I have that truck in a 2001. Original owner, 24 years. Do all my own maintenance and on average spend under $200/year. Best purchase ever!

You are actually wiser than 95% of buyers out there. What a great choice you made. Congrats! It is a solid truck! It will be still riding and working properly while those new trucks break pretty soon.

For those wondering, original msrp was $26,300 according to Edmunds. Before Covid, most vehicles would be at 50-65% value after 3 years 36k miles. $10,500 is a crazy high price for a 22 yr old vehicle. I enjoy your content.

This is exactly why I bought a 2006 GMC Sierra with the 5.3 V8. It's not a Toyota, but it's still solid.

I’ve run 3 Silverado’s to approximately 300K. I have number 4 right now at 270K. I also have a 3500 dually duramax at 230K. Get whatever you like, but… no plans of changing here! “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

I bought a 2000 Toyota Tundra Limited with low miles in 2020 and you can't beat the 4.7 V8.

I bought a Chevy Avalanche with a 5.3, 4wd with 4lo, loaded, everything works, it can tow 8,000lbs, and I can load 8 feet of cargo in back, plus I can fit 3 adults with comfort in the back seat, stock stereo that came with a sub, stock tires are 265's with 33 inch diameter, 11" ground clearance, excellent body, stronger frame. Only cost me $3800 two years ago.

Great trucks but there’s a catch: If you are looking to buy a first generation Tundra or Sequoia be sure to have the frame THOROUGHLY checked for severe rust. They had a recall, many still on the road and are literally starting to break apart. If you live in the snow belt protect the frame with Fluid Film or similar protection. Second, verify the lower ball joints are not worn out as when they fail the wheel separates from the assembly(google “first gen tundra LBJ fail”). Lastly, make sure the timing belt and water pump has been replaced within recommended intervals. Mostly all basic maintenance items but they will bite you if ignored! -‘05 Tundra owner.

For longevity with a gasoline engine, you can't beat a naturally aspirated engine.!! Congratulations of you purchase! Fantastic Truck.

Congrats. I've gone from wanting a new f150, to realizing a solid used truck a far better deal. Really like your channel and look forward to watching you build yours up.

The grill is such a major improvement. And once you fix up the headlights it’ll look super fresh. Looking forward to this freshen up/build!👍

What a great episode - glad you got the Tundra! These types of videos are so informative. Can't wait to see the rest!

Great choice, that tundra has one of the BEST engines Toyota's ever made. Car Care Nut who is a Toyota mechanic placed it in his top 3 and his videos are very helpful with learning about older Toyota's and maintenance and stuff but I will say you got an amazing deal for that truck! If you take care of it, it will take care of you for years to come.

I regret selling my 2003😢 exact truck as yours. Bulletproof and drove perfect! Congratulations 👍

I bought a 2000 TRD 4WD Tundra new in September ’99. I sold it a few years later (to a guy in Hawaii) to help buy a house. It was my favorite truck and I really regretted selling it. I picked up an ‘01 for $4500 two years ago, then an ‘02 six months later. I’m happy now! Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

I’ve got a 2001 Tundra SR5. Bought it w/ 4 miles from the dealer. Now has 274k miles and still runs better than my 2009 Cadillac. I can remember when I was in the market to buy this truck, that V8 was brand new technology for Toyota, and was untested compared to the V6. I chose the V6 because of its bulletproof reliability. I wish I would’ve gotten the V8 with four-wheel-drive. But I’m very happy with my truck. It is truly been a partner with me for the last 23 years.

I have 07 sequoia with 250000 on it. Had it ten years and i drive like a maniac. Best rig ever. Nice rack and Toyota replaced my frame for free. Glad you got that tundra!!!

Welcome to the 1st gen tundra family! I bought an 04 crewcab 3 years ago for $7k (non 4x4) and I love the truck! They are great trucks and still look good. Can't wait for the upcoming content

Thanks for making this video. You made a great choice, saving a bunch of money! Well done Sir.

Great choice. I can’t believe how much better it looks with the side steps removed. Can’t wait to see your other mods. Love the video looking forward to the series.

Still having a love affair with my 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3 ❤ V8

Seat belt retraction problem can usually be solved by carefully washing with mix of dawn dishwasher soap and tide powder. (Fully extend and clamp SB before starting so not to fumble with retraction) Then a complete rinse. The oils left behind from 20+ years of handeling contributes to most of the problem. I just did all the seatbelts on my 02 and all but the driver's side returned to perfection. The driver's side retracts much better but is still a bit slower then the others. Hope this helps. Look forward to following these 1st Gen mods, great channel!!

I learned to drive stick in my uncle's BASE Tundra of the same vintage. 2wd, roll-up windows, and aftermarket single-DIN radio installed. One of the most liberating feelings I ever had as a teen. Keep up the great work Matt!

