2017 Tundra ball joints

Hello Group, I’m considering buying a ‘17 Tundra 1794 with 117K miles. It’s a dealership and the dealership just performed a safety inspection. The service tech notes states the ball joints are leaking, the tie rod on driver’s side is leaking and the rear shock is leaking.

They’re not giving this truck away so I’m a little concerned with the report. In addition, it looks like the transfer case looks like it has more shine than the other parts like it could have had a little leak though it doesn’t appear to be dripping. One final thing, the cross member is wet but that could be spillage of oil from when they changed it or engine dressing since it looks like they soaked it.

My question is what additional issues should I be looking for? Would you take a chance on the truck or would you pass? Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think your gut feeling is on point. You could try to get the dealer to fix the issues but, would that satisfy you?

 

I have a 17 and love it. Does this truck have the 38 gallon tank? Is it a FFV?

 

Thanks for responding. I’m not necessarily worried about the issues the tech identified, it’s the unknown that concerns me. I usually try to get a small warranty but this is a high dollar dealership and this truck is more in the way than anything.

 

Thanks for responding. Not sure about the gas tank, is there a way to see the original window sticker? You can see Ford stickers on CarFax but apparently Toyota doesn’t have that option.

Is FFV an acronym for flex fuel? If so, yes it is.

 

If it was me, the 38 gallon tank is a must and I would pass on the flex fuel all together

 

Really, why would you pass on the flex fuel?

 

The Flex Fuel adds problems down the line for many. The computer does a poor job at reading and estimating and storing the ALC%. This results in the truck thinking your running E85 when you’re not. Hard starts and poor fuel economy follow. There’s a TSB for fuel pump replacement and ECU reflash on those.

 

They have an occasional minor issue with hard or no start when the alcohol monitor in the computer has too high of a value. Easily reset with a scan tool.


Regarding your first post. That is a bit wrong for only 117k. I'd be curious how well the truck was taken care of. Are there any maintenance records on Toyota site, Carfax, or from the previous owner?

Has the dealer offered to replace the issue parts or offered money off. On the converse, did you ask them to take care of it as a condition of purchase.

You also should let us know price. Sounds like they want gold prices for pyrite.

 

The CarFax shows 25 service records which isn’t super great, but not too bad. It doesn’t show any major repairs but it did have a minor accident but the CarFax doesn’t specify what was damaged.

I’m not too concerned with the dealership repairing the items I mentioned. I’m just concerned if those things are issues, what else is there that might be issues.

The dealer is asking approximately $29,500 for it.

 

Not terrible but yes could be better.

The parts themselves are not an issue. Leaking doesn't mean broke yet. But now long have they been leaking is the question. The ball joints or tie rod could go the day after purchase. Not ideal.

I personally would pass and find something else unless you can get the dealer to replace the parts or come down on price. I would say $27k as is. But, what you are saving at the dealer will be lost at another shop ripping the front end apart to replace them, the shocks, etc.

Just to compare, I paid $26k near two years ago for my 2017 SR5 with upgrade package at 121k miles. I did my own inspection since they just got it on trade and the only issue was a rear differential seal leak that they offered to take care of free of charge.