1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Things to look out for in a high mileage Tundra

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by 2ski4life7, Jun 20, 2017.

  1. Jun 20, 2017 at 12:26 PM
    #1
    2ski4life7

    2ski4life7 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2017
    Member:
    #8207
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Hello, I just joined this forum coming from Tacomaworld. I've had a 2012 tacoma that I recently sold and now looking to buy a used tundra. I am hoping to gather some info on the first gen tundra. I am looking to purchase one specifically a double cab 4x4 with hopefully around 125k-150k miles. I presume the tundra has the same reliability as the tacoma, I am mostly looking for the extra towing power in general.

    Anything I should worry about with this kind of mileage? Typical wear parts, etc? I noticed the first gen tundra has a timing belt compared to my 2nd gen Tacoma timing chain. Any info would be great. I will search the forum as well
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2017
    T-Rex266 likes this.
  2. Jun 20, 2017 at 12:34 PM
    #2
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike Not A New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2015
    Member:
    #2256
    Messages:
    2,153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra
    Timing belt (and water pump at same time) on those are supposed to be done at 90k, but are often put off until the early 100's. On my first gen I didn't realize it needed to be replaced until I had about 120k on it. Make sure that it has been done if you buy one in that range.

    Had mine for 5 years and aside from the belt/pump the only thing I ever had to replace was U-joints.

    Good luck in your search!
     
    Beatrice6028, BestGen and Bob like this.
  3. Jun 20, 2017 at 2:31 PM
    #3
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,878
    Gender:
    Male
    Bob and Mike like this.
  4. Jun 20, 2017 at 2:52 PM
    #4
    Mike

    Mike Tread lightly.

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2014
    Member:
    #87
    Messages:
    3,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    south carolina
    Vehicle:
    2003 tundra sr5 4x4 stepside....
    yep bank account is running low from it..
    First gen tundra, timing belt, water pump, rollers for timing belt and cam seals. 90,000 or 5 years. This is a interference engine.

    Rare ,the back seal or front seal leaks in these engines. It's a solid engine just don't supercharge it without major work.

    Long as the service is done as per manual from Toyota rare you have any really pop up problems.

    Only thing that goes bad is the aip in the engines 2004 and above.. some are recalled some are NOT..... Imo bypass it with the kit and your golden. EPA bullsh!t.
     
    Rex Kramer, BestGen, JC303 and 3 others like this.
  5. Jun 20, 2017 at 4:23 PM
    #5
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2015
    Member:
    #2160
    Messages:
    25,307
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Crew Max TRD
    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Welcome from CO!
     
  6. Jun 20, 2017 at 4:27 PM
    #6
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3487
    Messages:
    50,312
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    Bienvenidos de Tejas!
     
  7. Jun 20, 2017 at 4:27 PM
    #7
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2519
    Messages:
    22,331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rafael
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD PRO
    Welcome from :canada:
     
  8. Jun 20, 2017 at 4:34 PM
    #8
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Member:
    #5188
    Messages:
    3,809
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    Las Vegas, NV
    Vehicle:
    040 '16 CM LTD 4x4
    A little of this and a little of that.
    Welcome from Las Vegas!! Good luck in your search for this 1st Gen you seek....
     
  9. Jun 20, 2017 at 6:54 PM
    #9
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2014
    Member:
    #625
    Messages:
    8,527
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ron
    Kill Devil Hills
    Vehicle:
    2008 Nautical Blue TRD
    Sabm (Gtek-Fab), Blake Carbon Diamond Plate door sil protecters, and Air Dam mod, Black Rivited Grill, Devil Horns- Black Anodized(Diaz Fabrication), Hid's in Low Beams and Fogs -6000k, Piaa Extreme for High Beams. Black Rhino Step Tubes, Razir Led interior Lights (white), Low Profile Black Diamond Plate Tool Box, Trd accesories, Weather Tech Mats, Carbon Fiber Shorty Antenna, Drl's, Plasta Dipped Badges + Front Grill Surround
    Welcome from Obx
     
  10. Jun 20, 2017 at 8:21 PM
    #10
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2015
    Member:
    #960
    Messages:
    1,525
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Hollister, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 DC
    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    Things to watch out for in a high-mileage Tundra.

