1st gen tundra double cab - good 3rd car? Use for family camping

I am starting to look for a truck for us to use for camping trips and trips to Home Depot, etc. I am drawn to the tundra due to it apparent reliability. I had a tacoma many years ago and loved it. I have (2) 5 year girls, so we need the double cab for sure. That looks like i am limited to 2004-2006.

Now, around me i can find some trucks under or near 100k. However, they are 11k -13k, which would mean some sort of car loan. I am not apposed to this, but on a 12 year old car, i just want to verify that this is a good idea.

When looking at these trucks, what do i need to keep an eye out for? Any years or models better then others?

 

Depending on region, don't be afraid to crawl under (they have amazing ground clearance) and look for rust.

Outside of that, look for one with documented history if possible. The one major maintenance item on these is the timing belt/water pump job. Should be done around every 90k miles and will cost around $1k to have done. Other than that, very solid trucks. Owned my 03 for ten years trouble free.

 

Rust and timing belt changes. Those are the big ones they're pretty solid trucks.

 

Excellent trucks.

 

Rust does not seem to be a huge issue here in Oklahoma. Timing belts i should be able to tackle myself, but will use it to negotiate price if it has not been done.

4 speed verse 5 speed trans. Is one stronger or more reliable?

 

We were sort of in the same boat as you. Boyfriend had a 1st gen access cab Tacoma and I had a 3rd gen 4runner. We wanted the extra space with the double cab and knew this would mean a loan. Honestly, it is the best decision we have made and don't regret it at all. My 2004 had 202k miles on, some maintenence, wheels and tires and a brute force bumper on it and we paid $11k. That's pretty much the going rate here in AZ.

 

Look for an 05-06.

 

I think most, if not all 4 door 1st gen Tundra came with a 5 speed.

 

00-04’s have the 4 speed A340 and 05-06 have the 5 speed A750F.

 

The Double Cab didn't hit the streets until '04, and the 5 speed hit the market in '05.

 

Correct. 04 has the 4 speed and 05-06 has the 5 speed.

 

When was the planetary gear problem solved in the original 4 speed... aren't 4 speed AT good to go with the new PG?

 

Yes and I want to say 03 got the new gear.

 

Casper is on point. The (intergalactic) planetary was fixed for 03. 04 is the oddball year. 05-06 have 5 speed and VVTi motor.

Get an 05-06, black if possible.

 

There are usually a few for sale in my area, here's an example.
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/d/2006-toyota-tundra-sr5-double/6734676233.html

 

What part of OK?

 

im in the edmond / guthrie area. North of OKC

 

Don't be afraid of a higher mileage Tundra either. If they have been properly maintained 200k is nothing on these trucks.

 

I ended up getting an '05 XSP DC with 93.6K on the odo out of Florida for $10k. It's Phantom Grey and was well taken care of as far as I can tell, I've only had it 3 weeks. I did find out that it will need a rear driver's side wheel bearing. Funny thing my 05 Sequoia needed the same bearing, but it has almost double the miles...94k to 184k. Why the bearing went out so soon is anyone's guess.

The truck had just gotten it's 90k maintenance too, new Michelins, new radiator and head gaskets!!! So far...so good!!!

As far as what to look out for, in addition to what they guys have told you already, the wheel bearings. Especially the rear. In both cases, Sequoia and Tundra, the bad bearing sounded like it was the front driver's side. Upon future inspection with a stethoscope and a knowledgeable mechanic the bad bearing was isolated to the left rear. Good luck!!!

 

X2 on this, that’s the best color and best years.