05 SR5 AC 4WD

Hey guys,

First time truck buyer here looking to get a 1st gen. There is an 05 AC 4WD with 110k miles that looks to be in good shape, timing belt has been replaced.

My question is what do you think would be a fair deal for this truck? Not sure if I can justify paying 20k for it. Appreciate any feedback

 

It depends? The biggest problem with these trucks is rust, particularly on the frame. Like, really bad. Like, people have bought trucks where the frame was ready to crack in half, or bought trucks with significant rust damage that the seller either concealed, or the buyer failed to look for (the X-member above spare tire and where it connect to frame is one big hotspot).

Lazy, nobody here is going to be able to tell you much without pictures. The condition of the frame will make that 110k mile truck parts/scrap metal worth $2k or less, or a real gem worth $14k+

Post pictures. And don't make the mistake of buying the truck w/o inspecting the frame extremely closely. Fresh paint is a big red flag.

 

what do similar trucks go for in your area? Dodges and nissans are a little cheaper for a reason, and toyota tax exists for a reason.

bump
https://www.tundras.com/threads/2006-ac-sr5-v8-4x4-central-in.103759/

 

Sorry for lacking detail/pics in the post. The truck has been in CA it’s whole life and looks to have minimal rusting, although I should inspect more closely. I’ll try to upload some pics later

I’ve seen similar trucks are going for 15k, which is what I’ve been trying to get to. Most of them sell before I can get to them.

I’m torn on trying to wait for a good deal or just overpay for this one.

 

California pays a premium, and if nicely optioned, 14k-16k would be a good price based on what we've seen from others. Just having the timing belt done saves you $700-1200.

110k miles is nothing, there are multiple dudes on here with trucks at 300k-400k+ with just regular maintenance. https://www.tundras.com/threads/highest-mileage-1st-gen-thread.11039/

But yeah ... even if I have some proof a truck has "always" been in California, I'm still not trusting the frame. All it takes is a few of winter drives in the NE/midwest USA to seed a frame with cancer.

 

Frame, frame, frame. 2005-2006 are also a little more problematic because of the smog pump that creates a limp mode condition around 150-200k. I don't know about 300-400k with just regular maintenance. Regular maintenance to me is fluids and filters and of course the 100k timing belt and water pump. Maybe 400k on the engine only.

I know my own 06 with 190k has also needed inner and outer tie rods that were rusted frozen, rear bearings, radiator, and ball joints. I love the truck and am sticking with it because my friends that have Chevy's are complaining that even the OEM AC Delco Professional parts they are installing are made in Chee-na and they are constantly replacing the same part due to failure. Water pumps that leak again after 40k, starters that only last three winters and so on. My feeling is that at least I can still get good OEM parts directly from Toyota Japan or Toyota USA so anything I replace should last another 150k at least. Good luck.

 

Updating with pics of the truck. Frame pics are bad as I had to take screenshots on a video.

Good service records, timing belt and water pump done recently. Fluids changed regularly.

18.5k out here in California, what do you guys think? I’m getting cold feet but probably will be mine by the end of the weekend.

 

First gens are highly desirable and right now used truck prices crazy. CA cars usually rust free. Photos look good. Common issues are timing belts needing replacement, starters needing new solenoid contacts, radiator or water crossover leaking, exhaust manifold leaks, valve cover/igniter tube seals leaking, dash lights particularly D light burned out, warped rotors, rusted LSPW, rear wheel seals, and lower ball joints worn out. None hard to do but some jobs like start are pain because under intake’s