Want to buy a 2002 Tacoma. Should I be concerned about the frame?

I live in Wisconsin. I unfortunately, I am priced out of the 2nd Gen Tacos. I would like to upgrade my 96 to a 2002 reg cab 4 x 4. Any advice on these models with regard to the frame? I don't seem many around here. Thanks.

 

What's wrong with your current truck? Do you just want 4x4?
If you can wait I would hold on to your current truck as long as possible and just save money.

In regards to the frame I would inspect it good if it hasn't been replaced. If you don't know what to look for have a mechanic look it over for you.

 

Don't buy a rusty one. Know the difference between frame-killing rust and surface rust. I hate both. Tap on rusty areas with a hammer to make sure its a high pitched solid clink rather than a duller thud which indicates bad rust that has penetrated the steel. When you get it clean it up and spray it down with a few cans of fluid film. Spray everything but brakes and exhaust.

 

There really is nothing wrong with my 1996 Tacoma. Just old. I just wanted to upgrade don't really need to. Would be ideal to find one with a replaced frame. If I buy one with the orginal frame and 10 years later it rots out I am kinda screwed. waiting maybe my best option for now.

 

Hard to find them in Wisconsin with out rust. The models I want are past the recall. Would be sweet if I could find one down south and then have it treated? but logistics makes that difficult. Maybe its time to punt. Thanks for your reply.

 

Man, I just get under there and blast everything with FF. Sure it smells funky on the exhaust, but it burns off quickly

 

No harm done. There's just no sense wasting product intentionally coating the exhaust.