Best way to find a Unicorn?

Please help me find my unicorn.

I'm locked onto building up a 1st gen tundra... and have big plans.

Should I limit searches to 05-06?

Limit to desert regions of the US to avoid rust?

Other tips for best experience finding and building this sucker up?

 

That really depends whether or not you want the changes/features that were added in 05. It's been heavily debated here in the past.

To your original question, one tip I have is to try using search all Craigstist. That will at least broaden your range. I have no idea where you live, but I would probably avoid salt states.

https://www.searchcraigslist.org/

 

You are better off doing a statewide search and see what comes up. Cargurus, carfax and other sites make it pretty easy to search based on criteria and find what you want, age, miles, 4wd, etc.

 

thanks guys, good stuff, really appreciate the replies.

 

My 06 DC Limited has spent it's whole life in Mississippi and the frame and body has zero rust with no rust preventative action since it was built.

 

thats awesome! The rust thing is burned into my mind though, as I had an 08 landcruiser that was flawless, but being reclaimed by the earth one flake of rust at a time... Id definitely consider one from the rustier regions if pics of the frame were available...

 

I wouldn't limit your search to the desert states. Searching the Southeast states where there is no or seldom snow or salt used on the roads will give you more options if your willing to travel. Where are you located?

 

RWD or 4WD?
Regular, Extended or Crew Cab?

 

Talk the owners of nice ones into getting a new truck. J/k i tried talking grandpa out of a new truck, but in the long run he was right, and he doesnt have to have anything else fixed. And the shop took 4 months to find the part.

 

Every now and then you can find some 1st Gens in the for sale section https://www.tundras.com/forums/tundras-for-sale.100/
And keep an eye on this thread too https://www.tundras.com/threads/1st-gen-for-sale-finds-on-other-sites.40093/

 

Fly to Florida. Looks like a Gold Mine of Tundras in very good condition down there. Well priced. @Hooptytrix posts nuggets all the time.

 

California has the most pick up trucks but I don't know the market so I can't give advice but #2 is Texas and #3 Florida. Texas and Florida have a lot of great condition Tundras and with some patience you can find some good deals.

 

And your other question. IMO 2000-02 is solid all around except for the transmission not being the greatest
and no double cab.
03-04 Toyota beefed up the transmission and it holds up well. Double cab became available.
05-06 added vvti and a newer transmission.
I think the 03-04 is better if you plan is mods. If you plan is to get a good all around every day truck then 05-06.

 

Double cabs are 2004+ only
A 2004 Double Cab 4x4 with a trd supercharger would qualify as a unicorn.
2000-2004 3.4l V6 4x4 manual transmission would qualify as a unicorn.

Otherwise 2000-2006 Tundra in good shape, no rust, low miles are just rare.

Which unicorn are you looking for?

 

I searched TX last time I was down, problem is they are all mostly RWD only... Also, is there a good beefy aftermarket bolt up transmission? Need to be ready in case mine poops the bed

 

The newer Reman’d Toyota Transmissions for our 00-02 trucks (a340f) are built using the 03-06 upgrades. If you are buying a used one (not rebuilt yet) then buy 03 and up.

Still waiting for my 2002 Transmission to ‘blow up’ with 175k miles. I’m sure it will someday. I’ll probably pay a local small shop to Reman it from scratch ($4k).

 

V8 4X4 SR5 = Unicorn