1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Should I buy this Tundra with 297k miles?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by hosseinkaveh, Oct 5, 2018.

  1. Oct 5, 2018 at 2:31 PM
    #1
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Hi everyone,
    I'm in the market looking for a used inexpensive 4x4 truck for my house work and probably build it for camping and overlanding next year. I found this 2003 -see the link below- TRD SR5 with 297k miles on it. Price wise it fits in my budget and it looks like a pretty clean truck, and being TRD and having the canopy is a good deal to me. But I don't have any idea about how many more miles it can go.

    I was wondering if you can help me and any advise is appreciated!

    P.S. I drive a 2WD FJ Cruiser and this Tundra will be my 4x4 adventurer. :)

    http://www.marysvilleford.com/used-cars/detail/2003-Toyota-Tundra-SR5/950/5TBBT44113S355151
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  2. Oct 5, 2018 at 2:34 PM
    #2
    Blueknights75

    Blueknights75 040 IS THE FASTEST

    Joined:
    May 13, 2018
    Member:
    #15276
    Messages:
    4,431
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ron
    Clayton, NC
    Vehicle:
    18’ TRD CM leveled with 295/70 Ridge Grapplers
    There have been Tundras with way more miles than that. As many will tell you it all depends on how it was maintained by previous owners. As long as it was maintained well and there is no rust I would say go for it.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  3. Oct 5, 2018 at 2:44 PM
    #3
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1829
    Messages:
    9,387
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    White 2015 Tundra DC SR5 TRD 4x4 5.7L, White 2003 Sequoia 2WD
    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    I’d probably take it and have it thoroughly checked over. Compression test etc. make sure the transmission is acting right and any available service records shown to you.
     
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2018
  4. Oct 5, 2018 at 3:05 PM
    #4
    BestGen

    BestGen Free Kyle!

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2017
    Member:
    #6154
    Messages:
    2,497
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Haunted Turnbull Canyon CA
    Vehicle:
    '05 RCLB, 2UZ-FE, 4wd / '88 4RNR XTE 22RE/W56/RF1A
    Fabtech 2.5" coilovers, BFG KO2 34/10.5/17, 17x7.5 TE wheels, add-a-leaves, 4.56 gears, Rhino-lined
    I paid $4900 for mine with a little over 224K miles. If it's clean, rust free, and has good maintenance records then I'd offer them 4 grand otd. Be prepared to walk. They'll probably backstop you before you get to your car. Good luck.
     
    joonbug and NewImprovedRon like this.
  5. Oct 5, 2018 at 3:11 PM
    #5
    tenntundra

    tenntundra 2013 SR5 crewmax Barcelona red

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2018
    Member:
    #18191
    Messages:
    960
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Walter
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2013 barcelona red sr5 crewmax TRD tundra
    3" suspension lift, BMF 20" wheels 305/55/20 nitto ridge grappler tires,painted RED bushwhacker fender flares,fold up tonneu cover,100 watt led fog lights,led interior lights,borla dual exhaust,tinted windows,window vent visors, Toyota hood protector,toyota step bars,spyder carbon fiber floor mats,k&n air filter,painted brake calipers red, installed red lug nuts on wheels remote start.
    $4,000.00 is a fair price. I turned down $7,500.00 6 months ago on my 2000 limited TRD access cab with then 360,000 miles.but I have taken very good care of it and have a large stack of maintenance records.1004151945.jpg
     
  6. Oct 5, 2018 at 3:14 PM
    #6
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2018
    Member:
    #18880
    Messages:
    7,273
    Gender:
    Male
    TX
    Vehicle:
    02 AC sr5 4wd v8
    Do it.

    20180908_181229.jpg
     
    Metro14536 likes this.
  7. Oct 6, 2018 at 1:43 PM
    #7
    MIkeatthelake

    MIkeatthelake New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2016
    Member:
    #3995
    Messages:
    34
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tundra 4wd 6cyl
    I have had three but the one that comes to mind when I read this is my first.. a '95 T100 I bought new. I sold it in 2011 with 250,000 miles on it. I sold it to a friend so I could get a newer model. He now has over 350,000 on it and still drives it every day. I gave my 2004 Tundra to my son just last week with 150k and he is in high cotton. I just bought a 2006. You aren't risking much money. It looks very good. I would go for it. If you weren't 3000 miles away I would look at it myself!
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  8. Oct 8, 2018 at 10:38 AM
    #8
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Thanks everyone for replies! Well, on Saturday I went and checked the truck. Honestly it was way cleaner than it looks in the pictures! At the dealership they had already maintained the truck and the ride was perfect. I checked underneath the car and surprisingly it has ZERO rust in compare to my 2007 FJ. Also didn't notice anything bad with the engine and transmission and it was shifting pretty smooth, no smoke and shake and whatsoever. Oil pressure was good, all the power amenities (windows, mirrors, 4HI, 4LO, heater, AC, lights) work. Also the body has zero scratch and dent!
    The listing price was $4999, but I offered $4000 and walked, but they called me and said they can't go any lower than $4500, sooooooo,,, I BOUGHT IT! :)
     
  9. Oct 8, 2018 at 10:51 AM
    #9
    Casper421

    Casper421 Toyota RidgeTrac driver!

