Access Cabs, Last Made?

I hit a deer in November with my 2000 Tundra Limited. Just now hearing from body shop that damages exceed the 75% insurance guideline. I had hoped to repair it and get a few more years out of it but that may be complicated. I'd have to take a salvage title and then be limited on insurance coverage, plus the body shop would have to refer it to another shop. Manager tells me the truck is worth repairing but that some parts may be hard to find too. I'm already a long time without the truck and not interested in dealing with another shop and it possibly taking months to get it back.

A new Tundra is out of the question. I could do with a lower trim line but still sort of need 4 wheel drive and at least the access cab. Mine has access cab with suicide doors. Can accommodate an adult on occasion and carries all else I need. What was the last model year that cab was made? I'm sure it would be cheaper than a double or full crew cab.

I would also consider a Tacoma, though some of them lack head room. I would like to stick with Toyota as my first choice. My truck went through a few bang ups with me and took it all like a trooper that it is. It has been my best vehicle ever. I've had a Mazda truck before, a Dodge Omni and 2 Corollas. Wife and I have had a Camry and a Sienna. Daughter has a Corolla.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

2005 and 2006 were the best (and last) years of the AC cab. I had a 2006 AC and put 225,000 miles on it in 12 years and sold it to my daughter to get my 2018. She has 320,000 miles on it and wouldn't think of parting with it.

These last two years also had the 5 speed computer controlled transmission which are better than the 4 speeds in previous years. These last two years represent the best in refinement of the first gen Tundras, you can't go wrong in looking for (and finding) a good example in this range.

Dan

 

For myself, i would much prefer an earlier model tundra that didn’t have as much electronic driver aids...such as the VSC, yaw, trac control, ABS. Yes, the 2000-04 trucks had less HP and a 4 speed transmission, but for what i do, the earlier V8s have more than enough power to offset those newer “upgrades”. I suppose it all depends upon how you use your truck.

 

Mostly to get to work. Carry firewood sometimes, occasionally pull a small trailer. 4 wheel high for snow & ice. 4 wheel low to pull someone out of a ditch every now & then.

 

My 2006 had ABS but none of the other items you mentioned. The 2005/2006 also had an added oil spray bar that cooled the bottoms of the pistons (helpful during heavy towing, etc.). The 5-speed tranny is well regarded, durable and reliable. But my only experience is with my 2006, I never drove the earlier versions.

Dan

 

Not sure where you live but auto trader nationwide search will yeild results for you to sort through. You can narrow search result to just access cabs if that's what you want.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...006&isNewSearch=true&searchRadius=0&zip=80201

 

Only DCs and Sequoias had all those nannies, with acception to ABS.

 

I love my 06 and my 03. I wish my 03 had the extra power and lower first gear that my 06 has. Both are great trucks though.

 

Got pics? What all did it break?



My deer strike just pushed the corner of the bumper in a bit & rubbed some of the polish off my door.

 

My brand new 2006 the day after I brought it home from the dealer. Next picture is my daughter driving it away 12 years later.

 

Thx much. I’ll check this out. I live in Durham, in central North Carolina. Fortunately, we have lots of dealers around here & lots of private sellers. Very mobile community. People moving often sell vehicles & other stuff. I bought my Tundra from a caller on a radio flea market. I hate that show isn’t still around. I bought & sold lots of stuff there. Craigslist often has a lot here too & E Bay too.

 

2005-2006 Tundra is the way to go. Although try to find an AC and a DC (may be difficult) if you can. The AC is smaller in every way, not just the back seat. The 05-06 DC is the best size pickup ever made in my opinion. I miss my 2006 dearly. Best truck I’ve ever owned and we’ve had a lot! 2016-2017 DC are good years if you want newer. Last years before Toyota beeping at you safety sense and first years of larger fuel tank.

 

These pics don’t look too bad but shop now says damages are over limit, about $4,600 or so, so far.

 

That's all??? I thought you removed it because it was demolished. You couldn't hammer that straight?

 

Completely demolished.

i prefer my traffic obstacles to assume i dont have insurance.

 

$4600 seems kinda scammy.
@JakeJake where did you post your pics of your front-end rehab?

 

AC has the 6.5' bed, DC has the 5.5' bed (same wheelbase I believe).

Dan

 

I'll also reiterate that if I were in the market for a first gen, I'd also be looking at 05/06 models. My 06 double cab TRD didn't have all the Nannie's some speak of either. Strong tranny, best motor, 6.5 bed. Kinda wish I never sold after seeing pics of what @Bergmen did. my daughter is tuning 16 in 2025. Would've been a great first truck for her.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/jak...k-bumper-build-extravaganza-pic-heavy.133689/

 

I'm pretty sure that the 5.5' bed didn't come out until the 07 model year when they introduced the crew max configuration.

 

negs, the DC bed is only an inch or two shorter, but the truck is bigger everywhere else. Dont know if its wider, though.

 

Correct. My 06 DC measured 77 inches. Literally 6'5" bed. I wonder if that's where the 6.5 reference comes from?
Also not sure about width either.

 

Yep, I stand corrected! Thanks for setting me straight. I guess I had 2007 and up in my mind, not the first Gens.

Dan

 

I'd have kept that if it were me

 

I needed an excuse to get a plate bumper.

 

@Jmellc

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...dius=200&state=NC&zip=27610&clickType=listing

 

@Jmellc -Or you could upgrade like @Mr.bee and keep that best gen on the road.

 

Perhaps if the truck was both a V8 and 4wd, then insurance might not salvage it out.

 

I have a similar 2006, great trucks.