I had an 08 Tundra for almost 12 years and replaced it with a 2021 Tundra. I bought the 21 because I liked my 08 so much I wanted the newest version of the same truck. I plan to keep my 21 as long or longer than my 08.
Most of the major issues have been mentioned. That said, my 08 didn't have water pump failure, cam tower leaks, valley pan leaks. The issues it had were the air pump system, which was covered by Toyota by the voluntary extended warranty. I think it was done when the truck was about 6 or 8 years old, but never had the issue again when it was sold at 15 years old. If it came up again, I was going to install a bypass. I had to replace rear wheel bearings (two on the rear axle, which is obviously different from Sequoia), a front wheel bearing and brake calipers (not unsual in my area due to the extreme salt use). Brake life and performance isn't class leading, only adequate.
Fuel economy isn't the best, but not as bad as people make out. Mine averaged 17.1 MPG lifetime, mostly commuter miles. They take a big hit in cold weather until they get fully warmed up and I find the 5.7 a bit cold blooded in cold weather (we see 30 below most winters)
Transmissions are rock solid, but a bit firmer shifting than some of the US brand trucks. I changed the fluid on my 08 once, but it was due for a second change when I sold it. I did not experience any hunting or bad shift algorithm with either of my Tundras. I suspect this was an issue with the 4.6L and it's lack of torque. Cruise works great on both my Tundras too, I use it all the time. The kickdown is willing and it is great for two lane passing. My Tundra will downshift on bigger hills, but nothing abnormal for a V8 powered truck. I find modern V8 trucks, regardless of brand, all tend to downshift more than the turbo six powered trucks.
Overall, Tundras are very mechanically solid trucks, with no significant issues, other than rust. That is why I bought another one in heartbeat and have rust proof the heck out of it. As long as you are okay with the dated platform and less efficient powetrain, a Sequoia should be a good buy.
Most of the major issues have been mentioned. That said, my 08 didn't have water pump failure, cam tower leaks, valley pan leaks. The issues it had were the air pump system, which was covered by Toyota by the voluntary extended warranty. I think it was done when the truck was about 6 or 8 years old, but never had the issue again when it was sold at 15 years old. If it came up again, I was going to install a bypass. I had to replace rear wheel bearings (two on the rear axle, which is obviously different from Sequoia), a front wheel bearing and brake calipers (not unsual in my area due to the extreme salt use). Brake life and performance isn't class leading, only adequate.
Fuel economy isn't the best, but not as bad as people make out. Mine averaged 17.1 MPG lifetime, mostly commuter miles. They take a big hit in cold weather until they get fully warmed up and I find the 5.7 a bit cold blooded in cold weather (we see 30 below most winters)
Transmissions are rock solid, but a bit firmer shifting than some of the US brand trucks. I changed the fluid on my 08 once, but it was due for a second change when I sold it. I did not experience any hunting or bad shift algorithm with either of my Tundras. I suspect this was an issue with the 4.6L and it's lack of torque. Cruise works great on both my Tundras too, I use it all the time. The kickdown is willing and it is great for two lane passing. My Tundra will downshift on bigger hills, but nothing abnormal for a V8 powered truck. I find modern V8 trucks, regardless of brand, all tend to downshift more than the turbo six powered trucks.
Overall, Tundras are very mechanically solid trucks, with no significant issues, other than rust. That is why I bought another one in heartbeat and have rust proof the heck out of it. As long as you are okay with the dated platform and less efficient powetrain, a Sequoia should be a good buy.
