What to look for in used 2013 Platinum purchase?

Hi, new member here. I am looking to purchase a used 2013 Platinum trim (2WD, 5.7L V8) that I have found locally. Can anyone tell me what to look for when inspecting this year? Things I have seen:

1. HVAC drainage clogs causing wet carpets
2. Air pump issues (?) in the engine
3. Water pump issues?
4. Rust on the body below the rear window

Also, can someone comment on maintenance difficulty for the DIY'er? Today, I currently maintain a 2007 RX350 (112,000 miles) for the wife and 2001 Nissan Maxima (140,000) for myself, but now, I need (want) a truck.

 

The first thing to do is inspect for frame rust. It never hurts to have it checked out by a trusted mechanic. The Platinums have a lot of features. Make sure you check EVERY button to make sure each one works. Here’s what I found under the seat of the 2012 I just bought. They were fairly well hidden. Just glad I found them and not my wife 2 years later

 

1st, will you be happy with a 4x2?

Check for bed rot.

Maintenance is all easily diy. The starter is a PIA, but doable if you are patient.

 

Yes, I am fine with 2RWD as I live in California. The only time we go somewhere with snow/ice is 3-5 trips/year to Tahoe to ski. Basically, a financial calculation of the extra $$$$ for 4x4 vs buying chains (and putting them on when heading to ski). Yes, would be nice to just hit a button, but chains really not that hard to put on. In addition, other maintenance of 4x4 diffs, transfer case, etc....adds into the costs.

The one I am looking at has been in California its whole life, but will definitely check the bed rot. Is there a recall on that? Any other significant recalls to look for?

The other item I have seen is the infamous Cam Tower leaks. I'll get a good look at those as well. The Platinum I am looking at is past the 5/60 powertrain so if I do see evidence of seeping/leaking, I may just use that as negotiation to get the price down further by $3500-4000 since that is what I am reading as the estimate to fix.

How well do the electronics behave in these 2nd gen Platinums? I used to own BMW's (328i's, M3's) and always got tired of the various electronic issues that end up nickel and dime you to death.

Very glad to hear that the DIY can maintain these easily. Thanks for your help!!

 

It takes a little brain retraining. When you think something isn't working in a Toyota, always be sure to check the owner's manual or on here. I have found in my ownership experience with a bunch of Toyotas that generally I was the cause of the electronic issues. (Not having the back window rolled up all the way and wondering why the rear wiper and/or defrost didn't work was common)

The last 7 series I drove daily was enough to cure me from ever owning a BMW again.

 

Went and looked at the truck in person at lunch break today and took a test drive. Has 80K on the odometer. I'm new to the Tundra, but, here is what I observed:

1. Has new tires just put on at local Big-O Tires (according to dealer) and they look brand new. Ironically, has a TPMS light on. When driving in a straight line, there is visible and felt shudder at the steering wheel. When driving around a curve/bend, the shudder disappears. So, tire(s) out of balance or out of alignment? I'm guessing alignment. Shudder is definitely felt/noticeable.

2. Has new front struts. Is this causing issues with alignment in #1 above? Other components that are worn that need replaced? $ Estimate for such components?

3. Has the plastic bedliner. Definitely has some leaves trapped up near the front of the bedliner that is pulling away from the front of the bed. Dealer says he will remove and look at it over the next day (sending me pics).

4. Miscellaneous: Has turn signal/running light not working front right. Rear license plate lamp out on left side. Leather in very good shape with small bit of wear, but leather needs a good deep cleaning. Needs the rubber trim replaced on the passenger window as it is coming off in the top left corner.

5. Cam Tower leaks - I'm posting pics of the drivers/passenger sides here. I'd love to hear an opinion as I am no expert in this area of the Tundras.








Overall, the engine ran perfectly strong. No strange noises. Steering was precise and light as expected (save for the shudder mentioned). All electronic switches worked. What's a PPI going to run me at a dealer if I want to move forward?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

I had a shudder like you're describing and it was a front wheel bearing. You can certainly call around to get PPI prices. When I got one on my truck the shop pointed out a problem that didn't exist and missed a couple of issues that I brought to their attention before the PPI, so YMMV.

 

Those pics are clean AF. You’re overthinking this. It’s a Toyota with 80k. It’s got decades left. BTW, it’s not a “leak” if the fluid never touches the ground, it’s a weep and the cam tower “situation” is way overblown on this site, only to be outdone by the “missing” trans cooler on new models. I paid around $25k for mine, original owner gave it up right after the 75k dealer warranty expired.

