Used truck advice

Hello

years ago had an 86 that refused to die but eventually was consumed by rust, which brings me here for advice.

Looking at 1st gen Tacoma 4x4. Truck will be used to pull a small pop up around 1100lb and 350lb motorcycle. Sometimes at the same time.

Just seen 2004 Tacoma 4x4 2.7 5sp 150K 7000$. Was very impressed but had rust. It also had a steel plate welded (picture). Cross member was rusted with deterioration at frame.
Was very disappointed as the truck was sweet.

Next truck
2001 4x4 V6 with TRD Off-Road 5sp 170K 6000$
no rust, a little more lived in. Power wise it wasn't that much different but better low torque.
All in all was a fine truck especially for 6g$
Drove rougher but that could be age on springs which were starting to straighten out.

If the 04 didn't have the rust issues I would of gotten it. The 01 i'm debating on as I am comparing to 04 and it comes up a little short in drive. It has the V6 for towing though.

Question: how much rust is too much? Yeah i know its a stupid questions. Is it ever really worth considering a truck with the repair shown in picture? My experience is rust is hard to stop and moves fast but I come across a lot of trucks that i might be over reacting too.
I don't own a welder but plan on in the future as I keep up with DIY maintenance.

Thank You in advance!!

 

Definitely go for the V6 for towing, four cylinders are miserable to tow with. Been there, done that! V6 will handle that load like a champ. And the V6 sounds like the better truck and deal anyway.

 

Honestly? Look for a nicer 10k truck because that is what the trucks you're looking at will eventually cost you. I think a solid 7.5-8k would find a nice truck.

 

I'm looking for a 1st gen as it is simpler
they're right about 6800-7600$ milage 150-200K

Gen 2 are pretty much all over 10k

Gen 1 that are selling for 8-9$ also have north of 150K, then i'll see a gen 1 with 90k on it but its 9-10$. I keep wondering if its justified to pay 3000$ more to get 50K milage less on these trucks.

I didn't want to go higher then 8$

I can deal with some issues but not rust

 

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5129275416.html

 

I'm guessing....You haven't seen - or are aware of - the frame rust issues on these trucks? It was a huge problem on the first gens (and the 2nd gens for that matter). Toyota offered a frame warranty for a period of time. Toyota would inspect the frames, if they failed.....they'd buy back the vehicle for NADA value (or something like that - can't remember - doesn't matter). The 2001-2004 trucks were lucky enough to get new frames or the corrosive compound applied. Same issue with 2nd gens...If your frame fails, toyota will replaced the frame. If it passes, they'll apply the corrosive compound (and I believe the warranty is good for another 5 years).


So....my best advice....Look for the newer trucks 2001+. Be patient....maybe you'll find one with a replacement / newer frame. Whatever you find...I would highly recommend having TOYOTA inspect the frame. They'll inform you of its condition and/or if you have any options .... If you find a used one on a dealership's lot.... then you can probably bargain a bit depending on the situation / condition of the truck. FIND OUT about its warranty and push the issue.
Do some research on the matter so you're fully prepared to push the issue with a dealership.

But ultimately.... It sucks these trucks have a bad rap because of the frame rust. It'd be a damn shame to see anyone spend good money on a truck only to discover in a couple years the frame falls out from under you.

 

Yes I've researched this quite a bit. And thanks for the reply!

I've seen several trucks with what looks like a sprayed on under coat.
Is this something Toyota would of put on?

I've seen an 01 with minimal rust and the under coating just at 171K i'm hesitant.

 

Run from the rig with that patch job! The welds are scary. The weld don't even look like it got any penetration!

 

+1 I have seen better welds with a car battery and a coat hanger