Input on a 2008 Off-Road

March 31 of 2016 was the cutoff to have the frame replaced, but there is a Class Action Lawsuit in order to have another recall done for the owners. but I don't know if that will include new owners or not

 

See FAQ #6:
http://www.toyotaframesettlement.com/home/faqs/#q3

Before I read this carefully I was intent on buying a 2010 and then working on getting a new frame, but once I read that I would have to own the truck prior to December 2nd 2016 I realized the only way I would get a truck with a good frame was to buy new (couldn't afford) or find one with a recently replaced frame.

What I did to search was use Cargurus.com, Autotrader.com , Cars.com, and Craigslist and added "new frame" in a keyword search. Also when looking at photos if I found a 2005-2008 from the rust belt that I could see the big white sticker on the frame in the wheel well I could tell it had been recently replaced.

In addition to this I ran the VIN through Toyota Owners (which unfortunately is down right now and has been for over two weeks) to check the history. This would verify frame replacement.

If you can afford a 2011+ then you might be safe but only time will tell if those frames hold up.

 

But some you find with a new frame but everything else is shot and rusted.

 

Very true, hence why I turned down an almost prefect 2004 TRD OR with a new frame

 

Part of me also thinks that I should change my idea of "the perfect truck" from a manual to an auto.

 

Not necessarily. You will find people who swear by one and some who swear by the other. It's really personal choice, and also understanding the future maintenance/longevity of each one.