Frame Inspection - shopping for tacoma PICS

Hi,
totally new here. ive been shopping around for a 1st gen tacoma and finally came across what seems to be a good deal on a 2000 v6 TRD model. its got 165K on it. its a dealer asking 8995, but i could get them down. The truck ran and drove nicely. the body is straight and the interior is good condition. Had clean fluids etc, but while looking underneath i found this large dent in the front passenger frame--right near the radiator.

sorry about the cell phone pics, but you should be able to make out extent of frame damage on this one.

How big of a deal do you think this is?

 

I have no experience with frame issues, but I would walk away. Definietely creates a weak point in the frame and I bet that if in the future the truck were to fail the rust test, Toyota would deny your case based on frame damage. my .02

 

By itself, the dent doesn't look that bad. The nascent rust, however, would cause me to move on. My reasoning on this is that I can only see the rust on the outside of the frame; it's probable that the rust on the inside is quite a bit more extensive.

Unless you have your heart set on this particular truck, I'd suggest a look at trucks that have lived their lives in an enviornment where the roads aren't salted. I know this is easier said than done, but if you are looking for a long term truck, it might be worth it to poke around on the 'net for trucks that lived in the southwest, Texas, or really anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I've decided to keep on the lookout. Its hard to come by a good deal on these trucks!

here is what im seeing:
96-98 extra cabs 4x4s with 200K for 6K. seems to be a lot of those
99-01 '' with 150-200K for 7-8K

There is a 98 TRD with 120K for 9500, but thats a bit out of my price range.

 

I would be concerned as to what caused such a kink in the frame and what shape the front end alignment is in, or if that damage would effect the ability to do an accurate alignment.

 

1) Does the dealer know about "said" frame damage ???

2) If it is a Toyota dealer,PUSH them to put the truck on their "Frame machine" and see how bad it is...PUT IT ON PAPER

3) Once they do this have them do the "Frame inspection" per Toyotas rules and warranty it as such.....

4) IF they can do all this for you and find a price you both agree on...GUESS WHAT????

If they can not do ALL of the above KEEP looking....just be patient...

 

Just be aware that 2001-2004 Tacoma's must have had the frame treated by a Toyota dealer prior to 2012 in order to get a new frame.