Another vehicle suggestion thread

[kfili]

So my beloved 05 tundra just got a quote for 7k to repair the rusted frame sadly. Unfortunately I just put new tires and did the timing chain. I also have a 2014 crv for my daily driver. I don't think I'm gonna put the $$ to fix the tundra, so I will need a new set up. I use the truck for hunting, camping hauling kayak, mountain biking, mostly forest service roads, definitely need 4wd and some clearance.
My current thought is sell both and get a newer midsized pickup like a Colorado or frontier. Should I look at other options? Nissan has 0% financing on frontiers right now.

 

[TitsMcGee]

Lexus GX. 2010-2022 GX 4.6L motor has been in Tundras, seqouia's, Land Cruisers. They're really a gem in the used market. 4Runners are more desirable for the overlanding bro's, so the GX is often overlooked. I got a 2015 with 72k miles for less $ than a 4runner of the exact same year and mileage.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I think you will run out of room quick with those smaller style trucks. I’d go 4Runner/tacoma or another 1/2 ton truck. I had a Ranger for a while and loved it except for the space. I’m not a minimalist though.

 

[180ls1]

Have you gotten multiple quotes/options? I would make sure before you leap. That is one of the best trucks ever made.

 

[kfili]

Have you gotten multiple quotes/options? I would make sure before you leap. That is one of the best trucks ever made.

I could only find 2 places in town that could help, still waiting for the second to let me know when he can take a look. I totally agree, love the truck.

 

[jimh406]

I agree with getting other quotes. Maybe check with some off-road shops or check out of town.

I think it will cost more than 7K to do the trade.

One more thing, there is probably more like this online with the specific fixes for the frame considering how much people like the Tundra.

Rust Buster Center Frame Repair Kit For 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra RB8624

Reinforce your 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra with Rust Buster Center Frame Repair Kit; this durable 11 gauge upgrade is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

www.rustbuster.com

 

[180ls1]

I could only find 2 places in town that could help, still waiting for the second to let me know when he can take a look. I totally agree, love the truck.

Not sure if this is helpful but a lot of people here cross the Mexican border (TJ) for bodywork and paint jobs. There are shops that cater to Americans. The frames here also have zero rust. All of that would probably cost 1/2 of what you were quoted.

 

[BLJ]

My dad just bought a Frontier.
Nice truck.
Old enough tech to still be reliable. IMO.

I used the Rust Buster frame fix on my Tacoma. Been 1.5 years and no issues.
I’d check it out.

I think I was in it for $3k in 12/24 at a local shop.

 

[BLJ]

How many miles on the Tundra?
What kind of shape is everything else in?

 

[jjordan355]

Just upgrade tundras. Buy a 14-21 tundra. I’m a Toyota tech and I can tell you there’s only a few big repairs that the 14-21 tundras ever need and it’s very few of the 5.7 trucks that need repairs. Besides the occasional wheel bearing and water pump those are the next most reliable tundra made.

If you want a midsize buy a 14-15 Tacoma. I can’t recommend the 16 body style without the caveat that those do have their own share of problems.

Also the 05 tundras were timing belt not chain, any Toyota with a timing chain doesn’t have a service interval unless they fail, timing belts and water pumps on those on the other hand are every 90k miles or 5 years.

 

[Blake C]

Find a frame from a junkyard. Diy frame swap

 

[jjordan355]

Find a frame from a junkyard. Diy frame swap

I’ve done frame swaps on these under the old recall. This is not an undertaking most people are willing to do. It is an exceptional amount of work once you start taking it apart and finding more things rusty that break when you have to take it apart.

 

[Blake C]

I’ve done frame swaps on these under the old recall. This is not an undertaking most people are willing to do. It is an exceptional amount of work once you start taking it apart and finding more things rusty that break when you have to take it apart.

Me too. But its the cheapest route. And can be done solo in a week. Isn’t that worth saving 5k?

 

[jjordan355]

Me too. But its the cheapest route. And can be done solo in a week. Isn’t that worth saving 5k?

depends how much you wanna keep an old truck I suppose. For me I won’t work on my own stuff that much anymore because I’m tired of it, so I’d cut my losses and buy something newer with less problems overall. Not to mention the constant discontinuation of parts on every older vehicle, that problem is only gonna get worse as the years roll on.

 

[ODB]

I’m a Toyota tech and I can tell you there’s only a few big repairs that the 14-21 tundras ever need and it’s very few of the 5.7 trucks that need repairs.

My 21 had the valve cover drip repair. What else should I keep an eye on? I bought this one with the intention of keeping it as long as I did my 02 - 23 years.

 

[nobody]

Maybe im in the minority, but I would totally pay to fix it. $7k is a drop in the bucket relative to the purchase cost on a brand new/newer truck. Used and new vehicles are nuts right now, and if the truck is mechanically sound and reliable otherwise, it’s probably worth it. You can do a helluva lot of repairs for the cost of a new, comparably equipped truck.

 

[jjordan355]

My 21 had the valve cover drip repair. What else should I keep an eye on? I bought this one with the intention of keeping it as long as I did my 02 - 23 years.

Are you talking about the cam tray leaking or valve cover gaskets leaking? The cam tray leaking is one of the bigger repairs you’ll ever see on a 5.7 besides needing timing chains and tensioners due to noise. Maybe a transmission is about the next biggest repair but that’s usually due to people abusing them or high mileage.

 

[Ajsomp]

My 06 tundra was rusted out bad. I ended up selling it to a guy who was going to swap a lot of it with one he had with a good frame. Hindsight I wished I kept it and just replaced the frame.