Frame rust question...long

New here and first post/question. I apologize if this has been asked and answered already. I just backed out of a purchase on a 2001 Tacoma that had a suspect frame rust issue. I looked at the truck and noticed what I thought was a lot of rust in the rear section undercarriage around the leaf springs and remarked on it to the seller. He indicated that it was normal wear and tear for a 14 year old vehicle. At the time I was not aware of the Toyota factory recall issue for frame rust on the 2001-2004 Tacoma. After looking at the vehicle, I did some research here on this board and read this post:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/203692-toyota-2001-2004-rusty-frame-wont-replace-anymore.html

When I spoke to the seller about it, he said that the frame was ok and had been “looked at” by a local Toyota dealer and it would be fine. I responded by saying that all the affected frames were suspect and you could not always tell if the frame had rust on the inside by a visual inspection and if the truck was not inspected by Toyota prior to 2011, and it had a defect, then I would be SOL if it failed. I live in Utah so we have cold temps and salted roads here, so it seemed too high of a risk for me to take.

So this leads me to several questions:

How do I know if it is safe to buy a 2001-2004 Tacoma without taking in into a Toyota dealer and have them do a hammer blow test on the frame to see if it cracks?

Were all the 01-04’s affected by this issue or just some of them? The link said that 160,000 vehicles were affected. How do you know if the used truck was affected? The web site for Toyota that looks up VIN numbers appears to be off-line.

Would it be safer to buy used from a Toyota dealership and have them verify the frame quality prior to purchase?

Thanks in advance, and sorry if these are dumb questions, but I really love these trucks and was looking forward to owning one, but how do I know if the frame is defective or not without having each one thoroughly inspected?

 

Here's a list of rusty frame photos from other TW members for reference, many of these needed frame replacement.

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/356750-what-constitutes-bad-frame-rust.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/353079-gas-tank-strap-frame-rust.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/253353-2005-tacoma-2nd-gen-terminal-frame-rot-rust-cancer.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/352107-rust-help-any-opinions.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/351757-frame-recalled.html#post9445355[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/351490-rust-bumper-frame-should-i-worried.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/350357-my-attempt-stop-frame-rust.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/350493-frame-clean-up-next-weekend-pics.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/350232-rusted-frame-service-question.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/347974-rust-under-spray-liner-what-do.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/342332-crc-done-before-after-pics.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/346728-my-06-tacoma-failed-inspection-miserably.html#post9252309[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/346696-question-about-my-frame-rust.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/346543-rusted-frame.html#post9247208[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/343155-inside-frame-rust-proofing.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/342357-will-toyota-consider-10mm-perforation.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/300816-05-official-perforated-rusted-through-frames.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/119239-frame-rust-recall-pics-need-new-bumper.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/263311-frame-rust-recall-10.html#post9661804[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/288265-2006-frame-rust-through.html#post7253687[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/288265-2006-frame-rust-through-3.html#post7288388[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/288265-2006-frame-rust-through-4.html#post7908205[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...g-corporate-seeking-advice-2.html#post9658252[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...g-corporate-seeking-advice-2.html#post9661680[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-rust-pics-what-best-way-fix.html#post7246575[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...s-toyota-wants-look-my-frame.html#post9726643[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-50.html#post9571925[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-20.html#post8951618[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-50.html#post9573827[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-49.html#post9532644[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-47.html#post9449110[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-40.html#post9281911[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-38.html#post9263504[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-37.html#post9248160[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-36.html#post9246780[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-34.html#post9208860[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-30.html#post9143876[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-28.html#post9110352[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-25.html#post9033809[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-25.html#post9034632[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-19.html#post8941560[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/38939-tw-live-16612.html#post9732484[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...t-toyota-unethical-practices.html#post6654592[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/362089-should-i-buy-truck.html#post9828929[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/new-members/361770-rusty-frame-toyota-may-fix-free.html#post9815024[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...-rust-am-i-worrying-too-much.html#post9882256[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-56.html#post9896678[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/355217-rust-recall-failed.html#post9934525[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/263311-frame-rust-recall-16.html#post9945765[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...rosive-resistant-compound-58.html#post9951183[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/canada/367890-possible-frame-failure-motor-mount.html#post10040049[/FONT]

I think buying from a Toyota dealer who has certified the frame is sound would certainly be safer than buying from a private seller. Toyota has been replacing bad frames, but there is (was?) a time limit I believe and only in certain (salt) states. You might want to check any 1st gen or early 2nd gen with rust before purchase to see if the frame is still under warranty.

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]For rust prevention/treatment discussion and alternatives see:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...on-thread.html [/FONT]

 

They were ALL affected.

So, consider yourself one of the smartest consumers doing your homework and probably knowing more about the frame rust than the sellers.

There's no way of knowing. Before buying anything - have toyota inspect it. Be patient... Maybe you'll stumble across one that already had the frame replaced.

 

The vehicle needs to be documented that it was looked at by a dealer. Many times people don't do the free inspection. Then they find out that the frame is gone. They take it to the dealer to see if they can get it replaced and are denied because they missed an inspection. Its bullshit, but its how Toyota plays the game.

You can check to see if the vehicle has been to the dealer for these inspections by going to the Toyota Care website and creating an account. Once that is done you can enter the VIN and find out the entire dealership service record. You do not even need to own the vehicle to do this check. Look to see if the truck has had the required frame inspections.

 

Well, thanks for the replies. It looks like if ALL the frames were affected, then it is on a case by case basis whether you have a good frame or bad frame? Look for one that has already had the frame replaced or comes from a dry climate? I'm trying to avoid having to become a rust corrosion control specialist/metallurgist in order to buy a used Tacoma without getting screwed. How does everybody else do this?

Thanks

 

If you are someplace that uses a lot of salt and are determined to buy a Tacoma then future maintenance will be extensive despite the good recommendations here. If you are not bound and determined to buy a Tacoma then I would recommend almost anything else.