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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I'm looking for your wise counsel before I make my first Tundra buy. I was wondering if there were any particular components or things I should check out of the vehicle when performing my inspections. I am specifically interested in the 2005 year range. You guys undoubtedly have a ton of advice on maintenance or important things to look for when buying, so I wanted to start this topic to see if I could get any help in that area.

My target vehicle is a 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited, which is a great beauty. This automobile REALLY matches my budget, however because it has a salvage title, I'm a little hesitant. Salvage title, according to my uncle, doesn't actually matter that much, but other friends claimed they would back out of the sale. Let me provide some information in the hopes of getting your feedback on whether or not this is a decent offer. When inspecting this vehicle, is there anything I should check in person or with a mechanic?

Link to the ad: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/sacramento-2012-acura-tsx-technology/7575311270.html

2005 Toyota Tundra Limited
115000 miles
automatic
White in color

Since the front end has been advertised as being completely new, I'm wondering whether there is a method to view the previous automobile problems or damages. I'm in love with this model and need to buy by the end of the month because using rideshares right now is awful! For this price range, it's the one I found that is the cleanest, so please advise if you guys would pull the trigger or negotiate with the seller a little more in this case.
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Unless the front end is new, from a toyota dealer I would not trust it much. If it has been A few thousand miles maybe a couple years since the rebuild I would also trust it more.

2wd? seems high for that. I have not been in the market for a few years though.

Give me a 175k mile truck that is 1-2 owner and and dealer maintained, over that.
 

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2006 Crew Cab Limited 4x4
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That is a beauty!
Offer $10K.
Owned my 2006 Ltd since new in Sept 2005 and have rebuilt my entire front end suspension as well other than steering rack. Seems the worst flaw of 2005-06 Tundras.
Bring a trusted mechanic and his/her best OBD2 scanner to get best reading.
Then grab that sweet ride!
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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Thank you guys for your observation and careful inspection on this car. The only way to check the accident records on this vehicle is to get the Vehicle Report, So I decided to purchase from this site: Lookup any vehicle in seconds for accidents, service history and more! in case you guys looking for a cheaper option), it has a front panel that's damaged, but the frame doesn't seems to be damaged?, the report also show 10 auction pictures on this vehicle, I will share it with you guys, please have a look, and let me know what you think?
Car report link: Vehicle History Report for VIN: 5TBET38125S484004
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Keep in mind that the Double Cab in that year has a bastard master cylinder setup and is prone to leaking into the vacuum booster. With that said, you cannot buy just the secondary master that sits between the normal master, and the vacuum booster where the leak originates, and you will be looking at a $1000 plus replacement OEM booster, master cylinder, assembly. You can no longer buy the part aftermarket either. The access cab was spared this configuration, just us first gen Double Cabbers. The other failure on the 4.7 is the Secondary Air Injection Pump is prone to failure. You have to pull the upper intake to gain access for change out. I would also check the timing belt, water pump history. That is another big bump in the wallet. I am a 2nd owner of an 05 DC 4X4 and have personal experience with all these items.
 

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In the late 80s, before our state required a different color title for salvage vehicles, I purchased one without being told, and knowing nothing about it.... I was stupid and young. Scrub 10-20% off retail, and if you can't find the shop that did the work and verify it's reputation... I wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole. And if you ever have to haul any kiddos in there ide walk away right now. That being said, my current tundra probably Should have had a salvage title, but I got it for $2400, can work on it myself, don't ever haul any little ones around, and commute less than 10 miles on surface streets to work every day.
My 2 cents. Good luck!
 

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I'm looking for your wise counsel before I make my first Tundra buy. I was wondering if there were any particular components or things I should check out of the vehicle when performing my inspections. I am specifically interested in the 2005 year range. You guys undoubtedly have a ton of advice on maintenance or important things to look for when buying, so I wanted to start this topic to see if I could get any help in that area.

My target vehicle is a 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited, which is a great beauty. This automobile REALLY matches my budget, however because it has a salvage title, I'm a little hesitant. Salvage title, according to my uncle, doesn't actually matter that much, but other friends claimed they would back out of the sale. Let me provide some information in the hopes of getting your feedback on whether or not this is a decent offer. When inspecting this vehicle, is there anything I should check in person or with a mechanic?

Link to the ad: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/sacramento-2012-acura-tsx-technology/7575311270.html

2005 Toyota Tundra Limited
115000 miles
automatic
White in color

Since the front end has been advertised as being completely new, I'm wondering whether there is a method to view the previous automobile problems or damages. I'm in love with this model and need to buy by the end of the month because using rideshares right now is awful! For this price range, it's the one I found that is the cleanest, so please advise if you guys would pull the trigger or negotiate with the seller a little more in this case.
View attachment 165102
View attachment 165103
View attachment 165104
Maybe it's not as bad as it looks but the passenger front wheel looks seriously pushed back! Like it has -10 degree caster. Being that that's where the damage was, I'd be very wary of frame damage.
 
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