Purchasing a 2012 Tundra

Am I crazy to purchase a 2012 Tundra limited Crewmax with 183000 miles?

 

I guess it all depends on the condition, service records, and price. Any pics?

 

Very detailed service records. Some scratches but really in awesome shape. They will not budge on the $21994 price

 

Looks like a really clean truck from that one pic, did you get any from underneath? I know the market is really crazy right now, but that price is beyond crazy if you ask me.

 

IMO the price is a little high for the mileage on it. It all depends how you feel about it and how it drives.

 

I have a 2012 limited CM with 178,000 miles. It has been incredible and I would drive it to Alaska tomorrow with zero concerns.

 

I crawled underneath and there isn’t any rust or major discoloration. It drives bad ass and is solid. I know the price is more than I want to pay but it is more inline with the price of both older and and other 2012’s I have looked at. This is a tough decision but I am leaning towards purchasing it.

 

The people here on this forum can only guide you in the right direction on the information that you have given us. If you really love it, and can afford it, who are we to tell you not to buy it. Good luck, and post pics .

 

i was in the same situation last July with mine. Decided to go for it (2010 with 157k). Had great service records and was a one owner. Paid $25995 which was kind of steep i think and also wouldnt move on the price... but i love the truck and that is all that matters. I say go for it.

 

That looks to be a great vehicle with a decent history OP.

But unfortunately there’s factor that can’t be forgotten here and it is that it’s a 10 year old vehicle with 183k. Toyota or no Toyota…mileage and time consumes a vehicle.

Whether your financing or paying in cash it will still take a couple of years to repay a loan or replenish your savings. At which point you will have a 12 year vehicle with maybe over 200k. IMHO that’s a risky proposition for 21k. But I understand the market is beyond insane for used vehicles at this point…

 

I picked up a 2010 with 223k on it about 8 months ago. Similar situation to yours, great service history, Arizona truck with no rust. $18k cash.

Looking back on it, I would still do it again. Not having a payment is huge. The biggest thing for me was the zero rust and overall good mechanical condition. If you’re mechanically inclined, this platform really is a dream. Nothing overly complicated to repair, and it is arguably over engineered.

All that being said, they’re going to require some TLC at that age. I’ve had to replace valve cover gaskets, getting ready to do a full brake caliper overhaul. It still has a slight hesitation on a cold startup. Eventually I’ll drop a new motor in it, they can be had with 20-30k on them for around 8k currently. Which still puts me way under market for a truck with comparable miles.

Like others have said, it’s all pros and cons really depending on individual factors. For me, it was all pros and a decision i don’t regret. I got a Landcruiser with a truck bed.

 

My 2010 has 186k on it, and beyond basic maintenance (replace serpentine belt, brakes) there have been no recent needs other than gas and oil. I regularly drive it to remote areas in northern New England and it's been rock solid. There's no guarantee on used car prices but if you look at pre-pandemic tundra prices, even ones with over $200k still had decent value then - so you would likely be able to sell or trade later if needed.

 

It sounds like you know your local market fairly well. That price sounds high to me (mainly due to the mileage) but if it is inline with other local listings it might be worth it. If you have time, and are willing to possibly lose out on it, then offer a standing offer for what you think is a fairer price, and give it a week or two. Private sellers lose patience quickly sometimes.