Purchase Advice---> 1st time owner

I have been looking for a first gen tundra for quite some time, but the used car market is crazy and my budget is limited. I am checking out this Tundra this weekend and I was wanting some of the seasoned Tundra owners advice----> what should I look for? Should I bail on this, or seriously consider? I have read through a good amount of the threads, but it is still something I don't feel confident in doing with my little experience working on cars.

2000 Access Cab, 235k miles, asking $4k
he also claiming brand new timing belt +water pump, new carrier bearing, toyota heater control valve all oem replaced by toyota

 

You need to go over the frame with a fine tooth comb if it’s ever been in a state with salt roads.

You’ve seen the “so you wanna buy a 1st gen” thread, I take it?

 

Lots of rattle can black. Everywhere. Somewhat suspect. Weird wire coming out of the dash. Suspect. What other weird shit has been done? Brake fluid is trash. Unless the owner can show receipts and prove that the TB and water pump were done, don't believe it. I know you said budget is tight, but if you don't know what you're looking for, take someone who does, or better yet get a pre-purchase inspection. The last thing you want is to get yourself into a money pit. Know this also: 25 year old trucks are going to be needy. You need to learn to work on them yourself, or have a fat wallet. Parts aren't overly expensive. Labor will get you every time.

 

Gonna be honest. Some red flags with this one. $4k is a pretty good deal, except it’s 2wd. It’s got some weird mismatched oak interior parts mixed in with the grey /
moonmist whatever color. The bed supports appear to be crushed towards the frame. Brake booster was salvaged off the black pearl and repurposed onto this truck. What’s going on with the underhood fuse box? Is that a grocery bag? Who spends $2k at the dealership to replace parts, just to sell the truck for $4k? Looks like the seller sprayed that hot shine all over the truck. Under the hood and all over the frame. Interior is trashed. This is not a vehicle that was taken care of. I would verify that timing belt claim before entering into any negotiations. I personally would walk, not my cup of tea.

 

At a glance and to an untrained eye, it (might) be appealing, but as you can tell from the responses thus far ** it ain’t passin’ the smell test** and upon closer inspection, hard pass. Don’t put yourself into a situation where you’re already depreciating asset becomes a money pit. Part ways, save your money and keep it moving. You’ll find ‘the one’ in due time bro. Just my 2 cents,…..

 

Unfortunately a $4k truck costs a lot more than $4k once you buy it.
A little skeptical about the timing belt, plus it just does not look like it was looked after. It looks like someone is trying to flip a cheap auction find. I don't know much about license plate formats in other states, but that sure looks like a temp tag. Can't imagine Indiana has more than 6-7 characters in their plate format.

 

Thank you to everyone who has responded! Some much needed wisdom was given. Ill pass and keep looking!

 

I take it you've seen this thread? https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/