Absolutely. I live right down the road from the Toyota plant that made these. There are so many nice examples of this truck in my area. They were the most perfect truck ever made in my opinion.
I've replaced most everything on my 2000. Suspension, upgraded calipers, brakes, steering rack and parts, radiator, water pump, timing belt. O2 sensors. No rust. Runs and drives like it's new. Just turned 300000 miles. And the AC blows ice cold too.
Same here. 2001 with 300K miles. Runs like the day I bought it with consistent preventative maintenance. All the issues mentioned are legit, and the ball joint failure fortunately occurred pulling into parking at home. Still, it's my baby and I love it.
00 Tundra Owner, ball joint broke in a parking spot while backing up, I was lucky. No real money spent on truck owned for 22 years and now have 450,000 miles, on the road every day with bed full of construction tools. Love my Tundra
Bought an 05 this year with 195k on it. Runs great. Did all the maintenence on it. Now I bounce between it and my 1995 T100 for work. My 2014 Tacoma is the on the town vehicle I guess.
Love this video because it's you basically saying the trucks 30 and things wear out over time. As oppose to when I got my dodge dakota it was electrical issues and blown headgaskets are as common as breathing
You can't buy my awesome 2002 Tundra because it's not for sale, but a dump truck load of cash could temp me into selling it... probably not though because the truck is just that good.
I bought my 04 20 years ago in April. 167,000 miles. All of the required maintenance done at the required times. After 20 years and now being retired, I am fixing it up. Had a kid come up to me last week while on a trip, "Sick Build Bro!!!" Wanted pics for his Instagram page.
I just got a 2005 double cab sr5 that has a 5 inch lift that has been fully blacked out. Black everything. Has the bucket seats and sunroof, a new touchscreen dash. It’s a sweet ass truck. Has 190 k and needs some love but super happy with how simple they are to work on. One thing is it does hold 3rd gear until 3000 to 3500 rpms sometimes. Seems like it’s holding the gear way longer than it should. Or is this a normal tundra thing?
its holding 3rd for longer because the computer in it says it needs to in order to push the over sized lift and tires you are running at the best engine advantage it can get, it will also adjust to how you are driving, if you are lead footing around town it stays ready to jump more, if you are more chill it might take it a moment longer to jump to speed because that keeps the truck more efficient
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I bought mine used with 170,000 miles and it rips! Runs super quiet, pulls good, shifts better than anything I’ve ever driven. Lays rubber no problem too! Lol
Lol this dude is a hater and doesn't know what a loud 6.2 Chevy sounds like I grew up with America vehicles and they don't compare with the reliability of the 4.7l v8.i watched a friend with 05 tundra beat on it daily my Ford at the time didnt comparre .I got mine at 167,000 paid $4000 2003 Sequoia and it has 238,000 now only thing I did was replace the water pump and timing chain not because they failed I just wanted to figured with the miles it was time . Your tundra needs new weather stripping
I've kept mine running 24 hours 7 days a week just to show everybody my V8 4.7L won't start ticking or clicking or clacking like a Ford or Chevy would lol I live in Arizona when it's summertime I keep the AC blasting in triple digit heat
idk if im just lucky, but i looked for mine for quite a while and finally got one 3 years ago from a ford dealership at 86k miles (now at 128k) & my 2004 sr5 (dc) 4x4 has key fob (2 oem actually plus another with remote start from previous owner), heated cloth seats, heated mirrors, compass/thermometer, 4.10 LSD, $20 fm transmitter for music&phone charging thru cig lighter (works great with the stock radio and JBL speakers) but Im just getting defensive Lol
I've had my Gen 1 for about 11 years now. Aside from not being 4x4 or having a locking rear-end, it's one of the best trucks I've had. I bought it used. I don't need all this tech, features, or other BS. It's a truck. It does what trucks do. The lack of a V8 is my only hang-up for buying a new one . I currently own a 06 sr5 V8 4 door. I've only needed a shift sensor, driver window repaired, breaks, tires, rear axle seals, and valve cover gaskets. My truck has hauled some stupid heavy trailer loads. Currently haul a sub compact tractor on a trailer.
Is this on the Toyota Tundra 4 wheel drive? I own a 2 wheel drive unit. And like my. And for all the frills I installed my own. To include the rear camera. In the truck as always has been extremely reliable Yes the timing belt will have to be replaced soon but that is part of maintenance and most any vehicle and water pump and I will have the lower ball joints checked out but more than likely this vehicle will outlast any other ones that I have ever owned.
My 04 DC is sitting at 267,000 right now, just replaced the rear leafs and it rides like new again. I also replace the lbj's every 2 years, I had 2 separate failures on my 02 and I never want to go through that again.
