Posted: Feb 24 2005 at 7:19pm | IP Logged

 I was going to buy a 2004 Titan but I held off because of all the first year problems with the titan. I cannot wait any longer to purchase a new truck and I am wondering if anyone has any information about any serious problems (brakes, serious rattles mainly) I've been test driving the 2005 toyota tundra and may buy one, but, I still cant get over the fresh new look and power of the Titan.

thanks , Dan    

Posted: Feb 25 2005 at 2:01pm | IP Logged

I don't think there is much difference between the 04 & 05 Titans.

I have a 04' LE and have had no problems. We've had some reoccuring problems like brakes and rear ends. My rear diff had low fluid on day one. I just topped it off and switched to synthetic a few hundred miles later.

The brakes are smooth and powerful BUT can develop judder. Nissan has put out two temporary fixes and we're waiting for a permanent fix. Some people have switched pads to aftermarket (Carbotech) pads and have NOT reported judder coming back. I haven't had a problem yet @ 4000mi.

The engine is very powerful and the trans is the smoothest and most intellegent auto I've ever had. The ride is very comfortable and it handles very well for a full size truck.

Yes,I had two Toyota SR5's and they were the best small truck going. But one had a stalling problem and the other blew a throw out bearing @ 1000 miles. Great trucks but not perfect. Never had a Tundra but you can't go wrong with either a Titan or Tundra. Tundra would have been my choice if the Titan hadn't come out.

Posted: Feb 27 2005 at 5:45pm | IP Logged

Hey Dan,

I'm in the same boat - Tundra or Titan. My feeling right now is that the Titan is a bigger risk (i.e. reliability), but the performance&features vs price is no comparison - Titan has the edge here on any of the competition. Take a look at the rear diff on the Tundra - I'd bet there are compacts that have a beefier looking axle. And rear drum brakes on the Tundra?, although the braking performance is better than most here (probably due to its lighter weight) - but now add a 6K trailer?. [Will be very interesting to see what they actual release for 2007.] It will probably come down to which dealer is the most upfront about issues/problems and my gut feel as to whether they will actually stand behind the vehicle. I'm hoping Honda decides its time to get into this market (the Ridgeline looks like a toe in the water) and does what Nissan dared do - gotta hand it to them for jumping into this market and building this tank! Question is, will you be happy 1, 2 , 3 years from now??? [And poor Ford, they totally redesigned their F-150, whichs almost single-handed keeps the company somewhat afloat, and came up with an also-ran. If I was foolish enough to own any of their stock, I'd be sellin'].