Should I buy this Tundra?

I found a truck I want to buy!!! I wanted to share it with you guys for your approval before I make a purchase..

I looked at it today and did a test drive. It runs well and it's a very firm and smooth ride. The owner lives in the hills so I wasn't able to take it on the highway for high speed test. Got it up to 50 and it's good! Everything seems to work including 4wd.

The frame looks good to me. I see a few leaks around the suspension area (photos posted). There's a small leak near the bottom of the engine but it doesn't look to bad(forgot to take pic of engine).

Its looks like it has a suspension lift in the back, I can see a brick.. I can't tell if the front has a lift.. the front shocks look like they could be replaced but I was thinking of modifying this anyways..

Im buying the truck with the intesion of towing a travel trailer (3,000 dry)..

I would like to lift the truck a little more but I want to make sure I'm still in a good range for towing (this is most important to me).

What do u think

Anything that stands out to you that would be a deal breaker lmk.

Only concern I have is the upholstery has a horrible wet dog smell but I think it can be washed.


https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/bolinas-2006-toyota-tundra-door/7273152426.html

 

Do it.

 

Yes, but it before someone else snags it. Once you copied that ad over here, some algorithm will show that ad for and wide, guaranteeing fast competition which will lose you your discount.

That suspension looks shot. Plan to replace it with your choice of coilover lift and get rid of that block under the springs.

 

I don't see anything that would be considered a deal breaker, a little TLC should go a long way to making it a reliable truck for many years to come.

 

Timing belt/water pump and possibly radiator is going to need to be done. Keep that in mind. If you can’t do it yourself it’s going to add to the cost of ownership.
Someone posted this truck on the 1st gens for sale thread the other day.

edit never mind that was you.

 

Yep Timing belt needs to be done asap... im the one that posted it in the sale thread.. i decided i want to buy it

 

sounds good. Im hoping to pick it up tomorrow. he said he will hold it for me so hopefully he does.

 

Modest front end rebuild $3500

Timing Belt, Hoses, Radiator, Alternator, Cam/Crank Seals $3-4k.

 

Can you explain the front end rebuild to me

 

That’s if you have to pay someone. If you can DIY it should be $800-1000 in parts and fluids.

 

Are you recommending that all these things need to be replaced asap? or just expect them to go out soon? im planning on doing the timing belt asap

 

I paid a 4Wheel Place Shop to do mine.

1) New 5100 Shocks

2) New Cam Bolts

3) New Lower Control Arms/Bushings

4) New Brake Pads

5) New CV Axles (yours look ok?)

6) High Dolla Alignment

7) New Lower Ball Joints.

Timing Belt I did on my own. All OEM Parts alone cost $1500. Labor took about 30 hours.

 

30 hours of work??? really

 

When you add up the Time to Purchase Parts, Procurement, Radiator Flushes, Radiator Burpings, Feather Dustings, and Bolt Shinings... yeah 30 hours. Basically two and a half solid days of work.

Stealer and Local Shop wanted the truck for 2 days to tune of $3-4k. Fuggetabouit!

 

No one has mentioned anything about the rust, it seems ok to me.. I posted this on a facebook group as well and they are all saying its really bad... but seems like most of the members have brand new fancy trucks... soo....

 

i cant stop watching this.. its hypnotizing.....

 

Frame looks good. Shocks will be replaced. Probs needs new muffler. Oil and grease rubs will make her axles look brand new.

In the end its your purchase so make sure you check it out mechanically. Caveat Emptor.

 

Living in Maine, I have seen some very rusty vehicles. This one is of little to no concern. For a 2006 it looks great.

 

No kidding this thing has so little rust it is crazy!

 

I don’t know about ASAP. That’s a gamble you’ll have to take. Everything could last another 1 to 50k+ miles before failure occurs. But... If you’re going to be doing the timing I’d do the water pump, radiator, belts, seals and hoses while it’s apart it’s cheaper to have it done at the same time vs doing the timing belt only, then the water pump goes out 10k miles later and then the radiator goes out 10k after that, then a hose starts leaking and a belt starts slips and you’re paying labor every time instead of paying labor once because it’s already taken apart and new parts are being put back instead of old. Some things I can say don’t replace until it’s broke but these components are vital to the longevity of these trucks and they usually only last 100-150k miles. Knowing they have been replaced at 83k miles and it’s got 205k miles it’s hitting that milestone. Money will need to be spent to keep it reliable and on the road.

 

For a Cali vehicle, it may look horrible if you’ve never seen rust like that but for New England weather, it’s in good condition. It’s when the metal starts to flake,split or bubble that you need to be concerned. Now if you do plan to drive in any weather where they salt the roads regularly you want to treat the frame to prevent additional corrosion. In Cali you should be fine. If it’s got a bed liner, check underneath to make sure there isn’t any bed rust that’s rusted through from below. Buy it, enjoy it and get it detailed, it looks like it’s overdue.

 

makes sense. thanks!!

 

Just keep in mind... The more you can do on your own, the further the budget will go. Many smaller jobs are actually fairly easy to do, even for the novice mechanic with basic skills. Replacing front end parts can be done at home. There are many informative videos on YT that will walk you through various jobs. Plus, we’re always here to answer questions!

 

That rust is absolutely nothing

 

Another thing to note, the whole bottom side of your truck and the drain holes, cab mounts etc seem to be in good shape too. Most the of the rust is barely rust, and are all on replaceable parts

 

Definitely do the timing belt/water pump right away. You can get the Aisin kit on which is the same as OEM for $170. Its not a hard job and is 8-10 hours. I would do the suspension after that and just do the 5100's all the way around. I wouldnt lift it anymore if you plan on towing a bunch.

$185 AISIN TKT-021 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump - Compatible with Select Lexus GS400, GS430, GX470, LS400, LS430, LX470, SC400, SC430 Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tundra

https://www.amazon.com/Aisin-TKT-02...otive&sprefix=aisin+tkt,automotive,233&sr=1-2

 

Yeah, I was given estimate of $2k when I asked about front end, not including alignment, brakes or shocks. Not even sure that included cam gear. OEM parts, though. And 2wd.

See if the leak could be hoses to and from the PS reservoir on engine passenger side. I found out those hoses are expensive and one is severely backordered.

It's hard to tell paint condition with pics but it looks like a good deal for $8,500, especially in CA.

 

It is a good deal for california.. I wished I live in a different state but it is what it is... I've been looking out of state and it's not easy. Ppl just don't want to spend the time taking pics and videos for someone out of state, especially if the truck is pristine and they know they can sell to a local.. it's been really tough trying to find a decent priced truck in my area..

 

I Paid the same price for my 2000 with 223k miles. I'm pretty close to you, up in Humboldt. Yep, here in North Cali good Toyota pickups are hard to come by and pricey. No one sells theirs. For good reason. I side with everyone here, buy it, it's a great looking truck and the rust...That's nothing. You are going to love the Tundra.