I have a 2004 tundra sr5 2wd with 140,000 miles. I have replaced the timing belt and water pump. I am concerned about the starter, it isn't giving me any issues yet, because whenever it goes it's going to be very expensive to replace. My truck gets 14mpg in town or on the hwy. I recently purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado because I just don't trust the tundra to be reliable on long trips. The tundra still looks new and the interior looks great as well. I am probably going to sell the tundra soon because I really don't need two pickup trucks.
@alonsogomez5694 I've decided to keep it for now. I already sold the Colorado because of the transmission issues. I'm going to get one of those new Toyota mini pickups when they come out and keep the tundra to pull my boat.
Just bought a 06 tundra and I’m doing the upper and lower ball joints myself. Although I’m getting the water pump timing belt, drive belt and radiator changed. I know there’s a kit for the timing and water pump but it’s not OEM. Can someone help me with finding OEM since Toyota sells parts but individually not as a lot.
Late to the party, but I found a guy that has an 03 that uses the Tacoma manual transfer case! He said it bolted up with no fabrication, other than having to make a custom shifter due to it hitting the center column
3 years going strong! Changed ball joints and control arms engine oil change at regular 5k run smooth and strong! 227xxx miles in it Need upgrades is calipers, spark plugs. I rather pay for parts and learn myself to install them taking a loan for a 36k or so for a brand new truck 🫡
Very good info here. Never knew about the uniball upgrade. Any reason you haven’t done it yourself? Im getting about ~285ish miles on a full tank lol so far anyway (V8)
Great video, Spot on! But when you have a rust free first gen Tundra, addressed those few flaws correctly and your comfortable with dealing without the new technology stuff, you will have a darn good work horse for a pretty long time. It won't let you down.
Wrong wrong wrong! I have 2001 Toyota Tundra SR 5 with 335,000 miles! It’s been an amazing truck that I drove out of the dealership with 8 miles! That’s 4.7 Liter Engine V8 has been amazing! Great Truck!
Good to know! I think I’m hampered a little by weight/aerodynamics, and slightly larger tires. At 2600’ typically and most highway drives take me up higher in elevation.
@@208Tyler okay I gotcha. Yeah this was under best conditions. Relatively flat stretches of highway, no mountains. City driving my mpg takes a dump. Especially short frequent drives where the engine cools between stops. I wanted the best possible mpg measured so I can keep track of engine health over time.
Quick question, I have a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50. I need to get cargo rack for it. What years fit it? If I just so happen to find a 2004 or 2000 roof rack at the junkyard
@@208Tyler got to get my rear differential checked out, every time I go over a large bump, I get a really weird vibration sound. May or may not be the differential. Also happens when I'm going at lower speeds in high gear, like 3rd gear doing 15 mph
You’re not gonna hear me disagree. This was a tough video to make, there’s not a lot of things to criticize about the truck, and impressive that this was Toyotas first full size offering
To be clear, the ball joint “fails” at a normal interval for a ball joint to be replaced. However, I will not defend it as a good design. It unnecessarily jeopardizes people’s lives by failing in that manner. I could push a ball joint on a 2nd Gen tundra or tacoma to the same point and just be left with unevenly wearing tires and poor handling. There’s no good reason to design the ball joint the way Toyota did, which is why Toyota ditched this setup for all vehicles that came after. Losing control or rolling your vehicle isn’t some kind of just punishment for neglecting a little maintenance.
WORST CAR/TRUCK I EVER OWNED!! Everyone has that one "lemon" in their life, this was a complete sh*tbox for me: My "issues" - 1) Timing Chain corroded due to a very slow anti-freeze leak near the pump. Was at 14K miles and Toyota said it wasn't a part defect so didn't cover cost. Mechanic said they had never seen this. 2) Complete frame and subframe rust out. I not talking a few spots, it was so bad, that I drove it in for the complimentary inspection and they wouldn't let me drive it even home 5 miles remove my stuff and bring it right back. 3) The bed floor rusted almost since day 1 despite me putting a fitted bedliner in. I ultimately removed the liner and spread 2 cans of thick car wax on it to further protect and then put the fitted liner back in. 4) Gas Cap, Step Bars, and rear wheel well trim all rusted off before 5 years and 70 K miles. 5) Rear Bed door latch broke (plastic fitting into the catch clasp. Toyota wanted $200+ for the both latches and the pull bar despite it being only small piece of that system. Salvage yard would only sell me complete door. Ended up removing full length plastic door guard and hand activating the side latch with string. 6) "Chrome" bumpers were a joke. Wife backed into (tapped)a mailbox pole at about 2 MPH (lass than walking speed) and the bumper buckled like aluminum foil. Aside from the parts breaking or corroding, I had the V6 (190 HP) Manual 4WD and the thing was anemic when it was loaded with anything more than me. I don't know if it was the gearing or where the HP Peak was on the curve, but Fred Flintstone got his car going quicker. Wouldn't have been that bad if it didn't get like 17 mpg mixed (worse if loaded). Once they replaced the Frame it drove like crap. Felt like the wheels and frame weren't aligned and I was "crabbing" down the highway. When I found out I was getting a new frame, I begged them to just give me $5000 and they could have it. They wouldn't, so I said when you put it back together it needs new shocks and strucs and I would buy them from the dealer and they could put them on instead of the old tired ones. Nope, we can't do that. We put it back together as we found it. Sold it it 2 weeks after the new frame for $5200. Never have or will ever buy another Toyota.