Great choice! I'm glad to see the frame is in great shape. Everything look good so far, and it will be cool to see further changes.

The tundra got my vote in the last video. You can’t beat the reliability of the Japanese brands…

I didn’t set out to buy an older V8 truck it just became that way over the last nine years. It’s a 15 Tundra. Not a lot of garbage on it with the Nannie’s , only a factory touch screen which is handy. With Fox 2.5 shocks it goes off road also. Hope it’s my last truck. If I can afford gas in the future .

I have a 2002 with 114k miles. Being in MN, we had to stop driving it in the winters about 5 years ago when we saw how bad the frame was rusting. The drivetrain will last for decades, its just a matter of keeping the frame and body from rusting away. We have treated the frame and hopefully it lasts, love this truck

I will be following the updates/upgrades and looking forward to it. 👍

It is the best truck, my 2002 tundra had 185k when i git it, 550k and running strong when I got into a car accident and that was the end of the truck, but i paid $2900 cash well worth it for a work truck, i became a toyota believer after my tundra

I have a 2000 (first year) version of this truck. Bought it new in August 2000. Absent catastrophic failure or accident, I have no desire to replace it with anything available today (new or used). Absent routine maintenance, this truck has never let me down. I concur with your observations.

Older vehicles are so much better. I have a 2003 Grand Marquis, 443,000 miles and still runs like new, no major issues since new, less than $1,000 in repairs since new. I also have a 90 F150 that still runs and drives like new... Great video...

I bought a 2006 tundra v6 work truck, It was a great truck, it was comfortable, got great mileage and I towed a small trailer without isses, I sold it and didnt need a full size truck in retirement ,so I went back to a Tacoma 4x4 which I did need , I had owned one of them before my tundra, So after owning 3 toyotas, doing my own maintaince and never having a recall or one in the shop for any issue, I am a loyal toyota fan. the added bonus is they hold there value better then any american truck

Just bump the key over when starting. No need to hold it to the right. It’ll start with just a quick turn and no holding of the key. Works for my 05 Tundra (211,000 miles) 07 Land Cruiser (206,000 miles) and wife’s 03 LX470 (160,000 miles). Maintenance them and they’ll last you forever.

Great purchase...nice updates already make it look so much better...congrats

Awesome find man, perfect blank slate to do your magic. Great post, keep’m coming 👍🏼

I'm driving my 3rd 1st Gen Tundra. A 2001 Access Cab Limited 4wd purchased new. A 2003 Access Cab SR5 2wd, bought used. Now driving a 2006 Access Cab Limited 4wd I bought used with 65k miles. I'm now at 145K & still love it. The two 4wds are/were both white.

Hell yea dude! Looking forward to the journey! Tundras rock!

Good buy! The previous owner took really good care of it and looks great for being 22 yrs old.

Good job, man. Looking forward to see your finished truck.

The original owner of a 2003 Tundra, 4.7L with 108K on it. Runs like a top, and I keep up on required maintenance. The frame has some been coated via recall and is still in good shape for a Michigan truck. Zero issues and still looks almost new. Best vehicle I've owned!

I have to admit, I thought I would love the new grill when you showed it before putting it on, but I actually don't really like it at all once it was put in place. I was pleasantly surprised with taking the side-steps off though. I like the idea of side-steps, but like you said, it's already low enough that they aren't needed.

Great buy! Looking forward to your upgrades.

It made a big difference with a little work you did with the truck ,good job my friend .

Good buy. I just picked up a 2003 AC 4WD a couple months ago. Love it.

Owner of a 2004 Land Cruiser, I would suggest making a plan to go through the mounts (motor, trans, body, diffs, etc) and hoses. Dry rot eventually gets all rubber pieces.

I had a 2000 tundra. Loved it! Now I have a 2008 tundra. Just went over 200k miles and still super strong!

good video and right to the point...no goofing off or humour....good stuff...thumbs up !!! Canada

Really enjoyed the video. Been a jeep guy my whole life but i bought a 2006 4runner abt 6 years ago and it completely changed my perspective. Its over 200k miles now and drives brand new. I plan on getting a second gen sequoia or tundra next. Cant wait to see the mods you have planned for this tundra

I had a 2004 crew cab Tundra SR5. And man do I wish I still had it

I'm not sure why this was in my recommendations, but I'm glad it was. I really appreciate your down to earth style. Even though I've never owned one, I think you made the right choice choosing the Toyota.

My dad bought his 03 sr5 brand new. 21 years later I’m driving it and plan on taking it to my grave. Please make sure you replace the timing belt and water pump. Also look into replacing the lower ball joints but only with OEM ones.

