Help evaluating rust on a used 2015 DC LB, 22k miles, $26,8k

Hi all, I'm currently trying to join the Tacoma nation and have fallen in love with the 2nd gen. I'm currently coming from a 2012 rav4, and this would be my first truck. For only being 5 years old (and a Toyota) I'm a little concerned. Or maybe I shouldn't be? Let me know if this is a good buy, if this truck is in good condition etc... I look forward to many more posts in this forum once I get my dream truck

 

I'm in California so mine still looks brand new which means I don't know about rust. However, idk if I'd pay 27k for rust like that. For that much money I would look for a cleaner truck. Travel and find a truck with less rust. My 2010 has zero rust, if I ever sell it the next guy is gonna score.

Edit: if you don't mind more miles, I would save money and buy an older one. There is a 2nd gen for sale trucks here on the forum, check it out.

 

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/787069878/overview/
Short bed, but certified and cheaper. California truck means no rust most of the time

 

For some context, I'm in Massachusetts and this particular one is certified.

besides the main topic, are the 3rd gens worth it? As I understand, the Tacoma reliability is in the 2nd gen, 3rd gens have some transmission issues, and the lesser engine displacement means you're towing at higher rpms. In addition I just like the classic look of the 2nd gen and, I dislike all the tech features in the newer ones.

Am I ignorant to be focusing in on the 2nd gen? I want to buy used anyway to save money, and ideally Toyota certified pre-owned

 

If you are towing a lot and often, second gen would be the better option, but either is fine. Besides that, 3rd gens are great, just get the year before all the sensors and stuff if that's not your thing.

Also, since you're in Massachusetts where it snows a lot, everything probably has some rust, so I wouldn't listen to what I said earlier.

Edit: searched and found a 2018 sr 4x4 certified with 36k miles for $28,900. 1 (2) year old truck vs 5 year old truck is only 2k difference.

 

Rust I hate rust! Another reason I won't live in the North. I would pass on that vehicle as the rust is starting to appear on the metal surfaces. Get a newer vehicle and undercoat it with Fluid Film.

 

Living in an area where we use a lot of road salt and owning a 2014 Tacoma, I think I'm somewhat qualified to answer your questions. First, that amount of rust isn't all that bad. I wish my 2014 (with 97,000 on the clock) looked that good. I'd have the dealer inspect and coat the frame with the latest CRC treatment process. If they decline, Fluid Film it yourself and then keep after it with yearly re-sprays as needed.

As for the price, have they legalized certain recreational drugs in your state?

 

That’s a good amount of surface rust. I’d pass on that one.
Keep looking and keep posting them up for opinions and advice.
Good luck with your search

 

I've seen a lot of Toyota frames. It appears to be surface rust on the frame. Its going to be a pain to remove any of those suspension bolts that are rusted up. Buy it and spray it down with fluid film.

150k on my 2nd gen and loving it

 

Rust doesn't look that bad especially considering your state.

As for price, you are at the dealer - what do you expect?

 

It doesnt look bad for Massachusetts but it will in a few years.
The frames tend to rot out between the cab and bed and around the spare tire. Ive seen some pics up front too under the radiator and control arms recently. I love Tacomas but I would pass on buying another one. Go for a Honda Ridgeline. You wont have to live with worrying about the frame issues. Toyota needs to take a hit for selling that crap.

 

+1

I personally agree with the OP's bias toward 12 - 15 2nd gen over 3rd.

That's surface rust, if you get after it immediately and keep it clean, you outta get years of service, even in New England where the bathe every #%^&$* thing in salt for 4 months a year.

get one o' these little bad boys...you'll do fine.

LadyRosian Pressure Washer Undercarriage Cleaner, Undercarriage Pressure Washer 4000 PSI, Car Wash Cleaner, Under Car Wash - 13" 1500 PSI+

https://www.amazon.com/LadyRosian-P...arriage+sprayer+for+car&qid=1579091580&sr=8-4

 

Toyota has had this problem for years, and I'm shocked they haven't done something to correct the issue. Heck, the frame replacements should be enough to send the message to corporate. Fix this now! Fix it for the life of the Truck!

Its one thing to have an issue, but another to drag your feet on correcting the design flaw in subsequent models.

 

I'm a nope on that one. 2013 FJ I had in 2016 looked like that when the spray paint flaked off, lca camber bolts were frozen and had to be replaced. If you want to put the time in, it can be stopped for money, you should be able to find better.

 

So buy a car ?

 

Looks usual for a northern state. Low miles. How is the rest of the truck? Its all surface rust. You can spend a little time and get it off fairly easily or look for another truck.
If the previous owner didn't spray underneath on the regular even a two year old truck can look like that. Nature of where you live.

 

The number one worst spot for frame corrosion is the boxed sections up front near the catalytic converters. This is due to the heat and the fact that the boxed sections trap salt and moisture.

 

I understand that rust is unavoidable on vehicles from up north but there's no way I would accept that much for a vehicle driven only 22k miles while costing 27K. That rust will only get worse and any simple suspension work will already be a PITA. I also question a 5 yr old vehicle driven only 22k miles. I'll pass.

 

Really isn’t that rusty, and it’s low mileage. I saw plenty 15’s that price and mileage a couple years ago, likely were lease turn ins, and they have 12’s with 100k on the lots for 19-20. So you’d probably do ok if you could get it for closer to 24. If you want a 2nd gen, get a 2nd gen, they are great trucks.