    - Too many bugs on the bumper
    - Chewing gum under the seat
    - excessive wear marks on the accelerator
    - rusty hitch ball

    that is all
     
  11. Jun 20, 2017 at 8:32 PM
    #11
    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2017
    Member:
    #6454
    Messages:
    12,527
    Gender:
    Male
    I’m right where I need to be
    Vehicle:
    Voluptuous Whitey
    Welcome!!

    Have the brakes looked over. I had a gen 2 that caused me 3 brake jobs in a year. Other than that it was golden until I traded it at 125,000 for a 2016 gen 3 tacoma.

    I'm now back in a tundra if that tells you anything. Good luck with the search!
     
  12. Jun 28, 2017 at 11:15 AM
    #12
    tacoguybill

    tacoguybill The Burrito Bandido

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2017
    Member:
    #8311
    Messages:
    244
    First Name:
    Bill
    Saaaan Diaaago
    Vehicle:
    06 DC SR5 4x4 174k, 04 Sequoia SR5 4x4 105k
    Hey there, looking for something very similar, first gen double cab , have you had any luck yet?
     
  13. Jun 28, 2017 at 5:42 PM
    #13
    kenomouth64

    kenomouth64 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5015
    Messages:
    862
    First Name:
    Tetrus
    Vehicle:
    2007 Toyota Tundra Sr5 4x4 (TRD Off Road) Crewmax 5.7L
    Hold the Line! If you are not holding the line, abandon your ship. Destruction is inevitable without more to hold the line!
    I have to disagree with you on this one aspect, sir. Can I ask why you mention this one as being a bad indicator of poor maintenance/problems?
    Whenever I buy a high mileage vehicle, people always say that it is "all Highway miles". One of the methods i use to determine the legitimacy of that statement is look for bug impacts on radiator, grill, bumper, etc. Usually if they are travelling at highway speeds, impacts with bugs will leave small 'nicks'. While driving at city speeds it is less likely that the 'nicks' occur.

    However it is likely I am interpreting something incorrectly. I am curious now! :)
     
    bfd300 and tacoguybill like this.
  14. Jun 28, 2017 at 5:55 PM
    #14
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2015
    Member:
    #960
    Messages:
    1,525
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Hollister, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 DC
    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    I admit I had to do some serious straw-grasping when attempting to compile a list of what might be wrong with a high mileage Tundra.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 28, 2018
    Pucks18 and kenomouth64[QUOTED] like this.
  15. Jun 28, 2017 at 8:58 PM
    #15
    Joeshaker

    Joeshaker New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2016
    Member:
    #3531
    Messages:
    1,356
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Amado
    Evergreen, Co
    Vehicle:
    13 dcsb trd4x4
    Bilstein 6112/5160 trd sway bar and ride rite bags. Black and burnt orange wet okole seat covers.
    Also check the rear end for leaky seals. The drums may have to be taken off to do so. Rear wheel bearings and bent axles happen with the 1st gens, it's just a wider taco rear end with a V8 and lots of guys overload them. Wimpy payload capability. That's the main reason I moved up to the 2nd gen. Make sure you check for rust on the frame to
     
    Amasailor30 and tacoguybill like this.
  16. Jul 1, 2017 at 5:03 PM
    #16
    school teacher

    school teacher New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2016
    Member:
    #4645
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Edward
    Louisville Ky
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra Limited
    Leer Cap RAV/4 V-6
    I have a 2002 Limited Access Cab 4.7 V8 with 217,000 miles. I bought it new in October 2001. It has been a great truck with no major problems except the drive line. Tundras have a 2 piece drive shaft with three universal joints and a center support. Long story short, I started getting a vibration in the rear wheels beginning at about 35 miles per hour. I asked the dealer to inspect the universal joint (I did not know it had 3) and they replaced one universal joint. This did not correct the problem.

