What do you think of a Tundra CrewCab for a Real Estate Agent?

Question

I really like this truck but as a Real Estate Agent I don't know if people would think it's to low brow. I'm not into driving Mercedes or BMW to show how successful I am but I don't want this truck to hurt my image the other way. The truck seats 5 very confortably. Any Opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone so far, I like your response. I like it and i hope it'll be a pleasant change from the usual SUV look out there. I drove sedans for over 18 years just need a change

Hey Ethol I hear you Loud and clear. I have a pontiac grand prix sitting outside my house right now totally shot. The transmission went for the second time since the summer. I did alot of research and Toyota seems to come up top. Me and my family have always been a Chevy lovers. But Listen I'm not pulling up in a mercedes with a I've got it all attitude. The truck drove like nothing else and the resale should be really great if it stay consistent with toyota line up. I am all for the big 3 but their problems didn't just come up over night with local trators, it's been over 20 years of their financial problems piling up. You have to be thankful that people have been loyal. And I'll be honest your point makes sense but I'll end with this if I can't properly service my clients (16years) they would have gone somewhere else long ago. Loyalty only can go so far.

Hey guys, between the two of you. It seems the one thing you agree on is don't pay more for a tundra. I read the recall stuff and it scares me. The most fustrating thing about this whole process is you can't seem to get consistent info. Ethol you say that the ford is the best but then he says it's problamatic. I'm just going for best value for the buck. Edmunds rated it 6th best residual value out of all suv and pickups. Come on the buck is what counts. Real people are putting real money on that. Honestley at the car show I liked the interior of the lincoln Mark but didn't look further into it. My number one fear is not being able to sell of have value in the vehicle. Did you know that if I Lease (48Months) 4Runner I can drive it for 19 months and give back to them with no questions asked no penalty and possibly get money back.(they couldn't guarantee that with the tundra because it's a new model and it's hard to see how it's going to do.

Answer 1

I have a 2005 Tundra Double cab and looking to upgrade to the crew max. the crewmax has better gas mileage then the double cab. they come with lifetime warranties, where i live anyway. they are an 8 cylinder 5.8 with i believe 381 horse. I would personally say, GO FOR IT. it is only me and my 2 big dogs so i need the room. do yourself a favor, before buying one, rent one or one like mine for a weekend before strapping yourself for 30-40,000$$, if you get into a 2005 or 2006 to rent, the crewmax will be much larger. back windows even are electric and roll down. I personally think you are making a wise decision. they also hold their value at trade in

Answer 2

Some customers of your may be offended by pulling up in a Japanese truck. I am with Ethol. Ford makes a great truck,
and has been the sales leader for 30 years in a row.
The high line of the F series is very attractive to look at,
not a beer can truck, but well appointed city cruiser, that
can fit 4 to go to dinner, or haul a boat or camper. At least give Ford a chance, go look at one and drive it.

Answer 3

I could say it'll be the primary three months or so that may be relatively difficult. You will have to be equipped to have a minimum of a last or two in that point. Then from there on in in case you paintings tough you'll make an best income in it. Remember the aspect time retailers, and the lazy retailers are those ravenous proper now on the grounds that the marketplace is down. The ones who bust their butts, and nonetheless hustle tough every day are creating a killing. Its all on your individual paintings ethics, and your force. Remember you are going to no longer have a chairman nagging you to visit paintings daily, so its handy to allow the times slip away. Work tough, keep targeted, and also you will have to do OK. You shouldn't have any obstacle hitting 6 figures after your first 12 months.(and a minimum of 50k in that 12 months.) I in my view have a few problems with this, however I paintings an natural of 40hrs every week, and I make 6 figures always. Even in down markets. If you're employed tough the hours you installed you are going to see outcome. Average dwelling in my discipline is round 250k. Now if you're in an discipline wherein they're 600k it'll be less complicated to make enormous cash, and if the natural is 100k it'll be tougher. Bottom line is in case you deal with it like a industry, and no longer a slacker you'll earn cash RE Agent, Remax

Answer 4

First of all, read all of this http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgThSNdzlMYgM7ZmCIpNdRbty6IX?qid=20070301210328AAn8E5d
Ethol, I agree with you on buying American, especially when American is BETTER. However, Ford has the #1 selling truck so there are more on the road anyway, and 250,000 miles is nothing. There is a Dodge Ram with 1 million miles on it, which only a handful of cars have done including SAAB (a GM) and Volvo (pre-Ford). The Silverado is the Motor Trend Truck of the Year, and NACTOY Truck of the Year. The Silverado obviously beat the Tundra for a reason. I personally like the GMC Sierra better than the Silverado, because of its nicer exterior. You really need to look at the competition. Here is one of the best reviews http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12502/2007-chevrolet-silverado-vs-2007-dodge-ram-vs-2007-ford-f-150-vs-2007-nissan-titan-vs-2007-toyota-tundra.html
Lets see:
#1: the American Silverado
#2: Japanese Nissan Titan
#3: Toyota Tundra
#4: Dodge Ram
#5: Ford F-150, Ethol, your wrong about Ford. My Dads F-250 is extremly problamatic, and the newer ones are recalled for spitting flames out the tailpipes, and nothing has been done about the exploding Triton V8's. The Silverado, combined with its twin the Sierra outsell the Ford F-series lineup.

The Avalanche is my favorite truck, and probably the best for you because of its 2007 complete rebuild, It has the interior of the Silverado and Tahoe/Suburban (Thats a good thing), and the exterior styling of the SUV's (another good thing), while having the functionality of both. Since you probably have lots of money, you could buy the Escalade that is like the Avalanche, but a whole step up in luxury. I still prefer the Avalanche because of its handsome looks. Here is an Avalanch review: http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroadtests/11609/2007-chevrolet-avalanche-lt.html

Answer 5

A truck for a realtor, well that depends upon the nature of your clientele. If you're primarily selling tract homes, a truck may not hurt you. If you're into homes in the 200K plus range, you may want to protect yoru image. The car doesnt have to be a BMW or a Merc, just a good roomy sedan to mopve your clients about.

