96' T100 SR5 - 184K - considering and have questions - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

Tennesseestorm · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 12:49 AM

Hello all. I have been looking for a Tundra, but high prices that they are commanding have me now considering a Tacoma or a T100. T100s are not nearly as easy to find as Tacomas, but I like the extra room in the T100. I have looked on ebay and seeing these with nearly 300K is not uncommon. Obviously the 3.4L V6 is a excellent engine? Question 1- are these "non interference" engines? Meaning, if the timing belt breaks, will it destroy the engine? I used to know of a website that told this info, but I cannot find it now.

The truck I am looking at has 184K and it at a local Toyota dealer lot. I think they are going to wholesale it out, as they normally do the older, high mileage vehicles. It is a 96' T100 SR5, extended cab, 4WD, automatic, and loaded to the max. The exterior looks very good (white with blue interior), but the interior is in need of a very good cleaning! There is also a wear hole on the lower part of the driver seat. The front passenger seat has some moderate stains that looks like motor oil, but no other tears/blemishes. I think it would clean up well. If it checks out well mechanically, about what maximum price should I go on one with these miles and interior condition? I am thinking $4500 would be a good maximum price?

There is another one listed in better condition in the local classifieds for $5000, but it has higher miles- 193K and is a 1995. Still an SR5 4WD however.

The other I was looking at was a 2000 Tundra reg. cab SR5, V8, 4WD- again, high miles @ 191K for $8300, but I think I can get it for less than that. I was thinking of offering $6500 for it?

Ah, too many decisions to try to make!

Tennesseestorm · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006, 08:33 AM

No T100 owners?

DigitalFusion · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006, 01:39 PM

looks like you already made a decision judging from the list in your garage.

Tennesseestorm · #4 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006, 11:19 PM

Hey "Digital". I only wish - that is just my "dream truck".

Anyway, I test drove and checked out the 96' T-100 today and it had its good and bad points.

Bad points is that it is high mileage (184K, but not too bad for a Toyota), the interior is stained and worn in spots, check engine light was illuminated, the muffler was louder than desired, (but the engine has a nice sound like that) and under acceleration there was a rattle sound the sounded like a heat shield loose- but it was coming from the front somewhere. Other areas to note was that when idling in drive, after the engine had warmed, the oil pressure gauge was almost all the way down to the far left line, but immedietly raised on acceleration and it had an occasional slight miss at idle when in park. I am assuming new spark plugs would help, or is that a sign of perhaps a major problem?

Good points is that the exterior was very good to excellent, was the good white on blue color, top of the line SR5 model, engine was smooth and transmission shifts were excellent. The interior was still rattle and squeak free and I thought the size was perfect- not too big and not too small. Also, it had a nice driving position and had a surprisingly comfortable ride, good brakes and excellent control/gauge layout.

Keep in mind that this truck is at a local Toyota dealer- where they typically do not put a car this old on the lot. They usually wholesale them out. He told me on the phone they had it priced at $7995, which is definitely retail or higher? I knew I would not pay nowhere near that, considering the condition. Tonight, he asked me if he had told me the price and I told him I thought he said $7995, but he said it would be much less than that. He said maybe even less than $6000. Still, considering the wear/tear/mileage, that even though it is a Toyota, that this is still too high. I would say $4500 at the most, or would that be to low of an offer?

My main concerns were the engine stumble at idle and the low oil pressure when in gear/idle after the engine had warmed.

Any advice?

Now- there is someone about 100 miles from here with a 2000 Tundra V8, 4WD, extended cab, with 99K (1-owner) for $9900. I just not be able to make the drive to look at it.

mustang67408 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaffer

Hello all. I have been looking for a Tundra, but high prices that they are commanding have me now considering a Tacoma or a T100. T100s are not nearly as easy to find as Tacomas, but I like the extra room in the T100. I have looked on ebay and seeing these with nearly 300K is not uncommon. Obviously the 3.4L V6 is a excellent engine? Yes it is an excellent engine. Question 1- are these "non interference" engines? Meaning, if the timing belt breaks, will it destroy the engine? It is a NON INTERFERENCE ENGINE.If the t-belt breaks the engien just stalls, all valves will be ok. I used to know of a website that told this info, but I cannot find it now.

The truck I am looking at has 184K and it at a local Toyota dealer lot. I think they are going to wholesale it out, as they normally do the older, high mileage vehicles. It is a 96' T100 SR5, extended cab, 4WD, automatic, and loaded to the max. The exterior looks very good (white with blue interior), but the interior is in need of a very good cleaning! There is also a wear hole on the lower part of the driver seat. The front passenger seat has some moderate stains that looks like motor oil, but no other tears/blemishes. I think it would clean up well. If it checks out well mechanically, about what maximum price should I go on one with these miles and interior condition? I am thinking $4500 would be a good maximum price?

There is another one listed in better condition in the local classifieds for $5000, but it has higher miles- 193K and is a 1995. Still an SR5 4WD however.

The other I was looking at was a 2000 Tundra reg. cab SR5, V8, 4WD- again, high miles @ 191K for $8300, but I think I can get it for less than that. I was thinking of offering $6500 for it?

Ah, too many decisions to try to make!

T-100 or Tundra, both are great vehicles.

Tennesseestorm · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 12:04 AM

Thanks. I looked at it again today. My main concerns are the the CV covers and the low oil pressure at idle when in gear. I noticed the CV joint covers are busted today when I looked at it again. Still unsure about that low oil pressure when the engine is hot and in gear. It was near the 1st line.

If not for that, I would probably buy it in a flash.

DigitalFusion · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 12:40 AM

offer them 4500 if they replace the CV's. Who knows how long they have been like that, and how much wear has occured on them due to it. Im not sure on the oil pressure deal. Perhaps the oil itself is old and its viscosity is comprimised.

