Buying a used truck can be a great choice for many people regardless of make and model, and the legendarily reliable Toyota Tundra is no exception. Nearly three million Tundra’s have been sold in the US as of this writing, and a typical Tundra can easily go 250,000 miles with proper maintenance—multiple Tundras have famously eclipsed the million-mile mark. This means many used Tundra trucks are out there for people who want a full-size pickup without a full-sized price tag. In 2022 and 2023, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) named the Tundra as having the best resale value of any vehicle, speaking to the reliability that makes them a prime target on the used truck market.
Before and during the trip to your used car dealer, though, there are several important things to know. While the right used Tundra will save you a lot of money on a truck with years left in the tank, the wrong Tundra could be inadequate for your needs—or worse, a lemon that snows you under with repair bills. You don’t want to get taken for a ride by an unscrupulous dealer, either. To help shoppers, I made this guide to explain what you should know before buying a used Toyota Tundra in the time-tested Q&A format.
What Is the Truck’s History?
Knowing what a Tundra has been through will go a long way towards determining if it’s a good purchase. Of course, older Tundras will probably have more miles on them—the US Department of Energy reports the average light truck is driven just over 11,000 miles a year. A truck’s history goes well beyond the mileage, though. Speaking from experience, some vehicles with 150,000 miles are in great shape, and others should never see public roads again. How well the Tundra was maintained, where it was driven, and what it was used for are all factors to consider. A Tundra primarily used for heavy towing or off-roading will have more wear and tear than a general-purpose Tundra.
The chance a used truck was involved in a crash is significant, too, which can cause reliability issues down the road. According to the most recent Statista data from 2020, light trucks are involved in over 3.8 million US traffic crashes per year, making up 42% of total involved vehicles. This is despite light trucks accounting for just 8% of registered passenger vehicles per the NHTSA. Ask the dealership for a vehicle history report and any maintenance/repair documentation from the previous owner(s). A reputable used truck dealership will also perform extensive inspections by itself or following official Toyota standards to confirm the Tundra is mechanically sound.
What Model Year Is the Tundra You’re Considering?
Toyota has produced the Tundra since 2000 with three generations, several mid-cycle refreshes, and countless year-to-year updates. As such, many Tundra variations are out there. Older trucks will be less expensive, but they’re also more dated in terms of powertrain and body design, driving dynamics, towing capability, onboard technology, and safety features.
Do your research and determine at least the basic specs for the model years you’re considering. Someone may prefer an older design element or decide a new tech option isn’t necessary—but looking into it first will give you the knowledge to make that choice. A full overview of the Tundra through the decades would be an article unto itself, but here’s a basic outline:
- 2000: The First-generation Tundra debuts with a choice of a 3.4L V6 or 4.7L V8 engine and single or extended cabs.
- 2004-05: The first refresh occurred with a new double cab option in 2004 and revamped engines in 2005, including replacing the 3.4L V6 with a 4.0L.
- 2007: The second generation comes out with a new 5.7L V8 engine option, a longer body, and the elimination of the manual transmission.
- 2010-11: The 4.0L and 4.7L (becoming 4.6L) engines are redesigned for more power and torque.
- 2014: A full mid-cycle refresh includes a new interior that introduces an infotainment touchscreen (3.5 inches), Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and an integrated backup camera to the Tundra.
- 2015: Toyota adds the Tundra TRD Pro for the first time and discontinues the 4.0L V6 engine.
- 2018: A mini-refresh makes Toyota Safety Sense standard and adds optional LED headlights, among other updates.
- 2022: The third generation arrives with a choice of a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 or the first-ever Tundra hybrid powertrain. It’s built on the TNGA-F truck chassis with a steel ladder frame and uses coilover springs for the first time.
What Trim Level Is the Truck?
In addition to the model year, you need to consider the trim or sub-model. For example, the original third-generation Tundra lineup included seven trims: the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone. These can be wildly different from the engine and infotainment options to the available cab and bed combinations. Plenty of one-off trims and special editions are in the mix, too.
Option packages may also have been added by the original owner. The early Tundras had an available TRD supercharger, and more recent available upgrades can include suspension lift kits, skid plates, and panoramic moonroofs. These features may not be obvious at first glance, which is why investigating the truck and doing a thorough test drive is vital.
What Will You Be Using the Truck for?
How you’ll be deploying your Tundra plays a big role in what you should buy. Those who will be driving a lot for work or personal travel should lean towards trucks with less mileage. If the Tundra will be driven occasionally or used as a “learner truck,” high-mileage vehicles are fine. Those who like to do serious off-roading but want it ready straight off the lot should get a recent Tundra TRD Pro or another high-end trim. On the other hand, DIY customizers will find entry-level trims and older Tundra’s easier to work on. Those are just a few of the many possible examples.
How Does the Asking Price Compare to the Blue Book Value?
Companies like KBB, Edmunds, and NADAguides provide estimated list prices of used Tundras in your area for comparison purposes. You can even enter a vehicle identification number (VIN) to take a truck’s reported history into account. Use these as a guideline before you start shopping and to research specific Tundra’s. An asking price way higher than most estimates could mean it’s in prime condition that there’s room to negotiate or that the dealer is preying on ignorance. Conversely, a tag way lower than market value may be a great deal or a sign of hidden problems. Proceed with caution at either end of the extreme.
Are There Any Warranties Available on Used Tundra Models?
Even people buying used trucks want some assurance if a problem arises. The Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which currently includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, automatically transfers to the new owner at no extra charge. There are also Gold and Silver warranties on Toyota Certified used Tundras which are also transferable. Beyond this, some dealerships may offer separate warranties, whether standard or for an upcharge, along with service contracts or added benefits. Either way, be certain what coverage the Tundra has before you agree to the purchase.
Navigating the Used Tundra Market
A used Toyota Tundra is ideal for someone on a budget who still wants a reliable full-size pickup truck. But if anything, this truck-shopping route should be approached with even more care than buying a new truck because there are many more variables. Start with the categories I detailed here and ask any other questions you think of during the process. Above all, take as much time as you can to be certain you’re getting a truck you’ll be happy to drive for many years.
