The Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty truck known for its power and capability. But does Toyota offer a comparable truck? This article examines a personal experience comparing a Toyota Tundra to a Ford F-250, offering insights into reliability and potential issues with both brands. While not a direct comparison to the F-350, it highlights differences between Toyota and Ford trucks.
Tundra vs. F-250: A Personal Comparison
A recent trade-in of a 2018 Toyota Tundra for a 2019 Ford F-250 King Ranch with a 6.7L diesel engine prompted this comparison. The decision wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction with the Tundra, but rather an appealing deal on the F-250. This comparison focuses on the first 4,500 miles with the Ford compared to the 28,000 miles with the Tundra.
Toyota Tundra Issues:
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TSS Sensor Recall: A recall for the TSS (Toyota Safety Sense) sensor required two trips to the dealership. The first visit was unsuccessful as the recall service wasn’t performed.
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AC Clicking Noise: A persistent clicking noise behind the AC unit remained unresolved.
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Aftermarket Radio Issues: An aftermarket Tesla-style radio installation resulted in microphone problems during calls, creating a daily frustration. This issue isn’t attributed to Toyota but highlights potential challenges with modifications.
Ford F-250 Issues:
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Windshield Smudge: A persistent smudge on the windshield remains, awaiting assessment during the upcoming first oil change.
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Tailgate Recall: A recall to address water leakage triggering the tailgate release mechanism. Reportedly, the fix involves applying duct tape to the wiring.
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Headlight/Running Light Recall: A recall for excessively bright headlights requires an adjustment.
Initial Observations
This comparison provides a snapshot of early ownership experiences. The Tundra had minor issues, primarily a recall and an unexplained noise. The F-250 also faced recalls, including a potentially concerning tailgate issue. Long-term reliability and performance will require further evaluation. Future updates will provide additional insights into the F-250 ownership experience. While this comparison doesn’t directly address the Ford F-350, it offers a glimpse into potential differences between Toyota and Ford trucks in terms of initial quality and potential issues. For consumers considering a heavy-duty truck, factors like reliability, performance, and potential maintenance should be carefully weighed.
