Can't get an inspection sticker if the frame has been welded on

Hey all,

I am a new member. I joined because I have read a lot on the site and it seems you folks really know your stuff.

My story:

I bought a 2004 Tacoma from Ebay. I totally got screwed. The truck was one of those that should have had the frame replaced but the person who owned it opted to weld it instead. In my state of Vermont, you can't get an inspection sticker on your vehicle if the frame has been welded on.
It really sucks because the truck is otherwise beautiful, and runs like new.

Can anyone give me some advice on what to do from here?
I would greatly appreciate some help!

 

How much did you pay?

 

Have you checked with the Toyota dealerships.......Its my understanding that not only are some of the northern dealers still replacing frames.......some of them actually have a stack of em out back......

 

Way too much! They had tons of beautiful pictures, even a few of the frame (in good spots). Even had the carfax report posted with it; all service records. All looked good. The person posted "if you are the winning bidder, please follow through as it is a real pain to keep reposting". I called him and said I am not that guy. I paid. Now I am screwed.

 

I called the local dealer. He said I would have to order the frame, pay for it up front and it would cost around $15,000!

 

I’d do it. Edit: how much is just the frame from Toyota?

 

How about a PO Box in NY or NH? Register and inspect there? I don’t think NY has a “frame has been welded” clause.

 

I would check multiple dealers in New England area.......one of them might know something...


My guess is your gonna have to sell the truck to someone out of state.......

guess gonna have to have a min wage of $25/hr to live in that state....
same problem in LA....people needed to run everything....cant afford to live there...

 

I am pretty sure NY and NH do not have that law. Never thought of that option. hmmm...
I will call around some New England dealers.
I can't afford $15,000

 

No 1 rule here.....is never buy one of these trucks without laying hands on the frame....

the longer its for sale......the more suspect you should be......


And then there's the white smoke thing........which ends up bad.....or worse....

Either of these can cause loss of many $K to remedy......right out of the start block....


And if you cant do a lot of the service yourself.....maybe digging another hole....
a lot of mechanics these days.....seem to be smoking the wrong stuff.....complete idiots....
watch some of them scotty kilmer vids.......factory service techs....huh....

 

Not gonna find a dealer doing the frame replacement on Toyotas dime anymore, that ship last sailed for the 2004s in 2019 (15 yrs from in service date). They have to get approval from corporate to do that warranty job so they can get reimbursed and Toyota won't approve it.

Only 2nd gen Tacomas are still getting new frames covered by Toyota at this point

Might have to see about getting it registered elsewhere.

 

I know I saw a few frames on Craiglist. Maybe Browns used auto in Bomoseen.

 

Looks like you have an out if you can prove it was welded to manufacturer specs. @Empty_Lord - do you know if Toyota even has such specifications for welding frame repair?

 

And the really bad news is the frame is still rotting from inside out....
its only a matter of time.......

Might be able to stabilize or slow it down a little, if you move to Texas.....


These frames, the egr's, and the pink slime........major Toyota misses......
all catering to the environment.........guess the old frame coating was too toxic....
at least they didnt use the famous crispy soy wire insulation like the Europeans....

 

Do you have to go to the sheriff or county office to get your initial inspection sticker, or can it be any shop that does inspections? I found this website to lookup inspection stations and found what seem to be a lot of small independent businesses. Might be worth just trying a couple of the smaller places, might find they don't care as much about the frame being welded.

https://www.vt-avip.com/VTPublicWeb/stationLocator

 

Got any pictures of the welded areas?

 

It would cost $1500 for just the frame.
Labor would be outrageous.

I don’t know if Toyota has specifications, I will check.

I have been to three small garages. VT is so strict that they all worry about losing their licenses so they won’t put a sticker on it. Actually I would feel terrible asking them to do something they aren’t supposed to do and cause them to lose their business.

I haven’t checked with Browns salvage yet.
I have looked online and most sites say “discontinued “
They smeared axle grease or something all over.
Ugh!

 

Aw man, that is…that is not pretty. That cross member looks pretty roaches too. Do you have any repercussions with eBay motors?