2004 TRD OR frame rust - opinions?

Do you get snow in your region? Do you have experience driving a RWD pickup in the snow? It's precarious due to the front-heavy weight distribution. Grip and handling will be worse than a FWD sedan. That's why the RWD Tacoma's fatality rate is twice as high as 4x4, according to the IIHS.

 

I recently purchased an 01 dbl cab a few months ago also with little knowledge of Tacomas for 10k 160k miles in CA. This forum is amazing and has helped me so much to fix my own issues and know what I can & cant do. You'll love it here. Mine is rust free and well kept CA vehicle. I'm not the most knowledge however ill share some tips I learned.

Things I repaired: ( I have little knowledge on mechanical work going into it )

New all pro expo leaf springs + hardware (goodbye sagging springs and body roll)
Replaced Body mount bushings to stock height, removing 3" body lift (Dangerous IMO to have + Pointless)
Fluid flushes after purchasing

> Rear axle diver side had an oil leak saturating drums and shoes leading to brake failure. (Anxiety when i couldn't stop) Had fixed with all OEM parts at specialist.
( YOTA1 Performance in riverbank, CA) Great group of people and badass shop.

Also recommend asking if you can take it to a mechanic to do a general look around before purchasing. Cost me 120$ but that's how i found out about the axle oil seal leak. Ask them to check the ball joints, suspension components, Frame, brakes etc..

 

I didn't know jack squat about working on a car when I got my 04 about 4 years ago, couldn't even confidently install a new battery if you asked me to lol. These days I do pretty much all I can to my truck now maintenance wise, upgrade wise, repair wise, etc. You can find just about anything you need to know about doing repairs/maintenance here on this forum or on Youtube.

 

Guy at the dealership sent me some more photos. Thought y'all might be interested in seeing the extent of rust. Worse than I thought in some places and not as bad as I thought in others.

 

Me no like it

 

Yeah, there will be different opinions on how bad it is or isn't.
It's definitely one I'd pass on myself.

Regardless, even if just skimming through pics, if I see the heavy rust color on most of the frame and on most of everything under there like this taco, it's a 'pass'.

They may get some unlucky person to purchase it at that price, like they say 'there's a sucker born every minute', just be glad that it wasn't/isn't you.

Edit: zooming in I can't tell what I actually circled in the pic thought I was circling the worst of the frame rust... Mebbe not

 

Eek. Just texted the guy to say thanks and his reply was "Hey no problem man just don't wait to long to come down here idk how much long she will be here lol".

I really appreciate you all's help and perspective.

 

Decent salesman, actually went and got the pics and did what he said would do.... Certainly not a reflection of him or his work, just the nature of the beast with these Tacomas.

Someone just posted a link to a very fairly priced tacoma but it's in Virginia. Just saying, that way you keep hope that you'll find your Taco

 

I’ll join with the masses here on price, I think for that price you can do better. You’ve already shown wisdom and patience reaching out for advice and moving on from this particular deal. You’ll find the right truck with that skill set.

I think priced a bit differently that truck would be a whole lot more appealing, the frame really doesn’t appear too bad in the pictures.. but without getting to it in person it’s hard to know for sure. Barring any deeper frame issues, I’d say 6-7k and that trucks a dandy.

 

This price is definitely not the norm, but these do pop up every now and then:

 

6k? Maybe in Commiefornia dollars.... Which is equivalent to about 3500 freedom bucks anywhere else
Just being funny man, you're located in same town as greatest football franchise in NFL history

 

Well, now I've got my eye on 2010 trd OR in timberland mica, so I'm still hopeful.

You guys are awesome. Thanks so much for the advice.

 

@cruiserguy Hahaha, that’s probably why that number came to my head, I’ve been distorted my whole life!

And hell yes to the franchise, but some damn heartbreakers the past couple years!

 

Oh dude..... Last year. Man, we had it in the bag.
But what an awesome fun ride it was, especially since nobody was expecting us to make playoffs, let alone make a run at the Super Bowl!!
Was one of the funnest seasons to be a fan in a few years ,that's for sure
keeping fingers crossed we can keep our foot on the gas this year

Sorry MerlinMurph I way jacked this thread

 

We just installed a lift on a good buddy's 2014, virtually same as that 2010, and boy did that thing ride nice.
The 2nd gen tacos definitely got help in the comfort and conveniences department. They are nice trucks too.

 

The Confederate flag painted roof may turn a few potential buyers away. Removing the CEL bulb is a red flag, considering the owner won't allow OBDII scan.

 

Maybe that one wasn't the best to use for my example...
I'll correct it and say you can find beater tacos for cheap every now and then

 

Rusted through shock boot/cap

 

why are your pics so small res, i cannot take a close up look on the big monitor!

 

there was a '97 taco for sale near me on the IA/NE border for $10k and 133k miles on a used lot, 2 owner truck, last owner was almost 20yrs with it
i went to check it out because i do not see that vintage much around here anymore and a couple of spots i could stick two fingers through the frame (no need for hammer!) and a noticeable hole in the passenger rear wheel well right in plain view
the salesguy that got it from a local trade in was oblivious to it
it must've sold a few weeks later or else somebody brought up the structural integrity and they took down the listing