Rust troubles - 2004

Hello friends.

I’m wanting to buy a Taco from a private seller. Unfortunately he did not take the truck in during the recall years to deal with the rust.

Please see pictures and let me know what you think…

And are those rumors of the reinstated Toyota recall for the 1st gens a real thing??

 

Don't walk but run from that.

 

That is way too far gone

Frame replacement program is done and over with for 1st gens, ended in 2019 for 2004 model year (15 years from in-service date). They are still doing frames for 2nd gens so maybe that's where the confusion comes from.

I highly doubt you'll see Toyota pay for another 1st gen frame replacement, they ran with that program for many years and are probably thrilled to be done with it.

 

First, walk away, not worth it. Better to buy a plane ticket to a warm weather state and drive one back.

2nd, it wasn't a recall, but an extended warranty. And no, the extended warranty for 1st gens expired 15 years after the first in service date (originally sold). I have heard no such rumor of it being reinstated. And even if I had heard a rumor, it's still just a rumor. Don't believe it unless you heard it DIRECT from Toyota.

3rd, and probably most importantly, even if the frame was replaced under the extended warranty, that doesn't mean it's impervious to rust. They were effectively the SAME frames. There are people who've had frames replaced, twice.

The most important thing by far (for those who live in the rust belt) is for the owner to have taken responsibility for their own vehicle and do preventative maintenance.

 

Thank you for the replies. I will NOT be buying this truck. The hunt continues.

 

you'd be better off finding a Tacoma in the Southwest or Southeast. by a one way plane ticket, and drive it home.