2000 Tacoma frame rust warrantee

Hi, I have always wanted a Tacoma and am looking at buying a 2000 4 cyl 4wd, used. Only problem is the ones I've seen have extensive frame rust...

I have read that Toyota extended the warrantee on the frame of these to 15 years from purchase. Is that all inclusive? The "Warrantee Policy Bulletin" from Toyota says "...warrantee coverage on certain 1995-2000 Tacomas"...

I want to make sure that if I buy one from 2000 that is rusty and take it in by the end of this year they will honor that warrantee and replace the frame or buy back the truck. I do not have the vin#.

Are any 2000 Tacomas excluded from the warrantee, or is there any other way that a 2000 Tacoma with rust perforation would not be subject to replacement/buyback?

 

That warranty campaign has expired.....

 

i work for toyota and if the frame wasnt sprayed then its not covered anymore. if it was sprayed then you have another 15yrs of warranty left

 

To be clear, 15 years from the in-service date. Not 15 years from the date it was sprayed.

 

I have heard but don't understand that... if it is a 15 year limitless warrantee, a vehicle put in service in 2000 should still be covered until at least the end of this year. Did they issue another bulletin recinding the 15-year promise? What gives?

I spoke to a dealer, and they told me they are no longer doing the inspection/repairs but are referring people to Toyota Corporate for further service.

I still would like to know if the warrantee covers/covered ALL 1996-2000 Tacomas, or of it only covers SOME of them, like only those made at a particular plant or something.

The warrentee bulletin (http://www.showstop.org/images/truck/rust_warranty/warranty-policy.pdf) gives vin ranges with the character Z just before the number. That seems to correspond to the Nummi plant. Is it only Tacomas made there that are covered? Were there Tacomas made elsewhere?

 

They had an inspection period. If you had your frame inspected in that period you are covered for 15 years from "in service" date. If your frame wasn't checked during the inspection period you have no warranty.

The reason for this is Toyota never made the frames, they were made by Dana. When the rust issues came up Toyota went after Dana for the costs (replacement or buy-back depending on year). To get an accurate amount of money from Dana, Toyota had to have everyone come in and see how many frames were rotten. This inspection period had to end so Toyota could tell Dana how much money to pay. It would not be realistic for Toyota to contact Dana every time they needed a new frame for the next 15 years. So Dana paid out a lump sum based on how many frames Toyota could reasonably estimate needed (or would need) replacement or buy-back.

The notices for frame checking were sent out to everyone Toyota knew to be owners, told to every dealer to check when Tacomas came in for other services, and spread all over the internet.

If you didn't get your frame checked within the inspection time period you are SOL. Toyota cant go back to Dana and say someone didn't have the frame inspected and we need more money to cover the costs.

 

Interesting! Ok, I guess that makes sense, though nowhere have I seen something that explained the inspection period and told Tacoma owners that they MUST get checked by 12/31/11...

So I am looking at a particular truck with a rusty frame (wont pass inspection). I now know that if it was ever inspected it is still covered. Is there any way to tell if this truck was ever inspected?

If it is not under warrantee, do you have any advice? 109K miles, no rust on the body, runs great, everything works. Is it really junk?

 

I would venture a guess and say it has no warranty. If it did it would have been crushed and the owner paid out 1.5x kbb value already. If the frame is shot I would stay away.