Advice needed on a 2012 Tundra purchase.

Hi,

I found a 2012 Tundra Double Cab with 28,000 original miles for sale. It’s in like new condition. My only concern is that some of the research I’ve done indicates 2012 was a trouble year (including fuel injection pump and transmission issues.)

Honestly, I’d love to consider this Tundra. Is there any truth to 2012 being a trouble year?

Thanks so much,
Jason

 

How much do they want for it? Engine? You need to provide details here.

 

Secondary air injection pump? There was a recall on those. In fact, I had to get that recall performed on mine. Yours may have been done or if not, it could have expired already and you'd have to pay out of pocket if they fail or do aftermarket bypass woodoo.

As far as transmissions, mine started to rumble strip(around 100k miles) and it got progressively worse. I had to go to the dealer and they did fluid flush and she's been great three years now(over 30k miles) since service and she's like new.

Mine's 2010 4.6 v8 2wd double cab longbed
I love mine dearly and plan to keep her until wheels fall off, especially given how prices jumped up on new models.

 

It has a 5.7 with factory tow package. Asking price is $31k. Supposedly it really is in perfect shape.

 

Ah, when is this madness going to end. 11 year old pickup for crying out loud..

 

I know. It’s a bad time to be in the market. Does that sound too ridiculous? I was hoping to offer $29k if perfect, which is in-line will KBB pricing.

 

Are you looking at the information from the below page? It says the main reason they gave 2012 the worst year is because of high cost repairs at low mileage, but if you look into it there were only two people that reported a transmission failure (both at low miles). You can see 2007 and 2008 had the most problem reports.
What trim level is it? Even with only 28K miles, $31K and $29K seem high, but maybe it is a high trim level (like Platinum) and 4X4. Both those feature would push up the price.

 

Thanks for the extra info. I did not see that before. I’ll take a closer look.

Its an SR5 with a Cab-high Snugtop canopy, Toyota bedliner, and trailer break. Also new Michelin tires and back up camera.

 

I have a 2012 4.6l 4x4 double cab. Bought at 60,000 miles for $23,000. Has tow package with brake controller, remote start.it’s at 110,000 miles now and the only major maintenance I needed was the driver side brake caliper was seized. No other problems. It came from Canada. Considering that the rust on it wasn’t bad. Frame was in great shape. It’s a good year. I wouldn’t worry too much about the durability. The price though. $30,000 is too much I think. Mine is valued at $10,000 in Virginia. Ultimately I wouldn’t pay more than $23,000 for a 2012 if possible.

 

i bought my 2012 in 2018 with 20k miles for $26k. it's just over 130k now, much of it towing. mine's 4wd double cab with 5.7 and tow package (but no brake controller) and a grade model, so bare bones, with minor hail damage, but it was a good deal at the time because colorado is always a bit higher on 4wd vehicles. market does have a say in things. a lot of my friends go to texas to buy all their 4wds because they can get more bang for the buck even with travel considerations.

that said, i've have severely mistreated it in the years i've had it. i've put 3300 lbs in the bed, i've towed in excess of 10k lbs on a couple of occassions, i four wheel it (not by choice, but due to where i live) and it doesn't balk. i just finally replaced the oem battery a couple months ago. i don't know that i would love a 31k price tag, i would definitely try to bargain it down a few k, but if i found another close by with that low mileage, i might just buy it because i've had such good luck with mine.

i have never serviced the axles/trans/xfer, but i keep telling myself i should. the engine oil is changed religiously and i pressure wash it often to keep all the crap off (i drive 16 miles of dirt road every time i drive it just going to and from home, so mud is common)

 

Thanks for the reply. I’m still considering as it’s a lot of money. I’m thinking $28k might be possible.

 

Well gang, I guess it all depends on how urgently you **need** a pickup.

 

If this is helpful, I bought a perfect condition 42k mile (at the time) 2012 base model with the 4.6L 4x4 from my retired neighbor for $28k in November of 2021. I regret nothing, I love the truck. I do slightly prefer the Gen 2.5 body style, but not enough to even possibly consider selling mine. If I ever wear it out, I’ll look for a 2021 model. That should get me through about the year 2040!

New ones are what, $50k+ for a base model anything now? It’s insane.

 

+1 gang!! They're 40k, but I still cant stomach paying for a basic halfton that much. It has like 10" or whatever screen. Like who needs a screen in a work truck! Give me big knobs and some thumb sized buttons, I'll be happy!

 

Has the vehicle been garaged or sitting in the sun? What state are you in? Is it the original owner? Mileage is not the issue to me and low miles may be a disadvantage. I would be concerned about seals. That is a lot of sitting without exercise. If I only stood up once a year my knees would not work - same for a lot of the rubber and seals on a vehicle - especially in a hot climate.

 

I have a 2012 Tundra myself that I purchased in 2015; unfortunately, I have the 4.6L. Every 12-18 months I have an issue with the AIP. In 2018, I replaced both air pumps. I called Toyota HQ to complain about the issue; their response was we probably won't extend the warranty to the 4.6L but "hold onto your receipts". In May of this year, I placed both valves. I called Toyota again, and they said "tough." Last month, I replaced all the harnesses and 1 driver module. The Codes keep coming on; now I have to replace the replacement pumps and the valves again...

 

Curious about the use history - has it sat for 6-7 years? Garage kept? Maintenance records? Whoever is selling it is waaaaaaay too overzealous regarding the low mileage and if it's too low, you could actually be worse off depending on the reasoning for it.

Market is still silly, but not as bad as it was at its peak.

If you can do your own maintenance etc., know how to replace hoses & belts(due to dry rot if it sat), fluid and lubrication changes yourself, I'd offer $25k and spend $3k on the maintenance it is probably desperately needing.