not admit it is better than the others.
I still get elated every time I get in the truck! It is so much better than the PATHETIC competition.
From a technical standpoint, well, open the hood..crawl underneath! Everything is out in the open and very well designed. Very thoughtful for not only the assembly line but the OWNERS AND MECHANICS! Toyota engineers must talk to each other at lunch!! Domestic carmakers must only go to bars and chase wild women!! Who cares after my job is done? Who cares about ease of maintenance?
From a driving standpoint- It is like a slot car on rails- it has great smooth acceleration. The ride quality and comfort and features-- I could go on and on.. but won't.
It's up to you to take the challenge- just go drive a Tundra- ANY TUNDRA...but be forewarned-- Take your checkbook! Toyota does things the way they should be done.
SECOND UPDATE!!! 10,900 miles and 8 months later....
The Tundra has remained absolutely quiet and rattle-free except for a small back door rattle that wouldn't even be heard in a domestic truck, since they have VERY LARGE rattles. HAHAHA Actually, the rattle has subsided on it's own, since I sprayed silicone spray onto all the door weatherstripping..
Gas mileage has increased from 16 to almost 19 on a trip-- better than expected!!! ...you can't have everything--the truck accelerates from 0-60 faster than any other base V8 and you WILL play with this truck whenever you see a GM, Ford, or Dodge...mileage will vary !!!!!
Rear visibility could be better, but the trucks stance is pretty high and lowering it would be a compromise.
The suspension will soak up large bumps without quivering, and on an off-road jaunt it showed its stuff with almost a foot of travel in the rear suspension!!
I've changed oil 3 times around 3000-3500 miles apart and the oil wasn't even beginning to show signs of getting dirty--- that means TIGHT TOLERENCES in the ring/cylinder area and good combustion efficiency!! The oil is hard to check 'cause it stays clean so long!! And it holds SEVEN quarts!! Does that tell you anything?? It tells me that they didn't slouch in the oil capacity instead of just making the engine fit the body, they made the body fit the engine!! There are a BUNCH of grease fittings on the driveshaft slip-joints and u-joints, something domestic carmakers have long since forgotten, huh?--too cheep i guess?
All in all, this Truck still makes us grin ear-to-ear whenever we're in it or even look at it!!
And yes, Ford, Chevy, and Dodge owners still look the other way and try to ignore me when I pull alongside them---- it's called "Buyer's Remorse."
UPDATE # 3 15,000 miles
The oil still stays clean between changes and the motor has loosened up even better!! The truck really comes alive at 3500 rpm!! Let her rip and hold on!! Low end torque is good too-I hauled 43 bundles of shingles (2500lbs) and the truck squatted down in the rear, leveling it out but not sagging!! You could tell there was something on there, but powerwise, NO PROBLEM!! I wish there had been a Ford around...
Unfortunately I have found a problem on the Tundra. and it is a common concern. The paint. The paint seems to chip easily. It chips where it should not chip. On the roof. On the tailgate.
I've heard that manufacturers are under the gun with new emissions standards and paint technologies have created new problems. I've heard other people complain about paint on Gms and Fords and others. Please, Toyota, address my complaint and truly make it the best truck!
Other than that, even if my Tundra goes naked with no paint, I think it's still better!!! I welcome any comments and/or questions. If I've not supplied you with enough ammunition to go truck hunting, then just ask me!!
UPDATE # FOUR, 58,000 miles..
The oil stays clean between changes, I replaced all 4 tires at 52,000 miles and replaced the front brake pads and resurfaced the slightly warped rotors..that is all.. still NO interior rattles or squeeks..
The paint problem seems to have halted with the passing of time..not sure why..I did ask my wife if she was "following too closely.."...
The engine is strong and pulls without any loss even while towing a loaded 3500# 12 foot trailer. I installed a U-haul hitch and use it for hauling stuff all the time.. tows GREAT!!
A concern with some Tundra owners is cold-engine ticking, but I feel that it is inherently common in the Toyota engines with overhead cam design since there are no hydraulic lifters..this engine is high-performance and there WILL be some noise until warmup. Some owners report noise lasting a minute or so, other do not hear it although I believe all have the noise. I've stated to other Tundra owners with the same ticking.. "I'd rather have a ticking Tundra than a quiet Ford.." until next update at a million miles.. see ya.. any questions or comments VERY welcome..
UPDATE # FIVE.. One-Hundred-Twelve THOUSAND miles..
I've replaced the front brakes once, one universal joint, tires are the third set..that is it.. PERIOD.. not even any light bulbs are bad!!!
The paint problem has subsided, almost like the paint wasn't fully cured or something???, and the engine ticking is still there to be sure.. solid lifters and hypothermic pistons take a few minutes to close up their clearances remember???
