Opinions on potential purchase

Wow, I swear my grammar is better than that last post!!!!

 

You might need to replace some wear items with that mileage. I had to do wheel bearings and a bunch of brake work on mine (252000 miles). If you are handy, it's pretty easy to work on. It can get spendy if you have to pay someone. Keep an eye out for weird modifications and wiring.

 

Yeah I’ll do all the work on it. I was planning on doing wheel bearings while I was doing the front end work. Also planning on the larger brake install using the 4Runner rotors and calipers. I tow a boat around and want to reduce the rotor warping as much as possible

 

It also means they can typically be bought at lower prices.

 

This is why recommend potential buyers of 1st gens always factor in $3-4k over and above what they pay. They may not need to spend another $3-4k, but it's a way of being financially and emotionally prepared if they do need to.

 

I’m setting aside 5k to cover essential work. I hope that’ll cover anything with me doing my own work. I’m figuring that covering all OE parts for timing belt kit, total front and rear brakes with new calipers, rotors, drums and backing plates, all ball joints, control arm bushings (I actually factored new UCA and LCA), tie rod ends, Bilstein’s and new coils and wheel bearings.
After I did all that I’d plan for smog pump as soon as I could.
What am I missing?

 

Well, we're all going to have an opinion on that. Mileage (both high and low) plays a part, what part of the country it has been in during service, previous owners care. I think you're on the right track and being smart in having savings to cover a multitude of issues you as a potential buyer will undoubtedly face in some forms, because you will. Lol. Even if one has the skills, time and tools to do any repairs, the price of quality parts is high. And the pool is getting smaller and more difficult to source. If you're prepared, you're ahead of the game. And, like I said, if you don't need to use the excess savings because you find a unicorn of perfect at a low price, you now have savings to continue to save or take your significant other on a trip!

 

One other thing to consider. If you don't absolutely need 4WD, consider a 2WD version. It significantly reduces price, opens up a much larger pool of potential candidates, and is cheaper to maintain. Just food for thought.

 

Possibly: alternator, radiator, belt tensioner, idle pulley, fan clutch, fan clutch bearing.

 

Sure, any of us that own one knows we could make a long list. It often is all the little stuff that adds up quickly. That's why I recommend just having the money available.

 

It all helps with making a budget for wear items. Some people like to wait for the problem to arise, I’ve got a set aside of parts to tackle those problems. Just different philosophies on upkeep. Although the spare factory exhaust is taking up a bunch of space in my shop at the moment.

 

Looks good, but if me I would have to see it in person! I have been to Mecum auctions a few times; those cars sure look pretty on TV however in person you see the details. I would NEVER buy a vehicle without looking at it in person.

My daughter and I looked for two years to find a replacement for her 2001 Tundra access cab. She needed a 4 door for a growing family and would only consider Gen 1 Tundra. Funny I was ready to fly anywhere in the western states and buy it for her since I'm retired. She found a white 2006 Limited 3 miles from home with 115,265 miles; looked great drove nice and purchased it for 14K. After going to the shop it needed front end rebuild (ball joints, LCAs etc) and tires, $3800 later she has a fine truck. So I agree buget 3-4K for work needed.

Also if you have cash and not financing avoid a dealer and get a PPI on a private sale.

 

A 2wd wouldn’t be the better buy if it was free. I get not everyone needs it, A 2wd truck is worthless to me.

 

Once again, as with your suspension query, it's in here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

See the section "After you buy the truck (or sometimes before):" in the 2nd reply ...

That covers the maintenance you're going to want to do first.