4Runner Owner Also Buying a Tacoma

New member. Heard this was a great forum. I'm looking at getting a 2008-2010 Tacoma 4x4 4cyl, manual as an add'l vehicle for family, and getting rid of older 2000 Chevy pickup. Will use truck for camping, work around house, errands, skiing.
I just need to be sure about the rust issue. If a dealer checks the VIN can he tell if it has been properly serviced or frame replaced?

 

Climb underneath it and put your eyes on it. Look near the upper catalytic converters on the inboard side of the frame. Look at the edges of the beam - they delaminate when they rust. If it has a factory hitch it is made from the same rust-prone steel and it will tell you what the rest of the frame does/will look like. If it makes you say 'hmm' then just pass, there are plenty decent frame trucks or trucks that have had the replacement to be found.

 

One more thing - don't trust the dealer to advise you or even tell you. Every week someone different posts to this forum the regret of rusty frame discovery on the used Tacoma they just bought.

 

Thanks, good advice. I spoke to a Toyo dealership that had one I was interested in and I asked them to run the VIN. They got back to me and said it was not on the recall.
I'll still do due diligence, sad to think there'd be less reputable dealers out there. The one I'm looking at is 2+ hours away. If I would get I'd still have my local Toyo dealer who is ok and services my 4Runner check recall on it.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Thanks everyone, looks like a good crowd.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW!