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! :confused: :)

No T100 owners? :confused:

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

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

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. :(

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! :confused: :)
T-100 or Tundra, both are great vehicles. :D

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

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!

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? :D

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.

wow 10K for a limited? how many miles?

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.

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!

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. :rolleyes:

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.

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.

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.

how much is that 03 then?

$9000 for the 03'.

There is also a local 00' Tundra SR5 V8 4wd, but it is a regular cab and it has 191K. Asking $8300 for it, but I think I can get it alot less than that... around $7000. maybe. I am just hesitant about paying even $7000 for a 191K mile truck. It is like new though, so it has been well cared for and stated that over 1/2 of the miles are freeway miles.

Attached are photos of the silver-blue 2000....

Also- I found a fairly local white 2000 Tundra SR5 V8 4wd ext cab, with 165K for $8100, but I think it has been sold. Cannot get the owner to answer the phone... left messages....Photos of it too.


how much is that 03 then?

Well, to update even further... the 96' T100 I originally was interested in, is back on the market. Turned out that the timing belt broke. They (Toyota) replaced it and all is fine. They also replaced the o2 sensors and that took care of the CEL. Now, the bad news is that he said it cost them $800 to replace the timing belt, water pump and whatever was causing the CEL and would have to go up $800 on the price. It is now $6300. It will still need - muffler and CV joint covers. I also found out it needs rear shocks and rear brake shoes. Also- the front seats are badly stained and will need to be replaced, or a good set of seatcovers will need to be installed.

I figure I can buy it for $6300, pay $550 taxes, and figure in $100 for shocks, brakes, seat cover and muffler. I was going to borrow about $7100 if I bought this one. All DIY, save for the muffler. I can do the CV covers later and just replace the axles while I am at it- since it will be apart anyway. I see no need to replace until the clicking begins?

The exterior as mentioned - is excellent- so is the rear seat, dash and headliner. Carpeting and door panels also slightly stained and worn. No biggie to me though.

Now- I can and am considering another Tundra. Its a 2000 SR5 access cab, V8, auto, but it is 2wd- its excellent inside and out, with 142K. The initial truck is $7200. I would have to pay $395 shipping. Also, $500 for a timing belt/water pump, because the owner does not know if or even when it was last replaced. It was due at 90K, so it has not been replaced- its well overdue. Add another $600 for taxes. If I bought this truck, I would have to borrow about $8800.

For the loan I am getting, the $8800 would be $183. per month for 5 years. If I went with the $7100, it would be $177. per month for 4 years. I could cut the 4 year loan to 3 year if I pay $226 per month and cut the 5 year to 4years if I pay $219 per month.

Wholy crap....

I've got a 96 T100 with 162 K miles on it....

I replaced both front axles for $400 a piece, did the O2 sensor for $65 if I remember correctly, the wires cost me about 100. I've replaced the battery, the timing belt twice (I did it at 70k, and 142k) had them do the water pump the last time the did the belt.

I keep mine in good shape, and don't see how I could get 5k out if it, even with all the new stuff on it. I've got a cap on mine too boot.

What keeps me in my T right now is the price of a Taco... 30k for a DC 4x4 with all the fix'ens... yikes. To tell you the truth I'm planning on getting a Taco, but this T runs so good, and it's fun too. Hard to drop that much cash when your in something you love.

Mike aka Spot

To further update - I am not getting this truck. The dealer decided to later tell me about a $200 processing fee - after all of this- it was more than I wanted to pay. So- I ended up looking more and found a 97' T100 w/177K, for $6500 in EC I was going to buy, until what I really wanted (Tundra) came along for only $3000 more. So I am now getting a 2000 Tundra SR5 AC 4wd V8 w/100K.

Thanks for all of the replies.

My 94 T100 blew a head gasket Thursday :mad: so Friday I bought a 06 Tundra.:cool: I'm mixed on my feelings about what I did to obtain transportation by going on and getting the tundra but I was looking anyway. The thing is the T100 blew before I knew what was up; the truck drove great before that.:cry: I'm considering a new Jasper engine:tu:for it but with the book value at $4600 could I recoop the cost of a $4000 improvement?:devil: The new engine will have 3 year 75k warranty.:)

My 94 T100 blew a head gasket Thursday :mad: so Friday I bought a 06 Tundra.:cool: I'm mixed on my feelings about what I did to obtain transportation by going on and getting the tundra but I was looking anyway. The thing is the T100 blew before I knew what was up; the truck drove great before that.:cry: I'm considering a new Jasper engine:tu:for it but with the book value at $4600 could I recoop the cost of a $4000 improvement?:devil: The new engine will have 3 year 75k warranty.:)
If you really like the truck, JASPER is the way to go. I have not had a problem with them.
I would advise you.... NOT..... to use ATK.
They do not seal engines properly , use poor quality gaskets and dont fix problems, they just usually paint over them. This is just MY OPINION, (20yrs worth).

Gee did the gasket thing scare everybody away?

