Mid 90s Toyota Truck Frame Rust

Hey all, looking to buy my first truck and really interested in a ‘95 T100 for sale near me. I know this is a Tacoma forum but the T100 seems kind of homeless between Tacomas and Tundras so posting here.

The worst of the rust is on the front control arms, which I have a photo of, and the very back end of the frame behind the rear wheels. Keep in mind I live in a northern state that gets lots of snow.

If I am buying this truck for a fairly cheap price can I expect it to last for 3-4 more years safely, even if I might need to replace those control arms soon?

Also in the one picture you can see two very tiny holes in the inner right side of the frame, but otherwise the frame is solid.

Could anyone from the rust belt with knowledge tell me if this is a reasonable purchase, given that the rest of the truck is in great shape? I test drove and it runs super smoothly, very extensive clean carfax, just under 200k miles, body has zero rust.

Anyway hoping if I could wire wheel some spots and maybe put some fluid film on it, it could last a while. Would appreciate any insight.

 

I have certainly seen worse posted here. I would poke around with an ice pick or similar to see how deep the rust goes. A lot of it looks like surface rust but poking it can tell a lot.

 

It's not terrible, but it depends what you want from the truck. If you're looking for a forever truck and you live in the rust belt, this isn't a great place to start. But does it have 5 years left as is.. yes, I'd suspect so. Cleaning it up and treating it will help. Inside frame rails and out. It all depends on asking price and your intentions. good luck -

 

Thanks for the replies. Yeah PB I am going to think on it and maybe offer a slightly lower amount noting my concerns, as I think the guy has been sitting on it for a while. Not expecting it to last forever but if I could drive it 4-5 years I’d be willing to take it for the right price.

If I do become an owner I’ll probably be back on here for help down the line. Seems like a cool place.

 

Looks like I has a 3-4 more years left on.
The ball joints 100% need to be inspected.
I almost consider them a maintenance item. As they are a weak point.

The T100 is a great truck.
The ones with the 3.0 engine were bad for blowing head gaskets.
But the 3.4 is a GREAT engine.
You just need to do the timing belt and water pump every 100k miles or so.

 

Good idea Arctic ---- I think a lot of people on the forum immediately dismiss any rusty frame as a knee jerk reaction.

I have a 2.7 single cab which I have had for 14 years and patched the frame last year, but the truck runs excellent. The frame will ultimately kill it, but it's got a few years left. I could sell it for $4k and someone would have solid reliable 4wd transport for maybe 5 years. Rusty frames are fine depending on ones intended uses and exceptions and ultimately purchase price.

Definitely brush it down and waxoyl if you go for it. You could extend the inevitable for a while.

good luck --