if it's the same truck you bought the under powered v6 instead of the rock solid v8, and the truck this video is about doesn't have a chain it has a belt... the frames had some recall for rust and toyota replaced frames or treated for rust, plastic bedliners cause rust, that's why you get a spray on, i think you did not have the and truck as this video and you live in the rust belt and don't treat your undercarriage with wool oils or something comparible ... had my 2003 v8 4wd since it was new, still runs awesome, none of the things you described have ever happened, just regular maintenance and replaced stuff as it wears out (like the radiator at over 120k)... great truck
@@FreedomLovinLady Engine type has no bearing on the other corrosion issues I had. Thousands of trucks (yes even Toyotas) have custom fitted plastic bedliners and have no issues. I did all the proper maintenance for it, removing it each year, cleaning th bed and reapplying wax. As far living in a rust/snow belt, I have bought and owned and driven at least 10 cars in the same location, most 8-10 years, and I never had the corrosion issues like I did on my 01 Tundra (8 years). In this day and age and when the Tundra was manufactured, the materials used in frame construction are advanced enough that secondary after market treatments should not be necessary. I had a Jeep (91) that was subjected to all kinds of salt, sand, road treatments, snow and its frame was fine when I traded it in with 160K miles for the Tundra. On My Tundra, latches breaking on the tailgate, the gas cap door and the Toyota installed step bars corroding off where just other issues. Maybe I got a lemon but others having the early (00 - 02) had a lot of frame/rust issues as did folks with the Tacoma of the same years. I am glad your 03 is still working.
@@TysonKlose the 2nd gen will have better towing with the 5.7l engine. More cab options, including an access cab with 8’ bed. And the 5.7 is just about as reliable as the 4.7, No LBJ issues, and more aftermarket support.
Bias info in my opinion. Video stresses Tundra's bad designed lower ball joints. I agree but the video does not go into the fact that Toyota's Famous T100 pickup, 4runner, Tacoma and Highlander had the same bad design from 1996-2003 all models. OEM lower ball-joints are expensive $300+ for a pair but you will get well over 100k miles out of them. So why buy a 1st gen? First of all, how many people feel it is fine to pay $85-$90,000 for a new pickup truck, let alone afford one? Way over priced IMHO if you cannot write it off on a company. Little is mentioned about Toyota's famous 3.4L v6 that did come with a manual transmission stick shift, and a manual 4WD dog leg on the floor. That configuration 1st gen Tundra is very difficult to find but the 3.4L V6 is well known to go over 300k miles, and if you maintain it, clutches are far less expensive than the automatic transmission that comes with the 4.7 V8. The manual transmission can last you for ever where the Automatic with the 4.7 V8 maybe replacing every 175k mi. Not mentioned is the 4.7L V8 still has major issues with the secondary air pump even in the current model ($80k) Tundras. And super expensive and time consuming to replace. My son's 2001 Tacoma 4wd manual trans, did have his lower ball joint fall out (fortunately no accident) at @250k miles, he replaced them with OEMs, but DIY no labor cost. I don't know why Toyota did not use their 4.3L V8 from the Lexus LS. That engine can last well over 500k miles and has proven to have zero defects over the years. Also not mentoned is the cool sucicide doors, and the only truck to have them with handles on the outside. Still available on many generations of Tundras.
Hey man. You bring up great points - I cover a lot of that info on other videos in my channel. This isn’t and never was supposed to be a comprehensive tundra video. I have buyers guide videos, common problem videos, and a whole explanation of the lower ball joint issue. Like I said, I cover a lot of that, just on other videos. This video is my top 5 reasons to not buy a tundra - these are the 5 most serious issues that detract from what’s otherwise a great pickup, and things that people might want to hear about before buying a pickup. I sing the praise of this truck all the time and highly recommend it, but it’s helpful to explain the drawbacks as well.
