Not able to trade in 01 dbl cab

I was curious to see what the dealership would appraise my truck, as I am looking to purchase an 18 Tacoma off road. The truck needs a frame restoration, as I was well aware. Recently purchased SafeTcap for rear mid section. But work/time/blah blah does not allow me to complete this restoration.

I was caught off guard when the salesman said, they can not accept it on trade. Now, I understand bad frame=liability/ they can't resell it. But this is my third 1st gen, looking to buy a forth Tacoma... I was surprised they wouldn't budge at all, in keeping a loyal Toyota costumer happy. I will get off my soap box shortly for all those who are rolling their eyes. It just seems more could be done, since frame issues are clearly a manufacturing defect.

He had mentioned they can assist me with putting it into an auction, but that doesn't seem like the road this Tacoma deserves.

Any advice or helpful hints would be greatly appreciated. I've maintained this truck very well. But the frame. It runs great, everything works, but the frame...

 

Simply having the time to restore the frame is not there. I also don't have a MIG welder which I would prefer to have, to do the job right. Currently it is my daily driver.
Wise person once said, (paraphrasing) the value of something is determined by which, what those are willing to pay for it.

I am finding it hard to place a value on this truck knowing it needs frame tlc. I don't want to get bamboozled, but also want a fair honest price for buyer.

273,500 new front upper/lower ball joints. tie rod ends. bilstein shocks front and rear.

 

Would you sell it to a family member?

 

How bad is the frame? Do you have pictures?

 

Honestly a dealership isn't Toyota corporate, they would just be loosing a lot of money on something they have nothing to do with. If they can't sell it safely then it is worthless, Toyota Corp doesn't give them money for charity trade ins. I could see maybe giving you a grand or so off the new vehicle if it was my lot and you were actually there to make a deal not just kick tires and throw around maybes and "I gotta talk it over with the wife". But yeah, Toyota dealerships are privately owned, it's their call whether or not to take in your dangerous trade for a loss.

 

Being a big fan of the oldest method of true market sales: Auction... Try ebay or find a public auction house in your area. What state are you in?

 

Edit: Wisconsin I take it. Lots of great farm/ public auctions up there.. Auctions get a bad rep. They're not just for junk. Market it right and you'll find out that day what it's truly worth

 

OP you must remember each dealer is independent .

I can see why they did not want your truck Since Toyota is not going to replace the frame seems the time has expired .

To sell your truck the dealer is looking at @ $10,000.00 dollar repair

For them to sell it as is would open up a nightmare of legal problems

They could have given you something and had your truck hauled to the crusher I hate to see them go that way myself

 

I worked at Carmax many years ago. They would take anything and give you a check in a few minutes. No purchase needed. Later on when managing a company with trucks, and we had new trucks come in, Id take old ones there. It would release us of any liability problems. It might be worth a try for you.

 

This will sound harsh, but it's business and how the dealer will view it.

The frame IS the truck. Everything else is just bolt on. If the frame is worthless, the truck is worthless except as parts or scrap weight. Dealerships are there to sell cars, not part out vehicles for pennies on the hour for labor. If it's an unsafe vehicle they can't pawn it on the Seconday market either. That's what junk yards are for which mears at moSt yhey would pay what the scrap yard will pay them. The last time I scrapped a vehicle it was worth $200.

 

This sounds like it's at least worth a shot.

 

Part it out yourself. Im sure that soft topper and rear axle would go quick

 

I'd sell it on Craigslist with an honest detail of what is what i.e. frame with excellent pictures. You could also auction it. I know my local toyota dealer (Vermont) buys and does frame replacement than resells top dollar. They have huge bays just dedicated to frame replacements 1gen Tundras & now 2gens. But alas this is in Vermont we are so use to it here. Brine & salt kills our trucks. I agree no dealer will give you squat. Best to find a way to unload as is if you really want a 3gen. Good luck in your sale & upgrade.

 

Parting it out is probably not your first choice.... But, in addition to the locking diff it looks like a 4wd as well. The drivetrain alone is worth some money (front and back). The body looks decent in the photo, I have priced doors and they are not cheap.

 

First off, thank you for all the advice from everyone. People here have the ability to tread the line between courteous and forthright. It is appreciated.
We all have been there, that is why we are part of this site. Knowledgeable people who look out for others and understand these trucks/community, is far deeper than just a means of commute.

You are correct it does have a locking rear diff. 4x4(grey wire mod has been done)
I could go on and on about details of truck but I wont bore those, who may not be interested.
The dealership in my area has a 18 tacoma being built soon but has not yet received a listing price. So everything seems to be at a stand still for now. I hope they treat me right given all things.
That being said I hate seeing all my maintenance go for not. This truck shouldn't be crushed to make new washers and dryers. She still has many great organs in her.

Understandably, the dealers hands are tied, given its age. Its understandable. But a small portion of me, keeps putting myself in their shoes.... From where they sit, they are telling me many things. This make and model has frame issues(fact) Here... let us sell you a new/ same make and model that isn't worthless...for now.

This isn't stated to fester an uprising from everyone as I know there is more at play. But it is just me venting.

 

Just keep the 1st gen, and buy/lease the 18.

You'll have a winter rig, and a dedicated off-road Taco where you can keep driving it and replace the frame at your convenience. Then you'll have a 3rd gen for whatever.

 

I would take it and make another truck of it. The cab, bed all of it. It is sad about the frame. I saw one at the grocery store that looked like it was going to fold in half. They just kept driving it. I took a closer look to see if it was body mounts or something, but no, it was the frame.

 

That thought keeps coming into my mind also. Just still at a cross roads between (its value to me now and future) vs. more down payment. Bills and junk.

 

I don't know where the op is located, but it wouldn't be very costly to borrow/rent a trailer, drive down to a rust free state, and pick up a frame and take it back home.

Then, with the help of a few friends, you can do a frame swap in a weekend or two.