Maybe buying 2000 Tundra SR5 V8 4wd access cab.. what to look for? advice?

[Tennesseestorm]

Hello fellow Tundra owners- especially ones who own, or have owned a early Tundra. I am definitely buying a Tundra. I have narrowed it down between a 2000 AC V8 SR5 4wd, or a 2003 AC V6 SR5 2wd. The 4wd is about $8000 (maybe less) w/163K and the 2wd is about $9100 w/125K. I am having much trouble deciding between the two. I am also trying to negotiate on two more- a 2002 V6 AC 2wd and a 2000 V8 AC 2wd.

I am wondering- if I go with the 2000 AC 4wd w/163K- what trouble spots should I look for? I know I can search and search here for some answers, but hopefully some can reply here and give me a general rundown. Anyway, this truck has 163K and had the timing belt replaced around 131K, as well as the oil pump and water pump. Wondering about the oil pump... is it normal to get this changed too when the timing belt is changed? I have heard of the water pump being replaced at this time, but never the oil pump. The truck is white with gray interior and is fully loaded. The only known problem is mentioned here and it is with the overdrive system. Owner said that sometimes you have to fumble with the button to get it to work properly. Other that that, it is supposed to be 60% highway miles and has really never been offroad. It has had the same owner for about 5 years too. He is just selling because he bought a 06' 4dr, because of larger family now. Appearance wise, it is supposed to be in excellent condition, inside and out. All other things working properly. I am wondering- what all should I look out for? I am not too familiar with these trucks.

The 2003 2wd is nice too, but physically, it is not as good as the 03' It seems to have seen more "work" than the 2000 4wd. The 03' has some dings/dents/scratches and some interior "scuffs".

I know the big question is- "do you need a 4wd"? The answer to that is "no". We do not get much snow here and I never off-road, but it would be nice to know that the 4wd would be there if I needed it. Also, the 4wd seems to be calling my name, because it is a V8, 4wd, better physical condition, is closer and is priced about $1300 less. However, it is older and has the o/d switch problem, (which hopefully is minor) and has about 40K more miles than the 03'. Also, it will be next week before I can even inspect the 00', as the owner is out of town and there is no way I can get out of town this week as it looks as of this evening.

If I do not soon find a local, or fairly local Tundra in my price range I am looking for, I am thinking of starting to look at Tacoma's but I really want a Tundra.

Thanks in advance!

[Malcolm]

The pricing is a little high for 163k miles!
Check the rear window for leaks.
Check manifold for exhaust leaks
Check Brakes, rotors, etc..

Was it used to tow? If so, that takes alot out of a vehicle.

Have a mechanic you trust, go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb.

Ask to see all the maintenance records

Good luck!!!!!!

[AFP520]

If you're looking into 2001-2004 area years for a truck and you were contemplating a tacoma, you wouldnt go wrong with a 4x4 3.4L V6. They are SOLID trucks.

As for the Tundra, that overdrive thing would scare me a little. I recall reading that some people have had OD problems with the transmission from towing. That is the only quarrel I think I would have about that truck.

The v6 is reliable, but the v8 is full of torque. I'd rather have the v8 than v6

[Ando140]

In addition to the above... for a 4x4 tundra, make sure the drive shafts were greased regularly (at least once every 6 months), and the owner drove it in 4wd at least 10 miles a month (but not on dry pavement) as recommended in the owners manual.
Take the truck out on some gravel or dirt when you test drive it to make sure the 4wd system works properly. Its normal to feel a clunk when the system disengages, and it should feel tight when you're in 4wd and you try to make a tight turn (unless you're on a really slick surface, and don't try this on dry pavement, you could damage the 4wd system).

[Tennesseestorm]

Thanks. For now, the white 00' SR5 4wd V8 access cab is the lowest price one I have found. As mentioned, he is asking $8000, but I think I can get it for $7500. It does have 163K though. I have found several 2wd V8 models, around $9-10K in the 100K-135K mile range- all in excellent shape. ALL are out of town, so getting my mechanic to look them over is out.