You should have bought a tundra with the 5vz-fe. I get 400 miles or more every tank. I have zero issues. Yes I replaced ball joints and timing belt but overall this is the best truck you can buy. Low maintenance and dependability. You are dramatically misleading people. Go buy a dodge you’ll be happier 😂
You’re misunderstanding this video. I LOVE the first Gen tundra. It’s a great pickup that I highly recommend. These are the top 5 reasons not to buy one, and I think they’re pretty weak reasons. I’ve had a 3.4 in a 4runner and driven my brothers taco with it, I’ll take the 4.7
So 👎 your complaining about all the things that you're going to run into when buying a used vehicle. And then you 😑 go right into selling your sponsors. You should buy a new truck and leave the used Toyotas to us 👌
You’re misunderstanding the video. I love my tundra, and I would recommend it as a great pickup. I made this video as a way to inform current and potential owners of what they might run into, or what to avoid in a potential purchase. These “5 reasons” to not buy a tundra are, in my opinion, weak reasons, or legitimate reasons that apply to a small portion of people
Yea but like 4 of the 5 reason you gave were not tundra specific… I was hoping to learn about tundras. Same as any used 20+ year old vehicle. Maintenance. Tech. Rust. Pulling for content here bud
@@cjmtn44 I already have all those topics covered… Common problems: th-cam.com/video/SDRuBZeuUIk/w-d-xo.html Buyers guide: th-cam.com/video/ysvfteT6Oiw/w-d-xo.html Cost of ownership: th-cam.com/video/yQlnhnorJ30/w-d-xo.html Every maintenance issue I’ve encountered : th-cam.com/video/N4s-bn3wZ-g/w-d-xo.html This video here does use reasons that would apply to other old vehicles. That’s fair. But this is the only video where I broaden my horizons and get truly “critical” of the first Gen tundra ownership experience. I think doing so and leaning into a negative review can be informative and helps round out my content and hedge against biases I may have.
6th reason: Don't buy it to keep the price down so I can snatch it.
Hahaha
😂
Absolutely. I live right down the road from the Toyota plant that made these. There are so many nice examples of this truck in my area. They were the most perfect truck ever made in my opinion.
Lol 🎉❤exactly
@@maxcurry9667what city and state
I've replaced most everything on my 2000. Suspension, upgraded calipers, brakes, steering rack and parts, radiator, water pump, timing belt. O2 sensors. No rust. Runs and drives like it's new. Just turned 300000 miles. And the AC blows ice cold too.
That’s awesome! I’m hoping to hit 300k
I just hit 300k on my 02
I'm at 226k on my 2001
Not much tech? Isnt that the point on why these trucks are great? New trucks are all electronic and comp. Fails. I like low tech
I'm thinking about getting a 2006 came here to be convinced otherwise lol I don't think it worked lol
I've owned my 2000 for almost 20 years. It was off the line 25 years ago next month.
Everything you said was on point.
That’s awesome!
Interesting. My 2000 tundra says mfgr date 04/99
@@Jeff-sp7bg First month of production.
@@Jeff-sp7bg Car model years are always a year ahead.
Same here. 2001 with 300K miles. Runs like the day I bought it with consistent preventative maintenance. All the issues mentioned are legit, and the ball joint failure fortunately occurred pulling into parking at home. Still, it's my baby and I love it.
00 Tundra Owner, ball joint broke in a parking spot while backing up, I was lucky. No real money spent on truck owned for 22 years and now have 450,000 miles, on the road every day with bed full of construction tools. Love my Tundra
Bought an 05 this year with 195k on it. Runs great. Did all the maintenence on it. Now I bounce between it and my 1995 T100 for work. My 2014 Tacoma is the on the town vehicle I guess.
Love this video because it's you basically saying the trucks 30 and things wear out over time. As oppose to when I got my dodge dakota it was electrical issues and blown headgaskets are as common as breathing
You can't buy my awesome 2002 Tundra because it's not for sale, but a dump truck load of cash could temp me into selling it... probably not though because the truck is just that good.
I love my first gen tundra. I am hyper focused on any maintenance and it takes care of me.
That’s the best way to be!
I bought my 04 20 years ago in April. 167,000 miles. All of the required maintenance done at the required times. After 20 years and now being retired, I am fixing it up. Had a kid come up to me last week while on a trip, "Sick Build Bro!!!" Wanted pics for his Instagram page.
That’s awesome!! Love it
@@208Tyler My good friend has a BMW 2002... Same deal.. "Sick car Bro!" He was laughing.. "Now its your turn"
I just got a 2005 double cab sr5 that has a 5 inch lift that has been fully blacked out. Black everything. Has the bucket seats and sunroof, a new touchscreen dash. It’s a sweet ass truck. Has 190 k and needs some love but super happy with how simple they are to work on. One thing is it does hold 3rd gear until 3000 to 3500 rpms sometimes. Seems like it’s holding the gear way longer than it should. Or is this a normal tundra thing?
its holding 3rd for longer because the computer in it says it needs to in order to push the over sized lift and tires you are running at the best engine advantage it can get, it will also adjust to how you are driving, if you are lead footing around town it stays ready to jump more, if you are more chill it might take it a moment longer to jump to speed because that keeps the truck more efficient
Too late... :) I've owned my 2002 for about a year and 4 months. It had a TON of work done to it prior though. I absolutely love it.
