05 Frame rust 70k!

So for a while I have been looking to buy a newer Tacoma Reg cab to replace my 89. I found one at a local toyota lot in the used section. I test drove it and everything seemed fine. At my first casual glance at the frame it I noticed it had some surface rust here and there but I figured I would just clean it up and paint it.

Right before I decided to make an offer I crawled under it and noticed a square shaped rust spot and put my fingers on the top and pulled. It came loose and I found a big rusty hole! Looks like they have not fixed the rust issue at all on these trucks. Glad I didnt buy this. Yeah its not dangerous now but whats it gonna be in 5 years or so?

What do you guys think? Did I narrowly avoid making a big mistake?

 

Good catch..I definitely would have been pissed to find that after..

 

I think that truck is worthless.

Yes, you avoided a huge mistake. Toyota is currently stiffing it's customers and not backing up it's products as a whole for 05+ Tacomas as of now. They are replacing frames on a case by case basis so if your lucky you get a new frame and if your not lucky you get mired in a legal battle while not being able to drive your truck.

 

Originaly I bought my 2013 Tacoma thinking it would be my 15 year investment in a vehicle .. Now I will be trading my trading my truck in much before that..

 

Are the newer truck frames made exactly the same? I would hope they would change or do something to fix this issue.

 

They put plastic plugs in the frames so water doesn't get in the holes as much.

If they were to do a redesign it would open them up to acknowledging they have frame issues and they won't do that.

Toyota has been making horrible small pick up truck frames for 20 years.... and people keep buying them up.

 

Where are you looking?? New England??

 

The paint job is better on newer frames. schedule a trip to the dealer you will get new frame. Couple days ago I saw big rig with 20 frames on the back. Easily recognized 2 gen frames... So I am guessing Toyota is running quiet replacement.

 

Toyota frames are bad news. It could have been worse...

 

Ohio. Southern part.

 

Can only hope the steel is a better quality too. Don't they dip these frames for rust protection?
Is this common on 150's, Ram's and Silverados??
Have to believe quality improved after NUMMI production moved to BC and Texas three or so years ago.

 

I have been noticing mild surface rust on my frame (A Cali based vehicle in a non peninsula based area of the bay area) in odd areas like at the joints of the shock tabs of the LCA. I can't say I have found it in other areas, yet.

 

I wonder if enough people filed complaints with NHTSA toyota's hand could be forced into a recall.

 

I crawled under my '13 yesterday to grease the zerks and notice surface rust in several spots. I guess I'll have to take a wire brush and can of flat black spray paint to it later this spring.