    I took the vehicle back to the dealer and they told me that I had a bent axle and wanted $6000 for a rebuilt rear axle assembly. I took the vehicle to a transmission shop (Cottmans) that did a lot of work for off road vehicles and they checked it out. In 10 minutes they told me that I did not have a bent rear axle as they put the rear wheels off the ground and ran the engine in gear and there was no bouncing in the rear wheels. They then sent the drive line off for to a specialty shop and they determined that one of the drive shaft members was out of alignment. Cottmans then acquired a new OEM drive line part and installed it, three new universal joints and a central support. Total cost was under $900 and that was 25,000 miles ago. The old 2002 Tundra with 217,000 miles on the clock drives like new. IMO, either the dealer maintenance people did not know what they were doing or they just shot me a large repair cost to get rid of me.
     
    kenomouth64 and tacoguybill like this.
  17. Mar 27, 2018 at 10:36 AM
    #17
    2ski4life7

    2ski4life7 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2017
    Member:
    #8207
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
  18. Mar 29, 2018 at 4:56 AM
    #18
    zombie

    zombie Master at Something

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2018
    Member:
    #12803
    Messages:
    566
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    paul
    Rhode Island
    Vehicle:
    2007 Black DC 4x4
    You can wash the bugs off the bumper.....what if they use cruise control all the time? Gas pedal wont be worn.........but you can't fix the sandblasting of the windshield unless you install a new one. Besides normal wear and tear parts, the only problem I had was the volume knob on the original radio stopped working and installed and aftermarket radio. Also, to rebuild a driveshaft with all 3 joints and a center support, and balance should cost no more than $200. I also heard the re upped the recall on the rusty frames, not 100% sure, but just worked on a 2003 Tacoma and the guy just got a new frame.....and he even got new leaf springs, something my Tundra didn't get. ummmmmm Welcome from RI and good luck..................and check out this beauty. I Know some like the double doors, I do myself, but a 2 door truck just looks so much better.

    20180318_100233.jpg
     
  19. Apr 13, 2018 at 12:10 AM
    #19
    Rkcruza

    Rkcruza New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2015
    Member:
    #1084
    Messages:
    203
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC 4WD TRD OR SR5
    De Badged / Decaled, Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags w/ Daystar Cups, 17" Rims, Big Brake kit w/ slotted & drilled rotors, plus lots of work related stuff.
    02 TRD OR AC with 135k. Owned since new. Only issues have been a Tranny at 35k (thanks Toyota for a 36k wty)...do not tow loads in OD regardless of what they say, you will eat the gear....punch the button and tow in drive! Replaced Timing belt & Water Pump at 90k and had one 02 sensor went out. Only other issue is the 4.7 drivers side exhaust tick (they have been known to crack exhaust manifolds). Only makes noise when the engine is cold so figured I'd let it go until it got worse. That was about 4 years ago and it is still a minor "tick" when cold. Manifolds aren't very expensive, but swapping on out is a PITA. Misc, light for "D" finally burned out, to lazy to pull the dash to replace it.
     
    Amasailor30 likes this.
  20. Apr 13, 2018 at 2:39 AM
    #20
    Adam

    Adam New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2017
    Member:
    #10039
    Messages:
    952
    Gender:
    Male
    Frame rust
     
  21. May 9, 2018 at 12:18 PM
    #21
    Need to know stuff

    Need to know stuff New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14310
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2000 black Tundra TRD
    3 front 2 rear leveling
    Squeaky plastic door covering on the inside, it drives me crazy, and make sure u have gas in the tank, tundra are known for their drinking problems
     
    2006 Toyota Guy and 2018Tundra like this.
  22. May 9, 2018 at 12:20 PM
    #22
    Need to know stuff

    Need to know stuff New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14310
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2000 black Tundra TRD
    3 front 2 rear leveling
    I cant stand the single door, but at least it's not a dodge single door, I want puke whenever I see one
     
  23. Sep 26, 2018 at 9:00 AM
    #23
    2ski4life7

    2ski4life7 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2017
    Member:
    #8207
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    I am back and have the opportunity to buy a 2006 tundra 4x4 with roughly 200k miles. I am a little wary about the mileage but if these are anything like tacomas it should still have plenty of life left. It's been a CA vehicle. Anything I should be concerned about besides typical maintenance, timing belt etc?

