Purchasing first Tundra (truck) by this weekend

Hey folks. First timer here! Long story short my 09 Lexus GS is going to be at my buddies body shop for about 2 weeks and I had originally planned on getting a rental. Thing is I’ve always planned on getting a relatively high mileage/well priced Tacoma or Tundra as a backup/utility truck for hauling, fishing, etc etc. so I figured why not jump the gun instead of renting?
Down here in SoFL I’ve found a few solid first gen Tundras ranging from 130-220k miles, priced around 2-4k. In my book that’s well worth the risk for these reliable beasts as many have went well past 300k. So I’m looking for some advice, I know the usual issues are rusting frame, leaking valve covers, ball joints, front brakes, shocks and so forth. What else should I keep an eye out for? Planning on buying one by Friday!!

 

If you're looking at the v8s or early 3.4 V6s, make sure the timing belt has been done (or they knock down the price accordingly...it's about $800 at a shop, or about $200 in parts). If it's the later 4.0 V6 no worries as they have a chain.

 

Wether or not the timing chain/belt has been replaced... usually this is done before or around the 125k Mark. If it hasn't been done, that may be a deciding factor.

Edit: lol @SC T100 you beat me to it!

 

^^This^^

Welcome from NY.
Good luck with your search.

 

Welcome from North Florida!

Get 2005/06. Spend as much or as little on these purchase, but do not skimp on maintenance or repairs. Everything in the 4.7 platform can be diy.

 

Appreciate it. As I’ve heard the 4.7s are extremely long-lasting and more DIY friendly so that’s where I’ll most likely go. I found an 02 w 300k miles, pretty good cosmetic condition, seller saying mechanically sound, but is starting at $3900. I’m thinking more around $2500 (lol), is mileage that high worth it?

 

I think for close to 4K you could find a much lower mileage truck...especially of you stick to 2WD. But as with all things, it depends on the kind of miles and the care the truck has been given. Interior condition really seems to go down the tubes unless those are mostly highway miles.

Overall it's hard to say if it's worth it, but if you can get it for $2,500 it could be ok if well-maintained. Just be prepared to put about that much into it to make it reliable and sturdy. Suspension and such may be an issue with those miles. But if you don't care much and just need a truck to get from A to B occasionally, it might be worth looking at.

How good are you with DIY (ball joints, suspension, bushings, etc.)?

 

For example...in Naples.

https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col/ctd/d/naples-2000-toyota-tundra-great-work/7050193504.html

2000 Access cab v8 4wd with some dents and bad clear coat, but with only 135K and 4WD. I think you can get more truck for less miles for about $4K.

 

Nice find SC T100. When looking at close to 100,000 mile trks from central to S. FL. just over a yr back, that is below the going price compared to what I seen. It's noticeable that the owner also did some extra work to it.

OP, you should go and have a look at that green trk in Naples. Then go to Carolina auto body shop for a really nice OEM base/clearcoat paint job.

 

My 02 4wd v8 AC with no rust and 318k that has had routine maintenance, needs some love, and peeling clear coat I would sell for $2500. So I think $2500 would be about right IF it's the same condition as mine. Being is FL is good; no rust.

And don't listen to @SprinterAE86, you don't want a sealed trans.

Good luck in your hunt Boba!

 

But, VVT-i MO POWAAAAAAA!

 

My way of thinking, you're making money buying one of those trucks for that price range.

 

I just left seeing it, he didn’t want to drop below $3500. Not going to lie, car seemed VERY well taken care of but knowing that there are some under 200k miles for 3k or slightly less, that gives me reason to keep looking.

In terms of my DIY ability I’ve done normal maintenance on my previous Lexus sedans and done a couple of suspension tweaks/modifications, but never a truck. I’m assuming the height makes things easier and that some of it translates well. I’m up for the challenge since it’ll be a secondary vehicle/project I can work on and continue to learn from!

 

In that case sell me yours... don’t make me put a bounty on it

 

I sure hope you post a pic or two when you do find one better by this Friday.

 

Man, I wish trucks around here sold anything close to that. Anything Toyota 4x4 brings big money here. Here is a few examples of 'good' deals:

 

Yeah those are some good prices youre finding @MrAristo. Sold my clean '03 2WD for $8k in California.

 

You have my word... rules of the forum, shall I just post in this thread or create a new?

 

I’m starting to see pricing down here is on the very low end. Maybe due to the fact that FL is literally all flat land? The demand for a rugged truck, esp 4x4, is nowhere near most other parts of the country.

 

Yep. I thought I got a screaming deal when I got mine with 300K on it for $3k, most everything else here at that milage is at least $5-6 if its a Toyota. Even if I have to buy a new engine and tranny I still come out ahead. Anything less than 200K? thats $10-15 truck up here.

 

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5TBRT341X2S242595

Here is one in Houston, to give you an idea. Not a terrible deal for what you get. Craigslist is very hit and miss. A lot of trash trucks being offered on there. Maybe it’s better in other regions.

 

For $3500 that may not be a bad deal. Especially if it's 4wd and the interior is in good shape.

Ha! You don't want mine. It needs new suspension front and rear, axle seals, front hubs, driveshaft rebuild, new interior. But I got it for free, so I don't mind.

This is your thread. You can post em here, or we have another thread somewhere with "I found this 1st gen for sale". We don't mind either way.

 

I think Ill be picking up my first tomorrow. I’ll keep you guys posted!

 

I'm curious, with your Lexus (presumably your daily driver) in the shop, I'm assuming you'll need something super reliable until the Lexus is back home. Is getting a 15+ year old truck in relatively unknown condition the best bet? I know we all love Tundras and they are very reliable, but if you are getting a 200+k mile truck for sub-$4,000 anything could happen.

 

Appreciate the two-sense my friend! To be fair my GS should be ready about a week or so from now, so it’s not going to be THAT long. Getting a truck was something I had pondered for some time to use for hauling, outdoor activities, DIY work and to also reduce the miles on my primary car! She’s a super clean 09 hybrid w only 75k miles, I want to keep her looking like the baby she is! So I figured would be a good time since I was gonna have to rent a car for a week either way wouldn’t she look great alongside a burly Tundra!?...