How are the 4.0 v6 engines on the 2012s?

I have a 2000 Tundra with 236k and love the v8. Just had the opportunity to buy a 2012 tundra w. v6 4.0 with 100k on the clock for $4k. Any advice for these engines? They seem to be rare on the tundras so cant find much reliability reviews on these things. Are there common probs to look out for? TIA

 

The 4.0 is a solid engine and is the same one that's in the 4Runners. However, it is too underpowered for the Tundra. I had a 2010 for just under a year and had to get rid of it and get a V-8.

 

Yeah right on. As I said I have a 2000 with the 4.7 v8. I ultimately ended up buying the tundra with the 4.0 also cause for 4K at 100k it would be a good flip. Good to know its a reliable engine— maybe ill just keep her!

 

The engine is underpowered but reliable. I’d be more worried about rust given the front plate.

 

Frame solid, and again for 4K? No brainer for me

 

The 4.0L is one of Toyota’s most reliable engines, just a bit on the weak side (especially down low) for a larger vehicle when loaded up. If you decide to keep the truck, and want a little more out of it, swapping the rear 9.5” 3.90 diff for a 4.30 ratio will make a noticeable difference.

 

Thanks for this! Helpful. Happy to hear its reliable

 

Definitely reliable. I currently have a 2006, 2016, and 2020 4Runner all with the 4.0.

 

Not too bad for NY. Spray it with penetrating rust inhibitor. Also take out plugs from boxed part of the frame and slide a 360 wand with cavity wax like Noxudol 700 through it.

 

Gen 2 didn't have bad engines.

 

So just go under and spray the whole frame with the stuff? Also boxed part of the frame? Not sure what you mean but thanks

 

Cavity wax for enclosed space, like inside the boxed frame. C-channel frame and outside of boxed frame spray with something less sticky, or it will attract dirt, which attracts moisture, etc.

 

Great got it. Thanks

 

I see 3M has a good cavity wax with application straw, but whats good for directly on exterior of frame?

 

My old truck was a 2009 Tacoma with the 4.0, just sold it a few months ago with only 90k miles. Even though it is a bit on the weaker side compared to the 5.7 (obviously), that engine was reliable as hell and I had zero issues with regular maintenance. On the other hand, I didn't even know Toyota made the older Tundras with a V6