The "Thousands" of dollars question

Ok, here is a hypothetical. What if I was smart and lucky enough to find someone selling a 95-2000 Tacoma with rust damage-can I still get 1.5 the value? Is there a time requirement on ownership? I do not want the frame rebuilt, can I choose the check? Is it a credit towards a new Tacoma only? There is over 800k of them out there, I think there are some odds here...
Thanks in thoughts for your thoughts!

 

Don't know what the limitations of the program are, but this seems like a pretty shady way to make a few bucks. JMHO.

 

+1

Yep shady, but shady stuff goes on all the time for everything, so doesn't make this scheme any shadier than the others..

 

I believe you have to have the truck for 1 year before you can get a recall

 

yea i think the frame rust recall is only for people who have had the vehicle for a year or longer

 

I'm certainly no expert on the frame rust issues, but here's what I think I know that'll be relevant to your situation:

• In the '95-'00 range it's only buy-back, no option for replacement, you'd be set there
• The buy-back is for 1.5 times the KBB value of the truck in excellent condition
• You can call Toyota @ 888-270-9371 to get questions answered (e.g. req'd duration of ownership)
• You can call your local Toyota dealership with the VIN to determine if that specific vehicle has any campaigns associated with it
• Not all trucks in that year range qualify for the campaign, so check before continuing with your 'shady' deal
• If you decide not to purchase it, perhaps consider telling the current owner about the program

 

also if the truck is a "rebuilt",then it doesnt qualify for the recall.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that a claim has to be made by 10/31/2010, I think (or was that 2011??). So, if it's a year of ownership you're screwed, but if it's six months you might be in luck...

 

You're right, the extended warranty is 15 years from the in-service date, but I'm fairly confident that you still have to get the frame inspected and recorded by the date I mentioned. At that point they'll either determine it's affected by rust, or they'll provide a rust inhibiting undercoat.

 

Another quick note rraabb11, you must be located in one of 20 specific states (those considered by Toyota as having the heaviest usage of road salt combined with winter weather).

 

Rebuilt or salvage titles do not qualify.

 

There was a time limit on ownership. I think if the previous owner has been notified of the problem and you bought it within the last year then you are not eligible for the 1 1/2 buyback deal. Meaning, you can't go buy a used one that has the rust problem and get a 150% buyback.

 

I know there's no ownership time limit on the re-frame, not sure on the buyback.