Assessing Frame Rust on an 09 Access Cab

Hey All,

Having recently parted ways with my gen 1 I'm looking at getting a gen 2, mostly for the side airbags that became standard in 2009 on.

I've heard a lot of concerns over rust problems for the frames of pre-2011 gen 2's and was hoping someone could give some tips on assessing a) whether a truck has previously had the recall assessed by Toyota and b) how problematic visible rust may truly be?

I'm looking at an '09 4wd access cab with just over 117k miles on it (located in the northeast). (Pics attached) Hoping someone can either confirm or dispel my concerns on the rust as shown?

Any and all advice appreciated!

 

Not only has the frame been neglected, the body(door) has been neglected.

 

I thought it looked "okay", i.e. manageable/treatable, until that second to last pic. Pass!

 

If the price is right, and you clean, treat, and maintain the frame, it's probably liveable-with, but it would have to be awfully cheap.

 

It shows you live in California. Why would you buy a truck from the north east rust belt?
The first pic of the door told me it is a poorly maintained pos. The underside pics confirmed it. Walk away from that.

 

I too live here in the northeast. I have an 09 TRD Sport and was at the dealer in July for my frame inspection. It was found to have rust, but not perforated. Frame passed for now but I’m keeping an eye on it. I’ve had this truck almost four years and it just turned 80,000 miles a couple weeks ago. It is my daily driver and it pulls our travel trailer in the summer. (Wife’s mini van won’t) It took me almost a year to locate this truck. I looked at a lot of others in the process. Really bad frames, crazy mileage and asking top prices for them. I held out and think I did okay. I learned patience. With a wife and two daughters,I had to. Good luck in your search.

 

That's another thing that confused me. No way would I go to the exact opposite corner of the country and one that is known for salting the heck out of the roads for a common vehicle. These are dime a dozen trucks-just buy one locally or buy a new one.

 

In the third pic there's even rust on the rubber tire!

 

Ever look at the top of the rim after removing the spare tire? It stores everything flung up by the front tire and salt/brine just sits there never drying out.

 

Recommend pass. All used Tacoma's are expensive. No need to pay the Tacoma tax for that rusty one.

 

Not a no but a hell no. Scale is already flaking off the frame.

 

Ahh yea I've been back east mostly since I made my account here, should probably update that haha. But yea if possible I may look for a CA truck as I may be back west for a while.