Its too bad you are not closer and were interested in 2wd. My tundra needs a lil work and is only 8500 bucks!

Tennesseestorm · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 10:43 PM

Thanks. Well, someone here (on another forum) said that the oil pressure gauge was no cause for concern. Pretty normal operation. Probably needs a good oil change though.

The salesman that showed me the truck phoned the other evening, but I was late getting home from work. I called yesterday and today and he is out ill. Maybe he was calling me to tell me that they would take $4500 for it?

I wonder to about the missing engine at idle when in park. Hopefully it is simply in need of new spark plugs and/or plug wires. I had a Lexus once that did this and all it needed was new plugs.

I did not hear the CV's clicking, but I am assuming I wouldn't if I left it in 2WD mode? I may call to see how much $ to replace, so I will know what to expect when they need changing. I think that $4500 and me doing the work may be fair. I think I could get it back in good order for $500.

However, still going to try to get a Tundra first. Offering $10K for an 01' Limited tomorrow.

DigitalFusion · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:04 PM

wow 10K for a limited? how many miles?

Tennesseestorm · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 03:07 PM

106K, but it is a 2wd. That salesman not there today. The dealer with the t-100 called and said he would take $5800. I told him about the CV joint covers being busted and he said he may can get them replaced (cv joints and covers) there at the dealer at no charge.

DigitalFusion · #11 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 03:39 PM

what are they asking for that limited that you offered 10K for? It it was me I would be all about that limited before the T100. That all depends on if you are really into 4WD or not. Again, its really too bad you are not closer if you are considering 2wd and dont mind a lil work!

Tennesseestorm · #12 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 07:03 PM

They were asking $14,999 when I looked at it originally and I more-less walked away and started looking at other vehicles and that was even when I thought it was a 4WD.

Then, I visited their website the other day and they have reduced it to $12,900. Knowing that dealer, I bet they probably didn't even give $6000 trade-in value on it. So, even if they sold it to me for $10K, they are still probably making $4000.

The salesman I talked to was off today, but I am going to call tomorrow and offer $10K, as that is my limit (before taxes). I want to keep it below $11K.

I talked to the dealer today about the T100 and he was all siked up and said, "I can get you that truck for $5800!". I was thinking more like $4500, or $5000 at the most. The check engine light is on, cv covers busted, slight occasional miss at idle (in park) (he said it probably just needed plugs/plug wires), muffler needed, rattling heat shield from engine bay. He said he may be able to get them to split the cost with me on replacing the CV joints/covers and will let me know tomorrow. My pop said he would be more concerned with the engine missing, as it could be low compresson/burned valves or something. He said I should only buy it if they replace CV's and the plugs/plug wires and see if that stops the misfiring, especially for $5800 + tax. Also, remember that the interior is badly stained and has burn holes here and there.

I called about another 95' T100 today, same features, but more miles, but supposedly better interior. He said it needs a new converter (gutted the one on there now). Also, strangely, he said that the headgasket was replaced around 8K miles. He said shortly after he bought it at 5500, the gasket blew and was replaced warranty. He said later there was a recall on the gasket on the 95-96 models with the 3.4L, but I could not find that info. I thought it was the 95 and older 3.0L.

Oh well, the search goes on. Starting to get irritated/frustrated.

placelast · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 03:15 PM

The rattle noise from the front is the crossover pipe/heat shield.

There was a recall on the '95-'96 or so 3.4L due to the head gaskets being installed at the factory - wrong side up. Mine was done at ~100k.

Low gage pressure is normal; nothing to worry.

And mine is 2wd so sorry I'm not much help beyond this.

T-100s are robust although Tundras do offer a better ride.

Tennesseestorm · #14 (**permalink**) 10-08-2006, 10:20 PM

Thanks. Too bad about the headgaskets. Its a shame that it was something as silly as that. Overall, I have heard that these engines are very good. I was surprised when I called about a 95' T100 and the man said that the HG was replaced at 8K, because it blew.... (he bought at 5K miles).... he said it was replaced under warranty, then he too said there was a recall later, but did not have to worry since his had been replaced. He said after that, he had not had a minutes trouble out of it. I am still not sure about it though.... I may try to look at it Wednesday, but I am thinking of going with a Tundra. He said that he had "gutted" the convertor, due to low power/CEL light. He said he knew it was illegal, but he did it anyway. Oh well. He also said it would soon need brakes and a grease seal on the LR axle. $5000 is his price. Its an SR5 model too, extended cab, V6, auto, SR5. Maybe get him down to $4500?

I looked closer at the one at the Toyota dealer today... the 96' and I have decided to pass- especially since I have no idea if the HG had been replaced on it. How in the world would I know? Can they run a check on it? If it had not been replaced by now, would Toyota still be obligated to replace it now and offer a warranty on the gasket? As mentioned, the interior is very stained, CV joint covers busted and it has 184K.... will also need new muffler and for $5800, I think I could do better elsewhere? There is someone here with an 03' Tundra SR5 2wd I am seriously considering as well.

Tennesseestorm · #15 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 09:47 PM

To update - thank Heavens that I did not buy the white 96' T100. I was working today, but the salesman called and spoke to my mother. He said for me to forget about the T100, because something bad happened to it when they were moving it to another place on the lot. He thinks the engine blew or something. He said they had to push it around the lot to the back. I am assuming that the timing belt broke or something. At least it is not a interference engine.

I am thinking that the miss at idle was an indicator of something major. I do not know what happened, but like I mentioned, he said he had no idea, nor did the TOYOTA mechanic, but he said it was not good.

Anyway, I suppose I will still consider the 95' T100, with 191K for $5000, but I am leaning more toward the 03' Tundra 2wd.