I love mine too! Glad you’re is treating you good
I'm looking at one for 7k what do you think.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I bought mine used with 170,000 miles and it rips! Runs super quiet, pulls good, shifts better than anything I’ve ever driven. Lays rubber no problem too! Lol
Mine is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Almost at 240k miles
Lol this dude is a hater and doesn't know what a loud 6.2 Chevy sounds like I grew up with America vehicles and they don't compare with the reliability of the 4.7l v8.i watched a friend with 05 tundra beat on it daily my Ford at the time didnt comparre .I got mine at 167,000 paid $4000 2003 Sequoia and it has 238,000 now only thing I did was replace the water pump and timing chain not because they failed I just wanted to figured with the miles it was time .
Your tundra needs new weather stripping
I've kept mine running 24 hours 7 days a week just to show everybody my V8 4.7L won't start ticking or clicking or clacking like a Ford or Chevy would lol I live in Arizona when it's summertime I keep the AC blasting in triple digit heat
idk if im just lucky, but i looked for mine for quite a while and finally got one 3 years ago from a ford dealership at 86k miles (now at 128k) & my 2004 sr5 (dc) 4x4 has key fob (2 oem actually plus another with remote start from previous owner), heated cloth seats, heated mirrors, compass/thermometer, 4.10 LSD, $20 fm transmitter for music&phone charging thru cig lighter (works great with the stock radio and JBL speakers) but Im just getting defensive Lol
Sounds like a great pickup!
16-17mpg on 06 with stock size street tires. Kind of scared with 265/70/17 e load rated or larger tires.
I've had my Gen 1 for about 11 years now. Aside from not being 4x4 or having a locking rear-end, it's one of the best trucks I've had. I bought it used. I don't need all this tech, features, or other BS. It's a truck. It does what trucks do. The lack of a V8 is my only hang-up for buying a new one .
I currently own a 06 sr5 V8 4 door. I've only needed a shift sensor, driver window repaired, breaks, tires, rear axle seals, and valve cover gaskets. My truck has hauled some stupid heavy trailer loads. Currently haul a sub compact tractor on a trailer.
None of them came with a locker
Is this on the Toyota Tundra 4 wheel drive? I own a 2 wheel drive unit. And like my. And for all the frills I installed my own. To include the rear camera. In the truck as always has been extremely reliable Yes the timing belt will have to be replaced soon but that is part of maintenance and most any vehicle and water pump and I will have the lower ball joints checked out but more than likely this vehicle will outlast any other ones that I have ever owned.
What about early Lexus GX470 that's what I want next creature comforts and dependable they look tough too
Great vehicle! No ball joint issues, same drivetrain as the first Gen. Really solid vehicles
My 04 DC is sitting at 267,000 right now, just replaced the rear leafs and it rides like new again. I also replace the lbj's every 2 years, I had 2 separate failures on my 02 and I never want to go through that again.
You forgot to mention that the lower ball joints were only an issue on some years of the first gen
All years can fail. Later in the generation they get beefier, but all first gens are susceptible
Many years of working on the road this is the only truck I've seen go 600k on original motor and trans....
They’re really good pickups. In general it’s hard to find problems with them
Not transmission. Got '01 Toyota Tundra Ivan Stewart Signature Edition at 208K. Bought and replaced used transmission.
4WD too.
The first couple years of the FGT did have a transmission recall. They the design from there after though. And my original trans is still fine at 235k
I have a 2004 tundra sr5 2wd with 140,000 miles. I have replaced the timing belt and water pump. I am concerned about the starter, it isn't giving me any issues yet, because whenever it goes it's going to be very expensive to replace. My truck gets 14mpg in town or on the hwy. I recently purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado because I just don't trust the tundra to be reliable on long trips. The tundra still looks new and the interior looks great as well. I am probably going to sell the tundra soon because I really don't need two pickup trucks.
Let me how much are you willing to sell it for , thanks!
@alonsogomez5694 I've decided to keep it for now. I already sold the Colorado because of the transmission issues. I'm going to get one of those new Toyota mini pickups when they come out and keep the tundra to pull my boat.
Just bought a 06 tundra and I’m doing the upper and lower ball joints myself. Although I’m getting the water pump timing belt, drive belt and radiator changed. I know there’s a kit for the timing and water pump but it’s not OEM. Can someone help me with finding OEM since Toyota sells parts but individually not as a lot.
