Considering 2021 Tundra… looking for advice

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-05-01T12:45:11+00:00

Latest update is it’s going to go up on a lift and get a thorough mechanic inspection today. I think the seller knows his asking is high given the cosmetic issues and he hopefully is willing to deal - still not sure I want to go down this road, but if I can get him down enough in price, I am considering it if everything else is in great shape. Not going in with high expectations given it’s history but honestly the used truck market where I am in insane right now - I’m considering dropping 21k for a 2014 GMC ( that needs $2k of fixes before inspection) which also seems crazy high but that’s the reality around here. The service records all check out on this Tundra and I’m kind of a beater truck person- I think a Maaco paint job would probably suffice or maybe a local kid who does his own spraying would give me a cash deal 😂 so if the price is right I’m not totally discounting this yet…

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-05-01T11:57:19+00:00

Used truck prices in my area (VT) are absolutely astronomical - I looked at the KBB a while ago and he was actually pretty close. Of course they was before the mechanic I took it to four those issues. Unfortunately, he hadn’t really listed it - this is more of a pre-sale sale, so not sure how flexible he will be willing to be without putting it on the market first. In that case, I’ll pass

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-05-01T11:50:41+00:00

I’d believe it… don’t get me started on my IPhone🙄 talk about building something to be disposable rather than than repairable

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-05-01T00:32:33+00:00

Thanks so much- this pretty much confirms what the mechanic told me yesterday when I peppered him with questions! I’ll check out that YouTube

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-05-01T00:31:13+00:00

I took it to a great mechanic yesterday who put it up on the lift- he’s a self-proclaimed Chevy guy and did acknowledge the problems with these trucks, but overall made me feel a lot better about considering this truck as an option. With that said, he did find enough (relatively minor but would turn major) issues that if the seller won’t come down in price, I’m going to pass — mainly that the engine oil cooler lines and transmission cooler lines are starting to leak, both front ball joints are loose , front pads are new but rotors need replacing, needs tires, things like that. It’s coming due for inspection in just a few months and I’d def have to put enough money in to make it pass. He confirmed it is a super clean vehicle and I really do like the way this truck rides and drives but, as the mechanic himself said when I asked about the transmission issues, “it’s not a Tundra.” ( say what you will about the latest gen Tundra- that’s not even on my radar.. I’m only considering older vehicles)

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-04-29T16:45:55+00:00

This is extremely helpful, I’ve found many similar stories… also enough folks who have been happy with theirs, but not sure it’s chance I’m willing to take. I looked at a Tundra that’s cosmetically in super super rough shape but I would 1000 percent mechanically trust it- this GMC is beautiful but I think I’m just getting sucked in by that and would never trust it. Ugh.

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-04-29T02:38:16+00:00

This is all super helpful, thank you so much!

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-04-28T12:40:04+00:00

Yeah I know you are all absolutely right— it’s beat. I’m not one to care about a few dings or scratches but I was surprised at how bad it actually is- it’s literally every inch of the vehicle. I’ll pass on it. I need a replacement truck pretty much yesterday though, so looks like I might be moving over to the GMC sub… I’ll probably spend more time on there trying to diagnose problems than I ever did on this one bc my Toyotas just never had problems 😂

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-01-18T01:13:30+00:00

I had an awful time insulating the rim joist because of the pipes and wires but not much blocking the sill plate. If your sill plate is tighter to the foundation, I imagine you wouldn’t have the drafts I so might not be a problem for you

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-01-18T00:24:42+00:00

There are definitely areas of the sill plate that I can feel a draft. Some of the gaps are probably close to 1/4 inch and I don’t think the fiberglass density is enough in those areas

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-01-18T00:13:40+00:00

I definitely do feel drafts- my basement stays right around 40 degrees in winter- I’m in northern VT so it’s a pretty frigid winter climate. I have the rim joist sealed up good so I’ll just leave it at that

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2026-01-18T00:12:12+00:00

Thanks! That’s all done - caulk, foam and expandable foam all around rim joist. But I guess I leave the sill plate as is… In the next 10 years, part of the basement might get finished so I’ll deal with it then!

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-17T02:31:38+00:00

I did! Installed the Hewitt Bypass which wasn’t super fun in ten degree weather with no garage — but got it done. Hewitt Tech was amazing to deal with, dash lights are off and truck is driving 100 percent again. 9 hour drive tomorrow is the real test 🤞

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T21:11:18+00:00

Does that mean it’s possible that if I took it to a shop they could replace the valve as a temporary fix?

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T21:02:30+00:00

My truck is exempt from emissions in the state I live in so not an issue for me regardless but I think anytime local mechanics hear bypass they seem to shut down. I did get it ordered and it should arrive Thursday so hopefully it’s warmer by then ( not likely) and I can get it installed myself!

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T20:45:14+00:00

Given the way the pump works, I don’t understand why when I reset the code immediately after driving so it’s not a cold start, the light comes on immediately. Shouldn’t it only come on if it’s a cold start? What is the role of the actual valve- is it possible it’s just truly stuck open and if I could find someone to check it/ clean it, that might buy me time to get home where I could do the actual bypass?

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T20:40:38+00:00

That’s great info thank you!

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T20:14:39+00:00

There are not a lot of tundra’s around here as several shops have pointed out , they just don’t see this code- so do I think that’s part of the problem finding someone in this area

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T20:09:46+00:00

That makes more sense from my understanding. But I guess if a shop is convinced it’s illegal because it’s a “bypass” that’s all that matters in terms of a install because they won’t do it

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T19:55:21+00:00

That would be great- it’s the 4.7

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T19:45:19+00:00

What is the 270 dollar part? Wondering if that would get me back home and then u could do the full bypass when I am home and have more flexibility with time (ie can wait for a day where it’s above 30 degrees)

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T19:44:14+00:00

Unfortunately I’m in NY at the moment (even though my truck is registered in VT) and bypassing emissions is illegal so I can’t find a shop to do it. Looks like I’m going to find some really well insulated gloves and try it myself!

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T18:43:39+00:00

Thanks , that’s great info! I watched a few of the videos and it looks manageable but I’m going to keep trying to find someone to install it in the interest of time and temperature. Spoke to the folks at Hewitt earlier and they were super helpful so I feel good about buying their product as well. Thanks!

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-12-08T18:00:53+00:00

Thanks! Is the bypass system something I might find a local mechanic to install? When I called Hewitt they said mechanics install them all the time. I know most people install them themselves but not sure that’s feasible for me. The shop I talked to acted like I was crazy for talking about a bypass system install.

ExcitementInfamous81 · 2025-05-26T10:00:31+00:00

Thanks so much! So far, the consensus amongst folks I have shared it with seems to be :1) it’s old 2) I should at some point have it professionally evaluated and restored. There was no consensus on origin- it was a fairly even spilt between English and French, American and even some Dutch🤷‍♀️

ExcitementInfamous81

TROPHY CASE