2021 SR frame rust

Hey everyone!

I’m both new to the forum, and new to the pickup world in general. Carvana dropped off a 2021 Tacoma SR 4x4 AC the other day, the first thing I noticed as the truck was being unloaded were some rust spots on the frame. Upon further inspection, the rust looked pretty extensive, particularly for a 2021, low mileage truck.

The truck was first purchased and driven in the northeast, but is now located in sunny California. I was expecting a little bit of rust due to road salt and ice, but I’m not sure how much rust is too much rust. Most of the rusting appears centered on welds and bolts.

I’ve got 5 more days to determine if I’m gonna keep the truck, or have it returned, and in that time I’m gonna take it to an independent mechanic this week to have the whole thing inspected. I’m concerned if this rust can be cleaned off and the frame treated, or if it requires a frame replacement. If the latter, the truck is getting returned to Carvana.

Additionally, there are a few paint marker ticks near the back of the frame. This is concerning to me, as it could possibly indicate that the frame has been repaired. CARFAX, of course, comes up clean. I gather that this was likely used as a work truck in its past, though I plan to use it recreationally.

Pics for reference.

 

Looks like typical salt rust to me. Can cleanup, touch up the paint, then coat if desired to prevent any more rust. My 2018 has the same paint pen marks, so they likely came like that from the factory.

You already have the correct plan. Take the truck to a good independent shop to get it inspected. Base your decision to keep or return on what you learn from the inspection.

 

Par for the course where I live.

 

Same here.

Op, If you love the truck (having all the options you wanted in a Taco), I would have the frame treated. If not, return it on their dime and keep searching.

 

mine is a california truck, and virtually no rust . Looks like you got got , thats blows a big one

 

Never buy an automobile from the rust belt. Perhaps some Evapo-Rust gel will remove some of that.

 

That's normal for around here. I'd expect better in Cali.

 

Absolutely not true, LOTS of people here drive sacrificial winters rides and park their nice rides. I do it myself.

Get someone on the coast who puts a boat in salt water even occasionally or lives right on the water and vehicles will rust as bad or worse the in the rust belt because the warmer it is, the faster steel will rust when exposed to saltwater and salty breezes. Once you get below 10F or so, steel rusts VERY slowly when it has salt on it.

Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are way worse then sodium chloride when it comes to rusting steel. Of course States now use that crap on the roads/bridges because it's a bit more effective then calcium chloride [salt] but its hell on vehicles and roads, it'll eat any steel rerod or cause it to swell and pop the concrete around it.

 

Nothing in your pics looks concerning (yet). As was said above, have the frame treated/coated. Beyond that, it's fine (yes, the exhaust pipe flange too).

 

Looks about right,,, for a NE vehicle.
That’s said; if I lived in the desert southwest and intended to keep it for a long time, I’d punt. It’s not like they’re going to give you a discount.

Hell, I’m in the Midwest, and I wouldn’t buy a NE vehicle, we get some snow, but the few times we do, I keep my personal vehicle parked.

 

No bueno! Walk away even if it is just surface rust. Too many vehicles for sale to settle for one you have to get the frame rust treated.