Shopping for My New To Me 3rd Gen Tundra!

[TrailJustin]

The hunt is on for my new to me 3rd Gen Tundra. My beloved 2017 Tacoma full overland build has sold and I am on to searching for a Tunndra.



Quick Back Story:
I had a 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad with every mod possible to it. I sold it because it was on 35s with a camper and I am looking for something a little larger to keep stockish to load kids into as well as pull future bigger boat and side by side.

What I am looking for:
There are a few key features that are important to me

1. 2022+ Limited TRD Offroad with rear locker and larger screen OR 2022+ Platinum
2. Under 60k miles.
3. Large 14in screen, Hopefully with the 360 cameras.
4. Ideally not looking to spend more than 46k out the door.
5. Not too color picking but Lunar Rock, Dark Blue, MGM, or White in that order.
6. I live on the West coast so withing 500 miles of Sacramento, CA.
7. As well as Black Interior.

Tools I am using:
I have Visor.vin set up to scan both local and across the country.
I also have Autotempist set up to watch Facebook Marketplace and craigslist.

So far I have put to feelers offers out there. But it seems like my price range of 44k-46k out the door with taxes and fees is a little low. I would prefer to buy private party if possible. If you have any tips that would be great!

 

[TrailJustin]

https://www.normreeveshuntingtonbeach.com/inventory/used-2023-toyota-tundra-4wd-limited-4wd-crew-cab-pickup-5tfja5db1px125990/

I called the dealer on this one but we are going to be pretty far off on price for this unit. I am seeing that units are taking around 30-40 days to sell depending on area there are a few units out there that are 80+ days or hit 60 Days and go to auction.

 

[TrailJustin]

https://www.fullertonautosquare.net/details/used-2022-toyota-tundra/115735951

More internet searching and found this oner. This has only been on the market for 35 days and currently listed at 44k. This is going to be close to 48k after taxes and fees. I dont think this smaller car lot can come down on price far enough.

 

[TrailJustin]

visor.vin/v/oygk0e

This truck was a really strong contender and the dark brown color is growing on my quite a bit.

 

[TrailJustin]

https://www.mbofpleasanton.com/inventory/used-2024-toyota-tundra-limited-4d-crewmax-four-wheel-drive-pickup-5tfwa5db8rx160213/

Keeping a close eye on this one. The price is a little high but the distance is close.

 

[TrailJustin]

Another Story update.

I was able to Strike a deal on a 2022 Tundra Limited TRD Offroad 4x4 in the Smoke Mesquite color. It currently has 54k miles on it.

We have the price around 46k out the door with Taxes and fees but the truck is located about 5.5 hours from Sacramento, CA. Now I am trying to convince myself to spend the money or to keep it and maybe hold off for a better deal at the end of the year?

 

[TrailJustin]

After deep research I have not pulled the trigger quite yet. My plan is to wait till the end of the year once things are a little more stable.

For those on the West Coast here is a great deal on a 2022 limited for around 45k out the door.

Used 2022 Toyota Tundra For Sale at Jim Burke Lincoln | VIN: 5TFJA5DB1NX041861

Used 2022 Toyota Tundra from Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield, CA, 93313. Call 661-835-6113 for more information.

www.jimburkelincoln.com

 

[TrailJustin]

Status Update​

The truck search has slowed down a bit. Lately, I’ve been following reports in the Facebook groups about 2025 Toyota Tundras having bearing failures. It’s disappointing to see, since reliability has always been the Tundra’s strongest selling point. Even though the failure rate may still be under 1%, it’s frustrating that these issues have been around since the 2022 Tundra redesign and Toyota still hasn’t fully resolved them as we approach the 2026 model year. It definitely has me questioning whether a Tundra is still the right move.


On a more positive note, I’ve come across an interesting discovery with the SR5 trim. There’s a specific configuration—the SR5 with the TRD Off-Road Premium Package—that’s kind of a unicorn, but I’m really into it. This setup adds SofTex seats and TRD interior features, which makes it feel almost like a Tundra Limited. The main things you miss compared to a Limited are the 14-inch display, the 360-degree camera system, and ventilated seats.


The trade-off, though, is that you can add an aftermarket 14-inch screen, and the interior will look nearly identical to a Limited. Plus, the SR5 skips all the chrome trim on the exterior, which (to me at least) makes for a cleaner and better-looking truck.

 

[TrailJustin]

Status Update:


I decided to pass on the truck in Bakersfield since the dealer wasn’t willing to move on price. Instead, I’ve been in talks with a woman up in Oregon who has a Lunar Rock 2023 Toyota Tundra SR5 with the TRD Off-Road Premium Package. I offered her $42k for the truck, and now I’m just waiting to see if we can lock in the deal.



Specs on the truck:

• 54k miles
• 7-year / 100k mile warranty
• VIN is clear of recalls

Honestly, if I land this truck, I’ll be really happy. I was originally shopping for a Limited, but this SR5 Premium checks a lot of the same boxes I cared about—mainly the SofTex seats instead of cloth. From there, my only big change will be upgrading the display, and then we’ll be off to the races.

 

[TrailJustin]

Story Time​

I thought I had it figured out. I worked a deal on a Tundra at Jim Burke Lincoln and got the out-the-door price down to $44,876 with California taxes and everything included. Perfect — within budget, paperwork lined up, and I was planning to pick it up this weekend.


The reason I liked this truck so much was because it had already had its motor replaced under warranty at around 20K miles, before the official recall hit. The truck sits at 54K miles now, and I even double-checked with two Toyota dealers who confirmed the recall was still open. That gave me peace of mind — if anything happened, I could fall back on Toyota to handle it.


Then the curveball hit. The sales guy texted me saying, “We’re good to make the deal, but the truck is currently at Toyota for the recall.” Wait… what? Just a couple of days ago this wasn’t the case. Now my safety net was gone.


Sure, the motor is technically new and Toyota should honor it going forward, but that wasn’t my plan. I wanted the extra layer of protection that came with having the recall open. Without it, I’m basically spending a big chunk of money on a truck with no backup plan.


So here’s where I landed: I can hold out for a 2023 that still has factory warranty left, or better yet a Certified Pre-Owned with 7yr/100K coverage. Or maybe even step up to a 2024 that isn’t tied to the recall list. At least that way I can head out on trips without constantly worrying about throwing a bearing in the middle of nowhere.


Honestly, my opinion right now is that these early 3rd Gen Tundras are kind of a mess. If you’re shopping, I’d say avoid anything earlier than a 2024 — and even better, look at a 2025. And who knows… maybe I’ll just wait it out like TRDJon and see what the “3.5 Gen” brings. Worst case, maybe I grab a 4th Gen Tacoma to hold me over.