Cheat code for truck buyers? Toyota salesman says a used truck can be a better deal than new – here’s why

Car brands like Toyota will always have consumer trust after generations of making some of the most formidable vehicles in the industry. But according to a salesman on TikTok, there might be an under-discussed cheat code that could help a new buyer land a sweetheart deal.

Kaden Rodgers is a micro-creator on TikTok and a salesman from Dublin, California — which basically just means he doesn’t have a huge following, but his messages often land. On this occasion, he was explaining to his followers the quirks and features of the 2025 Toyota Tundra. Rodgers said that even though the truck is basically perfect for anyone seeking a new pickup, it might actually be a better deal if you buy a slightly used one.

Rodgers walked through the lot and stopped at a silver Toyota Tundra, which he explained had just under 7,000 miles on it. Because it’s lightly used, the truck now technically qualifies for Toyota’s Gold Certification warranty — which is, ostensibly, better coverage than what comes with a brand-new Toyota.

The Gold Certification is a comprehensive cover for pre-owned vehicles up to six years old or with less than 85,000 miles on the odometer. The benefits include a rigorous inspection process, seven years of roadside assistance, and special financing rates through Toyota’s financing options. Toyota takes good care of secondhand owners, and that’s the reason the brand has such a strong reputation in the resale market.

Cheap, reliable, and fast

Old trucks don’t exactly have the best reputation, so it’s a huge relief when an owner can have some breathing room without constantly worrying about whether their car is in good condition. But there is a downside. As the saying goes, a car can only be two of three things: cheap, reliable, and fast.

Rodgers listed the pros of the Tundra, saying, “Here, I’ve got a 2025 Limited, which is basically one of the highest trim levels you can get for a truck. You’re going to have leather seats; you’re going to have heated seats, which is sometimes hard to get on these Tundras.”

Despite Rodgers not mentioning the price in his video, users were quick to figure out they’d be paying around $55,000 for a used truck. One user wrote, “OMG!! Heated leather seats for $55k! If I didn’t know better I’d say you were a used car salesman.” Another started haggling in the comments, writing, “46,500 maybe, still high for used.” Another fanned the flames of the theory that newer Toyotas aren’t as reliable, writing, “Sorry, I disagree. Just bought a 2020 with the 5.8. While at the dealership, there were wooden crates with replacement engines. Stay away from 22–26.”

Ultimately, Rodgers is right: the extended warranty is superior to what comes with a new truck. But it really only applies to someone who was planning to buy a brand-new Tundra anyway. So if you trust the salesman’s wisdom, you might just be better off buying a slightly used truck instead.