Project: Metric Mule

[Kaan]

I spent time in a brand-new Tundra earlier this year. You'd be certified stupid to spend money on a brand new Tundra when you currently own the same truck. The only difference is the tweaked interior and revised rear suspension design that makes it more comfortable unloaded. Just update/maintain the one you have if you want to stick with Toyota.

SO... a 200k mile Tundra is still pulling $10k (yes even my SR5)… which would go a long way toward a newer, less used, Tundra/ecoboost/3500 dodge. I DO NOT BUY NEW... someone else can take the depreciation hit for me, thanks.

My current truck is a set it and forget it. I'm not sure there is another truck out there that matches it for reliability. but at 200k, towing enclosed, id rather get a newer one to minimize potential risk. Sure the "newer" everything out tows it... but they all take more X, Y, or Z from what i can find.

My truck doesn't just tow the race car... It hauls wood, furniture, home renovation supplies, etc. every weekend. I'm not the guy that pulls up to Lowes with a trailer and wont let them load anything in my truck (i see it all the time)… if i'm pulling a trailer the truck bed is loaded already.

I'm away from home 14ish hours a day. I put a premium on turning the key and going. I have to maximize my Saturdays and Sundays and having my truck down is not an option I like to think about. I know the Tundra is likely to become less reliable at 200k-ish... how much is undetermined. That's why i'm planning to "upgrade" in a couple of years.

I borrowed Derens truck (f150 5.0) to make a parts store run... the Fords are WAY nicer than my older Tundra. I get it... But he has a lift and a place to work on his... wheel bearings, hubs, ball joints, etc.

Again, my Tundra has taken oil, tires, rear brake pads, 100k mile service, and light bulbs in the last 105k miles (i probably just jinxed myself). I live 1.5 miles off a real paved road... with massive pot holes at times... I wont drive a truck that has known ball joint issues (see older Dodge trucks). Whatever truck i get has to take abuse... leaving my neighborhood is more abuse than most trucks see in NOVA all day.

getting the Fit has changed my outlook a little. we would be okay having the truck down for a week or so... but that's only opened the door to heavier duty trucks like the 3500. I've looked at the ecoboosts mostly for the low price. I really like the 3500 because easier towing and more bed space (with an extended cab). if i did end up in a mopar 3500 i'd take into account some bullet prood balljoints from day 1.