Toyota pickup trucks enjoyed a bulletproof reputation for reliability–until now. For the 2022 model year, Toyota tossed the Tundra’s old naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8 for a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6. This summer, it announced it’s recalling and replacing every V6 because of main bearing issues. Ouch. But there are still very reliable used Tundra years you can still get for cheap.

2019 Toyota Tundra

I’ll be blunt, the Toyota Tundra received almost no complaints for model years 2019-2021. While Detroit half-tons got hundreds of complaints Tundras got dozens at most. Since 2014, every Tundra has had the same 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic. It’s also had a straightforward body-on-frame construction and basic rear leaf springs. Critics called the truck outdated, but Toyota had spent years working out every last bug and today these are an old-school bargain. I’m listing 2019, because its an inexpensive new year. Why? Maybe because Toyota hadn’t added Apple CarPlay/Android Auto yet.

Reliability-wise you’re relatively safe with any low-mileage and low-rust Tundra since that 2014 visual refresh when Toyota made the V8 the only engine option. The 2014 model earned the most poor reviews as Toyota worked out problems, with the NHTSA receiving 10 complaints of engine problems and the Car Complaints website receiving 4 on engine problems. In addition, there were 13 total complaints for brake problems and 11 for interior accessories. Toyota is excellent about offering recall work for even minor issues, so just run the VIN of any Tundra you’re considering buying and make certain all the recall work is complete.

2013 Toyota Tundra

Remember how I said the 2014 mid-generation refresh was a visual redesign (at the same time Toyota dropped the V6 engine option)? Well even truck buyers like “new” looking vehicles. So if you don’t mind driving a truck older than a decade–and if your bank will lend you money on one–you may be able to save some cash by going for the old body style, the 2013 or earlier.

If you want the V8 Tundra, you’ll have to double-check that your 2013 or earlier truck had that option. When you are shopping for a truck this old, it’s especially important that you search for a low mileage, low rust example. If you live up north, it might even be worth shipping one from down south. Also, if it’s done a ton of trailering or plowing, plan to maintain it like a truck with twice as many miles as the odometer reads. And it’s never a bad investment to have your mechanic look it over before you buy.

2022 Toyota Tundra

I know. Every single one is getting recalled for an engine swap. But hear me out. Remember when Toyota did the frame swap recall on a bunch of its old trucks? My friend, who is a carpenter, went out and bought one with a frame so bad it was bowing in the middle. It was an ex-farm truck that had been beat to death. And he paid a few hundred dollars. Then he took it to the dealership and had a new frame swapped in on their dime. Last I checked he’s still driving the thing.

Open recalls can kill a vehicle’s resale value. But if the automaker is willing to foot the bill, I think people needn’t be so wary. If you’ve been coveting the new (2022-present) Tundra, now might be your chance to get a cheap used one. Call your local dealership and make certain their service department will let you bring in a second-owner Tundra. Then look for a used one with an “open warranty” and plan to drop it off for a while. You’ll get a zero mile engine, and I’m here to say you know that Toyota’s triple-checked its main bearings are good. You’ll also get a 10-speed Aisin transmission, fully boxed frame, and the rear coil springs developed for the Land Cruiser. All-in-all, you could have a fairly reliable truck for less than any other two-year-old half-ton.