Also, a minor accident.. the Tundra was found resting..are you ready???
ON IT'S ROOF LAST WINTER..
my wife called and had lost control on black ice..no one hurt but
In testimony of the Toyota's engineering, we rolled the truck back on it's wheels using a team of Amish work horses, put in some oil that had leaked out the overflow, drove it home, called the insurance adjuster and found the truck only had $5000 damage..it drove quite nicely and all the doors still worked flawlessly, but all the body panels on the right-hand side had to be replaced, along with a portion of the roof panel. In comparison, some domestic trucks have almost $3000 damage in that 5 mph bumper test remember ? hahahahaha it sucks to be Ford.
There are still NO RATTLES ( even tho the truck had plowed a ditch, flipped over end for end and landed on the side/roof!!!) the oil stays CLEAN between oil changes of 3000-5000 miles, and yes, I still grin whenever I press that gas pedal and see that tach hit 3500 RPM where the powerband kicks in and the rear tires break loose..
I've hauled anything from an 800 pound PIG to a load of gravel and find the "half-ton" rating to be VERY conservative.
I've towed a trailer and load weighing over 5000 pounds and while it is not a Diesel, it fits my bill quite nicely. Next year, we will be a TWO TUNDRA family.. I'm just not sure who will get the new one!!!
until next time.. go test drive a Toyota!!
ONE-HUNDRED TWELVE THOUSAND GRINNING MILES..UPDATE NUMBER FIVE!!!!!!!!
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Pros: ooh so comfortable-V8 goes like rocket-tranny shifts FIRM like it should
Cons: 17 MPG, everyone wants to race to find out what they already suspect.. it's fast!
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The Bottom Line:
Don't be scared...take a test drive ok..It's made in USA by US workers and contains as many US parts than other trucks too.. make your own decision..
I USED TO BE a GM and Ford Flat-Rate Mechanic in a dual Dealership. I diagnosed and repaired driveability complaints, engine and transmission problems, electronic circuits and everything else in between...
I wanted a new full-size truck, but just couldn't bring myself to buy one. I really hated the thought of finding 20 or 30 defects on my first day of ownership.
But way back in '77 I had purchased a new Toyota SR5 long bed. I loved working on cars and motorcycles, and the Toyota was better built and had more well-thought out features than the domestics. After 80,000 miles I had never taken the truck back to the dealer for any reason, but I totaled it out on a hairpin curve. From that moment on- for 22 years, I almost forgot what QUALITY was all about. I had many cars and trucks.. Fords, Chevys, Dodges and more. But in the back of my mind was that memory of how the Toyota remained rattle-free, maintainance-free and quiet-- OOH how QUIET it was.
When I first read about the Toyota T100 around '93 or so, I thought how good a truck it must have been ..I also had a small business of my own-- Installing Home Satellite systems- and was ALMOST ready to buy a newer truck than my '81 Ford 150.
In August of '99 I test-drove a Tundra V8, and also in August of '99 my employer was really jerked because I bought that Tundra--ooh well-He couldn't sell me a Ford or GMC that even comes close- and I believe I may be qualified to say that!!.
I'm not going to give you leg heights, headroom heights or any of that top-rated reviewer bullcrap!! I'm not going to compare vehicle lengh to X brand or Y brand cause I or you really don't care do we? We just want the best for our hard-earned money and I think the Tundra is it.
I challenge anybody to go test-drive a Tundra and just compare it to another truck.. and not admit it is better than the others.
I still get elated every time I get in the truck! It is so much better than the PATHETIC competition.
From a technical standpoint, well, open the hood..crawl underneath! Everything is out in the open and very well designed. Very thoughtful for not only the assembly line but the OWNERS AND MECHANICS! Toyota engineers must talk to each other at lunch!! Domestic carmakers must only go to bars and chase wild women!! Who cares after my job is done? Who cares about ease of maintenance?
From a driving standpoint- It is like a slot car on rails- it has great smooth acceleration. The ride quality and comfort and features-- I could go on and on.. but won't.
It's up to you to take the challenge- just go drive a Tundra- ANY TUNDRA...but be forewarned-- Take your checkbook! Toyota does things the way they should be done.
SECOND UPDATE!!! 10,900 miles and 8 months later....
The Tundra has remained absolutely quiet and rattle-free except for a small back door rattle that wouldn't even be heard in a domestic truck, since they have VERY LARGE rattles. HAHAHA Actually, the rattle has subsided on it's own, since I sprayed silicone spray onto all the door weatherstripping..
Gas mileage has increased from 16 to almost 19 on a trip-- better than expected!!! ...you can't have everything--the truck accelerates from 0-60 faster than any other base V8 and you WILL play with this truck whenever you see a GM, Ford, or Dodge...mileage will vary !!!!!
