Used purchase / rust concern?

Hey guys, first post here Any help is appreciated

I've always wanted a Tacoma, I see them everywhere here in Colorado. About a week ago I bought a 2006 SR5 TRD Off-Road Tacoma from an independent dealer. I thought I was getting a great deal because it was a 1 owner truck, with a thick folder of maintenance records going back to the original purchase. 175,xxx with documented oil changes every 5k, multiple diff services, transfercase service, etc. Came with a topper, interior and exterior very clean.

I've had it for about a week, and hadn't noticed any issues, until I started reading about the rust issues mentioned throughout this forum. Upon closer inspection I'm starting to get very concerned. I've attached pictures of the worst spots. Does that count as a "frame crack"?

How worried should I be? Is there any chance it would be eligible for the Toyota frame recall? Not seeing that they coated the frame in the records. I'm willing to get busy brushing the frame and coating it myself, but I'm not sure that would even help it. Would it be worth it to pay for the frame replacement if it comes down to it?

I was so excited finally getting something to take me out on some nice trails, but now I'm not sure how to feel. Hoping I didn't made a big mistake. I bought it for 12k... saw a lot of similar prices for Tacomas that didn't have the same history. I know I'm the dummy for not checking on the rust up front.

I know pictures aren't that helpful, I've already called Toyota to try and set up a frame inspection.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks!

 

What's the history on it, has it been in Colorado all its life?

 

A ball peen hammer would blow a hole thru that frame in one hit.

 

Since you're in Colorado, you have about 30 minutes to get it inspected and approved for a free frame.

 

This can't be true, everyone know Colorado trucks don't rust.

You need to get on the horn with Toyota ASAP and find out date of first use and if you're still eligible for a frame. It's 12 years from the first time it was registered which means the clock is currently running out on 2006 and 2007 models and it may already be too late.

 

It would be highly unlikely that an '06 rolled off the lot in February of '07.

 

My memory is failing, I'm still writing 2018 on checks. It is indeed likely the ship has sailed on 2006 frames.

 

Being a 06 isn’t today the 1yr suit deadline?
Find a dealer that’s open!
Can you still return to the independent due to not being inspectable? We can here for a certain time frame.

 

Colorado doesn't have safety inspections. When we buy used vehicles the only inspection that is required is a few counties in and around Denver they have to come with a current emissions test. Assuming it passed that the dealer in this case has no skin in the game unless they offer a warranty. Gotta get an independent inspection before purchase.

 

So the op could have frame repaired by welding in patch’s?
Here it’s not allowed the rule book actually states no welding uncertified passes.

 

Yup, it's fine to patch a frame and no one is going to care. Lots of things may or may not be legal and in the end it'll come down to a road side inspection and even then beyond knowing vehicles need headlights, blinkers and bumpers most municipal cops aren't going to know details. The State Patrol troopers will most likely but even then the rules are fairly vague on a lot of things.

 

Good thing you already called Toyota today before the deadline was up. Your frame will 100% no doubt fail by the cats in your 2nd and 3rd pics

 

Thanks for the replies. It was purchased in and has been in Colorado it's whole life, since 2005. Sounds like replacement wouldn't be covered. It was serviced at the same shop it's whole life, up until this summer. I can't believe with how much the first owner put into it that the issue wasn't noticed / frame replacement already done. It's just insane he didn't take advantage of that. The dealer gave me a warranty on the engine/tranny only. Sounds like I'm screwed.

What is really the danger of it, just the whole frame breaking and the truck not being driveable? I'll definitely look into some shops to see if I can get it patched up or reinforced. We don't really have any inspections around here, not even emissions. Looks like paying for a new frame is too expensive to be realistic. I want to love the Tacoma, still hoping I can get a long life out of the truck. Thanks guys!

 

It expired today. If you are mechanically inclined you could see how much a frame would coast and swap it over yourself. A lift would help but not required .It isnt very hard

 

Frame replacement would have been covered today, but now that today is over, nope.

 

Its worth taking it in to a dealer anyway. If its just one day past, then there is a chance that if you're really nice, the dealer may write that you brought it in yesterday, or even a decent human being on the Toyota side might let it slide through. It doesn't cost anything to give it a shot.

 

That truck is in horrific shape rust wise for a CO truck. It should not be rusting.

I would try to get the dealer to take it back since they sold you it without disclosure. Or maybe get them to credit you some. Its not worth $12k with that level of rust.

Frame swaps cost around $20k so its not practical for you to pay to do it.

Now you may be able to clean it up and coat it and it will last you several years in CO.
That owner must have taken his truck out of state frequently in the winter for it to look like that.

 

Should of researched it here on TW BERFORE you bought,05-06 Tacomas also have engine mount and head gasket issues.I really do feel bad for you O.P.
Do a professional patch job where the cats are,clean the frame up and coat it.

The dealer was a idiot for not making you aware of the frame issue,but its your job to inspect before buying.

 

RIP op missing the deadline by mere days

Hit that first picture of the rust with a hammer if it thuds itll go through, if it makes a ping like sound start covering it up now. Or clean it up and sell it for a new taco

 

You’re right lynlan1819. I actually did some research here, mostly saw people mention oil/diff/maintenance. I did see the motor mount issue as well, the engine was making a noise and a mechanic at the dealer replaced the motor mounts. I had him check the frame welds, he said they were fine, and I also didn’t see any issues there.

I am bringing it in to Toyota today. I agree it’s worth a shot.