Considering a ‘98 tacoma xtracab. Is it worth it?

Hello all

I’m considering buying a low mileage ‘98 xtracab. This would be my first truck let alone first tacoma. I’ve seen a number of recent posts from people with vehicles of similar years here so I’m pretty excited about it, but I have some concerns involving the body rust issue. I’m sure its been discussed at length and I have read multiple threads concerning the issue.

The vehicle in question does not seem to have had the frame replaced, instead the orginal owner went ahead and coated the frame. I have read that this was one option during the recall. It looks like it was done pretty well, but there does seem to be at least one small hole in the frame near the rear wheel well.

In addition, the vehicle has a rough idle and I’ve read several different threads on here about what the issue could be.

Would it be worth it to buy this vehicle? I’m trying to stay under $10,000 to purchase the vehicle and this one falls well beneth that, but I’m just not sure if I’m wasting my money.

Any and all replies help!

Thanks in advance.

 

So, if I cant break clean through with the hammer, I should be in decent shape then?

 

Frame rust is the biggest concern ...so with that being said...if it's not an issue and the price is right pull the trigger...

Motors..trans..rears...suspension can all be upgraded and/or replaced in my opinion...just depends on how much you're willing to spend on the truck and you're intentions.

So far just to give you an idea...this is how much I've spent...not everyone is going to be willing to drop a ton in a 20 year old build...but I have a habit of not leaving well enough alone...

Truck cost- $4500
Body work- $4600
Full body Line X- $4900
Fabtech 6" lift- $2700
TIS 33x12.5x20 w/tires- $2500
Tundra front disc conversion (parts)- $560

Otherwise basic stuff..new battery..alternator..gaskets etc for motor...tranny stock and planning on regear if necessary

 

Gotcha. Right now, its gonna be a commuter, but it will be doing some light offroading when I can.

The whole reason I looked into tacomas was because of its reputation for being incredibly reliable. I’d like to be able to get this thing to clock another 10 years with mininal costly repairs.

Also, its going to be braving midwestern winters and salt.

EDIT: i needed to clarify

 

If the frame already has a small hole, it won't be long before it gets much worse. The frames rust from the inside out. Huge chunks will separate from the frame. Best thing to do is get a borescope attachment for a cellphone and inspect the entire frame. Once they begin rusting, there is no stopping, or even slowing it down.

 

I wouldn’t trust a frame that was previously undercoated. Considering it’s a 1998, you can’t have the frame replaced anymore.

I would look for a truck from like Arizona or Florida, for example, where the frames are rust free and pristine.

I own two 1998’s and I couldn’t be happier.

 

Just because you can't poke holes through its frame doesn't mean it's not about to become a giant paperweight...if the rust is bad I would keep looking. Especially if you plan on driving it where they use road salt...once the rust is bad enough it's a terminal illness that can't be stopped.

 

Toyota issued a 15 year extended service campaign for the frame. Thus only few 2003/2004 trucks still qualify. Depends on your “in-service” date.

 

Just know any truck that old is going to need work .

The Toyota`s you read about being reliable are the ones the owners keep after the maintenance any vehicle neglected will be run into the ground .

Living in the Midwest even a Virgin frame will rust away without constant attention .

Is this worth it without a price and pictures and the specs of the truck about like a mail order bride without a picture

In any case best of luck

 

Hey everyone

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate all the honesty on here. It sounds like it may not be worth the trouble. The last thing I need is for something dangerous to happen while driving one day.

Here are the specs anyway
‘98 sr5
Auto
2.7L 4c

46K miles on it.
The vehicle spent its whole like in upstate NY.

And I forgot to add that not only has it been coated (thanks for the advice on that) it has also been reinforced in some spots with steel plates.

I wasnt able to check out the vehicle myself yet. I had some family look at it, take it for a ride, and I decided to $100 down until I could get out there to look at it again (I live ~3 hours away).

I’m in town now and I was planning on picking up the truck today and driving it back home, but I’m not starting to think I shouldn’t bother. It’s a shame too.

Here are some pics although, I have nothing of the frame itself

 

There are two types of "coating" the frame:

1. Any "paint type" coating (could be rubber type, rust converter, chassis saver etc), that is applied one or in layers if multiple times. This type of coating can't be washed off and in most cases they will hide and trap the rust under it. I'd stay away from Tacoma treated like that as there are many stories already about sellers who hide the rotten frame under shiny paint.

2. Any "film type' coating that is designed to keep moisture away from the metal, and can be washed out and re-applied. In my opinion that is the only way of keeping the metal fresh for a long run, of course if the film washed out and is re-applied often.

That was done and did not do a squat to protecting the frame. However for 2000+ Tacoma it was a requirement to qualify for the free the frame replacement. Not that it have effect on protecting the frame, but just to filter out candidates who neglected that recall (another way of saving money by Toyota).

Form that I assume that "coating" was the 1st type meaning: looking shiny and hide any potential problems. If there is a hole you can see, it is quite safe to say, that the rest of the frame you can't see is paper thin in critical places.

https://youtu.be/nXvl9nt57Kg

 

Thanks for clearing that up and for the warning.

If I do recall, it was the rubberized coating or something similar. I dont remember it being shiny.

 

This is a huge eye opener. Thanks for this.

 

I could get the truck for $6800 out the door

 

True...but where's the fun in that..lol

 

I can tell you from experience here in NJ ..a similar Tacoma would go for about the same if not more...especially with low mileage like that. If you don't feel comfortable assessing the frame maybe ask the owner if you can have someone look at it before you commit to buying. It may give you the piece of mind you need or nix the deal all together

If the frame isn't rotted beyond repair and you decide to buy the truck...rip the bed off...media blast that bad boy down to the bare metal and restore it..problem solved

 

People don't reinforce the frame unless they are

a.) hardcore off-roaders

or

b.) the frame is about to fall apart in those places from rust

I'm guessing this guy did it because of option B, and then either he or the dealership covered the rest of the frame in paint to hide all of the other rust that is surely horrific, if it resulted in the frame needing to be reinforced in other parts.

It's a shame because the truck has such low mileage, but I would only take it if it were given to me or I could get it at a parts-truck price, and swap the drivetrain over to a higher mileage Tacoma (big project). Otherwise it's best to keep looking.

 

I like the idea of being able to take on a big project, but realistically I dont know if I want my only vehicle to take that much time and effort right now.

It sounds like it might not be worth that trouble. I really appreciate everyone here.

I’m currently working on a deal of a 2011 tacoma v6 with 103K. It’s obviously far more expensive, but I might be able to get it for $16948 and some real peace of mind.

 

2.7 auto lived in Up State Ny I might go $4500.00

I just scrapped a 2002 4cyl auto I got for driving it away

 

Even on these models, you will want to inspect the frame, and if purchased, will need to be vigilant with protecting the frame from future rust.