Frame failed

So my frame failed inspection today. I've only had my 03 for 3 weeks :-( The dealership said it'll be a while until they get the frame in and that toyota will contact me about a buy out or a frame. So which should I take? I bought it out right to avoid payments however if I get a decent buyout I could put a nice down payment on a brand new taco... suggestions?

 

Depends on what you'll have to pay out of pocket when and if they do the frame. From what I understand you get a lot of new parts, not just the frame such as; frame, rear leaf springs, brakes lines, fuel lines. Don't quote me on that though, but I've also heard some people had to pay some out of pocket for other things that broke, and of course they are going to try to upsell you on something or a lot of somethings.

 

The frame replacement is a complete new truck underneath. I love first gens so I know what I'd do.

 

3rd gen

 

I own a first gen. If I got offered a buy out, I couldn't write the check for the new truck down payment fast enough.

I love my first gen, but the value of these trucks is falling fast.

A 3rd gen will have trade in value for another 15 years. I don't expect my 1st gen to have much value after the next 5 years.

Keep us posted on what happens.

 

Eww

 

What shape are your shocks and tires in? If you have the opportunity to get some free work from the dealer for installing parts you pay for...it might be a good thing. You could get new shocks and springs for like a grand, plus whatever else the dealer is chaging for the frame replacement. Might be a chance to upgrade your 1st gen for cheap....

All depends the price for each option I guess... Either way it's going to cost you SOME coin. 3rd gen would be a lot more coin....

 

No shit. 3rd Gens are just ugly; could have purchased one and didn't. Happy with my choice; well-taken care of 1st Gens are perfect.

I would listen to MR2 and see what out of pocket looks like. You might get new parts along with the frame; the engine will outlast your Grandkids and that truck will keep on truckin. Keep us posted.

 

Get it fixed, new Tacomas aren't near the build quality of the old ones. I bought a 2011 brand new and within 5 months it developed a host of annoying interior rattles and noises. Overall, the interior felt cheap and flimsy. When I sold it and bought a 1st gen (I was originally set on another 2nd gen but with a double cab, thank god I didn't get another 2nd gen!) I was amazed at how quiet the interior was despite being 11 years old at the time and now nearly 2 years later and at 110k miles, it's still quiet as can be, even on really rough roads.

It seems like build quality of Toyota vehicles falls more and more each year, not just the trucks. I think they still build dynamite engines, but their focus is straying from interior and body quality big time. With my 2011, I could flex the sheet metal with little pressure by hand, my 2004 I really have to lean on it to flex the metal. I understand trying to make them lighter for fuel economy purposes, but don't sacrifice quality to do it!

I got my frame replaced in the spring and it rode and drove like a brand new truck. Whether the value drops or not, I will drive this thing until the wheels fall off. I finally have my ideal vehicle and I have no intention of parting with it anytime soon! 1st gens are getting rarer and rarer every day and I don't see them hardly at all around these parts anymore. Meanwhile, everyone and their neighbor's cousin has a 2nd gen. It's nice driving something unique and not something that everyone else has.

 

OP, don't let these diehards hold you back from what could be a greater experience.

 

It's all about the coin man. Don't get sucked in if you can't afford it. Not all of us can....

 

It's good to hear the previous owner had it sprayed, which gave you a 15 year warranty on the frame and you will get more than what you paid +.

 

Get some numbers from Toyota first.

 

Is this the dealer you bought it from?

 

Funny as far as I know the complete Buy backs are over unless the dealer is buying back the truck not Toyota USA

It seems replacing the frames is cheaper in some way

 

Actually I purchased it at a dealer in pa drove it 100 miles home. I took it to my toyota dealer near me too look it over and do an oil change. They said the frame was really rusty and the warranty was up on 1st gen tacomad. After a couple days of hassling with them they did a frame inspection and it failed.

 

Was the selling dealership a Toyota one?

 

OP, if I were you I would try driving a decent 2nd AND 3rd gen. I used to have a 04 DCSB and I love the 2nd gen over that, granted I say this as I havnt ever played in a 3rd gen. I like the look of the 2nd gen over the 3rd gen, but that's my subjective taste. You owe it to yourself to see if the technology is worth some of the extra cost. Considering there are two newer generations out there, you have a lot of options to go with or not depending on what you really care/looking for in a vehicle. I personally love the 2012-2015 look the most, but as others have said these trucks arnt free.

Coot

 

Yes both toyota dealerships.. that's what's crazy. How long until the phone call from toyota comes?

 

I haven't heard of anyone owning an '01-'04 Tacoma getting a buy out from Toyota HQ.

If you replace the existing frame, there may be a number of repairs/replacements worth paying for out of pocket. You don't state your '03's mileage/engine, so some would depend on that. They will have it torn down to the bare essentials, so take advantage of it. When the frame on my '01 was replaced, I had them take care of a leaky rear main seal, and some other relatively minor problems. They also reinstalled my suspension (coils, shocks and leaf springs) on the new frame, even though new leaf springs came with the new frame. You'll have to see how much of this work they will do under the warranty, and how much you would have to pay for. I only paid for the parts in some cases. Also, leave the techs a camera and ask them to take pictures as they go. Very cool record to have. New frame is almost equal to new truck (and no payments).

You are in an enviable position compared to some '01-'04 owners who were not covered by the extended warranty because the undercoating was not done. Good luck with your decision. Keep us informed on your progress.