You want the aisin kit, that’s the OEM equivalent
@@208Tyler I also need to change the radiator but somehow its discontinued 🤔
I’ve had my first gen a long time and the work I’ve done well the truck has a 177000 miles on it it was time
Late to the party, but I found a guy that has an 03 that uses the Tacoma manual transfer case! He said it bolted up with no fabrication, other than having to make a custom shifter due to it hitting the center column
Interesting. I most often see people go for the FJ transfer case, not sure I’ve seen a tacoma one swapped in.
I get an average 15 mpgs on my v6 5 speed manual just get the v8 unless you’re particularly looking for a manual like me
I've owned 2002 for 3 years now, its the best truck ever made. I would take a Gen 1 Tundra over any modern truck.
They’re great pickups!
Nothing but facts!
You’re not gonna pin the video on how to install the ball join? 2:00
3 years going strong! Changed ball joints and control arms engine oil change at regular 5k run smooth and strong!
227xxx miles in it
Need upgrades is calipers, spark plugs.
I rather pay for parts and learn myself to install them taking a loan for a 36k or so for a brand new truck 🫡
Same!
@ not recently but if you look at my latest tundra video you’ll see what I had done to it after I got it while being parked 🤦🏽♂️
My 02 tundra is the best truck I've owned and I've had many and I'm always the dude my friend in Ford's and Chevys call to pull out of mud
Not sure if you mentioned the nasty smog pump failure.
Very informative thx
Very good info here.
Never knew about the uniball upgrade. Any reason you haven’t done it yourself?
Im getting about ~285ish miles on a full tank lol so far anyway (V8)
Thanks! I haven’t done it because it’s expensive, and I don’t mind changing LBJ’s every couple of years
Tyler, thanks for sharing. Please add chapters to your upcoming videos so the promo ad can be skipped.
Noted!
Told myself I'd keep my tundra till the wheels fell off. I lied. Still keeping it after the right front ball joints failure.
Hahaha good for you. An LBJ failure is tough
No one has made a way to reverse the ball joint? Like LCAs that remount it
Aftermarket uniball setups are the solution.
Great video, Spot on! But when you have a rust free first gen Tundra, addressed those few flaws correctly and your comfortable with dealing without the new technology stuff, you will have a darn good work horse for a pretty long time. It won't let you down.
Absolutely. There’s so little to worry about on these pickups, especially rust free ones
Wrong wrong wrong! I have 2001 Toyota Tundra SR 5 with 335,000 miles! It’s been an amazing truck that I drove out of the dealership with 8 miles! That’s 4.7 Liter Engine V8 has been amazing! Great Truck!
Nothing I said in this video is wrong lol.
I have an 01 and love it, I’d recommend it over and over again
Dang I get 21 mpg going 60 mph. 19ish if i go 70-75 mph
That’s impressive. Stock, V8? What elevation do you live/drive at?
Really? I've never got any better than 14 mpg on my 4.7 L v8
@@208Tyler about 1800 ft and bone stock. 159,000 miles as of now. I baby this thing too. Conservative tires as well.
Good to know! I think I’m hampered a little by weight/aerodynamics, and slightly larger tires. At 2600’ typically and most highway drives take me up higher in elevation.
@@208Tyler okay I gotcha. Yeah this was under best conditions. Relatively flat stretches of highway, no mountains. City driving my mpg takes a dump. Especially short frequent drives where the engine cools between stops. I wanted the best possible mpg measured so I can keep track of engine health over time.
Idk total chaos uniball joint is pretty dang good for a non oem
It is! Just not something most people will be interested in
The 2uzfe is a million mile engine. Enough said
Re call took care ofthatball joint over sized tires do not help
No, the recall did not solve the design flaw in the suspension that leads to ball joint failures
Quick question, I have a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50. I need to get cargo rack for it. What years fit it? If I just so happen to find a 2004 or 2000 roof rack at the junkyard
All years fit all years for R50's.
@@208Tyler thank you sooooo much bro!!!!!!!!
@@208Tyler got to get my rear differential checked out, every time I go over a large bump, I get a really weird vibration sound. May or may not be the differential. Also happens when I'm going at lower speeds in high gear, like 3rd gear doing 15 mph
I could care less!!! That 4.7 is the only reason I need to buy lol
You’re not gonna hear me disagree. This was a tough video to make, there’s not a lot of things to criticize about the truck, and impressive that this was Toyotas first full size offering
Nothing wrong with the ball joint or the suspension design; the problem is that some owners think this is a non-maintenance item.
To be clear, the ball joint “fails” at a normal interval for a ball joint to be replaced.
