Looking At Purchasing a 2003, Please Help

First off, let me start by saying I haven't seen this truck in person yet. That will occur later today or tomorrow. Anyway, the truck is in great shape! The problem is, the owner states that the frame is rusty. He is claiming that It is still safe to drive, but wanted the new owner to be aware that the frame is becoming rusty. And as we all know, rust never sleeps. I acquired the vin number and called Toyota Corporate. I was told by one lady that the recall/frame warranty is good from the original purchase date which was july 20, 2003. That would put the truck in the 15 year timeline. She gave me a case number and told me to take it in to a dealer for inspection. Got off the phone with her and about ten minutes later get a call back from a different person at corporate stating that yes, the truck is within the 15 year coverage, but if I want a frame replacement, that I will be paying for it. Why is this? He said the 15 year warranty stands, but that its expired. Seems like an oxymoron? Am I wrong or misunderstanding something? I am, and the truck was bought/registered in a cold weather state (Ohio) and it's not 15 years old. What should I do? What is the point of the case number? Would you recommend purchasing the truck regardless? It is low mileage and a steal of a price. The maintenance has all been done on schedule and at the dealership. Again the owner states it is still safe to drive for the time being. Any thoughts?

 

Read this first:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-redeems-bad-word-of-an-employee-awards-new-frame.426767

 

Thanks for that! Now I guess I need to find out if the frame has been sprayed or not!

 

The whole frame spraying is such bs from Toyota. I know it's the way it is, but it's why I don't have a new frame under my 2004.

It would be nice to see some statistics showing how many tacomas were sprayed and of them how many needed a new frame installed under warranty. I'm willing to bet the % is very high!

 

I agree, seems like BS. Did you just weld your frame? Would you recommend doing this(having a professional do it, I should say)?

 

I had a small section up front on passengers side inner frame rail that was thin/holes. Had a local guy weld in a nice patch. Got the truck for 6k with 100k on it so I can't complain. The patch is stronger than the original frame was

 

Mine was sprayed and had to be replaced. They didn't give me a fuss though thankfully because I can be a real raging asshole about things like this.

OP, I'd take that VIN and go on the Toyota Owner's website and plug it in, it'll pull up all the service records ever performed on the truck, including frame inspections, treatments, and all other warranty work and other services performed at the dealership.

 

If the frame hasn't been sprayed, don't buy it, they will not replace the frame. They only replace it if it was sprayed and rusted out later on. I think that's all a bunch of bullshit but it's just them being cheap IMHO.

 

Already, you're dealing with dealer BS on a truck you haven't bought yet. It might be a sign to stay away.

But...if it's a killer deal and the frame issue is something you are willing to deal with, it's your call.