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2017
    Member:
    #8530
    Messages:
    4,130
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    In the woods
    Vehicle:
    06 DC
    Congrats! Let’s see some pics of your new truck!
     
    Inquiringone and BestGen like this.
  10. Oct 8, 2018 at 10:57 AM
    #10
    Ely010606

    Ely010606 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2017
    Member:
    #9286
    Messages:
    4,031
    Gender:
    Male
    SPARKS, NV
    Vehicle:
    2017 QS SR5 CM TRD 4x4
    Congrats on the new ride
     
  11. Oct 8, 2018 at 11:10 AM
    #11
    TOYOTAGUYS

    TOYOTAGUYS LOYALTOYOTA

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2018
    Member:
    #17272
    Messages:
    80
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Alex
    Bellevue, WA
    Vehicle:
    ISO a Tundra
    Congrats!! Are you a Washingtonian also? I'm down in Bellevue. I'm glad somebody finally bought that truck! It was on their site for quite some time
     
  12. Oct 8, 2018 at 11:14 AM
    #12
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Thanks guys. Here are a couple pictures for now!




     
  13. Oct 8, 2018 at 11:21 AM
    #13
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Oh nice, yes I live in Kirkland! I guess the main reason was the milage and the fact that they didn't list the truck anywhere else other that their website. Anyways I took the risk and trusted my heart! The truck has a lot of advantages to me as I'm planning to build it up step by step as my overlanding vehicle.
    The only thing is the tires which are about %40-%45 and it wasn't a huge deal to me anyways as I'm planning to upgrade the stock wheels and bigger tires.
    Any advise would be appreciated regarding the maintenances at this point. :)
     
  14. Oct 8, 2018 at 2:33 PM
    #14
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1829
    Messages:
    9,387
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    White 2015 Tundra DC SR5 TRD 4x4 5.7L, White 2003 Sequoia 2WD
    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    Looking good, nice truck! Start off with the cheap stuff. I recommend giving those headlights a good polish before they get worse. I have an 03 sequoia and when I got those things looking crystal clear, it made it look younger.
     
    hosseinkaveh[OP] likes this.
  15. Oct 8, 2018 at 3:07 PM
    #15
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    Go to the ‘What have you done to your 1st Gen Tundra’ thread to see what everyone has been doing. Also, their is a ‘1st Gen Build’ thread section that everyone showcases their individual stuff. Some people are very talented on theirs.
     
  16. Oct 9, 2018 at 8:08 AM
    #16
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2018
    Member:
    #18880
    Messages:
    7,273
    Gender:
    Male
    TX
    Vehicle:
    02 AC sr5 4wd v8
    Complete fluid/filter change. Pull you coils and inspect them. Change the plugs. Clean the maf. And keep us updated on the new ride!
     
    hosseinkaveh[OP] likes this.
  17. Oct 9, 2018 at 8:18 AM
    #17
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2018
    Member:
    #12905
    Messages:
    440
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jimmy
    Vehicle:
    2000 SR5 4WD 2002 SR5 4wd 2008 CM Limited 4wd
    Nice clean looking truck. Welcome to gen 1 Tundra.
     
  18. Oct 22, 2018 at 3:46 PM
    #18
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Hi everyone! It's been a few weeks since I bought this truck and realized to share my experience so far about it. As the dealer told me that they have already changed the fluids I didn't change the oils and fluids yet. I was mostly determining and prioritizing my tasks about the truck and my build plan. Overall the truck is performing well and I love it so far! It's been my daily driver and I barely drive the FJ as the Tundra is more comfortable inside and more powerful! below are my issues and I need to know your ideas about them:
    ------
    1- I couldn't see any timing belt replacement in the CarFax history and I was wondering should I replace it now? Considering that I don't see any symptoms of a bad timing belt.
    2- The water pump has been replaced only once at 187000 miles and now I'm on 297000 miles. Do you think that I have to replace it as well? (again, don't see the symptoms of a bad water pump)
    3- I hear a kind of squeaking noise from the suspension (mostly on bumps and turns) and didn't get a chance to diagnose that yet. Any ideas?
    4- Looking for replacing the stock alloy wheels and tires with 9" wheels, so do you recommend 17" or 18"? Also in 265-315 range is there any specific thickness that you suggest?

    Thanks in advance guys!
     
  19. Oct 22, 2018 at 4:00 PM
    #19
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    check the bushings on the squeaky suspension. also if any leaks on the shocks.
    I would go 17" even 16" if possible. For overlanding, you want the bigger tire you can fit. more tire sidewall is better.
     
  20. Oct 22, 2018 at 4:16 PM
    #20
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    1) and 2) Most mechanics recommend doing the water pump and timing belt simulaneously. Sounds like you should do both as soon as you can.

