Ok, so I'm going to be looking at a used 2002 Tundra tomorrow and I wanted to know some things to look out for that could be potential problem areas.

Here are some stats on the truck:

2002 Tundra Access Cab
74,xxx miles
Automatic transmission
4wd


I haven't posted here in a while due to building a house and really not having too much play room in the budget for a new truck. Now I think I'm ready to buy...


Thanks for any insight you all may have.

 

I can't really think of anything to look for in that truck. I think by that year the front brake problem will probably have been sorted, I believe the early ones had problems with the rotors warping, maybe the 99, 2000, maybe 2001's. Listen to the motor, the 4.7 is one smooth engine and so long as the oil changes have been done then it should purr like a kitten. Of course, you will engage the 4WD and be sure it works and disengages, with the brake on you'll listen as you put it into reverse/drive and listen for any clunks in the drivetrain/u-joints/rear-diff/axle. Sometimes by looking and seeing how much brake fluid is in the reservoir you can tell how much the brake pads are worn unless it has been topped off. In 75,000 miles, it is not due for a timing belt change, I believe that is at 90,000, but other than driving it around and making sure everything works, these trucks are pretty darned solid. I only have around 45,000 on my 2004 and as I just did the 45,000 mile service, oil change, greased the grease fittings on the u-joints and changed the rear-differential fluid and checked the air filter, the girl is good to go. Even the stock tires have life in them however I had them rotated every 5,000 miles until 30,000 but they still have good tread on them despite all the negative things I've heard about the BFG-Rugged Trails, they came with the truck so I'll run them until I need new tires.

One last thing, I did have to take my truck in as the check engine light came on and the dealer replaced the fuel filler neck under warranty, that has been it. Good luck.

 

Mileage is kinda high for a 2002. Normal mileage is 12,000 tp 15,000 a year. If the truck is in good shape you may be able to use that as a barganing point.

 

Well, I saw the truck this morning and from the outside it looks good (just passed by it while on the way to work). Has a few scratches here and there and it also has a snug top cover over the bed. That would be a nice add on for when I go bird hunting.

I meet with the owner later for a test drive and to tinker with it a little. Thanks for the advice so far!

 

I did just check out two other sites as I have been wondering about my LSDifferential and if I should use friction modifier in it, but check out these two sites, they have more information than this Yotatech site, for some reason there aren't many Tundra drivers on this site, but www.tacomaterritory.com and another, www.socaltundras.com are two that I just found today that have more than this site on Tundras. I feel let down because the Titan and the Ridgeline have tons of posters on their forums and on here it is virtually dead, the guys on the general forum help alot but not really specific to Tundras. Good luck, my 2004 has been awesome so far.

 

no problems with the tundra. It's damn near perfect. It does have a recall on it .. something with the ball joint ... but toyota picks up the tab. Just check to see if that has been done.

 

tundrasolutions.com is also a great Tundra forum to check out. Waaaay more traffic than this forum. (Nothing against yotatech, it's just primarily a 4runner thing.)

My 03 has almost 80k on it and runs like new. So long as it's been maintained, there is no reason that truck shouldn't top 300k easily.

 

I just drove the truck and it handled like a dream. Very nice throttle response, very well taken care of interior and both the high and low 4wd engaged smoothly without any clunking or crunching. The truck is also a TRD model, so it has some nice Bilstiens underneath...

Overall I was pleased.

Now it's time to bargain.

 

Did ya get it?