Hi all... love this forum. So, am in the Dominican repub for a while. Wanted a RELIABLE vehicle, so was looking at the (near bulletproof) 99-01 Hilux Diesels.
Came across a 2000 Tundra 4.7L 4x4. It's in very nice shape. Doesn't look beat up at all (outside or in), and has factory paint etc. Drives great.... loads of power. Did a carfax on it and came up original owner was in Massachusetts, had it on lease for 50k miles. 2nd owner bought it at an auction and exported to the Dominican. Most Hilux's for the same price are beat-up pretty good.
I really like the truck, but in light of all the posts on the brake vibration issue, as well as some other transmission posts have some concerns that it may not be reliable as I'd hoped (I was looking Toyota because of their reliable reputation). I think it may be more difficult to get parts here for the Tundra.
The Dealer is selling it pretty reasonable (I think) as it seems the larger motor deters many locals from buying it (fuel costs), but I would put it on Propane anyhow, so it is not particularly a worry for me....
Anyhow... my question:
Is it worth the risk? Or stick with a beat-up Hilux and risk whatever might go wrong with it?
I know it's only a best guess.... but I would like your opinions.
if its in good shape, i would go with the tundra. i have a 2000 and i havent had a problem yet and ive had it since august (not saying much). awesome trucks..
__________________ 2000 Toyota Tundra A/C- 4.7
-Magnaflow dual exhaust -K&N cold air intake
-Scangauge II -"Line of Fire"
-15% tint all around -Tail light tint
-10 inch JL sub and 1000 watt amp -Drop Tint -Future mods
-Spidertrax
-Headers
-Lift
-Tires
bought mine 3 years ago with 90000 and now its got 147000 and knock on wood its done great. make sure the timing belt and water pump have been changed if not do it asap. love mine
hi, it's your choise, & your money, whatever it cost's you.
there are still alot of 2000's still running strong.
do a search here to find everything you can on the 2000.
i'm sure there might be a few item's to look out for beside the above mentioned.
if you think it has enough power for your need's, thas a plus, & w/ 4x4 again another plus for you.
see if you can have it checked out by a mechanic or your dealership. also try to have any dealership pull up the service records on the VIN # of the tundra. it should open up a door for you. this way you know what was done already & what need's to be done.
good luck,
gorilla
If it was in Massachusetts for 50k miles, take a good look underneath and make sure it isn't really rusted up. They use a lot of salt here. 50k isn't much, but if they didn't wash it underneath for a few winters....
I don't know if I would buy it. But take a really good look at it.
I have a 2000 tundra with some rust 137k original owner. Take a look at my photo albums.
Check the frame on that truck since it was from Mass. Check for rust near the bed bolts the frame of the truck.
You'll have to get the waterpump, timing belt, and spark plugs changed at 100K. Those are not cheap if you take it to the dealer to get it done.
I don't know if I would buy it. But take a really good look at it.
I have a 2000 tundra with some rust 137k original owner. Take a look at my photo albums.
Check the frame on that truck since it was from Mass. Check for rust near the bed bolts the frame of the truck.
You'll have to get the waterpump, timing belt, and spark plugs changed at 100K. Those are not cheap if you take it to the dealer to get it done.
Thanks.... So I looked under and found some rust... everything else seems to be in good order. I will post some pictures of the rust... is this TOO much rust? It seems that it was sprayed over and the paint mostly has bubbled and is peeling from where there was rust. But there is definitely SOME rust. Should this be a deterent? Or would there be some rust on all vehicles of this age?
Can it be fixed by a mechanic also? As everything else about this truck is very impressive... and this is a poor country where my options are limited.
Thanks.... So I looked under and found some rust... everything else seems to be in good order. I will post some pictures of the rust... is this TOO much rust? It seems that it was sprayed over and the paint mostly has bubbled and is peeling from where there was rust. But there is definitely SOME rust. Should this be a deterent? Or would there be some rust on all vehicles of this age?
Can it be fixed by a mechanic also? As everything else about this truck is very impressive... and this is a poor country where my options are limited.
Thanks!
[I say avoid it no thanks based on your pictures it show's the rust is very much in the frame. Tundra for the 2000 model year was the first year and since I had one brand new I would tell you to avoid the first model year. This Truck has certain limitations brakes for one were poorly designed and it took Toyota to improve this on the 2003 Tundra mid year change Tsb on the brakes.
Beyond that the engine is bullet proof the 4.7 Lexus derived engine is well made.
Last edited by Tundrav8yamaha; 03-18-2009 at 06:39 PM.
I have a 2000 Tundra with 185,000 should have 200k this year. I have had none of the brake problems, I regularly pull a dump trailer. I have electric assisted brakes. The only 2 items I have replaced are the starter and O2 censor. The truck has been always reliable.
I'd say based upon where you live that the rust problem will not increase because it's definitley not the same as MA. As one guy did tell you do replace the Timing belt. Due the hot climate there it will have an effect on your belt life. I live in the Northwest in a cooler climate and have never replaced mine. Some my find it foolish however 185K is no fluke just the facts, I'll take it to 200K. If I blow up the engine I'll buy 2010 Tundra anyhow. Good Luck
Based on the pics undernteat I would probably stay away. I can see they pained part of the underside of the bed. Looks like they painted over the rust, which can make it rust faster. You can always have the underside sandblasted and then paint the frame/underside of bed with POR13 or rustseal.
I have a 2000 and I did the brake upgrade and 02 sensors other than that it has been bulletproof. I also lived overseas for 5 years and I would jump on a tundra that isin't beat up like the other trucks on the island.
Had I been in the States or Canada I would steer clear and go look for another one, but yes, the fact that the only other alternative (in the same pricerange) is a 10 year Dominican road pounded vehicle makes this seem so much more appealing. Think I'll probably go ahead with it and wirebrush / rustseal the bad parts to try and prevent it rusting further.
2000 Tundra.... worth the risk?
Re: 2000 Tundra.... worth the risk?
2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab 4x4 Black
So.... how much rust is too much rust?
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