Worth it? Thoughts?

Hey everyone!

I am new to the Toyota family and looking for some help with questions and advice. I knew this would be the right group to reach out to!

A little background on me - I don't own a Tundra yet however I am actively looking. My ultimate goal is to find a used Tundra and slide in truck camper (I know... me and everyone else). Im pretty obsessed with the Four Wheel pop up campers and that's what I would get or something very similar. My future Tundra will not be my daily driver, and will only be used for camping trips/towing a raft.

For my questions... there is a 2016 Tundra for sale in my area, has 172,000 miles. Comes with studded winter tires and all season tires. The seller is asking $21,500. Without bugging the seller yet, that's all I know. I believe it's an SR5. My questions are...

1. Should I be worried about buying a used truck with 172K miles? I told my dad (not a Toyota owner yet) and he thought I was crazy for considering a used rig with that many miles. My research shows that Tundras could make it anywhere from 250k-300k. Im just a tad nervous that I won't get my moneys worth if it fell closer to the 250k.
2. Price seems reasonable compared to what I was seeing online. In your opinion, do you feel like that is a good price? Would I be low-balling the seller if I offered $18K?
3. Besides the typical used car questions, can you think of anything I should ask the seller? I was going to request a factory check be completed.
4. As far as the slide in camper portion of my dream. I know people typically install some additional suspension for the slide in. Any advice you could offer?
5. Can you think of any questions I didn't ask but should have?


Thank you so much in advance for the help! Buying a truck as a single woman can feel intimidating so Im trying to be as equipped with knowledge as possible.

Best,
Hillary

 

Tundra or not, I would never spend that much on a vehicle with 172k. That's just me. Yes they are reliable vehicles, but man lots of stuff simply can wear out. Maybe if it's been meticulously cared for and every preventative maintenance item has been done and there is zero rust. Just buy knowing a radiator, water pump, starter, bearings, etc could happen at anytime. Then another could happen at any time.

Others may disagree. That's fine. It's ok.

FYI- I just Sold my 2007 with 170k for 5000$. It had a rust issue on rear crossmemeber and bed. Could be fixed, it drove ok. Lots of stuff started needing replacing after 150-160. Master cyl, water pump, radiator, starter, etc.

 

Counterpoint. Tundras have gone 1M miles several times. Properly cared for, many examples on here that are 3-400k plus. That said, They have notoriously low payload. Slide in campers are heavy, even without gear. The FWC is a good choice to keep weight down, but bedding and gear gets heavy fast. A double cab, not a Crewmax will have a bigger bed, more payload and typically sell for less. $21k is a lot for a 10yr old truck with 172k miles, but Toyotas do hold their value. A slide in will also add unique stresses to the bed structure, and it isn't designed for that. Many have reported cracks in the bed at several locations due to carrying large campers.
You'll want to inspect the engine for cam tower leaks. Listen for chain tensioner rattles. Check maintenance history for transmission fluid and drivetrain fluid services. Suspension upgrades are commonly RAS, Sumosprings, Timbren bump stops, or airbags. Many get HD leafs, new shocks and airbags or RAS to help control the load. Now you also said towing a raft, their won't be much payload left for towing with a camper in the back. Need to sit down and figure up all your weights before you buy to make sure you're not biting off more than the truck can chew.

 

Welcome from NY.
Tundras will go the distance but $21.5k is too much for that year with the mileage. Good luck with your search.

 

Welcome and good luck!

2.) I've been searching as well and $21.5K seems higher than most listings for that mileage & year. I've seen 2014-2017s with fewer miles for less.

 

Try using AutoTempest for searching

 

250K on my '13 with nary a problem. Haven't needed to replace anything but tires and shocks. Runs like new.

Oops, I take that back.......also needed axle bearings @ 141K.

 

1. Should I be worried about buying a used truck with 172K miles? I told my dad (not a Toyota owner yet) and he thought I was crazy for considering a used rig with that many miles. My research shows that Tundras could make it anywhere from 250k-300k. Im just a tad nervous that I won't get my moneys worth if it fell closer to the 250k.
A well cared for Tundra, 172k is hardly nothing and will last a long while.

2. Price seems reasonable compared to what I was seeing online. In your opinion, do you feel like that is a good price? Would I be low-balling the seller if I offered $18K?
$16k is a good range for the year, mileage, trim (SR5). Double Cab or CrewMax?

3. Besides the typical used car questions, can you think of anything I should ask the seller? I was going to request a factory check be completed.
4.6 or 5.7 motor, 26 or 38 gal fuel tank, 4x4 engage or not (if a 4x4), maintenance records.

4. As far as the slide in camper portion of my dream. I know people typically install some additional suspension for the slide in. Any advice you could offer?


5. Can you think of any questions I didn't ask but should have?
good luck with your truck hunt.