Buying 04-06 Tundra...Hindsight 2020

Hello everyone, I'm looking to buy my first 1st gen Tundra. Reaching out for some advice. It has to have a double cab and 4WD, other than that I just want to do my due diligence to get a solid truck.

What are some of the typical issues to look for? Both deal breakers and things are easy fixes.
What do you wish you knew when you bought your Tundra? Hindsight 2020
Overall general advice. I'm excited to join the club!

Much appreciated!

 

Welcome from Ontario Canada .
1) look for rust under the truck .
2) maintenance records

 

Welcome from CO. frame rust.

 

Welcome to the club from WI. Have some fun and check out the threads to see what guys are doing. I picked up mine in summer and THEN joined this forum. It seems the only deal-breaker is a rusted frame but that didn't deter me or somebody else I know. Everybody's situation is different (budget-wise, need-wise and skill-wise) so have fun shopping around. If you find something you're interested in, take pics and post 'em and you'll get more feedback than you could ask for. Also, black ones are faster, I hear.

 

Welcome to the forum, good call on doing your research before buying. Double cabs were only available from 2004-2006 model years. The 2004 is the oddball with the older engine and transmission setup. 4 speed auto trans and non-VVTi motor. The 2005 and 2006 got upgraded to 5 speed auto and added VVTi to the motor for more upper end power. Don't think you can go wrong either way, both very solid and reliable. I personally would love to have the 5 speed auto transmission. The old 4 speed is solid, but just feels antiquated compared to the ZF 8 speed in the wife's Grand Cherokee or even the newer 6 speeds in modern trucks. Rust is the only real deal breaker I can think of. These trucks had rust issues in the northern salt belt so bad that Toyota issued a recall and replaced the frames for free. Better off finding one that lived in the south and skip all the rust headaches.

 

Nice name and truck choice. In addition to what @KNABORES said just make sure it's black

 

FRAME RUST!

Aside from that they are almost bulletproof. Also, if you find one you are interested in, input the VIN on Toyota's website to see if there are any maintenance records. Timing belt has to be done every 90k or 7(?) years.

 

Yup, pretty much the same as everyone else’s thoughts. Make sure the 4wd system operates correctly in all settings. It’s fairly easy to repair, but it’s one more thing that would require attention.

And welcome to the club!