 

Appreciate the insight. Just trying to be as thorough as possible. I agree that all motors leak. My current 2001 Maxima GLE has small leaks (or weeping) in many spots at 140,000. So does our 2007 Lexus RX350 at 112,000. So, I'm totally with you in that Toyota makes a rock solid motor and if maintained, I can get 5X the current mileage on it which would last my lifetime since I only put about 5,000/year on a car.

The dealer is not a Toyota dealer. They want $27,888, but I would certainly want to offer under that if with the laundry list of small items that need fixed and possibly something a little more pricey to fix whatever the shudder is. And of course, I'm still waiting to hear back on the pictures of the bed. I'll probably go look again and get some pics of the frame as well.

Here is a link to the listing:
https://www.autobahngallery.com/veh...rewmax-truck-630c87bbd6e54c89a11eb2c6d2bba8e4

It was my first time driving a Tundra and I definitely loved it. Have not had a truck since the early 2000's when I had a Frontier (2001) and a Chevy Silverado (2004).

 

Here are the pics of the weather seal and the bedliner (still installed) that I took.

 

It looks lowered, specifically in the rear...is it bagged? Edit: looks lowered front and back

 

Agree it looks lowered, but I felt that was due to the lower profile tire/rims? I don't think it has been lowered otherwise. But I would default to the knowledge of the forum here.

 

There should be a heck of a lot more space above each of those tires regardless of wheels/tires.

 

Lowered or not, the single biggest question I would have would be whether this is a single owner truck or not. Single owner trucks are the ones you want, specifically when the first owner gets rid of it just as their factory warranty expires around 75k.

 

It's a 2 owner truck according to CarFax. First owner had until 55K. Second until current mileage (80K). Current dealer who owns it bought it at auction which is not uncommon.

 

Not bad. My opinion: it’s a good truck for the right price and the right price is nowhere near $28k. The fact that it rides a little rough is very likely due to the lowering springs, I’ve never rode in a lowered truck, but every lowered car I’ve been in rides like shit. It looks clean and only cosmetic mods have been done, less the lowering which is easily correctable, especially considering you can get brand new take off suspensions from dudes with brand new tundras who immediately lift. It’ll cost a grand to put a correct suspension on there and then the wheel tire combo will look a little funky, so there’s that. I can’t imagine it books for much more than $20k. I’d be hesitant to go above $24k. Good luck, couldn’t imagine not having my platty and all the goodies it comes with, it’s more like a lexus truck...
Edit: and the fact that it’s (likely) lowered means nobody has been towing anything (maybe ever). That’s good news.

 

Yeah, I don't mind the lowered look. I'm not getting it to do off road stuff. I like all the extra luxury (Lexus like) features and will be using it for things like moving a desk and some dressers in an upcoming move. In other words, definitely not a work truck in that sense. Also agree that it likely hasn't been towing anything which is good.

 

Of course I’m bias, but the second gens are the best gens. Made before all the nannies and sensors that are in the 3rd gens, you got tons of little cubbies that they’ve since deleted, reclining rear seats and that leather...they don’t put that quality leather in them anymore.

 

I personally would not buy it until every little thing is fixed. That’s a lot of money for a used truck that has some annoying fixes you have to worry about. For that much man you should be able to drive away with everything 100% in my opinion. Jesus these things are expensive

 

Thanks to all on this thread. I'm going to pass on this 2013 Platinum. Still looking for another Platinum (or 1794) that suits me.

 

A better one will come along. When I was first looking at tundras I joined asking about a certain truck, and I ended up passing on that one and then shortly after found the one I have, and I’m stoked to drive it everyday.

 

Good call on passing on it. $28k seems very high for an 8 year old truck with that many issues. Miles are low but still.

For what it's worth when I bought mine in July 2020, I had a good friend of mine who is a mechanic go with me to help test drive it and give it a good looking over. It's a 2010 SR5 Crewmax with the 5.7 and it had 215k miles on it when I bought it, out the door for $13000. It was a one owner who did all of the required maintenance at the same dealer I bought it from which is where he or she purchased it from originally. No rust though it does have several scratches along the bed and a few dings here and there (not hail) which don't bother me as it's a now 11 year old truck. It came with a sprayed in bedliner which I highly recommend looking for as well. I agree with those saying look for a one owner truck and if possible look up the maintenance records. If done at a Toyota dealer those can be found on the Toyota Owner website as long as you have the VIN. Since this isn't my primary vehicle and combined with working from home I have only put 2k miles on it since I bought it as I bought it for projects around the house and times I need to haul something.

Good luck!!