However, I will not defend it as a good design. It unnecessarily jeopardizes people’s lives by failing in that manner. I could push a ball joint on a 2nd Gen tundra or tacoma to the same point and just be left with unevenly wearing tires and poor handling. There’s no good reason to design the ball joint the way Toyota did, which is why Toyota ditched this setup for all vehicles that came after. Losing control or rolling your vehicle isn’t some kind of just punishment for neglecting a little maintenance.
WORST CAR/TRUCK I EVER OWNED!!
Everyone has that one "lemon" in their life, this was a complete sh*tbox for me: My "issues" - 1) Timing Chain corroded due to a very slow anti-freeze leak near the pump. Was at 14K miles and Toyota said it wasn't a part defect so didn't cover cost. Mechanic said they had never seen this. 2) Complete frame and subframe rust out. I not talking a few spots, it was so bad, that I drove it in for the complimentary inspection and they wouldn't let me drive it even home 5 miles remove my stuff and bring it right back. 3) The bed floor rusted almost since day 1 despite me putting a fitted bedliner in. I ultimately removed the liner and spread 2 cans of thick car wax on it to further protect and then put the fitted liner back in. 4) Gas Cap, Step Bars, and rear wheel well trim all rusted off before 5 years and 70 K miles. 5) Rear Bed door latch broke (plastic fitting into the catch clasp. Toyota wanted $200+ for the both latches and the pull bar despite it being only small piece of that system. Salvage yard would only sell me complete door. Ended up removing full length plastic door guard and hand activating the side latch with string. 6) "Chrome" bumpers were a joke. Wife backed into (tapped)a mailbox pole at about 2 MPH (lass than walking speed) and the bumper buckled like aluminum foil.
Aside from the parts breaking or corroding, I had the V6 (190 HP) Manual 4WD and the thing was anemic when it was loaded with anything more than me. I don't know if it was the gearing or where the HP Peak was on the curve, but Fred Flintstone got his car going quicker. Wouldn't have been that bad if it didn't get like 17 mpg mixed (worse if loaded).
Once they replaced the Frame it drove like crap. Felt like the wheels and frame weren't aligned and I was "crabbing" down the highway. When I found out I was getting a new frame, I begged them to just give me $5000 and they could have it. They wouldn't, so I said when you put it back together it needs new shocks and strucs and I would buy them from the dealer and they could put them on instead of the old tired ones. Nope, we can't do that. We put it back together as we found it.
Sold it it 2 weeks after the new frame for $5200.
Never have or will ever buy another Toyota.
if it's the same truck you bought the under powered v6 instead of the rock solid v8, and the truck this video is about doesn't have a chain it has a belt... the frames had some recall for rust and toyota replaced frames or treated for rust, plastic bedliners cause rust, that's why you get a spray on, i think you did not have the and truck as this video and you live in the rust belt and don't treat your undercarriage with wool oils or something comparible ... had my 2003 v8 4wd since it was new, still runs awesome, none of the things you described have ever happened, just regular maintenance and replaced stuff as it wears out (like the radiator at over 120k)... great truck
@@FreedomLovinLady Engine type has no bearing on the other corrosion issues I had. Thousands of trucks (yes even Toyotas) have custom fitted plastic bedliners and have no issues. I did all the proper maintenance for it, removing it each year, cleaning th bed and reapplying wax. As far living in a rust/snow belt, I have bought and owned and driven at least 10 cars in the same location, most 8-10 years, and I never had the corrosion issues like I did on my 01 Tundra (8 years). In this day and age and when the Tundra was manufactured, the materials used in frame construction are advanced enough that secondary after market treatments should not be necessary. I had a Jeep (91) that was subjected to all kinds of salt, sand, road treatments, snow and its frame was fine when I traded it in with 160K miles for the Tundra. On My Tundra, latches breaking on the tailgate, the gas cap door and the Toyota installed step bars corroding off where just other issues. Maybe I got a lemon but others having the early (00 - 02) had a lot of frame/rust issues as did folks with the Tacoma of the same years. I am glad your 03 is still working.
I still want one
I still have one, and would recommend it
Nope It’s probably the best tundra ever built…. Certainly better than any tundra made now.
I think the second gen is slightly better overall. But I’ve got nothing against the first gen, it’s a terrific vehicle.
@@208Tylerwhy is the second gen better? Just curious. I’m trying to learn more because I just got a 1st gen. Thank for the video!!
