I still like my Tundra, although I'm starting to think about moving on (full sized trucks have the bed too high IMO). There's a few things to research before going down that route (mostly focusing on gen2 years):
-gen1 is pre-2007 while gen2 is 2007 through 2014 (I think). Gen 3 is called gen2.5 by some as it was nothing more than sheetmetal and interior mods
-4.7's are timing belt motors, and I believe most are interference
-4.6's and 5.7's got six speed autos, and better mpg than 4.7, at least unloaded
-but that six speed is "sealed" and a bit of a pain to change fluids on
-air injection pumps have been pricey and are known to put the truck into limp mode. That said, blockoff plates exist. Look up AIP blockoff etc
-I think 2010 brought out steering racks which are failure prone? moreso if lifted
-water pumps for some reason have been problematic on a number of Toyota models
-rust! Gen2's don't seem to be known for it, but it's a Toyota, you know it will rust
-cruise control sucks and is known to hunt
-Personally I wouldn't touch a 4.6 if it didn't have the tow package. Tow package brought deeper final drive ratio and IMO the truck really needs the gears from the 5.7. [5.7's were all tow package equipped.]
-I've had a rear caliper sieze up and apparently it's a bit of an issue. Maybe only in salt states, maybe it's only at high miles, but there's that.
-speaking of which, another reason I've thought about moving on is parts availability. When that caliper went I needed it replaced that day, and had to drive 50 miles to find a place with one. [which was faulty but that's what you get at Autozone.]
-engine oil change is a pain; have to remove 5 bolts to get the front skidplate off (if you're a skinny guy then no lift is required). The oil drain doesn't require this but to get to the oil filter, the skidplate has to come off. I've heard of guys taking a hole saw to the thing to "fix" the problem. Also, the oil filter housing is plastic, and requires a socket to remove. Some guys buy the housing for the 3.5L Highlander and swap in; I think you have to swap the spring and the perforated tube in the middle (look on the forums, I don't recall the details). I bought one and keep on the shelf, just in case.
-lastly, I don't bother with the oil cannister pre-drain bit; I just remove it all at once. [If this is unfamiliar then hit up youtube.]
-one last thought: if you go Tundra, go 5.7. The 4.6 really doesn't do better on mpg, and it has less power. But if you find a 4.6 it likely will do what you want--just make sure to pay less than for a 5.7. Not sure I'd touch a 4.0L V6 for any reason...
