Too much rust?

Looking at buying my first ever 1st gen Tundra and have heard frame rust, lower ball joint, and timing belt are some of the biggest issues: 1) owner sent a couple pictures of undercarriage; 2) not sure if anything was done for this part; 3) timing belt was changed at 150,000 miles.

Owner stated upgrades were "Icon Coilovers, spc upper control arms, lower control arms, suspension max sway bar links, archive garage medium duty leaf springs, rear icon shocks, new steering rack and tie rods. Also the bed drawers. I have a big brake caliper upgrade not installed."

Carfax shows a pretty blank maintenance record after 84K miles.

Ad link: Any thoughts? Concerns you would have? Does it look like there are any areas of problematic rust? (I haven't checked out the vehicle personally yet, but would.)

 

Doesn't look bad from the limited pictures here. I think the price in in the ballpark, if you go look at it personally and spend a decent amount of time rolling around under it with a screwdriver, hammer, and your phone for more pictures. Post them back up. Considering the location in AK, I'm not sure you're going to find much better without having to come to the lower 48.

 

That truck looks too clean. Almost too clean. Nice topper too. We need more frame pics and on the ground info to give you an honest opinion.

 

Read up here first on how to evaluate the frame for significant rust

https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

there are some hot spots that get it the worst. Check those areas with a hammer.

 

Just based on the pics you shared it looks pretty good really. Timing belt changed at 150,000 give you another 50,000 before it would be recommended to change again. It sounds like it may be a good buy and considering all the upgrades can be confirmed it would probably be a safe bet to purchase. Definitely check the frame is all the areas due to that being the biggest issues with most of the 1st gens. I had an 04 and it had way more rust on the frame but only needed two spots fixed near the front around the front wheel.
Just checked out the pics on the ad, the vehicle looks very clean for that year model. Make an offer and see what they say.

 

Thanks guys, checking out the car tomorrow--will post updates...

Sidenote, if one were to find an '04 with very little rust (pretty much only on exhaust pipes), 170K miles, Eibach suspension, BFG KO2 tires, MCM upper and lower control arms, timing belt & brakes one year old--what would be a reasonable price? everything looks very clean on the vehicle, almost like the engine was detailed

Ad here:

 

From the looks of it, that frame had to be replaced!!! Those pictures on the Facebook ad are pristine. Inspect it carefully, especially at the trouble spots pointed out in the first gen thread.

 

Just based on what's been posted and assuming the typical problem areas are all clear, both of those trucks seem like great options. It's great to have choices.

 

Holy schnikees! $22K?!

 

Only asking $17k for the truck. The $22k is if you want the snow machine deck included. $17k is higher end, but not unreasonable. I would be more $15k for a DC mid 100k miles in the mid 100k miles and in “pristine” condition, which is rarely true.

 

Gotcha. I also thought it was worth about $15K top. Definitely a nice looking DC.

 

$17K raises some eyebrows, but realistically what else could you buy for 17 grand that would serve the same purpose? Vehicle prices are ridiculous, but it's the new 'normal'... I guess.

 

If that were my truck, I’d be asking $17k also

 

But would you really want to sell if it was yours? I wouldn't.

 

Checked out the '06, pictures attached. What do you think? Looked like there was a possible area of pitting under the driver side door on the frame--owner suggested it could have been a previous weld spot?

Side note, there is a '13 Tundra with 200K miles. Here, is the ad link: Between the two, which do you prefer?

 

I see several cracks in welds, some more than an inch long. I wouldn't fuck with that.

 

Hard pass

 

Neither. They don’t advertise 4wd and if they were, ask for frame pics on the 2013 Tundra. You’re obviously going to have to deal with rust being in Alaska, you just want one with a minimal amount.

 

If it were me I would probably lean more towards the 13 Tundra. It is newer and the price probably has wiggle room I'm sure. Plus you get one that is much newer than the others. I wouldn't pay 17 for the 04 if it were me. I feel that is too much for that year. I would test drive the 13 and check the frame as well. I think that it is good that you are doing your due diligence and looking at different years and price points. This is I found my 2014. Good luck in your search.

 

Thanks guys, yeah, there was some flaking in the spots noted, most sounded solid, low chance that is surface rust? if it were, what would be the fix, if any?

 

Die grinder, wire wheel, compressor capable of 5 CFM continuously, degreaser, metal prep, two coats of POR-15 using foam brushes followed by a top coat of paint to protect from UV exposure.

 

Carfax showed the 2013 was 4x4

 

It's all these deep cracks I'm seeing at the welds that's concerning to me. IMHO, this isn't normal. Look carefully. Granted, not like this swaybar mount is much, but the other stuff, it's just ... weird.

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Actually, @shifty` those are typical and they’re not deep but it is the first layer of metal (or powder coat?) coming off and it needs to be addressed before it becomes worse over time. Been there, done that.