[spinal tap]

Hi all,

I know, I know, not another one of these. Apologies for such a "forward" initial post. I had a Tacoma, it was great but we started a family and we needed something bigger. I moved on to a Titan which was also great but it was totaled. I've been in the market for a new full size truck for a couple months. When I bought my Titan, the new Tundra wasn't out yet and the pricing on the Titan was really attractive. After I bought my truck I haven't really paid attention to the market and would peruse through car/truck magazines in various waiting rooms. I'd always thought the Tundra was tops. So my search was just for which features and options and finding the best price.

Well, I was surprised to read in Edmunds and other industry rags that the the full size pick up market, the domestics are all rated ahead of the Tundra.

In searching for a Tundra, the best price I've been quoted for CM 4x4, tow, SR5 is about $36-37K.

While a F150 XLT 5L v8 4x4 that is similarly equipped (some cases a few more features) is $29-30K before any negotiations..etc.

I plan to use the truck as a daily driver with trips to the mountains in the winter. We have a 5,600lbs travel trailer that we use no more than 4 times/year.

I'm sure there are a few of the members here that were in my shoes and decided to get one over the other. As of now, the numbers, features, and interior layout have the Ford ahead. The v8 doesn't have the problems of their 3.5L eco boost.

Maybe I'll get some insight that I haven't thought of.

Thanks,
Nate

 

[EVOL ARDNUT]

5.7 with tow package will get it done.
4x4 crewmax with above can be had for around 33-34.

 

[mchooch]

You will be much happier with a Tundra. I drive an F150, and sometimes an F250 for work and have my Tundy, 5.7 with tow package 4x4 SR5 TRD DC, in my garage. The F150 is the XL model. The Tundra ride is superior in comfort and handling and power against both the 150 and 250. The Ford rides terribly. I am always uncomfortable and bouncing around offroad, not so with the Tundra. The Fords are dogs when pulling a trailer. We pull ATV's 2 wide or a couple sleds. I don't know about the EcoBoost, but I can speak from my own experience that the Fords I've driven developed problems inside, out , and leaked oil after roughly 86k and 105k. Granted my Tundra is only a couple years old and has 22k on it, it is the best truck I've had and I've driven lots of Fords for the work I do. I hate getting in the Fords as I'm not nearly as comfortable in them as I am in my Tundra.

 

[chphilo]

Let see, even so many years after they were introduced, Tundra's brakes are still larger, tranny bigger, engine more powerful and the whole truck more reliable. Get a Ford and support the livelihood of mechanics everywhere. They gotta make a living too.

 

[Rockporter]

If I were spinal tap, I'd join a Ford Forum and ask the exact same question.

 

[prime81]

It all depends on the package of the Tundra or f150 as far as ride is concerned. Drive a limited, sr5, then either the sr5 or limited with the TRD package and you'll see differences. The same goes for the f150, fx4 pkg F150 rides completely different than a platinum or regular 4x4 due to shock changes.

The Ecoboost has had issues, but it was redesigned for 2013 and the issues are resolved. I myself just ordered a 2013 fx4 ecoboost.

The f150 electric steering is alot nicer and smoother than the Tundra, the ride is fairly close but the f150 still gets the nod as far as being smoother. Tundra feels more responsive and has a tighter turning radius.

My only complaint with my Tundra is the gas mileage, I didn't buy the truck for high mileage but the 5.7l is not a sipper by any means. Pulling my 4500lb tracker bass boat I get 11mpg at best in the Tundra. My previous f150 ecoboost I had got 13-14mpg pulling the same boat, but that was before the motor started having issues.

The f150 has the option to be built EXACTLY like you want it if you order it, it also has the option of a 36 gallon fuel tank which is nice compared to the 26 gallon tank on the Tundra. To put the gas tank into perspective, the Tundra I have to fill it up while out by the lake as it takes roughly half a tank to get there. The f150 I was able to make the entire trip on one tank and still had around 1/4 tank leftover.

I love my Tundra and they are very reliable, but my family has also owned Ford's for generations so I've seen reliability from the Ford camp as well. In the end it's your money pick what you like and go for it.

 

[spinal tap]

If I were spinal tap, I'd join a Ford Forum and ask the exact same question.

I did. I hope to get some useful responses.

 

[postban]

Just made they same choice. I get z-plan employee price for Ford and GM too. Went with Tundra CM Rock Warrior and could not be happier. Owned three F-150s prior to this. Size of the back seat will make it easier on the family.

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[spinal tap]

5.7 with tow package will get it done.
4x4 crewmax with above can be had for around 33-34.

I have not seen those prices here in Northern California.

 

[spinal tap]

Size of the back seat will make it easier on the family.

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That's one of the biggest advantages of the Tundra. The kids would probably be more comfortable being able to recline.

 

[postban]

That's one of the biggest advantages of the Tundra. The kids would probably be more comfortable being able to recline.

ITS HUUUUUUGE!!!

