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Getting a Used Truck

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by MadRed89, Apr 4, 2021.

  1. Apr 4, 2021 at 11:27 AM
    #1
    MadRed89

    MadRed89 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2021
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    #61190
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    The bottom line is I want a truck that will last. That's my number 1 priority so I'm going for a Tundra. So my question is what the best generation/situation in everyone's opinion who have gone thru similar situations.

    A V8 and 4x4 are necessary (bringing the materials into the yard that's soft sand makes 4x4 a necessity)

    A) Buying outright the 1st gen roughly 18ish-year-old 2003 Tundra with 175-200k miles and having a dependable 2nd vehicle as a daily driver (03 cost is around ($6500-7500)

    B) Financing under $10k a roughly 10-year-old 2011 tundra with about 120-140k miles (cost currently is around $17-19 to keep it under 200k miles)

    My personal situation is that I'm in need of a truck to use around the property for projects requiring picking landscape and building materials as well as towing a boat (2 times a year only going 5 miles to the boat ramp).

    I also don't have a lift only a floor jack and feel like the gen1 is easier to work on. I'm comfortable working on vehicles but the gen 2 seems to be packed with stuff that's larger making working on them tougher from what I've seen/read.

    Any suggestions from people who've gone thru both situations would be appreciated. The mileage and cost are just what the market is at in my area at the moment and seems to be the commonly available scenarios. There's also higher mileage first gens with 200-250k mi. That could be an option too. When I type it and think I don't know why I wouldn't I just feel more comfortable with slightly less milage as I feel I can more life out of it. Any suggestions welcome.
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2021
    MTRock and YardBird like this.
  2. Apr 4, 2021 at 11:38 AM
    #2
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    Rust is something you don't want.

    Service records are things you do want.

    The type of mileage is more important that the total mileage, highway miles are preferred.

    1st gen trucks have less plastic in the interior, and they tend to ride smoother.
    2nd gen trucks have a lot of plastic, and the ride feels a little firmer.

    1st gen 4.7 V8 engines produce a good power to weight ratio.
    2ng gen 5.7 V8 engines are best for the trucks added size and weight.

    If you have large hands you will appreciate the large handles & knobs the 2nd gen trucks have.

    The 1st gen trucks have an aircraft carrier size turning circle.
    The 2nd gen trucks have a much tighter turning circle.

    Aftermarket support for the 1st gen remains weak.
    Aftermarket support for the 2nd gen is pretty strong.

    If you don't need to haul people, search for a regular cab 1st or 2nd gen truck.
    You will pay more for 4x4.

    I hope that helps.
     
    PermaFrostTRD, Terndrerrr and BubbaW like this.
  3. Apr 4, 2021 at 11:53 AM
    #3
    MadRed89

    MadRed89 [OP] New Member

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    Yes Rex any input/reinforcing knowledge is always helpful. I updated the post in regards to the V8 and 4x4 which are sticking points that I need.

    I don't need to bring people around just a small/medium dog also like the access cab seems perfect. I'd like an 8ft bed but they are few and far between. I've been looking the past month and have only seen one vs dozens of access/double cabs.
     
    Rex Kramer likes this.
  4. Apr 4, 2021 at 8:46 PM
    #4
    peanut

    peanut making uneconomical choices about my truck

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2020
    Member:
    #51249
    Messages:
    183
    Vehicle:
    2001 Tundra 4x4 V8 Access cab 222k miles

    Are 8ft bed access cabs available? IF so I should start looking. I thought it was only regular cabs with the 8ft bed.
     
  5. Apr 4, 2021 at 10:16 PM
    #5
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
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    #24572
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    7,534
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    First Name:
    Jonesy
    Vehicle:
    2005 RCLB
    American Thunder Cat Back ~ Retrax Pro ~ Toyota Bed Mat ~ OEM Split Spoke Wheels
  6. Apr 5, 2021 at 4:02 AM
    #6
    MadRed89

    MadRed89 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the info. Glad you're a helpful member of the community.
     
    peanut[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Apr 5, 2021 at 6:20 AM
    #7
    peanut

    peanut making uneconomical choices about my truck

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2020
    Member:
    #51249
    Messages:
    183
    Vehicle:
    2001 Tundra 4x4 V8 Access cab 222k miles

    You're welcome. Thank you for the new sig, bud.
     
    Kung likes this.

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