02 Tundra

Need some feedback....I have found an 02 4WD Tundra, with the 4.7/auto. 168K on the clock, and all maintenance records. The price is $8000. I have never owned a Tundra, I have owned many Tacomas, but i hear the fuel mileage is bad on Tundras. I will not pull anything, just a driver. Any of your thoughts and knowledge is appreciated. Shoudl I buy or not??

 

Welcome from NY.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Thank you, Jim LE 1301.....just a little apprehensive about a buying a vehicle that I have never had. All reviews are outstanding, just a little unsure!

 

I’ve never had a Taco, but other here have/had them. The Tundra MPG is slightly less than the Taco by 1-2 mpg. Not a Big Deal.

If you’re looking for gas savings, then stay with your Taco. If you want a bullet proof engine with great power/tow/haul for its size then get it. They are great trucks that are not much bigger outside than the Taco, but the inside feels way larger than Taco.

Check the frame for rust. You have all the other records so good to go there.

Work the deal and report back.

 

^^^What he said.^^^

Some redundancy...Carefully check the frame for rust, especially if the vehicle has been registered in the north where they typically salt the roads in winter. If the body is straight, paint good, and she drives fine in 2wd and 4wd, the asking price is reasonable, IMHO. Got a photo?

 

Buy it if it passes a full inspection and a thorough test drive, the Taco is nice but The Tundra is a full on upgrade. Fuel economy is roughly the same.

 

Can’t really compare the Tacoma’s mileage to the Tundra.
My 99 Tacoma got 24 mpg when it was stock. Similar vintage Tundras I believe got 16ish. But, the engine is twice the size and the truck is much heavier. It’s a trade off.
If I was just daily driving a truck I’d still rather have the Tundra for more power and interior space. I keep my Tacoma around for offroad play.

 

I average about 14-16mpg. It’s been years since I’ve owned a 3.4L Tacoma but you can’t go wrong with a V8. Both engines make great power but I do love my Tundra.

 

Ask about the timing belt, water pump, trans fluid etc. Sounds like a good deal to me if it doesn't have frame rust I paid 8k for mine with 199k. The mileage is comparable to a first gen v6 taco. I had a 99 and 03 taco before my tundra

 

Definitely check those records for a timing belt change. Even if it was done at 90k, it'll be due again in 12k. Depending on where you are, there maybe a tundra person around to come look at it with you.

 

If you find the right one there should be no problem. You already know the downfall of the Tundra using more gas than the Taco.

Tundra owners of these older trks hardly put them up for sale around here. They are definitely not a dime a dozen in this neck of the woods. So, the few and far in between private sellers down in S FL usually get their asking price, and buyers looking for early model Tundras jump to lay down the cash for these trks that are w/o issue and are in good shape. I traveled half way up the state for this trk and when there they somewhat interviewed me, while I was looking for trk issues, to decide if I would get the trk. The big deal breaker would have been f I had intention to resell it.

If your area is with same difficulty as here for finding one of these old trks for sale, then know the book price, area's selling price and your true evaluation of trk's worth. Afterward, factor in the none or needed repair cost.
I got underneath the vehicle with a strong flashlight and searched from front to back looking for fluid leaks and rust as though I was going to win a prize, and I did.
Throw some pics at us and you'll get a better response to what your asking for.

https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars

 

I wouldn't get too hung up if the service schedule didn't meet the ideal mileage, but know that a truck having met the schedule indicates a truck that the owner was conscientious about keeping it well cared for. I bought mine with 92,000 miles and from a previous owner that had no records to show and it is doubtful that he did more than just repair what failed, if anything. I doubt he changed the plugs, as the ones I replaced almost to a plug were lacking much of an electrode, and I would put money on the fact that he didn't change the timing belt and water pump, both high priority service items at 90,000 miles. I now have 127,000 miles on my truck and plan in the next couple weeks to remedy this failure on my part to stay up with the maintenance (it is only in the last several months that I have become aware of the need to replace these items). Point being, my truck runs just fine at it's current mileage/maintenance level and could quite possibly run for many more thousands before REALLY needing a change. If the Tundra you are looking at has records showing the belts replacement near schedule, I would think you have a good start on accessing the trucks general condition. I would also think that you have some time before needing to seriously look at changing the belt and water pump anytime soon. One other concern for me at my mileage is the ball joints, and I have tentatively scheduled their replacement for December. If the records on the Tundra you are looking at records their replacement, I would again believe she has been well cared for.

Bottom line to my spiel...my Tundra was used to tow a trailer, has no records of service and little indication services were performed, spark plugs that were worn yet firing on cue, and generally neglected, or so I have come to believe, BUT she is one strong truck that drives and handles like no truck I have ever driven previously - she is indeed a jewel and pleasure to drive. I suspect your prospect may be an even better charmer, so don't cut her short without solid reason for I suspect there is a lot of truck there. Good luck!

 

$8k sounds like too much for a Tundra (at least here in TX anyways). Thats 1st gen tacoma money here. If youre set on it, do what others said above. Get the maintenance records.

 

Round hea’, an 02 on Dregsliss sold (I assume) in one day with asking price $8200. SR5 4WD original owner 163k miles. Popped up one day and gone the next!