Bad frame rust 2002

So I decided to buy a 2002 Tacoma on an auction and upon delivery I found terrible frame rot. Multiple holes in different parts along with rust everywhere on the frame. I called Toyota and they said the programs expired here but they would consider extending for me based on circumstance. The Toyota customer service Rep said I should bring the truck in to the dealership along with my case number. I'm guessing they are going to tell me it's my problem to deal with. Anyone else try this recently?

 

The program lasts 15 years from the date of manufacture on the truck. If it's an 02, you should still be eligible. You need to check car fax and Toyota owners website to see if the truck was inspected and the frame coated by Toyota. If it was then you should be able to get a new frame.
If those two things have been done, I would press the issue until it gets done. You may have to take it to multiple dealerships to find one that will work with you.
Good luck, hope this helps!

 

Thanks for your insight I checked the Toyota website and out shows that there was work done in 2014 but hard to know if they inspected it. Looks like they were concerned with the spare tire rust but I'm not sure if that is the same thing? Copied the info below.


DATE4/1/14
SERVICE TYPEDealer
SERVICE PROVIDERRomano Toyota
MILEAGE84,326
DESCRIPTION
Repair Order Number: 0393239
2533923, DIAGNOSE CEL, FOUND MAF AND CHARCOAL CANNISTER BAD, REPLACE MAF SENSOR, CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER, REPLACE CHARCOAL CANNISTER, , REPLACE FRONT CALIPERS, LUBRICATE PROPELLER SHAFT, C0V-INSPECT & REPLACE SPARE TIRE CARRIER - TACOMA

Download Details
DATE1/2/06
SERVICE TYPEDealer
SERVICE PROVIDERRomano Toyota
MILEAGE29,044
DESCRIPTION
Repair Order Number: 0182029
REPLACE BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND ALIGNMENT,OP#5522DK 2.6 SCC=50J

 

The spare tire carrier is a separate issue

 

Ok, doesn't look like they did the inspection or coating on that visit. The spare tire carrier was a recall. Completely separate from the frame issue. I would call Toyota corp with the vin to see if you can get any info on whether it's been inspected and coated. I would get the process going asap, it expires next year for you. If you can get it done, you have a new frame, new leaf springs and new brake lines. You'd have a great truck when finished. I believe if it was never inspected and coated, you may be out of luck. Maybe someone who has had this done will chime in to verify.

 

Man those are the only two records Toyota had for it

 

Have you ran Carfax?

 

* 15 years from date of original vehicle purchase.

* Google "Toyota owners site" and register for an account and add the truck vin. There are a lot of records that don't come up on carfax that do come up on the owners site.

 

^^^ this
I was assuming that's what he did from an earlier post.
That website is nice, when I bought my taco I even called dealers from the records and had them fax me detailed service records

 

Lower ball joints at 29,000 ? Is that normal ?

 

There was a recall due to scratches and gouges on the balls from the manufacturer.

 

I hate when that happens

 

I don't mind them being scratched. Gouging is another matter, tho.

 

Indeed, scratching is often necessary

 

Any updates?

 

If they did the inspection, it would be on the Toyota website. Prior to me owning it mine was inspected twice and both are listed.