Rear visibility could be better, but the trucks stance is pretty high and lowering it would be a compromise.
The suspension will soak up large bumps without quivering, and on an off-road jaunt it showed its stuff with almost a foot of travel in the rear suspension!!
I've changed oil 3 times around 3000-3500 miles apart and the oil wasn't even beginning to show signs of getting dirty--- that means TIGHT TOLERENCES in the ring/cylinder area and good combustion efficiency!! The oil is hard to check 'cause it stays clean so long!! And it holds SEVEN quarts!! Does that tell you anything?? It tells me that they didn't slouch in the oil capacity instead of just making the engine fit the body, they made the body fit the engine!! There are a BUNCH of grease fittings on the driveshaft slip-joints and u-joints, something domestic carmakers have long since forgotten, huh?--too cheep i guess?
All in all, this Truck still makes us grin ear-to-ear whenever we're in it or even look at it!!
And yes, Ford, Chevy, and Dodge owners still look the other way and try to ignore me when I pull alongside them---- it's called "Buyer's Remorse."
UPDATE # 3 15,000 miles
The oil still stays clean between changes and the motor has loosened up even better!! The truck really comes alive at 3500 rpm!! Let her rip and hold on!! Low end torque is good too-I hauled 43 bundles of shingles (2500lbs) and the truck squatted down in the rear, leveling it out but not sagging!! You could tell there was something on there, but powerwise, NO PROBLEM!! I wish there had been a Ford around...
Unfortunately I have found a problem on the Tundra. and it is a common concern. The paint. The paint seems to chip easily. It chips where it should not chip. On the roof. On the tailgate.
I've heard that manufacturers are under the gun with new emissions standards and paint technologies have created new problems. I've heard other people complain about paint on Gms and Fords and others. Please, Toyota, address my complaint and truly make it the best truck!
Other than that, even if my Tundra goes naked with no paint, I think it's still better!!! I welcome any comments and/or questions. If I've not supplied you with enough ammunition to go truck hunting, then just ask me!!
UPDATE # FOUR, 58,000 miles..
The oil stays clean between changes, I replaced all 4 tires at 52,000 miles and replaced the front brake pads and resurfaced the slightly warped rotors..that is all.. still NO interior rattles or squeeks..
The paint problem seems to have halted with the passing of time..not sure why..I did ask my wife if she was "following too closely.."...
The engine is strong and pulls without any loss even while towing a loaded 3500# 12 foot trailer. I installed a U-haul hitch and use it for hauling stuff all the time.. tows GREAT!!
A concern with some Tundra owners is cold-engine ticking, but I feel that it is inherently common in the Toyota engines with overhead cam design since there are no hydraulic lifters..this engine is high-performance and there WILL be some noise until warmup. Some owners report noise lasting a minute or so, other do not hear it although I believe all have the noise. I've stated to other Tundra owners with the same ticking.. "I'd rather have a ticking Tundra than a quiet Ford.." until next update at a million miles.. see ya.. any questions or comments VERY welcome..
UPDATE # FIVE.. One-Hundred-Twelve THOUSAND miles..
I've replaced the front brakes once, one universal joint, tires are the third set..that is it.. PERIOD.. not even any light bulbs are bad!!!
The paint problem has subsided, almost like the paint wasn't fully cured or something???, and the engine ticking is still there to be sure.. solid lifters and hypothermic pistons take a few minutes to close up their clearances remember???
Also, a minor accident.. the Tundra was found resting..are you ready???
ON IT'S ROOF LAST WINTER..
my wife called and had lost control on black ice..no one hurt but
In testimony of the Toyota's engineering, we rolled the truck back on it's wheels using a team of Amish work horses, put in some oil that had leaked out the overflow, drove it home, called the insurance adjuster and found the truck only had $5000 damage..it drove quite nicely and all the doors still worked flawlessly, but all the body panels on the right-hand side had to be replaced, along with a portion of the roof panel. In comparison, some domestic trucks have almost $3000 damage in that 5 mph bumper test remember ? hahahahaha it sucks to be Ford.
There are still NO RATTLES ( even tho the truck had plowed a ditch, flipped over end for end and landed on the side/roof!!!) the oil stays CLEAN between oil changes of 3000-5000 miles, and yes, I still grin whenever I press that gas pedal and see that tach hit 3500 RPM where the powerband kicks in and the rear tires break loose..
I've hauled anything from an 800 pound PIG to a load of gravel and find the "half-ton" rating to be VERY conservative.
I've towed a trailer and load weighing over 5000 pounds and while it is not a Diesel, it fits my bill quite nicely. Next year, we will be a TWO TUNDRA family.. I'm just not sure who will get the new one!!!
until next time.. go test drive a Toyota!!
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