Look for advice on buying 2001 Tundra with 120k miles

First post here, looking for some advice and feedback. I've been looking for a lower-cost used truck. Mainly would use it as a secondary vehicle for some light hauling and to drive in the winter (don't want to drive my other car, a sports car, in the winter).

I found a 2001 Tundra with 120k miles for $8k. SR5 4x4 V8 DC. One owner. The maintenance schedule looks like it was followed pretty religiously according to the Carfax. Oil changes every 3k, timing belt, water pump, drive belts and plugs at 94k. Also had the exhaust and muffler replaced at the same time, 94k, (is this common issue?).

Only blemish on the Carfax is an accident in 2013, doesn't say anything about severity though.

It seems to look pretty clean to me from some pictures (it's about 50 miles away from where I am). From researching there are some issues with frame rust but I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for as far as whether or not it will become a problem. I specifically asked for some pictures of the frame and they are below, to me it looks pretty darn good, but again, I don't have experience with how that starts.

Transmission fluid was never changed according to the Carfax. Of course it has the "lifetime" fluid. I think I would want to drain and refill maybe 1/3 of it a few times so that I don't disrupt too much at one time. Thoughts on that?

Anything specifically I need to look for during a test drive? I figure mechanically, as long as the transmission is shifting smoothly, this will last forever.

 

Without knowing where you live, frame rust is the biggest concern. Looking over the pics this looks like an honest truck with no signs of hiding the rust, but also doesn't look too bad from what I see.

They might call it a double cab but in 01 there was only a standard or an access cab (smaller suicide rear doors). For some odd reason on newer tundras they started calling access cabs a double cab and double cabs are crew cabs.

Muffler replacement could be from rust, these trucks come with giant mufflers and it isn't uncommon for them to rust over time.

Sounds and looks well cared for, see if you can find a few comparables for pricing and get them down a bit. Not sure of your location but 8k is high in some states, in California thats about right.

 

That frame looks pretty good from what we can see in the pictures. It sounds like you haven't seen it in person. Bring a flashlight and spend some time up under there. Make sure you inspect the crossmembers for the fuel tank and the one above the spare tire. There are also a few places the frame overlaps right in front of the rear tire. Check that area. You'll know if it's too bad. Surface rust is one thing but if it's flaking or bubbling you'll want to use your best judgement.

Some people are scared about changing fluid that's never been done but I think your method is pretty safe. I would do that if it were my truck.

 

Here in WI that frame would be described as near-mint.

 

These are great trucks and 120k is nothing if maintained which it sounds like it was. What does the interior look like? 8k is a little steep on the price.

 

That rust is no problem. Would not worry about it at all.

 

My advice is go see it ASAP....that truck will not last in that condition with that history and at that price....Good Luck...

 

That's either a really clean frame with oddly rusted hardware all around it, or a frame replacement under recall. 4X4 with 120k for $8k is not bad at all. The transmission on the 01 is not the sealed one (05-06 5-speed is), should have a dipstick under the hood. Easy to change fluid, filters etc. on those. A Carfax is only useful for what it says, not what it doesn't say. A Carfax on my truck would also show it's never been changed, but I've changed it myself at home. I would get more info on the accident. I hate buying vehicles that have been wrecked. They are rarely repaired properly. Cosmetics is one thing, but a major accident can have lots of hidden issues. If it all checks out, that's a solid looking truck, at least what we see in the pics. Good luck.

 

That picture makes it look like it's at a large OEM dealership? Is that the case? I just ask because usually (not always though) large OEM dealerships don't sell sketchy vehicles, they just send them on to auction. It's not worth the liability for them. Even better if it's a Toyota dealer.

 

Wow, thanks for all of the replies! I was not expecting so many replies so quickly.

Thanks for the advice. I am in IL. The only other 2000-2002 with under 150k miles is $10k, and a lot of them with more like 160-180k or more are even listed around $8k.

Thanks for the advice on inspecting the frame, will do!

I am in IL. Thought it looked pretty good too.

Interior looks clean. No rips/tears.

 

Thanks for the insight. All of the service seems to have been done at this dealer from the Carfax, so I can ask them.

 

Yes, it's a Toyota dealer and all of the service on the Carfax was done there.

 

Dude, get over there ASAP...that frame is GOLDEN for that area and 1 owner dealer serviced is the best you can do. If the dealership has a bodyshop, likely that the repair was done there, so you can check that. Based on the miles and what the frame looks like I'd say he did not drive it in bad weather ever...

 

All advice so far reflects everything I’ve read on this forum. I’d take a screwdriver when you crawl under the truck: Jab it hard at any rust spots you see; if it pokes through, the rust is all the way through— in which case, no matter how small the area of rust, I’d be hesitant. But if all the metal you test feels solid, the truck’s probably good to go. If it passes that rust test, I’d buy it.

 

Which reminds me, check the 4x4 operation, Hi and Lo...the worst thing you can do for a FGT 4x4 system is not use it and based on miles and lack of rust, I'd say he didn't use it much...though he may have exercised it like you are supposed to.

 

My truck was in 2 accidents according to carfax and I still bought it. I have yet to ever find any indication that something was permanently damaged. So inspect it thoroughly but don't let that stop you from buying it.

 

That is a very good point about the repair possibly being done at the dealership, thank you for pointing that out. I will ask.

 

Frame rust doesn't look bad to me.

I'd have dealer service the tranny if you buy it, but sure it is fine. Just get new fluid in there soon.

Wouldn't be scared of wreck. Minor fender bender will still report as wreck. Once bought a 4runner when I was younger and didn't check history, found out later it had multiple wrecks. Its still in the family and has had no issues. Just meant it had newer bumpers and such. Haha.

I'm guessing it will go pretty quick, so get moving.

 

Exactly.

 

I am in STL and that thing looks almost new for this area to me!
My 2001 is much more crusty and if the truck drives straight and smooth it seems like a no brainer unless it is in Schaumburg actually?
I am guessing that even a quick drive will tell you a lot.

 

Looks good to me. A family member has 01 Tundra also with around 100k (original owner) and looks very similar underneath. As long as everything else checks out, go for it!

 

Go Buy Now!

 

Just got my 01 76,000 miles, love the truck. Log into Toyota owners found all service records for my truck.

 

Pretty sure it's unanimous, BH. Hope you're on your horse to the dealer as I type.

 

Welcome, John. Very cool. My 04 w/223K came with all the docs which made the purchase easy.

 

Buy it if everything mechanically works. 8k is a steal these days for that mileage. Last year 8k would have been ‘high’ or a well priced ‘Fantasy Island Truck’. Nowadays, they are 14k+ if you can find one!

GITONIT!

 

No pics means come look at it before the price goes up $500.

 

Thanx, saved me time and money peace of mind. Now to replace all fluid’s and detail it good.