200,000 Miles In, I Want To Drive My 2010 Toyota Tundra Into The Ground

This morning I came across a discussion in TundraCrew group on Facebook where one 2010 Toyota Tundra owner wrote that he has almost 200,000 miles on his truck, but wants to greatly extend the life of his truck.

He wants to avoid getting a new truck due to cost. He doesn't want to have a car payment. His 2010 Tundra with 200,000 miles has a low trade-in value due to high mileage. And the owner has only had to replace the started so far, which is a positive sign.

"I’m at almost 200k miles on my 2010 Tundra. I am not in a position yet for a new one and don’t want a car note. I’d like to drive this into the ground as it’s worth probably $4,000 to $5,000 on the open market. The only major thing I’ve had replaced is the starter. Are any of you at 300k to 400k miles on the older trucks without any significant repairs? Just curious," writes user HA in the TundraCrew Facebook group, dedicated to Toyota Tundra truck discussions.

First, I want to say that usually, all things equal, 300,000 or 400,000 miles on a Toyota Tundra is nothing. You are barely breaking in. You have not seen the million-mile Tundras?

In 2023, Toyota posted the story of just exactly how the million-mile 2007 Toyota Tundra inspired the Tundra team to make such a reliable truck. The story is truly amazing, and I think that a lot of car companies who have made cars that could reach a million miles should really do the same.

You shouldn't worry about selling a Toyota Tundra with 200,000 miles. For example, 308,00 miles in, the owner of this Toyota Tundra is trying to sell his truck with a known transmission issue and cosmetic problems. Yet, despite the high mileage and and age of the vehicle, he has good chances too. You see, he has 108,000 more miles on his Tundra than you.

In the discussion I read one person saying his Tundra truck has 346,000 miles and he has only changed the carrier bearing, water pump and the starter. That's pretty impressive, isn't it?

Another Tundra owner replied and said the alternator is the only thing he has changed in his 2013 Tundra. These examples speak about how reliable Tundra trucks can be. In fact, not only Tundras, but also Tacoma Trucks. You probably have heard the story of 1.6 million-mile Toyota Tacoma. Look where it is now. 

Tundras are reliable heavy-duty trucks. "I sold my 2004 Limited Double Cab 4x4 4.7L V8 with 250k miles for $6,500 and it was used as a painting vehicle and quite beat up honestly," writes another group member JM.

"2010 DC 5.7 200k, haven't had any issues . I've owned the truck for 7 years and bought it with 97k on it," write QM in the group.

How To Reach 300,000 Miles on a Toyota Tundra from 200,000?

I've read about many Toyota Tundras reach well over 300k miles. They're renowned for their durability. Here's what you can do to maximize your chances of joining the high mileage club:

• Good Maintenance: This is key! Stick to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your 2010 Tundra. Don't skip oil changes, and consider using high-mileage oil after consulting your owner's manual.
• Listen to your Tundra: Pay attention to new sounds, smells, or changes in performance. Addressing minor issues early on can prevent them from snowballing into expensive repairs later.
• Fluid Flushes: Consider periodic flushes for your cooling system, transmission, and brake fluid according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Be proactive: Look for common wear items on high mileage Tundras like shock absorbers, spark plugs, and CV axles. Replacing them before they fail can improve handling and prevent damage to other components.
• Rust Prevention: Especially if you live in an area with harsh winters, regular rustproofing can significantly extend the lifespan of your frame.

Following these tips will significantly increase your chances of reaching 300k miles and beyond with your trusty Tundra. If you want extra guidance, there are fantastic online resources and forums specifically for Toyota Tundra owners. They can provide valuable insights and share experiences.

A lot of people contemplate whether to buy a new truck or a used truck. As a Toyota Tundra enthusiast, I always find myself on the fence debating if I would buy a used Tundra over a new one, let alone one close to hitting the 200k mark. So, is it worth to buy a Toyota Tundra with around 200,000 miles? Before you roll out the dough, there are some very obvious factors to take into consideration. Please, let's discuss them in the comments section below. Click the red link below and write your comment to join our discussion.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.