Make sure to change the timing belt and while you are at it look into the starter. Toyota is notorious for placing the starter under the manifold and you have to tear the engine half apart to get to it. Think about doing both at the same time.

I love my first gen tundra. They are excellent and reliable. Great choice!!

I really love your older Tundra! May start looking for one myself!

2006 tundra 245K. Tuck has been outstanding

Buff out the headlights, there’s some really good products for that. Having a 2003 Tacoma 4x4 with the 2.7 with almost 200K, I totally agree with your selection. I work my truck hard, and it’s never failed me yet. Worst thing is that I’ve been going over Snoqualmie Pass for the past five years during the winter and I starting to get rust underneath it. I plan to take care of that issue when I have the time. The truck is worth it.

Credit is due to you, young man. If I needed a truck, this would be an excellent choice. I've learned over time about the failings of Ford, GM, and Mopar. It's sad that the quality of American vehicles has been degenerating for 25 years, while Japanese companies have made quality control their main priority . I'm a retired millwright, so yeah, I get it. This is good food for thought.

I like where this is going, but since I'm three months LATE I'm gonna have to dig around to find your more recent developments on this fine old rig. Great choice! and this coming from a Ford guy.

I would have personally just purchased a new stock grill, would look better and keep it OG. Great truck overall though.

Chris in Boise. We were in the market for a truck/SUV and settled on a 2023 GX 460. For the same reasons you mentioned in this video, we opted for this platform, because it still has the old-school Lexus, V8, notoriously reliable, and proven. We probably should’ve waited for the 550 to come out for little bit more discount, but it was a little bit too long of a wait. Buying a vehicle is never an investment but we plan on having this GX 460 for its lifetime or ours, so hopefully, it all evens out overtime.

Like your enthusiasm - and the truck!

I know its off topic, but the vehicle I most regret selling was an 02 4runner. Sold it at 175k miles, never had a single problem with it. The plugs still looked new. As I understand it, it was the last one built in Japan and the first with independent rear suspension. Best vehicle I ever had.

FYI; the opposing doors come in handy for old men that need to relieve themselves on a moments notice running down a highway with no where to do so privately. Open both passenger doors stopped as far off the shoulder as possible and you have privacy to wee also with some breeze protection. 😮😅

The sound of my 2020 F150 with the 3.5l Ecoboost makes me lol. Sounds just like a jet. The engine and the twin turbos. Brings a smile on my face every time. I call it jet. All it needs is wings to fly. Yet. So quite that my neighbors don't know I left my house. It's so funny. Nice truck.

I owned the first model year of the Tundra (2000). I drove it for 230,00 miles before I sold it. A couple of recalls, but mostly very reliable and very comfortable to drive. Two things I wish were different - a deeper truck bed (which was solved in the first model update) and no nav system (had to resort to using my smart phone)(your radio upgrade resolved that). First tire change I switched to Michelins and that was a huge difference in handling - especially on wet roads.

I have been a mopar person for most of my life. I’m currently 71. But in 2017 I bought my first Toyota. A Camry. Then I traded my 2013 ram for a Toyota RAV4. A 2018 model. These were my first ventures away from Chrysler products. I missed my ram but the price of a new one put them out of my range. Also I wasn’t going to get one with the rotary dail for the transmission. 6 mounth ago I traded my 2023 Camry XSE for a 2023 Tacoma SR. I have my consul stick shift ( automatic) and I love it. Never going back to Chrysler/ Ram products.

This is a very interesting video. Thanks for making it. I have two old V8 trucks: a modified 1992 F250 4x4 dually with 1.25 ton axle, and a 1992 GMC K2500 with canopy.

Had a 2007 tundra. Put 340k miles in it before I got rid of it last year. Ac went out, transmission was acting up, alternator went out but after 300k. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

Good choice on the Trundra. Love the new front grill. That thing is screaming for new headlights though - they look bad. Looking forward to see how you fix the seatbelts. Maybe you can look at putting in some LED headlights with projectors. That would really make it modern.

I also have an '02 4x4. I replaced the calipers with the larger version from 2005 and used Brembo rotors and pads. Early Tundra brake calipers were undersized and often led to warped rotors. Bilstein 5100's level the front end, no lift kit needed.

Unfortunately the older Tundras weren’t a full size truck with limited towing capacity. If you can get away with a smaller truck and you don’t have to tow anything it’s a decent truck for running around town and such. Good little truck and great value and reliability. Looks much better with the few changes you made. Smart purchase.

Excellent choice! My buddy had the same truck. Did a 4 inch base tuff country lift kit and swapped the shocks out of the kit with bilsteins. Had some 16s and 33s and that was about it……truck was super fun to take to the offroad park till they closed the Dallas one last year. Either way not much spent on it but man it was tough as nails 💪

So happy you went with the first gen tundra!

