2004 TRD OR frame rust - opinions?

Hey everyone,

Looking at this 04 TRD OR


https://www.garlitchchryslerdodgeje...a-Tacoma-f10ed2060a0d0c14315f0e5c2f1bbe37.htm

They just sent me a bunch of photos of the frame to look for rust and was curious y'all's thoughts on how bad it looks.

I can ask him to send photos of specific areas as well.

Thanks!

 

Can’t really tell from those pictures that well. See if you can get the pictures of the frame right above the rear wheels on Both sides, then one from laying underneath the bed.

 

Hard Pass

 

Looks fine for a 16-year old truck. The front leaf hanger is usually a bad spot due to a concentration of welds. Ask for photos of the frame rails from the inside.

What bad rust looks like:

 

the frame is definitely rusty but the question is how bad
For 10.8k, you better go looking at rust-free california, texas or arizona trucks

 

Based on the photos posted, this frame would pass inspection.

 

My frame passed inspection too

 

You sure you want Bob the mechanic to reassemble your truck in 20 hours or less?

 

?

 

Aka frame replacement.

 

Make sure to check the crossmember behind the fuel tank. Pretty common rot spot

 

Thanks everyone. Going to ask for a few more photos as tacomainthesun suggested. In the meantime, here's the full set of stuff he sent. I'm thinking it's worth a drive down to check it out myself given what folks have said. It's about an hour and a half drive.

Also added a few photos that show the other damage on the body which I'm told was from a deer strike. You can see the crookedness of the front bumper and a dent in the driver's side which he said is from the deer's hear whipping around the side.

 

Look closely at where the front bumper mounts to the frame to make sure nothing else is tweaked.

Muffler needs replacement because of the big gaping hole.

Spare tire is a BFG Rugged Trail? If it's more than 6 years old, it should be replaced.

 

Will do. I am a complete novice at anything car related, though, so hopefully there isn't something obvious I miss.

Yeah. That was the most obvious thing to me, though I wouldn't have been able to tell you that was the muffler.

Good call. I assume there's some identifying information on the spare to tell me how old it is? Googling now...

Edit: Google successful. Will check out tire age

 

No way I would that kind of cash for a truck this old with body damage and potentially serious frame rust.

 

It's par for the course for 1st gen 4x4s in @MerlinMurph's region, especially with the TRD OR package: https://www.autotempest.com/results...axyear=2004&maxmiles=200000&transmission=auto He's basically paying PreRunner money for a 4x4 thanks to the body damage. Here's an SR5 trim in good condition going for $16k: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/814088923/overview/

I'd never pay that much money for a 1st gen in any condition (which is why I'm driving a 3rd gen).

 

Thanks everyone. This is giving me the context I need. Seems like if that's really the truck I want, they need to move a lot on the price and I need to be mentally prepared to spend some cash on repairs. A few years ago or a few years from now I might be up for that, but just not there right now. Really need a truck that's pretty much ready to go. I appreciate all of the input!

 

It always puts me at ease when someone has the ability to look at purchasing things and keep the emotion or circumstances out of the equation or purchase.
I think you're making a wise choice in passing on this one. If you're okay to spend 10k on an old first gen taco then definitely get a taco out of Texas, AZ, NM, etc.
You will be much happier off long term with your purchase

 

Thanks. I mean, I like that truck, but I'm realistic. My own knowledge of auto repair: I know nothing. Beginner/novice is generous. With that in mind there's no shot I can do the repairs myself and I don't want to dump a ton of extra money into it right off the bat.

I'm looking at a 2009 RWD with no visible rust, some nice extras and similar miles for a few thousand bucks more. By comparison, the 04 doesn't make much sense. I really appreciate y'all's help.

 

Wow, $10,800 for an 2004? WOW!!! I'd pass on that one.