Bought a rusted out 05 tacoma...

So I bought a Tacoma in Illinois, i'm in Oregon. I had them send lots of photos, I had them drive the truck to an independent mechanic I found with great reviews and they gave me the green light, "its a really nice truck" they said. The dealership just had the rear leaf springs replaced under recall and the frame inspected by toyota as well which said it passed.

Anyway, I got it home and I could see a bit of rust so I get to scaling and the paint just starts falling off the frame. I start going along the frame rails and a hole opens up, one on each side of the truck.

Will toyota replace this frame? The dealer is calling toyota to see what he can do, I haven't even got it registered yet. Someone tell me toyota wont care that I just bought the vehicle or that they will take responsibility for missing obvious soft spots in the frame and replace it, what do you guys think?

 

Do you have any documentation that this truck passed a frame inspection "by Toyota" just prior to your purchase? If so, you may have some leverage.

In the end, it's hard to say. Please post the rest of the story as it develops. Good luck.

 

It's unfortunate that you bought a Taco from Illinois where they salt the hell out of the roads. However, there may be a silver lining. If there's a hole at least 10mm in size, you should qualify for a new frame and a rental till it's fixed. Make sure it doesn't look like you pounded a hole in the frame. If it does, they will accuse you of tampering. Go to this thread and do a bunch of reading. Print out the PDF file and take it to your local dealer and tell them you need to get a frame inspection. Stand your ground. Don't let them tell you you're not covered. Let us know how it goes.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-frame-settlement-postcard.468756/page-25#post-15648502

 

I'm waiting on the dealer for that documentation. I'm hoping they will replace the frame, here is a couple pictures of what I found so far.

 

Wow!!! I am sorry. I would not buy a Tacoma sight unseen. Too many risk factors with these trucks. Good luck. I hope you get a new frame!

 

Wow that looks horrible

 

Unless o.p gets new frame... ..then

 

Caveat Emptor

This must be the 10th story I've seen recently of someone who bought a vehicle sight unseen over the internet and got burned in the process.

People, I implore you - A plane ticket can be had to most places for around $400, which is awfully cheap insurance against buying a multi-thousand dollar item that could become a big headache.

 

With all of the people I have seen getting their cars back with loose lug nuts after tire changes and no oil after oil change I would be terrified to drive my truck on the highway after a complete frame replacement by a dealership.

I know what your saying though in some instances it would be the trucks only chance.

 

OP @BigFoote . I have purchased a few rigs sight unseen. I did as you did and had them inspected reputable 3rd part.
I never got burned.
You did your due diligence on the rig.
I'm pretty sure Toyota will come through for you judging from the pics .
I'm not sure if dealer you bought from is a franchised dealer or not but I would talk to them about refunding $ if Toyota declines.

 

Yea I can't believe it, this is the second truck i bought long distance. The first worked out real well. Do you think i should wait until i have plates to bring it to my local toyota dealer?

 

I would do it ASAP and let selling dealer know what you are doing and what you are thinking .

 

Well I'll let everyone know how it goes.

 

I would still print out that PDF file and take it with you. Keep in mind, you are taking a truck from a rust belt state to a dealer in Oregon that has possibly never seen that severe of rust. It's also possible that Toyota corporate hasn't sent the Warantee Enhancement Program letter to Oregon dealers yet. So if your dealer gives you the "deer in the headlights look", when you mention the WEP, you just say, "that's OK. I brought my own copy".

Although the dealer in Illinois, that gave it a clean bill of health, is a bunch of boneheads, the burdon of resolving the rust issue, falls on Toyota corporate. They built the thing.

 

So, what is the name of the place you bought it from and the 3rd party inspector?

 

Damn dude, you had balls buying from a salt-roading state....

Mind me asking how much you paid?

 

I got my frame replacement done 2 years ago.
Maybe it's because I'm from a small town..
I bought from small business that sells cars and brought to toyota for inspection before purchase... I ended up with 100% frame replacement

 

If you bought it from a dealer I'd be telling them they have to take this truck back.

If you can't make that happen I really hope Toyota will honor their frame recall for you. Even if that occurs you won't have your truck for a long time while it gets replaced.

 

good luck to you

 

Only buy a used Taco from a desert state.