New Guy looking to get into a Gen 1 Tundra

Hello all,

I've been looking into getting a truck for a while now and the Gen 1 Tundra has always been one of the best looking trucks to me. After some research, they seem like a solid buy.

If anyone has any suggestions on what to look for when checking out trucks I would greatly appreciate any advice.

So far, one that has my eye is a 06 SR5 Double Cab 4WD with 198K miles on it.
Carfax shows it as one owner with a pretty good history.

It's for sale at the dealer so I know I won't be getting the best price. What would some of you Tundra vets think is a fair price for the truck?

Thanks for any suggestions/advice in advance!!

 

Seems like a nice example. Need to check for frame rust, as always on these trucks. If it has always been in Utah where you are, then that would be a good sign.

Back of the napkin, I would say 8-9k would be a better price. TBH I didn't read the Carfax report. If ALL the maintenance is current (timing belt, WP, brakes, front suspension components, etc) then 9-9.5 would not be out of the question. If maintenance records are spotty or non-existent, then this would be a 8k truck for me.

Also, be careful with price input from the forum (from people like me ). Take our input with a grain of salt. Area of the country and local market conditions / demand can make $$ difference in pricing. You will need to do a lot of your own regional research on pricing for similar rigs.

And dealers are such liars in general; love this comment from their description: "Gets Great Gas Mileage: 18 MPG Hwy... "

.

 

I'm going to check this one out later this week and have it looked at by a third-party mechanic and see what they think about the condition. I have a checklist of things I look for when test driving as I have bought a few 10+ yo cars/trucks now and have found plenty of little nuances.

That's more in line with what I was thinking about price. $9K could work if everything checks out.

Thanks for your input Dog!

 

Welcome from Ontario Canada

 

It's a buyer's market right now. They have inventory that's not moving well and you have the cash. Negotiate

 

What would you pay? Trying to gauge when I should walk out of the dealership if they aren't willing to drop the price.

 

Register on Toyota and you can look at the service reported via the VIN (most on the carfax look to be a toyota dealer).

This will help understand actual services done.

First look, nice looking truck but I'd agree seems a bit higher than I'd pay and the frame is most important to inspect!

ADDED: Depending on Timing Belt service, I would pay 9-9500. Without it I would take another 1000-1200 off as that's about what it will cost to do timing belt/wp etc)

 

Personally, I'd be looking at a private party sale from a 1st or 2nd owner to try and maximize value for the money. Anything that I couldn't verify as having been serviced I'd then get done right away such as ball joints, timing belt and all related parts with that job. I'd work that into the discount I ask for if it hasn't been done.

I did a quick look on offer up near me and found these:

Check out this 2006 Toyota Tundra V8 for $9230 on OfferUp https://offerup.co/mvB0eiJ2H5

Check out this Toyota Tundra 06 for $7600 on OfferUp https://offerup.co/uCQSOiv2H5

Check out this 2005 Toyota Tundra for $5600 on OfferUp https://offerup.co/djMPcVG2H5

 

I bought the 100k mile 06 access cab I currently have about 6 months ago, timing belt had been done recently though ball joints, tie rods, bushings were original. I bought and replaced those parts myself to save some money.

I paid 9800 mainly because it was a clean one owner truck with dealer records. I could have probably shaved $1,000 off that price if I were buying today though... The used car market is plentiful and people are looking to free up cash.

 

Cool, thanks for the input! There aren't many trucks available in the Salt Lake area but I'm not really in a rush to buy. Just saw this one and one other from a private party but it sold last night

 

Could always play hardball with the dealer and just leave your number with them. If it sits too long you may get a phone call.

Another option is to road trip and check out several in a higher density area, then, drive one back.

Good luck and keep us posted

 

Got my 2000 SR5 4x4 Access cab for 6000, and then all of CA's state fees were added on and ended at 7200. No rust, two previous owners, the carfax checked out, and I hit 170,000 miles driving off the lot. My truck was listed at 10k about 3 months ago, they are hurting for the money and customers right now.

 

Not a bad looking truck overall, has seen some tough use in the bed, the pics don't show the drivers seat which is the highest wear area. I also noticed that the tires don't match so that might be covering up another issue. I think 9k would be about top end for that truck, just my opinion. Good luck in your search, 1st gens are a great truck.

 

The used car market may quickly become a sellers market with stimulus money hitting the accounts

 

May mean nothing but a Google search of that VIN gives that same link but if you select the cached link, that Tundra ~ 1 month ago(Mar 11th) at same dealer was listed for $14,450. Like I say, that may mean nothing but I'd definitely check it over good.

https://webcache.googleusercontent....6-5tbdt44106s545715+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Vehicle Details

• Price
  $14,450
• Mileage
  198,072
• Exterior Color
  Silver Sky
• New/Used/Certified
  Used
• Body Style
  CREW CAB PICKUP
• Fuel Type
  Gasoline
• Stock Number
  200753 A1
• VIN
  5TBDT44106S545715
• Engine
  4.7 L V8 32 V Mpfi Dohc
• Transmission
  Automatic
• Drivetrain
  4WD
• Doors
  4

 

Welcome from NY.

 

I noticed the tire difference too. Not sure why the dealer would only replace 2 tires at a time. I'm going to go check it out in person tomorrow and see how desperate the dealer is to sell. Listing this truck for 14.5K is way overpriced but may mean they have more into it than 9K..

 

Dealers do inspections and only fix what is "needed". More than likely, (2) tires needed to be replaced and that's what they did. If you look at the carfax, you can see where the dealer addressed items prior to sell where:

- Pre-delivery inspection completed- Alignment checked- Oil and filter changed- Vehicle washed/detailed- Rear brakes replaced- Brake rotor(s) resurfaced- Two tires replaced- Emissions inspection performed

 

Make sure you check over any truck you consider for bed rust. Frames were recalled and replaced, but many northern trucks have significant rust in and around the beds. (from underneath where the cross members are welded to the bed floor)

 

And just for

Check out this 2006 Toyota Tundra for $14991 on OfferUp https://offerup.co/uIzH8OgkK5

 

Cool truck but not really my style. I'm trying to avoid buying from out of state if possible as I haven't had good experiences in the past.

 

Welcome from South FL!

From what I’ve seen used first gen Tundras/Sequoias are the best truck your money can get you in the market. It’s not a matter of if, but WHEN you find your good deal. Good luck.