Looking for a Tundra

Hey all. I'm sure there's a thread on this already so maybe you can point me there. What should I be looking for in a 1st gen Tundra (things you like, things you don't like, things I should look for when buying one)?

https://cars.ksl.com/listing/7522069

The price on this one seems high, even in today's market, but it seems nice.

 

Damn that's expensive.
You need to see the undercarriage. Frame rust?
Damn that's a fucked up steering wheel for only 95k miles.
Multiple blemishes on the interior.
No floormats? Is that standard?
Check the carfax. Service records? Timing belt/water pump/etc. done?

 

Super expensive. I wasn't sure if frame rust was an issue on these too. I have a Tacoma currently, and its good for now (California truck most of its life) but being in Utah now, I'm confident it'll get worse.

Thanks for the insight!

 

Look for any signs of rust under the truck, on the frame, period. Especially above and around the spare tire.

Check the front suspension parts for worn/blown rubber stuff, leaks, tears.

Make sure the timing belt has been changed within the last 8-10 years and/or 80-100k miles, else you're instantly putting yourself out $1,200-1,500 if you're paying someone else to do it.

If 4WD, start the truck, tap the 4HI button while rolling in a straight line, make sure the light goes solid. Stop. Shift to Neutral. Press the 4LO button to engage 4LO. Make sure that engages before shifting into D and rolling in a straight line a couple feet. Disengage 4WD after. This could save you hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Make sure it doesn't smoke on startup.

If more than 150k, I'd hope the radiator has been replaced to avoid risk of pink milkshake (google it).

Outside of that, smell the fluids.

Oh - and that truck you linked is probably too expensive, although I'll admit, it's got almost every premium option my truck has, and it's 4WD. I could see paying up to 18 for it, out the door, if it's truly mint, no rust, never been in a rust state, fully serviced, with all the records.

Seems y'all UT, north CA, and OR/WA folks pay a premium for whatever reason. The closer you get to Seattle, the worse and worse it gets.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama) and good luck with your search!

 

Welcome to the Shitpost bureau!

Jesus seeing the prices of some of these trucks makes me want to put mine up for sale xD. 65000mile Supercharged 2002......... tempting.

 

That's crazy money. Someone would have to want that truck so bad to pay that much.

 

Market is crazy and honestly you can most likely talk them down more

 

Feel like there needs to be a sticky thread of things to look for when buying a 1st gen.

 

That truck has odometer rollback in the carfax

 

I was contemplating doing a write-up.

 

Dealers here in CA are selling beat trucks with 200k for 20k all day long.

 

I would say that is definitely priced too high. I have seen newer trucks priced close to that. If the mileage is actually correct and the underside is clean I would maybe make an offer but keep looking as well. The one thing with the 4.7 liters is they need to have the timing belt, water pump changed out at 100,000 miles per Toyota service recommendations. Also check the frame over very well, they have had frame issues in the 1st edition tundras. Check the fuel tank straps as well. You don't want them giving way when driving down the road. Good luck in your search.

 

Toyota Tundra 4X4 DBL Cab 4.7L SR5 https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/65942669

You could call to see how many miles are on this one.

 

Official welcome