2007 Tacoma Frame Rust Assessment

Hey Everyone,

I am looking at purchasing a 2007 Access Cab 4cyl 4wd 5spd Tacoma. The seller is saying that previous buyers have been scared away from the amount of rust on the truck. The truck spent 2007-2009 in Indiana and 2009 to 2012 in Juneau, Alaska. From reading the forums, it seems that rust is a known issue on Tacomas. Can anyone judge from the pictures below if this is an unacceptable amount of rust? In many areas the rust appears to be surface rust and the seller claims to have performed a hammer test and didn't find any weak spots based on sound. The car will be driven in California (low rust environment). Any feedback is appreciated.

 

I have an '07. Mine does not have anywhere close to the amount of rust as that one.

I'm the second owner of my truck so don't know the full history of it. It was manufactured in October '06 and bought by me in April of '09. I don't have a garage, so my truck was parked outside all ofthe 4 winters I've owned it. My truck still has a bit more surface rust than my father's '02, Sierra so I'm already getting paranoid.

 

The places to inspect are around the front suspension, in the box areas and the front crossmember.

If you search here you will see some wonderful photos of what and where to expect problems.

PK

 

Mine looks about that bad. I have a 2007 that has been in New England it's entire life where the roads are pretty much painted white with salt from November through March or April. If you do buy that truck, I'd get after the rust and re-paint it so it doesn't get worse. I plan to strip down my frame and repaint it before this winter.

 

I live in souther California and have a 06 and mine has no rust at all .

 

I doubt theres anything structurally unsound there but it needs attention. IMO.

 

It's up to you to take care of it from here on out or not. I like it but play UP the rust issue.

 

Well no shit

 

This ^^

Looks like heavy surface rust , a bit worse than my '09

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Any idea how much it costs to strip the frame and repaint it? Would a rust converter be effective at stopping further frame damage without stripping and repainting?

The owner has come down quite a lot in price which is why I am still considering it. He's willing to let it go for $14k and the truck has ~65k miles. Most other trucks in this config that I've come across are closer to $21-22k with similar miles (though with no rust issues).

 

If you could get an extra 1k off for that "swamp" under there, you'd be stylin' You're not an idiot and I know you'll have the cleanest frame in Town, before long. Get moving but play the rust issue to the HILT! Good luck.

 

I have more surface rust on my rails than black, but all the crossmembers look great. I just cleaned the frame with Simple Green and a brush, then sprayed on Eastwood's Heavy Duty Anti Rust. I tried those rust converters and rust encapsulators before, they just flake off after a season anyway. You have to get something that is going to penetrate the rust and slow it down considerably. You'll never stop it.

 

Mine has about half of that. It has been in FL for a year and spent some time in WY for a year and spent the winter in WY. The previous owner lived in NC