Motor swap

Hey guys, So I’ve been looking for a 2-2.5 gen tundra for a second vehicle. I have found a 2010 with 375k miles. They said that it needs a new motor. I can buy the truck for $3500 and was told by the dealership that I could get a 100k motor for about $5500. Has anyone been through this, is it worth it and should I consider going through the transmission while it’s apart? I’d appreciate any feedback. Thanks

 

First, you can get an eBay motor for a lot cheaper. Course that has its own potential headaches. Second, if we take that cumulative price as $9000 that sounds like a lot for an engine swapped, 375k truck. I feel like you can get one in the 200-300k range for $10k without looking too far?

You didn't say what the intent is, but that it's a second vehicle. $3k for the truck and then another $2-3k for an eBay engine and swap it yourself as a project is another story and not a bad deal. Though $3k for a truck that doesn't run would still be a hard pill to swallow in my opinion, 375k, 15 years old, no engine, $3k? Ehhhh

 

I just put a 70k 2018 motor in my '13 Sequoia for 4000, you can do much better than 5500

https://car-part.com/index.htm

I found my motor there

Also, what Sniv said. How do you know there aren't other issues?

 

For example, here are a couple trucks in Utah for sub $9k

 

Here's a running '16 with Uber miles just over 10k

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/ctd/d/phoenix-2016-toyota-tundra-door-57-v8/7832691550.html

 

I live in a fairly small town and I know the owner personally, he bought it brand new. I’m thinking that for $10-12K I could have a pretty nice truck that would last for a long time. I have rental properties and do remodels on the side,so having a 2nd truck comes in handy. I’ve never owned a 2-2.5 gen and after having a couple of 3rd gens I’ve really grown to appreciate the 2nd gen. It just seems for no more than what I’m going to do with it and what I’d have in it, I could get really good value out of it?

 

I dropped in a new to me 120k engine in my 2008 (260k on the chassis). It was pretty straight forward. Make sure that the new engine doesn't have any cam tower leaks and that before you install it, change the water pump, thermostat and timing chain tensioners. While it's on a stand it's much easier than in the truck. Also check the valley pan to make sure it's sealed up and doesn't leak, and check for mouse nests/chewed wires under the intake while you're in there.
I'm sure I'm forgetting things, spark plugs, belts, etc. My truck runs like a champ now. I paid $5000 for my engine from a local yard. Had all the records on the engine as well, so I knew it was getting regular oil changes. I would offer $1500 and see if they will meet you in the middle.

 

I have to say, this transaction clearly needs to be assessed by the forum's unofficial financial advisor

What say ye??? @LarryDangerfield



All jokes aside... sounds like you're comfortable with the terms and the return on your investment, so I'd say go forth, concur, and enjoy your new rig!!!!

 

Just buy a running solid truck in your proposed budget and skip all the headaches and unknowns that come with a truck that needs a motor.

 

Gotta love dealers. Asking 3500 for a 375k truck with no engine. At that mileage, I would not expect the transmission to be in great shape either. I have a guy trying to sell me a 150k 07 for $5k. Decent truck but won’t shift into gear. Probably $200 in parts to address or worse case a$1500 transmission. Better deals are out there.

 

Funny thing is that it shifts flawlessly and he has never serviced it. But I do plan to address it while I’m there. If I decide to go through with it. I’m doing some digging to see if there is any upside, other than I like doing projects.

 

Haha, I have him down to $3k and I walked away. Called back a few days later and he is holding for a week while I do research. I’m shooting for $2k. This truck still rides and drives really well and is still tight, it’s supper straight and it’s never been hit

 

Would be interesting to know what the dealer thinks he can get at an auction with a bad motor. That's really what I think you are up against. If he believes he can get $3k or better at the auction, he may just do that instead and take the chance.

 

I’m buying it from the owner.I have an appointment for Wednesday, to get it on the rack and see what all it needs. He’s still in love with it, he likes it better than his 2020. I believe we can work it out if I decide to go through with it

 

375K suspension can also be pricey to update - figure all that in at that mileage.

 

Ya, that’s kinda why I won’t it. So I can be the one that goes through it and do it like I wan’t.