Thoughts on buying an older higher mileage Tundra
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter

Used truck prices now, see my other thread, are forcing me to look at higher mileage trucks. Saw a 2008 Tundra with 170K on it, in very clean condition inside and out, not used as a work truck, bed is clean and not all banged up, has had aftermarket wheels and Falken Wild Peaks put on it recently, had aftermarket custom running boards on it, so it was someone's baby that they took care of and put some money and slight mods on, not just used to beat around as a work truck. Leather on the inside is in great condition, even though I don't prefer leather. Truck seems to have been very well taken care of, but I can't verify maintenance records since it's at a local dealer and not being sold by the original owner, it is a one owner vehicle.
I figure if looking at higher mileage vehicles, Tundras are a safe bet, not that other makes aren't also, but there seem to be a lot of these around with high mileage on them still operating perfectly. Anyone out there buy a higher mileage Tundra or currently operating one? Anything to be on the lookout for in the 2008 year/generation with mileage this high. I know the air pumps were an issue on these 5.7L Tundras and it's not a cheap fix. Anything other than that? I believe they use a timing chain instead of a belt on the 5.7 correct?
Looking at higher mileage Rams and F-150's also, I just know less about Tundras, which is why I'm asking here. Thanks.
I figure if looking at higher mileage vehicles, Tundras are a safe bet, not that other makes aren't also, but there seem to be a lot of these around with high mileage on them still operating perfectly. Anyone out there buy a higher mileage Tundra or currently operating one? Anything to be on the lookout for in the 2008 year/generation with mileage this high. I know the air pumps were an issue on these 5.7L Tundras and it's not a cheap fix. Anything other than that? I believe they use a timing chain instead of a belt on the 5.7 correct?
Looking at higher mileage Rams and F-150's also, I just know less about Tundras, which is why I'm asking here. Thanks.
Last edited by Southbay; 01-20-2021 at 09:11 AM.
#2

I would have zero issue buying a tundra with 200k on the clock. The 5.7 is a million mile motor. The only thing that will kill these Toyota’s are rust, or a wreck. The air pump issues are way overblown.
#3

Not too much concern, but I would go ahead and have the water pump replaced if not already.
I would also also drain and fill all fluids.
My V6 2004 tundra has the timing belt, and that's the only time it left me roadside. I've got 335k miles on her. My fault for not changing the belt a 2nd time, but I forgot.
Literally everything else works including AC. Well, the radio knobs are finicky, but I listen to podcasts anyways.
Im a firm believer in drain and fill transmission versus the flush, but maybe a mechanic will chime in otherwise.
I would also also drain and fill all fluids.
My V6 2004 tundra has the timing belt, and that's the only time it left me roadside. I've got 335k miles on her. My fault for not changing the belt a 2nd time, but I forgot.
Literally everything else works including AC. Well, the radio knobs are finicky, but I listen to podcasts anyways.
Im a firm believer in drain and fill transmission versus the flush, but maybe a mechanic will chime in otherwise.
#4
Admirals Club 


170K miles for a Tundra.....She's just getting broken in. Should serve you well. I bought a 1 owner Tundra, drove it lightly to the boat ramp and home depot. Sold it 2 years later for $500 more than I bought it for. The Toyota's hold their value, but man do they love GAS.
I sold it to buy a high mileage F-150 and put some cash in the bank. More power with Tundra but a more comfortable ride with the F-150. Both great trucks.
I sold it to buy a high mileage F-150 and put some cash in the bank. More power with Tundra but a more comfortable ride with the F-150. Both great trucks.
#6
Admirals Club 


I just picked up a 2007 Tundra with the 4.7 V8 which uses a timing belt. I took it straight to get it changed after I purchased it. Truck has 153k on the clock and it drives well. I paid more for the tundra than I would've for a comparable domestic truck, but I am very glad I did.
#7
Admirals Club 


I have a 2010 tundra with 270,000 miles and would not hesitate to get in it right now and drive cross country. Great truck and I’ll buy another one one day. Maybe when this one hits 300,000
#9
Admirals Club 