    3) Squeaky bushings at lower control arms probably. You can wash them with degreaser which helped mine. Ultimately, I had my front end rebuilt which is the best fix.

    4) I run 285/75/r16’s (very slight rub and biggest you can fit without lift?) Michelin Defender M/S. Great tire so far. This is my 3rd set of 285/75r16 Michelins. Great tire IMO.
     
  21. Oct 22, 2018 at 4:17 PM
    #21
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,692
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    #1+2 get them done soonish. The belt is supposed to be changed every 90k, it may be fine but if it breaks there can be severe engine damage. The pump can be changed at the same time for no extra labor so it makes sense to do both.
     
  22. Oct 23, 2018 at 3:45 PM
    #22
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    I got an estimate form Toyota dealership for replacing timing belt, water pump and drive belt for $1200 plus TAX. Does that reasonable price?
     
  23. Oct 23, 2018 at 4:05 PM
    #23
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2017
    Member:
    #7600
    Messages:
    3,692
    Gender:
    Male
    Cambridge Springs, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 Tundra DC
    Depends on the labor rate in your area. Mine quoted $800 and my usual mechanic did it for $600 here in NW PA.
     
  24. Oct 23, 2018 at 5:48 PM
    #24
    tenntundra

    tenntundra 2013 SR5 crewmax Barcelona red

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2018
    Member:
    #18191
    Messages:
    960
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Walter
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2013 barcelona red sr5 crewmax TRD tundra
    3" suspension lift, BMF 20" wheels 305/55/20 nitto ridge grappler tires,painted RED bushwhacker fender flares,fold up tonneu cover,100 watt led fog lights,led interior lights,borla dual exhaust,tinted windows,window vent visors, Toyota hood protector,toyota step bars,spyder carbon fiber floor mats,k&n air filter,painted brake calipers red, installed red lug nuts on wheels remote start.
    That is high! Fox toyota in Clinton Tn wanted $800.00. last year. I went to eBay and bought a kit and did mine myself.kit came with water pump(aisin brand) ,high grade timing belt and serpentine belt.also idler tensioner,upper and lower radiator hoses,timing belt tensioner. I pulled up A1A auto on youYouT and the show step by step how to do the entire job.first time took me 8 hrs! Second time took 4 hrs. It would be a good test to flush and replace the thermostat and anti-freeze also.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #24
    hosseinkaveh[OP] likes this.
  25. Oct 23, 2018 at 6:31 PM
    #25
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    It's sounds like the dealer is charging full MSRP for the parts, what's their labor rate?
     
    hosseinkaveh[OP] likes this.
  26. Oct 23, 2018 at 6:42 PM
    #26
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Well, I called a couple dealers in the area and most of the prices were in the $1300 range. Midas auoted for $1500!!
    Looking for some local mechanic shops to see if they can do the job for cheaper. I can't do that myself as don't have time and energy to mess with that actually! :))
     
  27. Oct 24, 2018 at 4:26 AM
    #27
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    Around here its averaging about $1000 total parts and labor. Plus or minus if you do dealership or local shop. Try a local foreign auto shop in your area if you have one.
     
    hosseinkaveh[OP] likes this.
  28. Oct 30, 2018 at 8:26 PM
    #28
    hosseinkaveh

    hosseinkaveh [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20221
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hossein
    Vehicle:
    FJ Cruiser
    Stock
    Hey everyone! Finally I found a place to do the timing belt package for me for $1000 and today they got the job done. The package included Timing belt, water pump, thermostat, coolant, drive belt and all the seals. Also they did a complimentary inspection around the squeaking noise and realized it comes from the front shocks strut and they have been worn out. So next thing would be replacing the front shocks. As I was going to build this truck for camping and overlanding adventures, I had to replace those anyways, so please let me know if you have any recommendations about what front shocks should I use? Oh, and I need to level the truck (lift the front), so I don't know what parts exactly I need. Any advise would be appreciated.

    Below is a couple more things that they diagnosed, but they aren't critical for now:
    - I might need to replace the rear leaf springs in the future as they've been worn a little bit (they told me it's normal for truck's age)
    - Same situation on the drive shaft (normal wear and tear) as it's just a little vibrating on high speeds over 70mph
     
  29. Oct 31, 2018 at 4:08 AM
    #29
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    Shocks: Do not get Bilstien 5100’s as they are great for street, but not off-road. I have them and love them for the street.

    Leafs: Hellwig add a leaf. Do your research.

    Propeller Shaft: Buy an OEM carrier bearing from online and have the shop put on new u-joints, as well, while the shaft is dropped.

    What products did they use for your Timing Belt/Water Pump? Saw Aisin (OEM) offers a kit online for around $150!
     
  30. Oct 31, 2018 at 6:40 AM
    #30
    phabej

    phabej New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2018
    Member:
    #20840
    Messages:
    1,106
    Vehicle:
    NO LONGER HAVE A TUNDRA... Waiting
    cool, another Washingtonian.. welcome to the club. :)
     
    Filthyphil and hosseinkaveh[OP] like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top