First Tacoma - 2009 rust check please

Looking for first Tacoma for my son. Just looked at a nice 2009 TD Sport which looks very clean and low miles. But the frame appears to either have some rust bubbling under the paint, or has been treated? We’re new to this frame rust issue and haven’t seen many to compare so would appreciate any opinions on these pics. Maybe it's ok and I'm just being paranoid!
The car otherwise looks like it’s been garage stored. Engine bay is spotless. Thanks!

 

Looks like someone painted over some heavy rusted areas to me. Remember these frames rot from the inside out, so the inside of the frame is likely worse than what you see under the paint.

If you knock on those rusty spots with a ball peen hammer and it starts to give in, then it's rotted. Personally I would pass just based on the pictures but I don't live where rust is common so, different perspectives I guess

 

PASS

 

They probally spray coated it to look clean. I would look at all edges to see if there was rust chunks missing. You can also use a flashlight and try to look into the frame rail from the front of the truck to see how rusty it is. There is almost no way to properly cover it up because the frame rails are hollow.

 

If it's for your son.... pass

 

besides that it doesnt sound too bad. A couple bubbles here and there on a 09 tacoma is not bad at all.

 

Nevermind. I posted before I saw the pics. Definitley pass on that. Looks pretty rough

 

Be wary. I'm skeptical of that one. Unfortunately, the rust will eventually compromise the frame if it isn't actively managed. I'd recommend looking for ones that are rust free (preferred) or have a frame replacement (second best). Tacoma's are always top $$, so with the number of trucks out there with new frames (like mine) I wouldn't bother with ones showing rust.

 

mine looks almost like that uncoated and it has almost 200k miles and lives thru chicago winters

 

off topic, its a 12 year rust warranty from the time of purchase for 2nd gen's frame recall isnt it ? As long as it want "formally" inspected by the dealer

 

Wow, you guys are fast! Awesome. Kinda validated my impressions. On to the next one...
Thanks!

 

you can always get the vin and ask a dealer if the frame was checked for the frame recall. If it wasnt I believe it's 12 years from the date of purchase for a 2nd gen. I didnt have mine " formally " checked before because I still have 2 years left. If the frame has a hole in it about a quarter size they will give you a new frame. Something to keep in mind if you hit a 2nd gen.

 

smart to move on from this one

 

Yeah, I think I'd pass. I know you said you're moving on, just wanted to add more justification to your decision!

 

Good call OP.

 

PASS,not worth the hassle,when you can buy a southern truck with ZERO rust.

 

It’s worth remembering that they fixed the rust issue in ‘08. You would have to tailgate some salt trucks to really ruin the frame on an ‘09. Make sure to give it some good hits with a hammer or wrench or something to see if it sounds solid. I’m wondering the same thing about a truck im looking at, they’re getting really hard to find

 

When the frame rots out so bad from rust what happens? Would you be driving down the road and literally your truck like falls apart?

 

yes