What would you do with my busted Taco?

Hi world,

I’m hoping you can help me make a decision on whether or not to repair my broken 2003 Tacoma (4x4, V6, SR5, 132k miles, auto transmission).

Back in early November, the rear differential seized at about 70mph, blew a hole in the housing and caught fire (fire was put out quickly, no fire damage was evident). The state police had it towed it to a local shop where after it was up on a lift, the owner suggested to consider the truck dead. He said he didn’t want to touch it as the under carriage was too rusted out- “not even inspectable”, wasn’t sure where to find the parts, and suggested that the damage could have continued on to the transmission and to the engine. Then he offered to junk it for me after I sign the title over to him.

Now with only 132k miles on the engine, I expected to take this truck much further! I’ve spent quite a bit to bring it up to inspection standards over the years, so it’s difficult for me to consider a full loss, and even more so to look at it and say there’s no longer any value. I’m also suspicious of an unknown mechanic who suggested I sign the title over to him.
I’m leaning toward restoration, but not if the expense exceeds the value (KBB $7k). I’m also now driving a borrowed 98 Ford Ranger back and forth to work that could give out at any moment, so I’m quite anxious to get my Taco back in service, if feasible. I’ve had this truck serviced at a Toyota dealership throughout its life simply because I don’t know any honest private mechanics, so I’m now contacting them for a 2nd opinion.

I've owned this girl for 11 years, and it seems far too soon to let her go.
What do you guys think? What would you do?

 

Have the Toyota Dealer inspect it for the true level of frame rust... they know what to look for.

 

Use as a farm beater and keep, and part out if needed. Just don’t daily drive it I suppose.

 

I sure as hell sounds to me like "The Independent Mechanic" is trying to scam you out of your truck. Run as fast as you can, and have it towed to your dealer.

 

Photos of the underside would help. It's plausible a 2003 could have a lot of rust depending on where you live but if the mechanic wants you to sign the title over to him it's 99.9% likely a scam.

 

If it has been service by a dealer, then they should have mentioned the rust issue. They are well versed on it. I would suggest a second opinion. The chance of engine or transmission damage are slim, not impossible but slim. Rear differentials are available at wreckers. Don't get taken. Do your research and get a true second opinion about the possible rust issue before making a major decision either way. Good luck.

 

You could also swap in a whole axle from a TRD and get a locker if you're so inclined.

 

Hard call to make without knowing more about you OP .

Have the skills and place to do all your work or need to pay Labor for everything

I for sure would not sign a title over

You have a Running 3.4

It comes down to if you have the time and space for a project or need a vehicle to drive.

Then help may be Close at hand also good to meet new Toyota People

 

No matter what you spend, it's going to be far less expensive than buying a new truck.

 

Let me guess, the guy offered you $500 to scrap it? He probably wants a sweet truck to fix and flip.

I'd take it somewhere else..

 

Outside of the likely sketchy mechanic here, you have two problems (at a minimum) to face.

1) A full rear end replacement. Not overly difficult or expensive, if you can source a good used one and DIY the labor.

2) The frame. If the frame is shot, don't even bother looking for just a rear end. You'll want to look for a truck with a good frame and rear end, but maybe a bad engine/body damage that you can score cheap. Mix and match and make one solid unit.

Now then.

There are lots of threads on how to properly inspect a frame. And Toyota doesn't have to play. You can DIY with a ball peen, a big screwdriver and a borescope would help too. (they can be had for under $20 that work with your phone)

Good luck!

 

Some states require a title to be surrendered when you go to scrap a vehicle. I agree it sounds sketchy, but again, sometimes it is legally required even if he is doing you a favor.

 

in the South we'd say 'bless his little pea pickin' heart'. That's the derogatory version.

Probably what the college football fans outside of the South keep saying about the ongoing National Championship playoff teams.

 

IF you decide to scrap it (hopefully after getting a second opinion), call a scrap yard and see how much they'll give you for it. Many will pick it up, too.

Then watch them put it in the compactor so you know it's fate.

 

Wasn't questioning the necessity to transfer title (that's proof it wasn't stolen) but that he was probably offering to do this from a place other than the goodness of his heart.