    IMG_0747.jpg
     
    BestGen and Casper421 like this.
  24. Sep 26, 2018 at 9:56 AM
    #24
    Casper421

    Casper421 Toyota RidgeTrac driver!

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2017
    Member:
    #8530
    Messages:
    4,130
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    In the woods
    Vehicle:
    06 DC
    200k is nothing. Just basic maintenance and you’ll be fine. Check the lbj’s and when the timing belt was changed last, should be on it’s 3rd belt. Looks like a nice find!
     
    Tundra2, BestGen and 2ski4life7[OP] like this.
  25. Sep 26, 2018 at 3:48 PM
    #25
    Hossdawson

    Hossdawson New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Member:
    #1861
    Messages:
    98
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Hoss
    Harrisburg, PA
    Vehicle:
    2004 4wd DC
    Hi
    Where are you located. I’m selling my 2004 Tundra V8 4wd DC. I’m in Harrisburg PA.

    2004 Toyota Tundra V8 4wd Double Cab SR5 pickup. Nice Condition. No accidents. Low miles. Automatic - A/C - power windows - door locks - power mirrors - fog lights - keyless entry - Kenwood am/fm/cd/bt stereo with Kenwood subwoofer and polk component speakers - Spray on bed liner - Fiberglass carpeted cap - New front brakes and rotors - new rear brakes and drums - new TRD beadlock wheels - New tires - Bilstein 5100 shocks at 92000 miles, new frame/brake lines and related items, timing belt, and water pump around 85000 miles. Oil changed every 5000 miles with synthetic oil since I've owned it. Check engine light just came on (PO420) Truck runs great. Going to try replacing the oxygen sensor. Current mileage is 104000 miles. This is my daily driver so the mileage will go up daily.
    Asking $14900.

    8D644FF0-BAB7-4580-86C1-BE4497840012.jpg
    42FF8E86-9E9E-4776-8B5B-F9B199018890.jpg
    E7241AB8-8F25-4D24-A115-B079F2314A97.jpg
    572F5D20-383C-42FD-BFE6-758159B23A0F.jpg
     
    BestGen likes this.
  26. Sep 27, 2018 at 8:40 AM
    #26
    2ski4life7

    2ski4life7 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2017
    Member:
    #8207
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    That's really nice! I live in Seattle and mostly looking at trucks on the west coast primarily CA. Its also a quite a bit more than I want to spend. Thanks though!
     
  27. Sep 27, 2018 at 4:11 PM
    #27
    spiderrey

    spiderrey New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2018
    Member:
    #19398
    Messages:
    43
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    rey
    Vehicle:
    06 Double cab
    Bilstien 3 n 1 inch lift with a bed cap
    What is aip?
     
  28. Sep 28, 2018 at 9:42 PM
    #28
    Bigcarpy50

    Bigcarpy50 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2016
    Member:
    #4936
    Messages:
    18
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Vehicle:
    In my dreams 2016 limited
  29. Sep 28, 2018 at 10:13 PM
    #29
    Casper421

    Casper421 Toyota RidgeTrac driver!

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2017
    Member:
    #8530
    Messages:
    4,130
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    In the woods
    Vehicle:
    06 DC
  30. Sep 29, 2018 at 4:19 AM
    #30
    Bigcarpy50

    Bigcarpy50 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2016
    Member:
    #4936
    Messages:
    18
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Vehicle:
    In my dreams 2016 limited
    They both just happen to be... I want a tundra...and am looking to get out of my current vehicle soon. I like the size of the 1st gens but wonder if the 2nd gen DC has similar back seat space...
     

Products Discussed in

To Top