Frame Recall on Ol' Blue

1999 - 2011....lots of memories in that dash.
222,192 Miles...and our story ends there.

Had a noise that my father in law (original owner of Ol' Blue) and I narrowed down to the rear end...pinion bearing and/or inner wheel bearings. However, we were unable to diagnose the harmonic noise at 52mph (1650-1700rpm). Upon calling an old friend (who has been a toyota mechanic for nearly three decades)...my father in law was told to have me take it in to my local dealership to check for recall. So...I emailed corporate and they gave me the direction to take it in for the towing package wiring recall. Made the appointment & instructed them to check out frame and rear end...got a call today from the service manager stating that my truck was being recalled (even though it wasn't on Toyota's recall list).

So...they won't let me drive it off the lot as they said it was ready to break near the springs. They provided me a rental, after asking for one, until they can determine check amount and issue it. Rolling in a '11 Ford Focus...it's Blue, so it has that going for it. Cause you know...Focus is comparable to a Tacoma...WTH?! (Seriously appreciative to have something though...don't want to come across as a jack-wagon.)

So...What advice do you have for me to make sure that I receive fair reimbursement for my loss? Anything I should ask or get in writing? Any idea on how they are determining value to keep it off the road (and do anything to avoid negative press or lawsuits....not my style)?

Love the forum and praying I can find another Tacoma to be a valid contributor & consumer of TW.

Feels odd that my 1st post is my last one for Ol' Blue....cue "Spirit in the Sky." LOL


BTW...I think it broke my Father in Law's spirit more than it did mine to hear the news. It was the 1st New Tacoma....which was replaced with an '06 & then a '10 (all of which are still in the family!).

 

You should receive kbb value plus 50% so make sure you get the correct kbb value. Maybe research it and show them?

 

Oh, and sorry for your loss bud

 

sucks man, sorry to hear that .

 

I admit... I teared up reading this

If it's any consolation my truck is named Ol' Red... maybe Ol' Blue can live vicariously through Ol' Red

 

Maybe it will land next to my Ol' White in some Iowa junkyard. Don't worry, Toyota pays well.

 

should make for a decent down payment on a new one.

 

Concerned with what I am hearing about '01-'04 Frame Recalls also. Have read a few reports of frame issues up to '06...
Thanks for all the replys....really appreciate it.

I found a '02...gaining 2 doors, 4WD, losing 115K miles for roughly $1500 more than what (assumed) Toyota will be paying me for the '99...but now I'm perplexed thinking this seems to be a pattern. Would love to buy brand new...but, I don't have the wallet for that...nor do I want/have car payments.

I know they can't all be bad...however, I am very concerned with the fact that when I spoke with Toyota corporate my VIN didn't come up in the recall but it still has the frame defect. How much don't we know?

 

Your best bet is to buy one from a southern state that doesn't use salt. Undercoat it before you drive in the salt and you're golden.

 

Ol' Blue was an AZ truck for the 1st 6 years...and then it was relocated with me for the last 5 years in IA. I agree, this would be the best case scenario...just have a little pause. If I have problems, (from what I hear) they would replace the frame in an '01-'04...and a new 15yr warranty on the frame that would include potential buyback if further problems...but who wants to go through that hassle??

Hard part is...wouldn't know what other kind of truck to get...cause I really enjoy the Tacomas! Any Tundra owners on here? Anyone know of Tundra issues/recalls?

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/toyota-trucks-suvs/163040-tundra-owners-thread.html

Tundras are as good as Tacomas. Or if you don't need the bed consider a 4runner.

 

Take the cash, put it on a truck that has a frame about to go (2001 to 2004) but make sure the truck is mechanically sound and that the body is good. Let Toyota put a new frame on it...voila, brand new taco.

This worked out for me. I'm driving a 2002, with 110km's on it (sorry don't have miles conversion ready), mint body, new frame, new suspension, new break lines, electrical wiring, etc...etc.. Couldn't be happier. Sorry to hear about your 99' though.

 

I love the 1st gen Tundras (3/4 size).

 

I had an '03 Tundra prior to my Tacoma, great truck but be aware they are under frame rust recall as well.

V8 4.7L is a great engine, needs a ~$800 timing belt every 90K miles but is otherwise solid. I averaged 15-17MPG in mostly highway driving.

The 4WD system is electronic and prone to inconvenient non-engagement if not properly maintained. The actuator can corrode and seize, vacuum line dry cracks, etc. I prefer the Tacoma's stick transfer case, but my Tundra's 4WD switch always worked when I needed it.

The Tundra was bigger, quieter, roomier inside, and more powerful than my Tacoma. It was the right truck for me at the time, and now the smaller 4cyl Tacoma is the right truck for my current needs.

Good luck w/ your choice, it's a win either way!

 

There are some good deals on used 2nd gen taco's out there, FYI

 

please tell me you are kidding...its just a truck, albeit a truck with some great memories, but still a truck that is apperently rusted enough that its not safe to drive PLUS hes going to get 150% kbb.

 

The offer will probably be around $9K Possibly a little higher. Your high mileage will bring the offer down. The offer will be in writing. You will have to sign an acceptance and send it back.

It's NOT a recall. You can refuse the offer and take your truck home. But you'll never get one that matches it anywhere else.

Toyota has already bought back more than 100,000 trucks so they have the numbers down pretty tight. They're inflexible on their offer.

Offer based on 150% of KBB at excellent value.

Accept their offer - Take the check and move on.

 

It's called comic relief.