We've put a ton of miles on the eleven Tundras that I and immediate family have owned....from the early 4.7's, a 4.6 that only got 85k on it and the rest all 5.7's...one supercharged.
The ONLY service bill was the ex-wife had a thrust alignment done for $220.
The ONLY service bill was the ex-wife had a thrust alignment done for $220.
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#11
Admirals Club 


I am driving my second with over 100k. Current Tundra is a 2010 CrewMax approaching 170k, and I have zero complaints. I am looking to replace, but only because I upgraded boats and I am near max tow capacity. For a little more comfort towing I am thinking of replacing with Titan XD or Ram 2500. I initially thought this would pass to my oldest son, but he has 2 years before driving.
#12
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I cant believe that this is all the responses you got. I think what you should post that you were thinking of buying a high mileage GM, FOrd or Ram, then you would get a ton of Tundra guys responding lol
im just having fun so dont attack me toyota people
im just having fun so dont attack me toyota people
#13

If you're going to buy high mileage, the Tundra would be as good as any. Toyota's V-8 is also used in the big Lexus sedans, and it's not uncommon to see them with 400K miles.
At 170K miles and the rest of the truck in good condition, it should still have plenty of life left.
At 170K miles and the rest of the truck in good condition, it should still have plenty of life left.
#14
Admirals Club 


I had an 07. Rebuilt the tranny around 185k but I was towing more weight than I should have been. Then had the air pump issue pop up at 230k and put me in limp mode. I found a bypass kit that tricks the computer into thinking the engine is warm and the pump is not needed and then sold it to car max. Bypass kit was about 200 bucks. Only other things I ever replaced were a water pump and a starter. Truck was overall rock solid and probably the most reliable vehicle I ever owned.
#16
Senior Member

11 years and 125k. 5.7 crew max
Vacuum valve went early and was covered under warranty along with the water pump.
At 80,000 miles the wheel bearings started groaning. Finally changed all 4 at 100k.Dealer wanted close to $2000. DIY with local shop pressing them $200 plus around $500 in parts.
Annoying things, above 85 mph or with heavy cross wind there is a bad whistle. Not a big deal but on long trips it can really eat away at you.
The cab rain channel guard flew off at some point.
Radio screen will randomly not light up. power off and on and it's fine.
Tailgate shock absorber is getting soft.
Seat feels like it has lost some lumbar support. Have new foams for driver seat, just need to install them.
Everything else has been typical maintenance stuff.
If I were in the market, find a place you can hit 85mph or more.
Plan to change fluids and probably wheel bearings.
Vacuum valve went early and was covered under warranty along with the water pump.
At 80,000 miles the wheel bearings started groaning. Finally changed all 4 at 100k.Dealer wanted close to $2000. DIY with local shop pressing them $200 plus around $500 in parts.
Annoying things, above 85 mph or with heavy cross wind there is a bad whistle. Not a big deal but on long trips it can really eat away at you.
The cab rain channel guard flew off at some point.
Radio screen will randomly not light up. power off and on and it's fine.
Tailgate shock absorber is getting soft.
Seat feels like it has lost some lumbar support. Have new foams for driver seat, just need to install them.
Everything else has been typical maintenance stuff.
If I were in the market, find a place you can hit 85mph or more.
Plan to change fluids and probably wheel bearings.
#17
Admirals Club 


2002 sequoia (SUV cousin that shares 90% of its genes with tundra), 255k. Just did round trip to the keys, flawless. Toyota’s get their reputation for a reason. I have a Toyota specialist mechanic that regularly services early 2000 tundras and sequoias with 400, 500k on the clock.
Truck matching the one in your description in the classifieds here went from posted to marked sold in 5 days. Don’t drag your feet, they don’t last long.
Truck matching the one in your description in the classifieds here went from posted to marked sold in 5 days. Don’t drag your feet, they don’t last long.
#18
Senior Member

I've been looking and looking at a much newer Tundra or F150 and the more I read, the more I'm tempted to just repaint my perfectly good old 2002 Tundra.
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#20
Senior Member

The Achilles heel was the AIP and the 4.7 cam tower on the 2nd gen
Last edited by Thalasso; 01-21-2021 at 05:42 PM.