@@TysonKlose the 2nd gen will have better towing with the 5.7l engine. More cab options, including an access cab with 8’ bed. And the 5.7 is just about as reliable as the 4.7, No LBJ issues, and more aftermarket support.
too late, got a 05 sr5 a couple months ago
Hope it treats you good. These are great pickups
Bias info in my opinion. Video stresses Tundra's bad designed lower ball joints. I agree but the video does not go into the fact that Toyota's Famous T100 pickup, 4runner, Tacoma and Highlander had the same bad design from 1996-2003 all models. OEM lower ball-joints are expensive $300+ for a pair but you will get well over 100k miles out of them. So why buy a 1st gen? First of all, how many people feel it is fine to pay $85-$90,000 for a new pickup truck, let alone afford one? Way over priced IMHO if you cannot write it off on a company. Little is mentioned about Toyota's famous 3.4L v6 that did come with a manual transmission stick shift, and a manual 4WD dog leg on the floor. That configuration 1st gen Tundra is very difficult to find but the 3.4L V6 is well known to go over 300k miles, and if you maintain it, clutches are far less expensive than the automatic transmission that comes with the 4.7 V8. The manual transmission can last you for ever where the Automatic with the 4.7 V8 maybe replacing every 175k mi. Not mentioned is the 4.7L V8 still has major issues with the secondary air pump even in the current model ($80k) Tundras. And super expensive and time consuming to replace. My son's 2001 Tacoma 4wd manual trans, did have his lower ball joint fall out (fortunately no accident) at @250k miles, he replaced them with OEMs, but DIY no labor cost. I don't know why Toyota did not use their 4.3L V8 from the Lexus LS. That engine can last well over 500k miles and has proven to have zero defects over the years. Also not mentoned is the cool sucicide doors, and the only truck to have them with handles on the outside. Still available on many generations of Tundras.
Hey man. You bring up great points - I cover a lot of that info on other videos in my channel.
This isn’t and never was supposed to be a comprehensive tundra video. I have buyers guide videos, common problem videos, and a whole explanation of the lower ball joint issue. Like I said, I cover a lot of that, just on other videos.
This video is my top 5 reasons to not buy a tundra - these are the 5 most serious issues that detract from what’s otherwise a great pickup, and things that people might want to hear about before buying a pickup. I sing the praise of this truck all the time and highly recommend it, but it’s helpful to explain the drawbacks as well.
Car play radio is $100
Low tech is a plus
I agree
“I don’t have a compass” WTF is wrong with you?
I don’t have a compass
2005 Toyota tundra I tow gooseneck trailer 15000
Too late
They’re great pickups haha. I love mine
06 235000 Best I have ever owned
This guy is a real DOWNER
AURA this!
Ya the guy who made this video sucks
You should have bought a tundra with the 5vz-fe. I get 400 miles or more every tank. I have zero issues. Yes I replaced ball joints and timing belt but overall this is the best truck you can buy. Low maintenance and dependability. You are dramatically misleading people. Go buy a dodge you’ll be happier 😂
You’re misunderstanding this video. I LOVE the first Gen tundra. It’s a great pickup that I highly recommend. These are the top 5 reasons not to buy one, and I think they’re pretty weak reasons.
I’ve had a 3.4 in a 4runner and driven my brothers taco with it, I’ll take the 4.7
Yep just get the OEM and keep up with vehicle maintenance. 👍 Over all the 1gen tundra is a killer.
Hey I have the 3.4 5vz and I definitely don’t get 400 miles to the tank…
@@hotpackjay 300 miles to a full tank.
So 👎 your complaining about all the things that you're going to run into when buying a used vehicle. And then you 😑 go right into selling your sponsors. You should buy a new truck and leave the used Toyotas to us 👌
You’re misunderstanding the video.
I love my tundra, and I would recommend it as a great pickup.
I made this video as a way to inform current and potential owners of what they might run into, or what to avoid in a potential purchase.
These “5 reasons” to not buy a tundra are, in my opinion, weak reasons, or legitimate reasons that apply to a small portion of people
Yea but like 4 of the 5 reason you gave were not tundra specific… I was hoping to learn about tundras. Same as any used 20+ year old vehicle. Maintenance. Tech. Rust. Pulling for content here bud
@@cjmtn44 I already have all those topics covered…
Common problems:
th-cam.com/video/SDRuBZeuUIk/w-d-xo.html
Buyers guide:
th-cam.com/video/ysvfteT6Oiw/w-d-xo.html
Cost of ownership:
th-cam.com/video/yQlnhnorJ30/w-d-xo.html
Every maintenance issue I’ve encountered :
th-cam.com/video/N4s-bn3wZ-g/w-d-xo.html
This video here does use reasons that would apply to other old vehicles. That’s fair. But this is the only video where I broaden my horizons and get truly “critical” of the first Gen tundra ownership experience. I think doing so and leaning into a negative review can be informative and helps round out my content and hedge against biases I may have.
@@208Tyler very good. And my perspective is coming from only watching this one video, Ive not watched your other content.
@@cjmtn44 you bet. I appreciate you commenting
Most of those are reason to buy one.
It’s really hard to say anything bad about this truck haha