Toyota Tacoma for Sale? Why the 2019 Tundra V8 Is the Bigger, Badder Deal

When folks start hunting for a used Toyota truck, the first name that always gets tossed around is the Tacoma. And for good reason — it’s got a bulletproof rep for reliability, it’s nimble in the city, and it’ll run 300,000+ miles with just basic care. But here’s the truth: sometimes the Tacoma just ain’t enough. If you’re towing heavier, hauling bigger, or want a truck that feels less like a compact and more like a full-sized workhorse, then the 2019 Toyota Tundra with the 5.7L V8 is where you ought to be looking.

This isn’t a fluff sales pitch. We pulled real opinions from Tundra forums, Reddit threads, and mechanics who see these trucks every day. We also stacked the 2019 Tundra against Tacoma and rival full-sizers from Ford, Chevy, and Ram. Here’s the straight talk: why the 2019 Tundra V8 is still one of the baddest gas trucks you can buy used.

Tacoma vs. Tundra: Same DNA, Different Jobs

The Tacoma is legendary for a reason. It’s small, simple, and overbuilt. Perfect for light construction, farm work, or daily drivers who want a pickup without the parking headaches of a full-size. But here’s the catch:

Max towing: around 6,800 lbs in most trims.
Payload: ~1,500 lbs.
Engine options: 2.7L I4 or 3.5L V6 (good for reliability, but not powerhouse numbers).

That works fine for weekend hauling or a landscaping trailer, but if you’re running bigger equipment or pulling campers regularly, it’ll start to feel maxed out.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra steps in as the big brother:

Engine: 5.7L i-Force V8, pumping 381 hp and 401 lb-ft torque.
Max towing: up to 10,200 lbs.
Payload: ~1,730 lbs.
Transmission: 6-speed auto (older tech, but durable).
Cab options: Double Cab or CrewMax, both roomy enough for work crews.

Where the Tacoma feels nimble and efficient, the Tundra feels planted, stable, and capable of taking on serious loads without sweating.

We broke down why Toyota trucks last so long in our earlier guide, The Most Reliable Used Truck to Buy: Truth from the Road. But when it comes down to sheer grunt, the Tundra earns its own spotlight.

Real-World Voices: 2019 Tundra Owners Speak

You can read spec sheets all day, but truckers know the truth comes from the guys and gals who put the miles on. Here’s what’s coming straight from the forums:

From r/Tundra:

“A 2019 with 90k? That’s just broken in. These 5.7s go 300–400k easy if you change the oil.”

“Customer truck rolled in with 600k+ miles, original motor and trans. Still hauls like day one. Only real issue has been gas mileage.”

From TundraSolutions::

“The 2019 is the sweet spot. Last years before Toyota started phasing in hybrid stuff. No turbos, no small engines — just a big, overbuilt V8 that’ll outlast most diesel half-tons.”

From TruckTalk::

“I run a landscaping company. My Tacoma is fine for mower trailers, but my Tundra? That’s the money-maker. I can load it down with sod pallets or tow my skid steer and it doesn’t blink.”

These voices line up with what Toyota owners have been saying for decades: Tundras might drink more fuel, but they’re as close as you’ll get to “unbreakable” in the gas full-size world.

The 2019 Tundra vs. the Competition

If you’re cross-shopping, here’s how the 2019 Tundra stacks up against the Big Three:

Ford F-150 5.0 Coyote V8
- Power: 395 hp, slightly better MPG.
- But: aluminum body repairs are expensive.
- Lifespan: solid, but not hitting 400k miles like Tundra V8s.

Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L/6.2L
- More modern tech (cylinder deactivation, 8–10-speed transmissions).
- But: those AFM systems = more things to break. Tundra’s 6-speed is “old-school,” but tough.

Ram 1500 HEMI 5.7L
- Strong engine, good ride.
- But: higher repair rates on electronics and suspension issues reported in high-mileage Rams.

Bottom line: the 2019 Tundra is less flashy, less modern, but way more dependable. Truckers call it the “diesel of gas trucks” — no DEF, no DPF, no turbochargers to blow. Just a big block V8 that keeps firing.

Common Gripes About the 2019 Tundra

It’s not all roses. Tundra owners are honest about where it falls short:

Gas mileage: Expect 13–15 MPG. One Redditor joked:
“You don’t buy a Tundra for the gas mileage. You buy it so your grandkids can still drive it.”
Interior tech: By 2019, Ford and Ram were running ahead with bigger screens, more plush interiors. The Tundra feels more old-school.
Frame rust: Just like the Tacoma, you’ll want to crawl under and inspect. Toyota had buybacks/repairs for earlier years, but always check.

But here’s the kicker: most owners say they’ll take the MPG hit and basic interior for bulletproof reliability.

Who the 2019 Tundra Fits Best

Contractors & Work Crews
CrewMax cabs seat a team, payload and towing cover most equipment.
Weekend Haulers
Campers, boats, car trailers — the Tundra handles them without breaking a sweat.
Long-Term Owners
If you plan to run the same truck 10–15 years, this is one of the safest bets.

Meanwhile, if you’re mostly in the city, pulling light loads, or want better MPG? Stick with a Tacoma — we broke down its legendary reliability here.

Things to Check When Buying a Used 2019 Tundra

Service records — oil changes are everything with the 5.7 V8.
Rust — frame and undercarriage. Don’t skip this step.
Suspension wear — heavy towing can take a toll.
Electronics — less of an issue than other brands, but always test everything in the cab.

Want more buying tips? Read our No-B.S. Used Truck Buying Guide.

Final Word

The 2019 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 might not have the fancy screens or the best MPG, but ask anyone who’s racked up miles and they’ll tell you the same thing: this truck is built to last. It’s bigger, badder, and tougher than the Tacoma, and it’s one of the few full-size gas trucks that can rival diesel-like longevity without the maintenance headaches.

Like one tundra trucker put it:

“The 2019 Tundra ain’t the newest or prettiest, but it’s the last of the old-school V8s. Buy one, maintain it, and you’ll die before it does.”

Ready to Buy?

Browse our truck listings to see what’s available right now. Didn’t spot the exact rig you’re hunting for today? Check back often — verified sellers add new trucks every week and the right one might just roll in tomorrow.

Next stop: The Most Reliable Used Truck to Buy: Truth from the Road