Question Considering another Tundra, but very high miles....

[Tennesseestorm]

Just really how high is high miles on a Tundra? To recap, I sold my very nice and LOW mileage (101K) 2000 Tundra about a year ago. I wanted something cheaper, so I sold it - too cheap really, but I paid it off and made about $1000. I was happy. I ended up getting a gen 1 Lexus LS400 (Toyotas first V8), which I love, but long for another truck, so I am thinking of giving my mother my Lexus and buying another Tundra or T100.

I found a local 2000 Tundra, that is very nice, but very high miles (254K), but its in perfect working order and interior is still like new (MINT) and stated to be in perfect mechanical condition (good engine, smooth transmission). I think I get get it for about $5400-5700. Its a 2000 4wd extended cab SR5 TRD V8 model, basically like what I sold before (but mine was not TRD). Timing belt is due (last changed at 160K). I can get a guy I know thats a Toyota mechanic do that fo about $250. Considering the miles, should I walk and pass on this truck, or if cared for, does this Tundra still have life in it. I am wondering just how many miles can a Tundra V8 rack up in general before biting the dust? I was going to pay $5000 for a 224K 96' T100, so $5500 for a 258K 00' Tundra does not seem as bad.

In comparison, I found a nice and local, rust free, perfect running 1991 Land Cruiser with 236K for $2400, that I am also considering.

Thanks for any advice!

[04double4tow]

id say that even if maintained well you will see 300k max before rebuilding major drivtrain componants

[T100_2_TUNDRA]

With gas prices tanking resale values on larger trucks, I think I would look for something a bit newer or with less mileage than the two or three vehicles you mentioned. Sure you can get them up to 300k, but stuff does break even on Toyotas and you are more likely to have problems, especially on the first year or two of the Tundras.

[jbabin193]

In this market, I wouldn't waste my time on a high mileage truck... you find can real good deals on a 2005-2006. If you get one that high mileage, you can almost assure a rebuild, so add that cost to the truck cost and you aren't far off the cost of the newer low mileage trucks.

[HOGWILD]

these model trucks have had a lotta issues and would not do this old truck even at that price, too many issues with brakes, oxygen sensors, cracked exhaust manifolds and transmissions, i guess if all this stuff was upgraded it might be worth the cash? I would wanta see all records before i did it even at the cheap price! Timing belt, idlers, seals, water pump and other stuff that needs to be done will cost more than 250 bucks just for parts!
dealers are hurting due to high gas prices, have you seen the incentives that they are giving now? i would consider new! why put up with someone elses problems? buy something that gets 30+MPG till economy rebounds=after election!!

[Gman1985]

agree with t100 2 tundra . btw i had a t 100 also before i got the tundra sold the t 100 for 1500 $ having 223.000 on it

[Tennesseestorm]

Thanks for the reply. Well, after some other questions to the seller, I am not getting any replies, so it best I pass anyway I guess.

I found a low mileage 97' Mercedes I am going to look at. I have had MBs in the past and while they are costly to maintain, they will go 400K easy (at least the model I am considering). I had one like it with 292K with no problems and the one I am looking at now has 85K.

If I get a high mileage Toyota, I will get one much cheaper. There is a local 97' T100 4wd extended cab SR5, with 158k that I can get for about $4500, but it has a nice dent on the side of the bed, tailgate and front fender. May not be the best appearance wise, but it may be last many more miles to come. These seem to have minimal mechanical issues.

Thanks again for the advice!

[Gman1985]

i have a beautiful Mersedec for sale its 99 E320 white with tan leather got only 73.000 miles on it. 28 mpg highway, 22 city.

[toyotakid1996]

If you long for a truck, either take the forums advise and look for a newer model with less miles, or the flip side. You will hear plenty of love stories about high and very high mileage Tundras and T-100's with little to no major work done. My opinion. Depends on what you want to spend. Either way you really can't lose on a Toyota product that has been well looked over and previously loved. Just my .02 cents. Don't "brand stray" based on a vehicle lust or one good prev experience. It happens (vehicle lust) , but rarely ever ends up good, so know what you want. A Toyota Truck, and follow it.

[Tennesseestorm]

Originally Posted by Gman1985

i have a beautiful Mersedec for sale its 99 E320 white with tan leather got only 73.000 miles on it. 28 mpg highway, 22 city.

Thanks for the replies.

Those MBs are nice. The one I am looking at is a 1997 S420, or was looking at I should say. I am now looking at a older MB, as well as some other cars. I am looking at a 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS as well. It has 97K, so it should be good to go.

If I can get the high mile 2000 Tundra for around 4800-5000 I may buy it if its nice. I know that the timing belt is due. Strange that the seller did not respond to my reply when I asked to look at it today.

[JBK23]

Go for the tundra have your dealer check and make sure the truck is in good condition as for car fax report also ! check behindedthe dealer to insure they look over your truck before purchase. Take list of any thing that may need replacement or any thing not normal. These tundra will run for ever if taken care of an parts have to bereplace reguardless weather it's old or new so keep that in minded steer away from t100 and all that. The tundra is best don't forget the V8 power you make can find one on ebay close to you there are pleanty of tundra's on there I plan toget my son a 2000-2002 tundra next year.

[molecule]

I agree in todays market ,they can't give trucks away I'd keep looking for a lower milage one .

Originally Posted by T100_2_TUNDRA

With gas prices tanking resale values on larger trucks, I think I would look for something a bit newer or with less mileage than the two or three vehicles you mentioned. Sure you can get them up to 300k, but stuff does break even on Toyotas and you are more likely to have problems, especially on the first year or two of the Tundras.

[itsernst]

I bought my 01 Tundra with 49k on the odometer (verified by Carfax) for 12k with a 3 year/36k fix everything for 50$ deductible for 12k.


This is california prices obvious, but I think I got a great deal on my truck.

[Tennesseestorm]

Thanks. Well, if I could get the truck for about $4000-4500 I would probably do it, but no way I am going over 4500 on this and I doubt he/she will sell it for that. The seller has invited me to look at it tomorrow evening, but now my uncle (Mercedes and Toyota fan) has found a 1991 Mercedes for me with only 70K actual miles that he wants me to consider. I am not sure though.

Here are some photos of that local Tundra....

[kathyricks]

You got $2000-3000 laying around for a new transmission? The 2000-2001 (and maybe 2002) Tundras have walet busting weak transmissions, brakes, exhaust manifolds, etc.

The 1996-1998 T-100'a are far more bulletproof. But regardless of what vehicle you get, remember that 95% of owners don't maintain their vehicles properly and so one or more drivetrain componets has usually suffered substantial - heavy wear by 75,000 - 100,000 miles. So I'd limit myself to used vehicles with under 100K and preferably under 75K. Age is not much of a drivetain wear factor so I've always had excellent luck with low mileage used Toyotas that are even 20 years old, especially the ones which were senior owned.