Update: My mechanic has informed me that the heads will be milled, gutted, and reworked along with a new timing belt and other maintenance, changing fliuds, and belts -the cost will be $2500.

I bought a 96 T100 5 speed with 64K original miles. $8200.00 To me your prices you have been getting are way too high. Then again, these damn trucks are bullet proof and command good money.

Low oil pressure is normal. Tundras do the same thing.

Interior staining and holes shouldn't concern you that much. These can be replaced easily.

Although they are harder to find, I would stay with a T100. They truly are teh perfect size and most people know that now and thats why they are costly.

I would watch eBay, I see good T100's all the time there and much better prices, mileage than what you have been getting.
Good Luck!

The 3.4 is an excellent engine. Very well made and very durable. They just screwed up at the factory and put the head gaskets in upside down. The design itself is fantastic!

He's right about the oil pressure.

It looks like it's low but it's normal when you rev the engine.

Mine's got 164k on it this month, I put a timing belt in mine every 60k (one at 90k when I got it, and one at 142k last fall).

I'm gonna miss this truck when my 07 taco arrives. You guy's keep talking about ebay and I may have to put mine T on it to see what it fetches.

Spot

I've got a 96' T100 Extended Cab SR5 2WD and I'm at 227,000+ miles currently. I've practically tried to kill the truck (driving way too fast everyday when I was younger 90-100+mph) but it still rides just as good as the day I drove it off the lot. I had the HG replaced as well with the recall and I've had no problems outside of general care like changing the oil, tires, new brakes, timing belts, and other scheduled maintenance. This truck has been a dream. In fact the local dealership here calls me almost every month asking if I'm willing to part with it to upgrade to a Tundra DC.

I get compliments on it every other day (I wax religiously and really babied it since it was my only vehicle back then....it got me through my 20's) The wife wants me to trade it in for a DC soon but I plan on using it as my run around vehicle/yard work truck.

Some of the things I've added to it:
-17" Niche Sting wheels
-K&N Filter
-throttle body spacer
-tint throughout
-Bilstein shocks
-Kenwood CD head unit
-12" Memphis M series subwoofer
-Rockford Fosgate 500w amp
-Memphis 5 1/4" coaxials in doors
-rigged cupholder top to mount 10" LCD DVD player
-direct wired for surround sound when DVD's are played

I want the Tundra DC really bad but it's nice not having a car payment. I'm not really feeling the looks of the 07' Tundra DC so I may eventually buy a 06' and street it out with 20's, lower it slightly, Bassani exhaust, upgrade the stereo system, and add a supercharger hopefully.

Oh yeah back to the topic...LOL...the T100's around here are SCARCE...even ones in lesser condition have pretty substantial prices on them still. Almost 11 years later I'm still glad I made the purchase...I'll never own anything but a Toyota truck.

Thanks for the info.... however, I ended up buying a 2000 Tundra V8 4wd- which was what I was really looking for anyway when I was considering the T100. Sometimes though I wish I had of went with the T100, because of better MPG, non-interference engine and it was $3000 less in price, but it did have 85K more miles.

I really liked the T100 though. It was a nice and solid truck. Someone got a nice one, but I love my Tundra too. :)



I bought a 96 T100 5 speed with 64K original miles. $8200.00 To me your prices you have been getting are way too high. Then again, these damn trucks are bullet proof and command good money.

Low oil pressure is normal. Tundras do the same thing.

Interior staining and holes shouldn't concern you that much. These can be replaced easily.

Although they are harder to find, I would stay with a T100. They truly are teh perfect size and most people know that now and thats why they are costly.

I would watch eBay, I see good T100's all the time there and much better prices, mileage than what you have been getting.
Good Luck!

Wholy crap....

I've got a 96 T100 with 162 K miles on it....

I replaced both front axles for $400 a piece, did the O2 sensor for $65 if I remember correctly, the wires cost me about 100. I've replaced the battery, the timing belt twice (I did it at 70k, and 142k) had them do the water pump the last time the did the belt.

I keep mine in good shape, and don't see how I could get 5k out if it, even with all the new stuff on it. I've got a cap on mine too boot.

What keeps me in my T right now is the price of a Taco... 30k for a DC 4x4 with all the fix'ens... yikes. To tell you the truth I'm planning on getting a Taco, but this T runs so good, and it's fun too. Hard to drop that much cash when your in something you love.

Mike aka Spot


Hey Mike,Hope your still reading this thread. I'm about to jump on my first T100 (97) 100+k do you recall how much it cost ya to have the timing belt and water pump changed? I also read at some point if they are getting hard(er) to start to change the wires.

You assessment of changing to a expensive taco might need readjustment :) You could put a new engine (rebuilt) and trannie in your T100 and have virtually new rig for a fraction and IMO..a better looking rig then the newer/boxier Tundras.

Mystro,

I beleive it ran me around 620 to do the timing belt and the pump (at the dealer).

I know it would be cheaper to change out the engine, tell you the truth the current engine has plenty of power so I wouldn't change it anyway.

I ordered my Taco Dec 11th, it should be here between Jan 11 - ?

Mike aka Spot