Help on Evaluating Frame

Hi everyone,

not sure exactly where this question belongs, but hoping I can get some feedback here. I am looking to buy a tacoma, and found a 2010 that fits what I'm looking for. I do live in the rust belt, so I want to be sure that the frame is in good shape. There are a couple pictures around the wheels here, could someone tell me if you can see anything in this picture that is concerning? I would also appreciate some input on how and where to evaluate the frame when I go look at this in person. Thanks!

 

Going by that pic I would say walk away. Send pics of the spring hanger area,the inside channel under the body of the truck and the boxed in area by the cats.

 

I was able to get the dealership to send these additional pictures. This doesn’t look promising, but thought I’d post them and see what you think.

 

Dude!
The only place you'll find a truck looking like that in California is at the junkyard ….and that's on a lot?

 

This is on a lot listed at $14k!

 

Yeah, I hope that’s not representative of a 2010 Tacoma at that price range in your area. Sheesh, and people think Cali is expensive.

 

Run

 

Yea run away,any suspension work or undercarriage work will result in cutting pieces off.

 

Little more money but some good rigs for sale right on the forum
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-2010-toyota-tacoma-dcsb-super-white-6mt-sacramento-ca.852947/

 

That’s how my 4-Runner looked right before my Jack sunk through the frame while I was working on it.

 

Appreciate everyone’s input. I was going to ask what the odds are of something happening to make this thing undriveable when it looks like this, but I think I’ve got my answer lol. I’m starting to think I might be better off looking in warmer states where this wouldn’t be as big of an issue and just flying out to get it.

 

Get a carfax before flying anywhere to look at a truck, if the truck spent it's life near a salt water coast or in the rust belt there's a great chance that it's going to look like that crutsy turd.

 

Take note of people's location on their posts.

California residents live in a fantasy land of non-rust. The 3rd gen section is full of people consulting for lawyers and class action suits over 'horrific rust', and all of them are basic surface corrosion on non-coated factory machined surfaces.

Speaking as someone that actually lives in places that get weather, that really just looks consistent for the trucks age.

Now, I don't believe that's worth 14k, but I also have serious issues with the Toyota tax. Unfortunately, that is the market rate.


But it bears noting that even if you run best-case scenarios-- fly out to the most extreme distance for the most pristine model, for a more reasonable price, after 3-4 years back 'home' in the salt, it'll still end up in a similar condition.

The best option longevity-wise is to buy multiple vehicles, and anything you don't want rotting out needs to be parked for the winter, indoors. And whatever is used needs to be sacrificial enough. It's not a cheaper option, and not feasible for a lot of people, so you need to be realistic about your use and finances.