How bad is this frame rust?

If it was the very last ‘08 sold off the lot, you might just be able to get a new frame. Look up your VIN on the Toyota owners site to find out. Don’t just take the dealers word for it. My Taco was originally sold in Canada so I had to go up there for an inspection. I was approved for a new frame 1 year ago. My new frame just got to the dealer about 1 month ago. It’s sitting there waiting for me and Canada customs won’t let me drive into Canada. ARGH!

 

Coming from a guy with a rust free 2005 Tacoma from TX, that's not really that bad. Looks to be surface rust and mainly along the bottom half of the frame. Definitely repairable DIY.

 

In Canada it expires on Tuesday. I know because I just got a 2006 Tacoma and went to get the AC recharged at the dealership. They were surprised by how close I was in bringing it in and the expiry of the recall. I was surprised I would have to have the frame replaced.

 

I hate to tell you, but someone at the dealer read the settlement wrong. The end date for inspection to get approved for a free frame replacement was July 21, 2019. The July 21, 2020 date is the last date for getting a CRC treatment. (Spraying some goop on your frame). There is no way Toyota Canada is going to approve your truck for a free frame replacement. Sorry.

 

You might be right... There was some confusion between the dealership and Toyota. I just emailed them my registration so they can dispute it with corporate.

Did I buy a lemon?

 

Yep. Sorry.

 

I'll update on what they respond with, but in the meantime, how big of a safety issue is this? Is this turd going to fold in half on the highway? Or just start having parts fall off it?

 

If your frame just has a hole like this, it's probably still safe to drive.




If it looks like this, it could bend in the middle and cause an accident.

 

I'll have to check. I'm not so happy right now.

Thanks for the knowledge.

 

This is why it's always important to have a vehicle inspection done before buying any vehicle over $500. A good mechanic would have pointed out the rusty frame and told you not to buy it. It's a shame the previous owner didn't get it in for a frame replacement when it was still eligible.

 

Unfortunately I didn’t own the truck then

 

yea, that a frame replacement candidate. to bad its over, your only hope the previous owner had it inspected by Toyota and its documented in their system for the 12 year warranty.

 

I did talk to a dealer about it and did my online research and found that it was out of recall.

 

It received the rust proofing treatment, but apparently wasn’t eligible for the replacement

 

OP^^^this, lots of summer left

 

Thats doesn't make much sense, if it's documented in Toyota's system for being treated in the allowed time then it should get the frame replacement if needed. Call Toyota cop with your VIN # and start there.