Tacoma Frame Condition

Hey all,

I’m looking at purchasing my first Tacoma, I found one that checks all my boxes except I’m not 100 percent sure the condition of the frame. Does this look like a normal frame for a 2013 Tacoma? And are there any problems or future problems you foresee with it? One thing I'm kind of worried about is the side rails, there seems to be some rust on them. Thank you.

 

Pictures kind of cut off the wording but it said,

I’m looking at purchasing my first Tacoma, I found one that checks all my boxes except I’m not 100 percent sure the condition of the frame. Does this look like a normal frame for a 2013 tacoma? And are there any problems or future problems you foresee with it? Thanks

 

Can't comment on the frame but it looks like you have serious rust forming on the lower rocker panels. Mine has been krown'd since 2015 so it has none of the rust that one is showing.

 

Yeah thats what I was worried about, what is krown'd?

 

1. Why are you posting screenshots? They are further compressed and blur out a lot of details

2. There are 2003 models in way better shape

Just pass

Frame could be fully intact (although near the fuel tank looks suspect) but the subframe looks pretty bad as well as other areas

Those types of vehicles are the nightmares you hear about when people are doing their own wrenching

 

Shoot thats too bad, but thank you Ill stay away from it.

 

In before the NE members comment on how great the frame looks.

Pass OP.

 

Haha I live in NE

 

Krown/Rust Check are two of the more common rust proofing companies up here in Canada although I think they are in the US as well. Applied yearly as a mist in door panels and a liquid underneath. Sort of like a thick WD40.

Did this pic while I was crawled under greasing the U joints. 10 years of Toronto salted winters. When it goes in for this years respray I can get much better pics when its up on the hoist.

 

Frame looks ok for a 11 year-old truck. Rocker panel and pinch weld rust looks worse, though they aren't structural.

You should check for other common 2nd gen issues like timing cover leak near the power steering pump and steering rack seepage near the boots. Can easily spend a few grand fixing these.

 

U-bolts look like they are extended, so that truck may have had blocks on it at some point. Not necessarily bad, just an indication that it has been modded/unmodded.

Not a terrible specimen, but not great either. I'd consider it if it was priced way on the low end, pending the other things people have mentioned checking out. Otherwise, pass and look for a better specimen.

 

he doesn't specify where he's at.

in indiana/illinois, that's a really good condition truck that's still got another 200,000 miles in it. in california, that's a horrific zombie of a truck that should've been scrapped years ago.