Toyota Tundra circa 2003

[Oldswagon]

I have been looking at used trucks lately, mostly at Ford's and GMs. I have also come across a few Tundra's for sale. Most of the ones in my price range are around 2003 models.

I know that the 4.7L's in these trucks used timing belts, so that is a minus in my books. But how are the trucks otherwise? Anyone on here own one? I'd be looking for an ext-cab, 4x4, short box model. Yes, I do know about the frame rust problems. I would only buy one that has a mint undercarriage and plan to oil spray it.

What's the gas mileage on these trucks like compared to the GM's and Ford's? They are slightly more expensive than the GM and Fords but I am not sure if they are worth the premium.

 

[GMZ]

The 4.7L is a great engine, timing belt or not. As long as you change that you can go several hundred thousand miles without issue. Very easy on oil.

I would get a Tundra over the other choices but maybe I am a bit biased as I have that engine in my 4Runner.

Looking at about 13/17 for mpg.

 

[BrownBox88]

I owned a 4x4 ext-cab model. A 2000, to be exact but nothing different besides the 4.7L having iForce w/ VVT-i in the 2003. Reliability wise, it was AMAZING. It was my high school vehicle and living in the south, mudding was a thing in my days. I've completely submerged the front end while going through the middle of a mud hole. Stock suspension, tires were two sizes bigger than stock. The transfer case for the 4x4 system is reliable, as all my friends with Chevy's and Ford's, theirs always broke down. The truck went through A LOT and to this day, is still being driven by my aunt. Never had a hiccup at all.

As far as gas mileage, I made a 25 mile trip across town on the gas light, back home, with the needle touching the empty line. I believe the Tundra's have a bit of Land Cruiser perseverance built into them because my truck never wanted to stop what I put it through.

 

[Spazdog]

My dad had a couple of Tundras and they were solid reliable trucks that did everything he needed them to.

The first one was about a 2004 and I liked the 7/8ths size truck better than the later model. Seemed like Toyota made everything on the current Tundra big for the sake of being big. look everybody! our brakes are bigger than an F-150, our differential is as big as a Silverado 2500, our cab is bigger than a Ram! Nevermind that our truck is harder to manuever and park now. It's big!

Gas mileage on neither of the trucks was very good, but to be fair gas mileage on a Dakota isn't much if any better than a Ram with the same engine.

 

[wirelessF]

I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra V8. It's an awesome work truck, used it to haul demo'd concrete material to the landfill.

One thing I don't like is the small aftermarket support for the tundra. The big 3 has affordable aftermarket support for body panels. I'm looking to replace the bed fender sheetmetal on my truck and the OEM parts available are expensive compared to what the aftermarket can provide (but don't have.)

 

[CBR.worm]

I had an '00 and '05 4x4 v8 limited tundra. Both were super reliable and probably my best vehicles ever. Gas mileage averaged about 1mpg lower than my friends similarly equipped Chevy w/ the 4.x V8. I got about 16-17 on the highway. There were some reliability improvements to the 4 speed auto in either '01 or '02. My problem area on both was front brake life, even towing trailers everywhere my rears lasted well over 100k. I put about 220k on the first tundra.

I prefer the old size tundra over the true full size trucks including the new tundra. I would sure like to have the old tundra with the new(er) 5.7 V8 and the new brakes.

 

[Oldswagon]

Thanks for the input. Sound like they are decent trucks. I do like the reliability, but sounds like gas mileage isn't that good for a small V8.

I am not worried about the realiability of the 4.7L, I know it's an excellent engine. I just meant it's a minus in my books to have the extra maintenance of a timing belt. Not sure if it's a DIYer job or not. My current truck is 20 years old, so everything is a DIYer, but it's ancient technolgy.

Any common trouble spots to look for on these trucks when I am looking at used models? How are they for DIY maintenance?

 

[caravanmike]

4.7 is agood engine. my only drawback is were the starter is located, it is not diy friendly.

 

[CBR.worm]

I did the timing belt myself a couple times, it was easier than any car I had done. I would say DIY if you understand what you are doing and the ramifications of getting it wrong. And have the time to spend on it. There were only two difficult parts, getting the crank bolt off (which was actually very easy), and compressing the tensioner (the right way to do it is with a press, then insert a pin to keep it compressed during the install)

I find that the ease of maintaining a vehicle has a lot do to with how it is designed (tundra = well), and how well the last guy did it as far as using proper parts and keeping everything clean, and where the vehicle comes from. A Florida or Arizona truck will rarely rust or corrode. A Michigan truck, every job on a 10 year old vehicle will be a bear if it was not maintained very well already.

All your tundra info is at tundrasolutions dot com

I have heard the starter is hard to get to, I never had to do one.

A guy I work with runs a fleet of older tundras in Illinois, he said their most common mechanical failure points are starters and alternators - neither of which I had to touch. His trucks all are now over 200k and have never been out of a yard, probably rarely over 40 mph and they get hit a lot. I don't know their exact operating profile but I know they are not allowed to let them idle, so every time they stop the truck is turned off.

 

[RichR]

Had an '02 4x4 over 115k 6yrs.
Front brakes and shocks were lacking.
Keep the rear drums adjusted and clean.
The only 4x4 problem was a front giff actuator that corroded.
A very easy to work on vehicle.
You can change the oil filter from the top to avoid removing
the skid plate.

 

[Hokiefyd]

A co-worker has a 2006 with the 4.7L, double cab, short bed. It's a great truck. I'd enjoy owning it myself. It's not so much an issue on southern vehicles, but ones used up north tended to have rusting issues on the frames.

 

[Oldswagon]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like they are great trucks. I am going to keep my eye out for a good one.