Used 2004 Toyota Tundra Consumer Reviews
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Just an amazing, basic truck
I have the base model with the standard cab, rubber floorboards, and manual transmission - and it is awesome. What a novel thing these days to have something that is so well built. It's old school, so it has a firm ride and no frills. But it always works. The beauty is in it's simplicity. That said, it's difficult to shift smoothly (I'd get the automatic), the gas mileage is poor, and it's pretty big for maneuvering around town. Along with the firm ride, those characteristics make it a bit rough as a daily driver. It's more of a perfect second or spare vehicle. The 6-cylinder's acceleration is adequate (with the manual transmission anyway), but I'd get the V-8, as there doesn't seem to be much of a trade off. At 94K, mine has needed an oxygen sensor replacement (pricey), and a timing belt service, though the latter is part of routine maintenance. If you read up on these trucks you can pretty much drive them until the wheels fall off, and the values hold up very well. UPDATE 11/29/16: Dead-on reliable. Storing things behind the seat is a bit annoying, as items like clothing can easily get caught on the lever you use to tilt the seat forward. A little loud and uncomfortable on trips longer than an hour or two. Still love the truck, but if I had it to do over again I'd get the V8 and the automatic transmission. Shifting in this gets old pretty quickly. UPDATE 5/29/17: 107K. Rock solid. UPDATE 5/30/18: I finally had to get another daily driver. Eventually the truck just gets too rough, especially when driving frequently in a major city - shifting in stop-and-go traffic, having to park in tight spaces, the truck's rough ride over poorly paved streets and roads. So the Tundra has been relegated to backup duty. Still no problems whatsoever with the vehicle itself though. Update 11/30/19: 118K miles and not a single repair issue, or squeak or rattle in the interior, which looks the same as the day I bought the truck.
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Turns out, I’m a Toyota guy!
12/21/20 Update; I recently learned something about myself.....I'm an idiot!! I was driving by a car dealership and spotted a really nice looking 4x4 and I bought it. I am now the proud owner of a Dodge Ram 4x4 Megacab with the 5.7 Hemi and I sold my Tundra because it was just sitting in my driveway collecting dust. The good news is, I got $6500 for it with 200 thousand ++ miles on it. Thought I did pretty good there. The bad news is....I sold my Tundra. I am already having mechanical problems with it. Not to mention the numerous recalls. And although I do like that Hemi motor, I didn't realize the 5.7 stands for the mpg you get...on a good day...down hill....etc! I'm headed to the Toyota dealer this weekend to see what I can do to get into a new Tundra. Wish me luck!!! I’ve always been a Chevy guy and at heart I still am. But, this Tundra is a great truck. Wish I had the 5.7l instead of the 4.7 but the 4.7 is still more than what I expected! Bought this truck used about 7 years ago. Longest I’ve ever owned a daily driver / work truck. I have had absolutely zero problems with it! Even the normal wear and tear maintenance on it is extremely minimal. I see other reviews here that mention lack of towing/ pulling power. I respectfully disagree! Specs say it pulls a max of 4700 to 5000....I pull a 6000lb+ travel trailer with very little effort. You can definitely feel it back there, but even with the 4.7l, it’s not struggling!! I was looking into getting a newer truck recently, but I believe I’m going to invest the money into this Tundra and do some custom work to it. If you have the opportunity to buy it....buy it!!! The $$$ you’ll save on maintenance and repairs will help it pay for itself..........sorry, Chevy! Keep in touch.
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Excellent truck!
This has been a great truck for all around use (family, hauling, towing). Owned a Ford prior and there is no comparison - the Tundra is far superior quality, design and workmanship.
The Good, The Bad and The Thirsty
I should preface with this by saying I'm a car nut and scare people with my knowledge of cars and trucks. I looked at all of the full size pickups before deciding on the Tundra. It hasn't let me down but I'm getting tired of the $70 fill ups. The concept for the all new Tundra is a little scary. If you want a Tundra and can afford the gas get one now! FYI- the Double Cab has more headroom than the other Tundras. I had a 97 F150 and this thing blows it away. You can't beat Toyota trucks for resale either. I practically had to give my F150 away and I was glad to see it go.
Number 1
This is the best vehicle I've ever had... No contest. Too bad they didn't continue making these. Zero mechanical problems and exterior finish still like new. Rides and drives like a car.