Would you buy this 06 Tundra (Rust photos)

2006, 153k, super minty in every “other” way.

But the rust (which is actually the best one I’ve found so far, unfortunately)
is a little beyond borderline for me (especially considering no matter how much I coat it South Dakota Winters are still going to eat it up.

Would you buy this vehicle if it for ticked every other box perfectly for you but had this amount of rust? It’s about the same as my 4Runner and Pickup ha.

 

Previous owner has meticulous maintenance records and I can cover up the leather with some merino seat covers. Don’t like the fake wood. But man, it’s minty and well maintained otherwise.

Any rust progression experienced folks in the house? Ha

 

12k

 

I think the main question is whether you feel confident in your ability to take care of the rust. It's not too far gone, but it can't be left as it is. If you're okay with cleaning it up and painting it to retard further progression, then go for it. You're not likely to find a better one unless you're willing to go to the desert.

 

Ive been searching in AZ and TX as I know people there for a little to no rust truck.

Found one for sale with Kings and everything but no response yet.

Thanks all for the input and sounding board. I’m going to pass unless they drop a few grand when I do, which as a dealership won’t happen ha.

Gracias!

 

Can you take pics of the inside of the frame near the front leaf spring hangers? That’s usually the worst spot for the double c-channel.

overall though, rust doesn’t look terrible. Not far gone from what I can see in the photos.

 

It’s at a dealership two states away but I’ll ask them if they drop the price for the photos for sure.


Thanks!

 

I would pass on that one. Im confident you can find a rust free Tundra. You just may have to drive a ways to get it.

Here's the frame on my 02 that's spent it's life in NC and now TN.

I paid $12,500 back in 2016. It was a 1 owner with all maintenance records.

If you find any near Knoxville I would be happy to go look at it in person for you.

 

I appreciate that offer!

I have a friend in AZ and some in CA and UT so I’ve been mostly looking there so I’d have someone to pick me up from the airport and a place to stay ha.

I’ll expand my search!

As you know from the Vagabond thread I’m looking to make a camping rig but I do have plenty of time. In exactly 22 months I’ll be taking my wife’s family on a tour of the western US (they’re from Palau and have only seen the States once for a week-ish and some of them have never been here) so I need the time to get the Drifter or Nomad on order to deal with the the wait times and of course to get it a little built / dialed in / safe and updated for the trip.

I’m actually debating ordering no later than January whether I have a truck yet or not.

They mentioned on a comment of mine on IG that they can do a Nomad for the first Gens Tundra even though it’s not on their website. I’m a little confused and asking them for clarification if it’s just a wider bed or what. Because the top of the Drifter for the 00-06 Tundra is already 6” wider than that of the Tacoma version, yet it still has the 48” bed.

So I’m wondering if there’s just 3” of space on either side of the mattress and upgrading to a nomad gets you the 54” mattress in the exact same shell, or if there’s other dimensional differences as well.

Will let you know what I hear back whenever they respond ha.

 

Given how long their lead times are, and that they keep getting longer, that's a good idea.

That is interesting. Keep in mind that on 1st gen Tundra's the beds on the 04-06 double cabs are slightly different than the access cabs. I'm not sure it will matter but it's something to keep in mind.

I see a lot of really clean 1st Gen's here in Knoxville. I would avoid buying one from any state that sees salt. We only get salt here 1-2 times per winter.

 

Keep me posted if you see an 05-06 DC For Sale!

 

Rust doesn't look too awful. Some powerwashing and Eastwood can fix that.

The spare carrier and radiator mount you'll have to look at.

Finding a 1G Tundra with low miles rust free is pretty hard to find close to you. Those 1G Tundra 4WD's are a kickass truck with an Eaton rear diff, great stock 10.5" ground clearance.

 

I’m stoked to own one! Vehicles always do their own thing on me haha but the goal is to own it until the day I die of a ripe old age (so a good 60-70 years)!

 

Seeing any 05-06 DC rust free these days? haha