First of all, don't beat me.. I Searched!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I've been on here a couple times looking for info on T100s but never in a position to buy. Now I'm in a position to buy (stuck with a motorcycle as my only means of transportation right now actually), but I can include Tundras in the mix. I can probably answer a few of these questions myself by actually getting in the trucks but if I can narrow them down online that'll help me simplify my searching.

Anyway ~ the vehicle is going to be used in Alaska (bought in GA and driven to Seattle where it'll be shipped further north). Roads are 99% dirt washboard, off-road is marshy till you hit the permafrost. Winter is mild, but 4x4 is needed occasionally to get going (some snow, but nothing TO aweful deep). The area is FLAT, flat... flat so crawling isn't the primary goal. Fuel economy (such that it is with 4x4 trucks) does have some importance, no need for towing or any real heavy-duty work (though all my posessions will be packed in the bed while driven cross-country).

Anyway, I'm limited to about $15k to buy the truck and get it fully checked out/reliable which will buy my any T100 or 2000 Tundras with ~100k miles (either will need to be an Extended cab, 4x4 ~ hopefully with cruise and cloth interior). Based on this info, would one or the other be a Much better choice or ar they about equal? Does one have more driver leg/head room (I'm 6'4") ~ or will I be equally cramped/comfortable in both?

I'm going to try and get out to a dealer to drive a Tundra this weekend (likely one I won't spend the money on, but they don't need to know that). I'm going to start looking for a 4x4 T100 to drive aswell.... but there's nothing like getting some advise from a forum dedicated to the 2 trucks.

Thanks in advance!

I would personally go with a T100. Also talk to adam he lives in AK.

I'd second that... You'll get a little more bang for your buck going with a T, simply because it'll be a couple years older. That combined with the joy in knowing you'll be yet another member of the red-headed bastard stepchild club (no offense to carrot tops) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Where are you moving? I can't picture what place really matches that geography (and I've been end to end of this state)...for instance, permafrost puts you nowhere you're likely to have a mild winter.

We drove a 96 T up from MA a few years ago. It fit as much as we could pack, and we shipped the rest. Boxes on the two trucks are roughly the same size. The V6 is plenty of power if you don't plan to tow and gets moderately better mileage than the V8. Can't say I've driven a Tundra, but I suspect you'd have plenty of head/leg room in either. The Xcab in the Tundra does look a bit roomier, and the 3rd door is a nice feature.

If you want something to 4x once you get here, I'd go T100. If you think you're going to get into towing toys around anytime soon, then probably a Tundra, although the 3.4 will tow a couple atvs or sleds without trouble.

Also, 15k probably would net you a T100 in better shape than a Tundra for the same money. Figure a T worth that much probably has (should have) recently maintained steering, brakes, tires and so forth whereas with a 15k Tundra, you're paying more for it's youth and moderate to no maintenance thus far in its life.

I test drove a Tundra and..........,I FORGOT I was in the Tundra and thought I was in my T100(same interior color) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />. That's how close these 2 trucks are. There was much less storage space in the Tundra extracab, it's more set-up for passengers back there. For me, I thought the rear seat takes up way too much room (I got the extracab so I can carry more junk, not people) The seat is not flat like the T and it'd be a real pain to keep things level on the seat and when folded up it took up too much room (my dog would need to stand on the seat,not on the floor). They are both great trucks but I am biased and I say get a T100. You can always supercharge it (got mine, will be in this summer) AND SAS <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />They are the BEST!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Bethel, AK. Look due west from Anchorage, about 400 miles and you'll bump into Bethel. Fiance (wife when we get there) has a pharmacy job in the hospital out there. Anyway, I'm just going off info I've read on a few different websites about Bethel and permafrost/marsh land in the summer. I guess I'll have a better feel for the place near the end of February after a week-long site visit.

I *may* want to tow something like an open 5x8 trailer with a couple dirtbikes, atv or 2, sleds... not sure what I'm taking up there yet (depends on how much that adds to barging it up there). But since I've towed as much with a 4-banger Honda car, the Toyota shouldn't have a problem.

I'm very happy to hear the leaning towards T100s... I can buy a substantially Better vehicle by going that way, which leaves more for making sure everything is settled and maybe some extras (like manual hubs, for the drive out). As for it being the red headed step-child.. I drove a Porsche 944 Turbo before this, and that car is the exact same in the Porsche world (front engine, water-cooled ~ completely ignored by the factory).

Guess I ought to keep my eyes open for a good T100 now ~ anyone know of any? I'm free to travel anywhere in the lower 48 to buy and have cash. No hurry though, our Explorer does what we need for now. Any worries of mileage over 150k? (this has GOT to be a silly question, I imagine with moderate care they should see well over 200k).

Thanks for all the quick replies!!

I don't think you will have to worry about a high mileage T100 for 15k. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I been considering both vehicles you are , from what I have come up with in test reports on and off road, etc, I would go the T100. There is a T100 on ebay on current auction: 2454938319 is the auction number. Might want to give it a look. I have to wait maybe another yr to buy one myself. But I would go the 98 yr model as well if you can get one, due to some recalls, etc., on previous yr models.

Well, the point is to spend less than that (means I'll get to actually pay off my fiances engagement ring sometime this decade). I'd think that if $8k gets me a 97/98 SR5 (for my cruise ~ I have an arthritic knee when driving for long distances) with 150k miles, then $11~12k will find me the same truck with under 100k miles. All things equal, I don't mind more miles so long as it's got at least 50k miles left in her. And I sorta want to find one that Needs shocks, will need tires in 10~15k and has a shell... and I get to be picky.

Oh, I know Bethel alright. That was actually my first guess; the permafrost/mild winters threw me off. And it's more than 1% paved. My condolences.

No, but seriously...my condolences. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Last time I was out there was a T100 for sale...been a year or so however. ATVs will be what you want for any amount of off road, unless you modify the holy hell out of a street rig. You won't need to tow atvs or sleds either; just fire 'em up in the driveway and go. You may even want to think about dumping less into a daily driver and putting some of that 15k toward a boat.

And truly, Bethel's not all that bad; it's just...well, you'll see...Bethel. I gotta say I'm pretty damned happy to get back there myself after being somewhere another step off for a week. Dimitri's makes a pretty fine pizza.

As far as your mileage question, see the spedometer thread of pretty recently. 150k is just getting broken in.

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