Whats the deal with these manifold gaskets? Expensive repair? How can you tell they are bad? Is the truck louder?

The only other I am considering that is not a Tundra is a Sienna. It seems like a good deal though and it will get me where I need to go. Its a 2002 Sienna LE, LOADED to the max, with 102K- in excellent conditions. It is at one of our local Toyota dealers. They are asking $9995, but I know a salesman there and he said he can get it down to $9000. I really want a Tundra though.

[AFP520]

You mean a complete 180?

Anyhoot, I would go with the Tundra in this case. Maybe to give yourself an ease of mind, talk to them about the warranty and how you're concerned. 163K is quite alot on a 2000 Tundra though.

[Tennesseestorm]

LOL. I changed it- that would have meant I was going back. I have been racking my brain trying to find a Tundra and it has taken a toll. LOL. I cannot find one local for less than $10K. Its ridiculous. Other than the 00' 4wd for $8000 obo (2 hours away), I have found a 00' SR5 2wd access cab with 101K for $11,000 (1 1/2 hours away), but I think I can get it for $9500 or $10000. It does not have ABS though, which was something I really wanted. According to KBB this 2wd is overpriced and according to KBB, the 4wd with 163K is a bargain. ?? I am thinking since the 00 2wd has less miles and is 2wd, it may have less problems in the near future? She said that the timing belt was changed at 90K and that it is 100% squeak free. Also, don't forget the 2003 SR5, with 119K for $9K. It however has saw some good use and has some dent/dings and scrapes on top of the dash where the owner had put lumber through the rear slider window and up on the dash. Its also very dusty in the engine bay.

There is another OO' SR5 2wd access with 133K about 2 hours away for $9900 and one 6 hours away (same) with 133K for $8900.

I am tired of racking my brain... I think I may offer the people with the one 1 1/2 hours away (with 101K) $9500 and go from there.

Originally Posted by AFP520

You mean a complete 180?

Anyhoot, I would go with the Tundra in this case. Maybe to give yourself an ease of mind, talk to them about the warranty and how you're concerned. 163K is quite alot on a 2000 Tundra though.

[Tennesseestorm]

I have also heard that the 2000s had some brake issues and the deal with the manifold gaskets.

The 00' V8 2wd SR5 AC I am considering is $10K, (9500 if I can talk them down). It has 101K and is in excellent condition. Or, I can get the 00' SR5 4wd V8 AC w/163K for around $7500-7800. OR I can get a 2003 SR5 V6 2wd AC, with 119K for around $9000, but it has some dents/dings/scrapes, but seems to have been well maintained mechanically. I think I could live with the scrapes and get an 03' V6---- probably less problems down the road? Also- the 03' has more features such as remote entry and ABS brakes. Something that one of the 2000s lacks.

Hopefully someone can help steer me to a decision.

[Malcolm]

Don't buy any of the vehicles!
They're all priced way to high!

I bought my 2000 Tundra 4x4 V8, tow pkg. etc...for 13k last year.
It had 63k miles.
"Criags list"
It took two months of searching but I saved 4k.
Everything I looked at in the beginning was going for 15.5- 19k.

Be patient and you'll find the truck at your price.

[Tennesseestorm]

Thanks... wow, this thread is old. I had forgot about it. lol. Now, I am actually considering two different ones - listed somewhere on another thread.

One is a 4x4 SR5 AC v8 w/104K for $9400
and the other is a 2wd, SR5 AC v8 w/137K for $8700 - but it is a 1-owner truck and in much better shape than the 4wd for $9400. Two others are a 00' SR5 4wd, regular cab, V8 1-owner, 99K for $8900 and one is a 2wd AC SR5 w/140K for $7200. Tranny rebuilt in that one already.

I know your frustration. I have been looking for ONE YEAR for one to fit in my price range. Both of these are out of town.