Anyone daily driving first gen tundra?

[Mtndawger]

I’ve got an 02 limited with 195k. Bought it for $12k in 2009. It has never needed anything other than standard interval maintenance and service. I have upgraded the suspension. That’s it. My oldest son drives it daily. It was too reliable and cost effective not to vs buying a cheap junker for him. Next year my other son gets it when he starts driving.

 

[weekender7]

Just rolled over 400K on my 2011.

 

[davidsapp]

404K and some change on mine. 2003. Very well maintained before I found it.

 

[kfili]

05 and will 200k this weekend. I don't daily it but would have no issues. Need to get the timing belt and all the other maintenance done though.

 

[rideold]

02 Sequoia here with 306k. Suspension is getting tired. I replaced the upper and lower ball joints and control arms along with tie rod and sway bar ends last fall. Probably do the shocks this summer. Great truck. I'd replace it with the same thing in a heartbeat.

 

[gburk]

Amen. I replaced the starter on my son's 2000 Tundra. If you have to do it, you might as well replace the knock sensors and wires while you have the intake manifold off.

Ha I was all ready to do the same on my sons 2000 tundra, then realized it was the stupid antitheft key system that gulf states Toyota used to install on them. Still have the gaskets ready.
Great truck overall, reliable. Tough on gas.
dumb starter location

 

[elkliver]

you should sell it immediately... i'l send you my phone number

 

[7mm-08]

I’ve got an 02 limited with 195k. Bought it for $12k in 2009. It has never needed anything other than standard interval maintenance and service. I have upgraded the suspension. That’s it. My oldest son drives it daily. It was too reliable and cost effective not to vs buying a cheap junker for him. Next year my other son gets it when he starts driving.

Do the math on the cost per mile and you'll wish all of your investments performed like that. I have an 02 Access Cab Limited 4wd with a TRD package and I'd drive that thing to Maine from Idaho without ever contemplating a potential breakdown. Mine has 73K on the odometer. My extensive research on that platform (prior to purchase) indicated they were some of the most reliable vehicles out there.

 

[svivian]

@shedfinder7

Told you so…

 

[AZBG]

I daily an 06 double cab, 263k miles and still running great. Replace parts with OEM, change the oil, and these trucks will run a long time. Timing belts and lower ball joints are about the only thing that kill these trucks if neglected.

 

[Blake_08]

I daily a 2000 Access Cab. I've owned it since 2016 and 150K miles. It now has 230K miles. Everything I could say has already been said, but research lower ball joints and timing belts on these trucks. As long as you stay on top of those you'll be fine. Really love my truck and I'll keep it until it's not worth fixing. I did have my transmission go out at 180k, but it is not common. A bearing failed and sent metal throughout the trans. $4k to fix that, but just luck of the draw. I have a '21 Tundra for trips and hauling the family.

 

[OtterFodder]

I have a good friend with a gen 1 Tundra, base model. It was a partially gifted college graduation gift in 2008. He's put over 250,000 miles on it, half of that with a Magnuson charger on it and it has been a very solid rig for him with exception of one or two radiator issues in all that time.

Regardless of make, any used vehicle needs a good look over after purchasing but as for the brand and the model? You cannot go wrong with that vehicle.

 

[Arrowhunters5]

Our 2005 Sequoia is still going strong at about 205k miles. Second owners since 93k miles. Front shocks are getting pretty worn, so those are on the list.

I’ve replaced the:
a/condenser fan motor
One brake caliper
One rear axle seal
Brake master cylinder

The rest was maintenance and preemptive lower ball joints. Not bad for the 110k miles that we’ve put on it.

We have/had several of these 4.7 powered Toyotas in the family. Always try to get at least the 2005 models with the addition of the VVT-I, increasing the horsepower from 245 to 282. Probably one of, if not the most reliable engine Toyota ever produced.

 

[Ajsomp]

I would drive it daily. But driving that truck daily 40 miles one way is another story. Not that you can’t, just that I’d drive a beater Japanese econobox to do normal stuff and have that truck outlast me.

All the things have been hit above, but just to summarize:
-Lower ball joints
-Water pump /timing belt (if it hasn’t been done do that ASAP, it’s not just mileage but age of that belt)
-keep an eye out for a “ticking” at cold idle (likely due to exhaust manifold crack). Replace with Doug Thorley headers when it does happen
-rust. My 06 had 134k - and it was rotten to the core. I ended up selling it to a guy who had a flooded 1st gen and he swapped over the engine and some other things and used my truck as a parts truck.
-suspension- bilstein 5100s and OME when you need new suspension.
-starter is a bitch to change out. Have a shop do it and save yourself the pain.
Normal fluid changes etc.

These are million miles engines - the frames not so much. Arguably the best engines they made. The newer 5.7s are good (owned a 21 as well) but if I can find a decent 1st gen without rust in the next month, I’m scooping it up. And I’ll drive it from NC to WY this fall.

 

[Yoder]

My dad has one. 280k on the original engine and transmission. No major problems, just regular maintenance.

 

[geistacwm]

Far too heavy a commute to be daily driven, but I own one that I’ve babied for nearly two decades.

Depending on your towing requirements, I’d say you couldn’t find a better truck.

Numerous examples or the 4.7 reaching a million miles, spanning two(3) generations.

Mine has been hassle free.

 

[fmyth]

Just got a first gen tundra and on fence if I can sell my 2022 tacoma to daily drive the tundra. It’s a 2001 with 90k miles on it in good condition but due to the age of it and my lack of mechanical skills will it leave me stranded? I rack up 20k miles per year and hate to do it on a new vehicle but like the reliability.
Tia from gen 1 4.7 owners

Has the timing belt been replace yet?

 

[shedfinder7]

Has the timing belt been replace yet?

Nope sadly. I ordered parts and awaiting mechanic appointment in July. It definitely has the exhaust tick on passenger side only occasionally though but I wonder if it is the exhaust header. Thanks everyone for all the info!