Good on you! Great choice. I’ve a similar - ‘07 (3rd Gen) GMC, 4.9 WT. It’s a keeper.

You're definitely a smart guy, I had the same truck, it was the 2002 with the V-6. I would still be driving if someone didn't wreck me on the freeway! I forgot to mention it was the five speed stick shift, that's the only way to go when you have the V6

Well you got me interested ! I thought you were going to get the Raptor. But I would hands down buy the Tundra. Those modifications that you did was the same I was thinking the bug shield and side steps . Blew me away with the grill very awesome 👏🏻! If I can make a suggestion get all new headlights and markers that will help the appearance the original ones are very faded ! Little lift 2”and bigger tires. 😊👍🏻👏🏻

Good buy, will give you smiles for years to come while dealerships drown with overpriced inventory lol

Great choice brother gotta love the old Trucks, I have a 1996 Ford F150 with a 5.0L (302) Windsor V8 with 210,000 miles and still going strong, the only things I replaced on my truck was the starter, the rear fuel pump, and the power steering megunisum but other than that mostly was just simple maintenance, took out the transmission fluid just to get rid of the shuttering it was making and it hasn't had a problem ever since, I also have a 2011 Ford F150 with a 5.0L Coyote V8 in it with 160,000 miles on it and still going strong as well and its a beast and it sounds like a beast with the Borla ATAK exhaust on it as well.

Really looking forward to seeing future mods.

Congrats on your new Old Tundra. You won't be disappointed.

Great choice! That Tundra will most likely last longer than the new 2022 and up Tundras. I bought one of the last of the GEN two Tundras at Peterson Toyota on Fairview in 2021 and absolutely love it and will drive it forever.

I have owned 2 Tundras and absolutely loved them!!! My wife has 2 Tacomas and WILL NOT EVER GET RID OF THEM

Welcome to the First Gen Tundra club! Best pick up toyota ever made for North America. I traded my 3rd gen tacoma for a 2006 FGT Limited Dbl cab, used the extra cash for mod money. No regrets, but i may need to sell it soon😢. Safety tech is now front of mind with a recent Newborn.

My dude... OILCOAT! Spray the entire underside with oilcoat to preserve it for another 20 yrs. Fluidfilm is fine for interior areas (like inside the doors, rocker panels, ...) that don't experience wash-off. For the exposed areas you can use a product like Blaster Surface Shield or oilcoats from NH Oil Undercoating or Krown. Best value is to buy in bulk container (1Gal or 5Gal pail) and spray it on with a gun and compressor.

Brother, I have owned a 2004 Tundra Limited and that crazy truck never dies! It's incredible. I have never been able to let it go.

I liked the chrome grill

Wow! Nice find (and mods)!

Good choice!! I have a 2004 SR5 step side Tundra 4.7. Had 360k and still running strong!

Great video! This is really interesting

Quick mods that made a HUGE difference. One thumb up (because my other hand is my Dr. Pepper hand).

The Front Grill, makes the Truck look brand new!!!

I have an 18 tundra… absolutely love my truck. I was going to get a 23 tundra when I was in the market for a new truck and said no and hell no.. I do love the radio naturally but I’m extremely happy with my choice. When I bought the truck it only had 18k miles… you made a great choice. That tundra is beautiful, the grill schweeet! Subbed! 🤘🏾👍🏾👊🏾

Great truck Matt. Toyota has always been a reliable vehicle since my grandparents started buying them in the 1970’s.

Very nice Tundra, I’m jealous. Your improvements were spot on every one of them. Perfect color too, how many miles were on it?

A year ago I found a one-owner '07 Tundra with the 5.7L V8. Dealership maintenance records all the way back to when it was brand new, and only 74k miles on the clock. Just couldn't pass that up! I've done a few little mods and have more in mind, and like you I think it's gonna be as good as, if not better than, the new trucks I could've paid 4x as much for!

Good choice, I purchased a new 2004 Tundra V8 SR5 2WD and it was a excellent truck. That said they do have issues early on and if you live in the salt belt, they rusted badly. A friend who was Master Tech at local dealership replaced frames on a weekly basis. There were several stacks of used and new frames out back. I did a cursory search for one within a 150 miles, they simply don't exist. As far as Best V8 ever.....not even close but that's a whole other can of beans. :)

Recently bought a 2001 dodge ram 60k miles for 5k USD. Lived in Texas it's whole life and can run either propane or gasoline.

Nice truck Looking forward to the mods!

I bought a 2015 tundra. Had a Ford and a Dodge. Never going back, toyota quality period! Over 100k, no problems. i always service my trucks, oil change, trans services, diff services, plugs, coolant, etc.

Great improvements 👍 … loved the video