What constitutes "bad" frame rust?

I'm new to the forum and in the process of looking for a 2005-2008 v6 Tacoma with factory tow package. If it's a SR5 with the TRD I'm extra happy. Challenged by finances I'm hoping to stay under 14K.

Most vehicles are not close to me so I'm having owners and dealers snap a lot of photos before I even consider coming to look in person.

All that is context. Here's my question. What's too much rust? I'm used to heavily factory undercoated older Volvos so I'm not quite sure how much rust is acceptable. Right now I have a line on a good truck. Here's the frame photos sent to me. I'd appreciate knowing how this level of rust appears to others with more experience with these vehicles and this problem than me.

Thanks,

Kelley

 

Compared to many other TW members who have posted their rusted frames, that doesn't look too bad.

For rust prevention alternatives see:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/355928-rust-prevention-consolidation-thread.html

 

I'd probably pass on that truck- in the upper right corner of the second picture (top arrow and circled area) it looks like it's starting to bubble (but then that may just be the light). Look along the edges of the frame (second arrow/circle)- the layers seem to have issues separating and also inside the frame, particularly where sections are welded together and the through-frame holes.

Also look at the condition of the bolts in the engine compartment and for oxidation on the alloy parts- they might not be a structural issue but removing them for service can be a nightmare. My tow hook bolts snapped off with minimal pressure even after soaking them overnight with Kroil.

 

As frame rust goes that doesn't look bad. Of couse little or no rust is best, but that will be hard to find. I had an older toyota truck that had no paint left on the frame at all and it still had plenty of life left on it.

The problem is the rot that can't be seen. Some of the frames have rotted from between 2 pieces or from the inside of the channel.

Personally, if I had a choice I would avoid an 05. Being as that was the 1st year for that generation some things changed after that year.

 

Rust = Bad

No Rust = Good

Need I say more?

 

You are looking in the wrong area. You need to look at the area inside of the frame where the cats are, this is where the holes usually develop.

 

I don't think its bad at all. A little work with wire brush or grinder and some rust converter and paint and I think that frame will be good to go . Good luck

 

This will be blasphemy on this site, but seeing as you are on a budget, check out the Frontier. It has a stronger engine for towing, and they depreciate more so for the same money you should be able to find a truck with lower miles or in better condition. Also, I haven't heard of them having a frame rust problem.

 

Have the guy get pics of the frame from the tranny xmember forward, that's where the rust issues are the worst.

 

You do know that you are in fact going to hell for that, Right?

 

That may be why they didn't send you any pictures of that area.

 

Yes, you have pictures of the part of the frame that always looks good on rusted trucks.

 

Also, ask for photos of the frame right where the forward part of the leaf spring connects. That's where my '99 rotted completely though.

 

I gotta agree with Davikes, keep away from the Tacoma, while fit and finish is great and the drivetrain is close to bulletproof, what good is a truck when the main component that makes it a truck isn't reliable. The 1st gens started first, now 2005-2008's and apparently some Tundras as well, Toyota has a huge problem with frame rust and it should really be a full blown recall as it can clearly be a safety issue. My next truck, once I get tired of welding patches in the Tacoma frame, will likely be either a Frontier or a Titan.

 

You live in a bad part of the world for corrosion problems. How about looking in another market. Like say, Virginia. It will add a little cost to your purchase having to fly to the truck and drive it home. But, you get away from the massive corrosion problems that most vehicles have in your neck of the woods.

 

The only way you're gonna truly know....is have the owners get it inspected by Toyota and give you a copy of the paperwork from Toyota.

At that point...pass of fail......

PASS = frame coating
FAIL = new frame & 3 months (or so) without the truck.

You can negotiate the price depending on the results of the inspection. CYA (cover your ass).

 

Lots of good information here, thanks. I will get more photos if I decide to move forward. I've considered looking outside the northeast but trucks with registrations in the recall states throughout their lifetime qualify for new frames or frame coating. And if that sounds like an excuse it is...I might reconsider.

In the end Janster is right...it is up to Toyota. If I knew the truck needed and qualified for scaling and frame coating, that would be a good thing for me. If it failed, I can decide to wait for it or not...though I probably wouldn't since something else will pop up before spring (my deadline for finding my new used truck).

I'm assuming one of the reasons it is so hard to buy a mid 2000 (05-08) higher mileage (90 to 120K) Tacoma from a Toyota dealer (where I'd like to go to best use my trade in and be covered easily by lemon laws) is because so many of these vehicles come in and qualify for new frames...the dealers have the work done but then wholesale them...at least the couple dealers I've been looking with have done this with 4 trucks I've been interested in so far. And the bulk of used trucks for sale are at independent used car dealers.

I've thought abut the Nissan but my mechanic doesn't like working on them and a good mechanic is hard to find in the middle of northern NY...believe me.

Why doesn't Toyota undercoat these trucks in the factory? Right now I own two 1997 Volvo 850s...those things never rust because they are thickly coated from birth. Seems prudent...but maybe Toyota likes engineered obsolescence?

Cheers,

Kelley

 

Almost no trucks come with an undercoating from the factory. All cars come with the thick rubber undercoating on the unibody and underside.

Used tacomas sell quickly. That's why it's so hard to find one. My local dealer usually sells new and used within a week of having it on the lot. I bought mine while it was in transit because I new it would sell once it hot the lot.