Flooded Tundra

Hello Tundra Pros

I m thinking of picking up this flooded Tundra from Auction. It's a 2016 what looks like a limited Version to me. The water level was just above the Tundra badge on the side of the truck (shows on the picture). The truck won't start so it is what it is. I haven't looked at it in person (too far for me to get out there) so your guess is as good as mine.

So what do so what do you guys think? Computer might be fried?? What else can go wrong considering the water level wasn't that high.

Anyone close to Baton Rouge, LA who can take a look at the truck for me?

 

How bad is it for the truck to sit on the suspension that way?

 

Not bad for the suspension. But hard on the disc brakes. The most I'd pay for that piece of crap is 500 bucks. Any more and your getting raped

 

Lots of good parts, if price is low enough

 

If it was enough for insurance to total it I'd say stay away.

 

risky bet..really depends on the price IMO. couple G's maybe
Are you mechanically inclined ?

 

i wouldnt. the ECU probably got toasted. i wonder if it also got hydro locked which means the engine would be useless. water in the transmission. i really dont know what is useful there...

 

I would totally pass. I see a money pit.

 

Pass

 

The water level up above the badge would mean there is no water in the engine or trans. These units are sealed...oil can't come out water can't go in. Water at that level probably reached the starter and just blew a fuse...hence won't start. Probably sitting for a while so a new battery would be in order, as well as an electrical fuse box check of ALL FUSES! The only way water would enter the engine is through the air box, so check the air cleaner and as many pieces you can remove to check for water spots/debris. Water can also enter the exhaust and rust from the inside out as well as damage the catalytic converter. Also water that high can enter every crack, cranny, hole, seam of the frame. And depending on how Toyota applies their paint for their frames, there may not be any sealant on the internals of the frame....bare metal, which leads to rust. Total weight on the brakes is really bad, you'll have to do a complete swap of all brakes and subsequent components. Next on the "what to worry about" list is the interior. Yes minor water from rain may not be able to enter due to the gaskets around the door, however there are tiny drainage holes at the bottom of all doors, this would allow water to enter inside the door itself, possible damage to window mechanism. Also depending on the force of the flood, stagnant water or raging river, water may enter into the cab interior. Check all carpet and upholstery. Also there is a computer/electrical component under the front passenger seat, most likely damaged if water entered the cab at that height.

Bottom line for my thoughts, check all that you can without buying. Spend no more than $1k. If you can bring a battery to check electrical system then do it.

You could always buy it and piece it out for parts.

 

Well,

I m not worried about anything except the electrical issues like @Sean266 said. Coming from German cars, Toyotas electrical issues look like a piece of cake but then again you never know. Mechanical and bodywork, I can get almost anything done so @TheBeast that won't be a problem.

Water didn't go too high. I agree w @Ryan Mc. that some of the things indeed need replacement which I am aware of. Rotors needs replacement, passenger seat amp probably gone, needs wheels and tires which I already have these parts laying around.

It's salt water @WarEagleSteve which I know is a big no too. I will see if I can get a deal otherwise I will pass on it.

Just the airbag assembly on this thing can be sold for $2500 on fleabay (have done it once).

 

I've always wanted to buy something like this for cheap and start building an off-road truck! Most likely going to rebuild the motor when doing that anyways. Put in a roll cage and all that fun stuff. Not sure if I would trust this as a reliable daily driver though.

 

A sealed transmission does not make it 100% water proof. If it sat in submerged water for some time, it very likely could have seeped in through a seal (rear/front/transfer case) or wherever else.

Same goes for the engine. its not 100% bullet proof to be sealed if it sat in water for undisclosed time.

 

Keep us posted if u do get it... I'm sure we would all love to see if it was worth It and what u do to it

 

not sure i agree with everyone on the low value - but i do agree with most that you're potentially going to be chasing electrical gremlins for the rest of time. As for the value, depending on your time & space constraints, the salvageable parts are worth a pretty penny or two. I'll give you $200 for the headlights already! Glass & undented panels are worth some too and there's plenty more in there that you can pull, clean if needed and resell if you get bored fixing electrical faults every weekend.

 

I would only buy it to part it out. Doors, body panels, hood, bed and tailgate. It's nice to have spares right? I wouldn't bother trying to get it operational.

 

DO NOT GO THERE !!!!!

 

It was most likely backwater. I'm assuming it's from the flood from last year.

Sewage....worse than either fresh or salt LOL

 

Bidding is already at $8500. Looks like it will go above 15k

 

Hope they have some good lube handy.

 

For that price there's no lube. Straight up dry raping is what that is

 

Auction has 9 more days to go. Keep you guys posted on the selling price. I have seen worse then this on Toyotas.

FYI, it jumped from $2,000 to $8,500 in 5 days on what supposed to be a 14 day auction and it's a dealer only auction not open for public.

 

Just send this to the poor sumbitch that bids last.

 

Lol, probably the same guy who took the wheels out of the truck so he can bid and buy it back.

 

That makes a little more sense. Dealers have parts and labor at their disposal to still make a profit. But it will still be a salvage title right?

 

Hahaha. Gonna be waddling worse than Yoda after that session

 

Just hope he doesn't pay more than insurance gave him! LOL