New Guy Looking to Buy - Common Problems?

Hey guys, I'm looking at a 2008 double-cab SR5 with 64k miles on the clock. The thing looks clean enough to eat off of, but even with such low milage, I know the ol' gal is 14 years old. That said, what are some things I should be looking for? I hear the valve covers like to leak? What else?

 

Welcome from Ohio

 

Thanks man!

 

Welcome!! That shouldn’t be an issue on that truck! I’d probably change the plugs and wires and do a complete fluid flush and service. Might possibly do shocks if they are leaking. Also check under the truck for any places where it could be leaking. Such as, rear end, trans, ect. Other than that your prob gonna be good. Even if you don’t buy it, your welcome here anytime. Cheers

 

Thanks man! Here she is - I really like the color.

 

Welcome, Very clean Rig....Congrats on the new to you Tundra..

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Pretty good youtube video that covers all the problems with the 07-13 Tundras.
I'll see if i can find it.

But at 67k you shouldn't have any issues. My water pump went at 90k, but its easy enough to change out.

Turns out if you search youtube 07-13 tundra issues you'll get a bunch of videos with pretty info.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! And that sounds like an awesome find. Very low mileage! Truck looks great!

 

The things people are on here for most commonly that I would consider common problems:

1. Cam tower leaks (a pain in the ass an expensive to pay for)
2. Front diff bearing growl (aftermarket parts solve this inexpensively)
3. Water pump/starter/alternator/fuel pump going out between 100,000-300,000
4. SAIS emissions issues (resolved with an aftermarket bypass)

With the truck you're looking at, I would do #4 immediately after buying and get the Hewitt bypass kit. #2 would be next on my list with the ECGS bushing kit. #1 happens pretty slowly and you may notice the back of the engine getting oily at some point, so you can just wait to see if that one happens, and the items in #3 probably have many years of life left.

 

Other than checking wear items (brake pads, tires, filters) I wouldn't worry about anything other than fluid changes until a problem presents itself. Lots of people say that "x, y, or z always fails at xxx mileage" but that is mostly horsesh*t. Things break when they break and it's all relative to use and how the vehicle was driven. Generally speaking, things don't break on Toyotas. Not saying it doesn't happen, just don't stress over parts that aren't currently broken.

- Cam seals will seep for 400k miles and never leave a drip on the ground, don't fuss over those... that's the most over-hyped issue on this forum
- Front diff usually doesn't make a sound until you lift the truck. Mine was quiet as a mouse at 200k until I lifted.
- My factory water pump also lasted 200k miles before I replaced it pre-emptively, and I only replaced it because I had to replace a squealing idler pulley and was in there anyway.

Again, it's good to keep an eye on everything but unless you're planning a trip to Alaska I wouldn't do anything at all that wasn't absolutely necessary.

 

So you'd drive cross country on 14-year-old SAIP parts and risk having to fork over $2000-4000 to a Toyota dealer (if there is one close by) rather than putting the $400 bypass on to avoid that entirely?

 

I don't even know WTF an SAIP is. 230k miles and it has never been an issue. Thanks for proving my point.

 

This is a good video to cover common issues.
https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8

 

I'm going to go ahead and say you didn't put all 230K on the truck.

 

Just my opinion but:
You can also bypass the SAIS (secondary Air Injection System/SAIP (secondary Air injection pump) by installing a DAP tune. But costs as much as bypass kit.
and the SAIS issues are entirely where you are located. If you live were it rains it could be a problem and before i drove cross country i'd go ahead and take care of it.

If you live in the desert of AZ I doubt it will every get damaged/wet as i think the location is why it fails.

I'd be more worried about the frame under a 08 then anything else. These trucks had recalls in the 07-09 timeframe that toyota replaced frames (I think?).

 

Bought at 110k, with all dealer service records. Never been done. No rust either. Colorado truck all it’s life.

 

Welcome. That low mileage Tundra is a nice find. Most of the common issues have been already mentioned above but some people never encounter them. Just keep up with routine maintenance and you should be good!

 

Congrats. I have a similar mileage (63k) '13 I inherited from my father in law when he passed last year. Here's where it started and where it currently is. Always gotta scratch that upgrade itch.

 

If you are not handy and can't check it yourself, why guess???
Bring it to Toyota. For like $110 they will tell you everything you need to know. Even down to how many millimeters on the brake pads.
If service at Toyota, they will have the maintenance history. Cheap insurance if you need a lot of work done to it.

 

Check for bed rust. Especially if it has a liner. The rust starts from under the bed.

 

Welcome! I also have an '08. Mine has 154,000 miles and the 5.7 L motor. The first question I would ask is, does your truck have a lift or a leveling kit?

 

1.) Any rust
2.) Cam tower seal
3.) valley leak

are the biggest 3 if its been serviced regularly.
Also get a Pre-Purchase inspection thats about one of the biggest regrets of any bad purchasers choice is doing a post inspection.

and welcome.