What to look out for buying a 2004?

Hi everyone, I'm 15 looking for my first truck. I have been looking at this 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4WD 4.7L V8 QUAD Cab. Just wondering what I should look out for before buying this, what problems you guys have had, what you love about it etc. Appreciate the knowledge!

 

Welcome from NY.

Check the frame for rust.

 

Likely not a problem in Phoenix, Arizona. Haha. Thanks for the reply.

 

This question gets asked here exhaustively, as a quick search shows. Here are some Search Tips.

Look at these from just the last few weeks and you'll to get every detail you need and more:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/new-guy-questions.98689/#post-2513352

https://www.tundras.com/threads/looking-for-a-tundra.97947/#post-2491766

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Nice job doing your research ahead of time instead of after diving in head first. As mentioned, there's lots of information available via search, but from my limited time with my truck, here are the things I would look for first:
- Heed the prior warning on RUST (even if in AZ), especially anywhere on the frame or associated components. Go over this with a fine tooth comb!
- Timing belt - record of replacement in the last 100k. If none, plan on an very near future major service to replace (with water pump)

Otherwise the links above are a great place to start. There are lots of other areas failure, but most are not that common and there's great support information in the archives if you happen on any of them.

Be aware that 4.7 w/ 4WD does not get very good gas mileage... and be prepared for pain at the pump. My 16yo daughter drives the truck back and forth to school, and gets 10.3mpg. Last fill-up was $75 (ouch). Also know that there is very little aftermarket support if you're wanting to do any upgrades.

 

I looked at a lot of Toyotas where the frame looked great EXCEPT one spot (inside of frame rails next to engine, above spare tire, etc...). Fine tooth comb is right.

 

Welcome. 15 and buying a truck? Man, everyone from high school will be hounding you for a ride. I remember those days.

You can't go wrong with a Tundra. The only downside is not having the money and resisting the urge to pay for upgrades since that's what a lot of people here do on this site.

 

Welcome aboard young sir. As previously mentioned, check for rust if you haven't already. Vehicles are mobile and can be moved about the country, in and out of the salt belt. If you have a link to the truck for sale we can pick the abused rust bucket apart until we've crushed your dreams, or start spending all of your summer job money for you on the mods you'll have to do on such a nice truck. Good luck with your search!

 

Awesome...I remember being 15 and buying my first truck ('72 Bronco) right before getting my license at 16.

I had to save $1,000 and my parents LOANED me the other $1,000.

I had to get my own insurance, too. I remember my mother telling me "there's no way we're putting a 16 year old on OUR insurance!"

Well, that was 41 years ago.

Good luck with your search...Tundras are great trucks.

SPP

 

Same here and similar timeframe... and after buying my own car I had to (gasp!) pay for my own gas too. I remember paying $1.79/gal for a car that got 8mpg, while making minimum wage of $3.15/hr.

My kids have no idea how good they have it.

 

lol pete funny seeing you here.

 

Right on my friend!

SPP