I’m new…what to buy under $30k?

Hello all,

I’m new to this thread and have been using it extensively to try and figure out how to get my first Toyota Tundra. I recently sold my 04’ Dakota 4.7 V8 and am on the market for a tundra. Always been a goal of mine to get a tundra!

I’m located in Central Oregon where the market is tight. There are a couple tundras that I’m going to test drive this weekend - 2015 Crewmax TRD, 132,000 miles, 1 owner, no accidents for $24,700. There’s also a 2012 Crewmax TRD, 4 owners, 97,000 miles at $24,900.

The Oregon market is rough and I need to be under $30,000. I know test driving and looking at them is the key - but wondering if these price points are worth it? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

 

The one owner thing vs 4 is very telling. That’s a lot of owners for under 100k, it begs the question, why would so many people get out of that particular truck.

Also, the 15 has, in my opinion a much better look to it post 2014 facelift. It also has, again in my opinion, a nicer interior.

Do you have any links to the vehicles or carfax reports or anything because really year and mileage isn’t that much to go on. What kind of condition are they in? What’s the service history look like? Any accidents or flood damage?

 

This past fall I found a 15 DCRB black Tundra 4x4 with 166,000 miles for $21,500. Toyota dealer trade, 1 owner, full service history, clean carfax. Was looking at Tacomas when I ran across this one. As long as the miles aren't absurd don't be afraid. Drive it and if anything feels off move on to the next one. Mine drives like new. I would not buy a 4 owner.
I liked the fact that this one has no TSS.
Also it's an SR5

 

There's a nearly mint rock warrior for sale on here, too. Not sure about location, but I'd take that over the 2012 you mentioned. Otherwise, agree with the others about going with the 1 owner if all else is equal.

Edit: Sold, but an example of what's out there if you open your search up a bit: https://www.tundras.com/threads/2013-tundra-rock-warrior-sold-low-miles.138866/#post-3508078

 

So you say your in central Oregon... Do you get snow there? If so, would you be needing a 4 wheel drive ? It's not said in the description of the two you posted if they have 4 wheel drive or not ...

I am also on the 1 owner band wagon ...

 

It may be worth your while to open up your search to a wider area. You might have to travel a bit to find the best deal. Also in a used vehicle search, patience and perseverance always pays off. Good luck in your search and welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome from NY.
Good luck with your search.

 

View some videos on negotiating a lower price & what not to pay for at a dealership. Knowledge is king.

 

Thank you all so much for your replies. Incredibly helpful! I think I’ve been hyper focused on the overall miles - when in reality it’s just gonna take me getting out and test driving. I hope to post in the near future with a new ride!!

 

Welcome. With a 30k budget you should be able to find exactly what you're looking for in the used market. As others stated; clean carfax, 1 owner, well cared for truck should pop up and no need to settle. Little higher mileage with a good maintenance history can be considered a good find.

 

When I look, miles do matter to me, but I don’t like super low either. To me that means more in town driving and more sitting. I like one owner ( or a 2 owner if miles check out) and a legit enough CARFAX. Not everything has to be on there, but enough to see it was maintained. Also I don’t like mods, and I look at the bed. I don’t like DIY bedliner that looks like hell. If they didn’t have enough care to get it done right on an expensive ass truck what else didn’t they care about. Oh and rust! Just my perspective from browsing used HD trucks lately! I would worry about a tundra a bit less though. Good luck! You shouldn’t have a problem finding a nice 2.5 gen with that budget.

 

I was looking at a truck and it had next to zero maintenance history two owner.

I said yeah I’m not buying that, no history.
Salesman said “ that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been maintained, it’s a great truck!”

me- omg your so right, great point, here’s all my money!

Yeah right. F off.

Sorry I’m currently a bit annoyed by used car salesman.

 

Can you get into a 2015 or later? Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Toyota started offering the 38 gallon tank in 2015. It is worth its weight in gold.

It is included on every limited, platinum, TRD Pro, and 1794. And every SR5 with the SR5 upgrade package has it as well. SRs and SR5s that don’t have the upgrade package have the older 26 gallon tank.

Higher miles with properly detailed maintenance records, and I’d be good to go.

 

That's when you have him add a 3 year unlimited warranty. 25k miles /year. Wait.. I thought you said it was a great truck. Shuts them up pretty quick.

 

To be fair, I do my own maintenance for the most part and keep a log. I would imagine a large number of maintenance literate forum goers do. I would also assume that we take better care of our trucks than most people. Not everything is going to be on a carfax. That said I do take mine in to have the Trans fluid done from time to time, just so it’s on record.

 

I would have to agree with you on this one. Mine just shows up annual due to the inspection for stickers, and well, that infamous starter died but dealer just put on CarFax as serviced, with no details.

 

What trims are they? Probably won’t make a huge difference but it might if one is a Platinum and the other is an SR. The TRD just means it probably has the offroad package which is pretty useless. Also, you’re getting the small gas tank in either if it matters to you. Larger tank didn’t come out til ‘16.

 

Totally. And I’m sure that’s the case. But if the buyer has no way to verify that then I will assume no and generally not take the gamble.

Especially from some dude who I know just wants to make the sale and doesn’t give a shit what happens after I drive off the lot.

 

There is also a 2015 SR5 double cab I’ve been keeping my eye on up in Portland. It’s the 4.6 with 152,000 miles. 4x4 with new wheels and newer tires. One owner and from the carfax…looks like regular maintenance records. Listed at $19,995…really cool gray metallic exterior. Thinking of making the trek to go check it out.

 

FWIW when I was shopping, I seemed to find an inordinate number of rebuilt titles advertised in the Portland area.

Broaden your search to the Boise area.

 

Yes - I’ve been casually searching since November and have gotten more serious the last month or so and any decent looking deal always felt too good to be true - and upon further review they usually had a rebuilt or salvaged title…

My parents are out in Boise so I’ll extend my search! Thanks!

 

I would argue that paying a mobile service to do a thorough inspection is the biggest key. Forego this at your own risk.

 

It's worth the look. Smaller engine will still have plenty of power. I never really work mine too hard. 152,000 with maint. records is just right. Gray is a good looking color on these.

ETA New tires are $1000.00 right there!

 

@Mr. Zamboni any updates? We're invested

 

Howdy,

Still on the hunt…but I have traction. Prepare for a long explanation. We got a Tahoe in November for my wife (have a toddler and a newborn so had to sell the 04’ Dakota) and got a Tahoe. Now I’m stuck driving the 07’ pilot haha. But that being said - our budget is looking more like 20-25k.

Found a 2011 5.7 grade TRD with 78,000 miles for 23,900. But it was 3.5 hrs away and my schedule didn’t allow me to test drive which actually just sold today. (On market for 4 days).

There’s a 2011 5.7 tundra grade trd double cab that looks clean. 129,000 miles for 23,990. 2 owner, minor damage to front bumper. 2.5 hr drive from me.

There’s also a 2009 5.7 limited crewmax with 133,000 miles for the same price point. 3 owners. 2.5 hour drive from me.

Both look really nice. I don’t know what it looks like in other states but I can say the northwest loves their Toyota 4x4’s So the market is crazy. I’m being patient with the process - any input is always appreciated.

@OHwendTrd your comment made me chuckle and feel cared for haha.

cheers!