Hi-

I own a '99 Mazda B3000 (Ford Ranger) and am needing a larger truck. The Tundra fits all of my needs, but I'm wondering if it's the right move.

Here are my needs:

I need to fit 2 kids and me frequently.

3 kids, two adults occasionally.

I need the 4x4 for 20+ ski trips and summer exporing in the Sierra with my kids and a load of gear.

I commute 45 miles a day RT.

My dad has a Tundra he wants to sell me (he LOVES it and would love to keep it 'in the family'). I have 100k on the Mazda and my dad has 135k (mostly freeway) on the Tundra.

So I can sell mine for 6,500 or so and he's going to sell me his for KBB trade in value and I won't have to pay transfer tax.

So as Tundra owners, could you give your thoughts? My main concern is that since I put 25k a year on a truck, how long will this truck last me?

I bought a 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser and put 150K on it before I sold it. The engine and drivetrain is flawless. The 4.7 liter V8 was developed for Lexus (I had it in my 1991 Lexus LS400). Your dad's Tundra will easily do 250K plus without any issues. I'm not a car dealer but I do trade up to three cars a year. Out of all the makes I purchase and sell, Toyota, Lexus, and Honda have been the best. My Land Rovers, Fords, Olds, and for that matter, the RX-7 was problematic.

You can't go wrong with Tundra. I have four children all under 11 years old. The back seats are a bit upright for adults but the kids have a good time. I had an Auiovox ceiuling mounted TV put into it and I don't hear a peep no matter how long the trip.

Tundras are the best "almost" full size trucks out there. In my business I have a fleet of F-150's that have my employees drive. The resail is horrible and there are several recall and service issues. The F-150 is a good truck but when it came to owning one, I bought a Tundra despite the fact that the Ford fleet manager offered me a F-150 Lariat at dealer net. That should tell you something.

The powertrain seem durable on the Tundra. Mine only has 38k with only brake problems (from day one, but it seems to be okay now). Kids fit easily, but anyone over 5 feet tall won't be terrible happy to sit back there. A back seat mod can be done to make it more comfortable.

It seems like the best choice would to see if he will loan you the truck for a few days to see how you like it.

Back seat mod (about a third way down the page):
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499&highlight=rear+seat+mod%2A