Answer 6

I think it would be great. It gets good gas mileage compared to an SUV, it's comfortable, and can go places cars can't. I'm sure everyone has to do a showing that's a long way off the beaten path. Just consider those with special needs and medical conditions. I don't know where you live, but a lot of the agents in southern South Carolina either drive crew cab pickups or gas guzzling SUV's.

Answer 7

I'm with 'justcurious'.
I can understand your desire for a CrewCab, but you might want to rethink the brand.
Support the economy of the country in which you do your business in.
When it comes to trucks, Americans are pretty adamant about it. Americans buy domestic brand trucks 20 to 1 vs foreign.
The #1 selling vehicle in North America is Ford F-series pick up & #2 is Chevy Silverado.

Think about your demographics, & read this :
http://www.thecarconnection.com/pf/Auto_News/Commentary/At_Witz_End_Whats_an_American_Car.S192.A11981.html
BEFOR you buy.
Seriously read the entire article & think about who you sell homes to & how do they make their living.
Each of the Toyota plants here in the U.S. employs less than 2000 workers, mostly in southern (poorer) states & they are non-union. The corporate & high paying jobs at Toyota go to Japanese transplants.
Domestic Truck Manufacturers employ MANY more Americans & they are also directly responsible to a huge part of America's economy.

Really, don't take it personally but buying a foreign vehicle is not going to destroy you but it might help destroy America's economy, & in the end, who will be able to afford to buy real estate from you ?

Yep, I'm with 'justcurious' ..... I wouldn't buy a home from a Toyota owner.

Edit...
OK Jt, I hear you L & C. However please hear me out.
You say you've been driving sedans for 18 years, & now you want a change.
The Truck market is a completely different story.
American manufacturers have dominated this segment for years & years & Toyota is relatively new to the full size truck segment.
When you talk about reliability & reputation, & resale...consider these facts:
(reliability)
There are more Ford trucks on the road with over 250, 000 miles than any other manufacturer-(reliability)
http://www.fordvehicles.com/features/news/detail/index.asp?id=1606

(reputation)
When it comes to "Brand" reputation Ford Trucks have an excellent reputation & have been the best selling truck for 30 consecutive years....& the best selling VEHICLE (car or truck-foreign or domestic) for over 20 years
http://www.fordvehicles.com/features/news/detail/index.asp?id=1618
http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4023925

(resale value)
Ford trucks hold their value very well !
When considering trade-in value a dealer will also take into consideration currant market & incentives.....

which brings me to a final point......
You WILL pay a LOT more for a Toyota Crew Cab than for a comparably equipped Ford Super Crew.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/compare/details/?vehicles=20142|21460|20734|20137
(I show the Ford twice in this example because there are 2 different wheelbases/bed-lengths available.)
Keep in mind that for every $1000 (financed) you will be paying about $20/month. So in this (apples to apples - as far as trim level) example, you'll be paying $100+ a month more for the Toyota.
Ford is currantly offering 0% financing for up to 60 months, which will also save another $100/mo (vs average interest rate @ 7.99 APR)

So if you think that Toyota's reputation, which has been slipping, & has yet to be proven in this (full size truck) segment, is worth $200/mo ---over 60 mo=$12,000.
Well OK by me...it's your money & obviously your decision.
But you did ask for our opinions & you said "any opinions will be appreciated"


links to back-up my 'quality slipping' remarks:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/toyota_quality.html

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/AUTO01/701190358/1148/rss25

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/toyota_sludge_settlement.html

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070207/AUTO01/702070349/1148/rss25

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/toyota_engine.html
*****************EDIT AGAIN**********
Jt- your statement actually confirms my original statement.
When it comes to TRUCKS the domestics dominate! That is why Toyota can't make any guarantee on the resale of their truck, you said it yourself. it's too new to the market for them to anticipate what it's resale will be. Domestic trucks are not new to this market. They already have a MASSIVE following. And GREAT reputation. And great resale value. I KNOW this because I am in this business & I see the sales & trade-in values & resale values every day for the last 24 years. If you pay $12,000 more for a Foreign pick-up truck you will not get that money back.

And as i also stated earlier "I can understand your desire for a CrewCab" pick-up truck. I think it's an excellent choice for your business. Most new home owners go out & buy a vehicle right after they "close" on their house. And, more often than not, new home owners have a new 'need' for a truck...ie furniture & appliance purchases, home improvement projects, landscaping, etc.
Truck people KNOW trucks & they buy domestic trucks 20 to 1.
More home buyers will be impressed with your decision to spend LESS money on a proven vehicle, than if you spend THOUSANDS more on the unproven. "Real people, real money"

That is what I meant in my original answer.
I speak of facts & data ...not the (paid for) opinions/reviews/awards of some Magazine writers. Just the unsolicited, unpaid for Facts & Data.

Answer 8

Realtors drive a lot, so I would get something that gets good MPG, and cheaper overall.
Look at the GMC Canyon 4cyl crew or Tacoma if you want a Toyota

Answer 9

Very Nice
It sounds like great idea to me, tons of space, lots of storage for sales materials, reliable, comfortable seating and its a great looking Toyota.

A drawback that I see is if you take clients it might be a little hard for some to climb up into.

Other than that, it sounds like a great idea
http://www.toyota.com/tundra/index.html?s_van=GM_TN_TUNDRA_INDEX

Answer 10

Go with the Avalanche....mine is great for room and long trips...