 

[billwhe]

I was also on the fence between the same two trucks. I bounced back and fourth between this forum and the F150 forum. Obviously, each respective forum loved THEIR truck better.

But one forum post made a great suggestion... go between the two forums and see how many complaints you find about that forum's truck. While no vehicle is perfect, and you can certainly find some Tundra issues reported here, but go over to the F150 forum and complaints are 10 fold vs. the Tundra. Engine, transmission, you name it.

As a previous owner of a Ford Expedition and Explorer, all the problem posts on the Ford forum hit home. It seems I could never go more than 6 months without dragging those vehicles in the shop for one repair or another. The Explorer had the radiator replaced 3 times (didn't think radiators were a new experimental technology, but what do I know.) The Expedition had spark plugs blow out... which I've read is inevitable on certain models.

Bottom line is... I don't trust Ford anymore. While their truck might have more features and look better on paper, the real question is, "how long can you keep it on the road?"

I'm a proud owner of a new 2013 Tundra CM Limited and couldn't be happier. Only time will tell if it will be more reliable than my other Fords, but from everything I've read here, I think the answer will be a resounding yes.

Best of luck,
Bill

 

[hypa]

Bottom line is... I don't trust Ford anymore. While their truck might have more features and look better on paper, the real question is, "how long can you keep it on the road?"

Agreed 100%.
Ford is a great lease vehicle, as long as you give it back after the best years are behind it. Same goes for Dodge. The new Ram sure is good looking, but in three years it's going to need $2500 worth of front end work.

That said, my Tundra needed brakes after 45,000 miles. Sure, I'm not easy on the truck, but that's just horrible.

 

[planomateo]

What do you expect people on a Tundra forum to say, get the F-150....

Buy the Tundra

 

[supton]

Which would you buy used?

I was ok buying mine used. Maybe I'm drinking the Toyota koolaid, but worried a lot less buying mine used. And saving a few bucks in the process.

 

[flippindrew]

I posted this once in response to the same question so I'll post it again since I see it as useful.

I was rear ended in my Tundra a little over a year ago. When I went to get a rental I told them I drive a full size truck so I want a full sized truck as a rental. They gave me a similarly equipped F-150. 5.0L crew cab 4x4.

Upon leaving the place with the truck I needed to do a u-turn to get back on the road. I literally almost wrecked doing the u-turn because the turning radius SUCKS!!!

So, on to everything else. The interior is fine I guess, definitely like the Tundra's interior better with the full between the seats console, cup holders etc. I will give the Ford credit on the ride, probably rode a little smoother.

No to what matters.... POWER. I bought my truck for one purpose alone - towing my bass boat to tournaments all across the south eastern US. The Ford's (I know the new Ecopoop is supposed to be better) 5.0L just sucked, does not even compare to the power and LOW END TORQUE of the 5.7L. And yes I also know that the Ecopoops are rated to have more torque than the Tundra as well.

Beyond that the Tundra has MUCH bigger brakes. Sure lots of trucks can tow 6k lbs but how many can stop it...... EFFECTIVELY?

Gas mileage, I could care less I bought it for towing, nothing is gonna get great mileage with 6k lbs behind it.

Durability... 63k on mine 1/3 of it towing still going strong. Nuff said.

 

[prime81]

The biggest plus Ford has is you can customize the truck. Cab, engine, 4x4 or 4x2, interior features, and of course the rearend. I test drove a 5.0l with a 3.55 rear end and man that thing was wayyy slower than my Tundra, but alot of that is the rear end being the Tundra has a 4.3. The ecoboost with a 3.73 rear end is very similar to the Tundra with 4.3 rear as far as kick in the buttometer is concerned.

You will be hard pressed to find a max tow pkg with 3.73 rear end f150 and will likely have to order it. But ya never know.

 

[10 ga Bob]

The f150 has the option to be built EXACTLY like you want it if you order it,

Not true, at least when I was facing the same F150 vs Tundra decision. For example, to get tow mirrors on the F150, I had to get the EccoBoost engine and the max trailer tow package plus one other package which I can't remember).
My last two trucks were F150s. I got tired of replacing lots of stuff (mostly electronics between 90 and 100K. My last F150 was in for warranty work seven times. My Tundra has yet to see a dealer after 15 months. I get over 19 mpg in my regular driving which, granted, is mostly highway but I'm happy with that. I was a little afraid of the F150 forum posts about guys having to install an oil catch canister in the 5.0's.
I also drove a F150 and a Tundra within an hour of each other. No comparison, the Tundra was a far superior ride!

 

[Sparkland]

I would probably wait for the 2014 Tundra to arrive. Some nice features like the fold up rear seat and a little nicer dash configuration.

 

[RLA]

There was a lawsuit filed by F-150 owners over the Eco-boost engine. It was in the news today. Manufacturers are trying to get their fleets mpg average up and one way, small engines. And people are trying to pull ridiculous loads with those small engines. It has happened before. There is no substitute for cubic inches.