Dealer visit checklist
2018 Toyota Tundra checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Toyota Tundra problems to check
- Secondary air injection pump failure is a known issue on the 5.7L V8 and can cost $800-$1,500 to repair if not caught early
- Rear differential fluid leaks have been reported, particularly around the pinion seal — routine inspection is advised
- Frame rust concerns exist in Northern/salt-belt states; inspect the frame carefully before purchase as Toyota extended corrosion warranties on some trucks
- Exhaust manifold cracking and leaks are reported on higher-mileage V8 models, producing a ticking sound especially when cold
- Transmission hesitation or rough shifting has been noted on some units; a fluid flush often resolves it but software updates may also be needed
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies.
- STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $29,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away