Help evaluating rust on a used 2015 DC LB, 22k miles, $26,8k

I agree that the frame rust issue is something that should have been addressed better, and is a strike against the model. But IMHO, it's only a problem for the casual consumer that turns the key til the car has issues, and gets a new one. They don't pop the hood except to replace windshield washer fluid.

For most here, we're informed, and work on our trucks. As such, if we're cleaning and monitoring the undercarriage, these frames can be kept up as long as any other.

I have no interest in a four door truck, period. The Ridgeline is not an option for that reason. Frontier? Canyon? Ranger? Gladiator? Nope. Each has significant knocks against them in my view. I want an extended cab, 4x4, reliable drivetrain midsize TRUCK that I can work hard. If that means I need to get under it with a hose regularly to keep it rot free, in order to drive a truck I otherwise love, I'm ok with it.

 

I'd keep looking for one of similar specs, though that someone treated annually. I would expect the prcie to be comparable, though without that much rusting. FYI - I have an 09 which looks far better than that, and i live about a half hour outside of Buffalo, NY. The difference would be that i bought it new and had it 'Krowned' ever fall prior to the salt flying.

I would imagine that with a little patience, you can find a similar senario in regard to a truck having been treated when new and up until someone changed directions.....

 

compare to others:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-prevention-treatment-consolidation-thread.355928/

 

I’d pass. And i know these fetch a lot on the used market but 27k is too much to pay for a rusted truck.

 

My advice for buying a Tacoma is always to be super patient, it may take 6mo. or a year but with people expecting a lot in resale, combined with the rusted frame issues, it will take time to find one that you'll be happy with IMO.

I'd think some people who got new frames under the class action could be selling theirs, granted probably with higher mileage but still the engine isn't the weak point on 2nd gens it's the frame. I briefly thought about if I should sell mine after getting a new frame but I'd have to get another vehicle for the winter so not sure I really want to do that and pay sales tax again etc.

 

That's pretty minor surface rust for a '15, and really typical of most vehicles that age in the rust belt, regardless the manufacturer. I'd be more concerned about the asking price.

I'm on my 5th Tacoma, all used northeast trucks, and none of them looked that good, except my current '07 with a frame replaced in 2015. You should be prepared to spend some time cleaning the frame at the end of the salt season, and depending on your level of OCD, protecting the frame and other components subject to salt exposure.

 

What part of MA?
Living in NH by way of MA I know a bit about rust. My 2013 has got some serious rust but so far it all seems to be on the surface and looks similar to the photos above.. I do try to wash off all the salt and such when the temp gets above freezing.

That rust looks pretty typical for around here. I would not pass on it just for that. What is the rest of the truck like? If all looks on the up and up I would do as others have suggested and spray film the underneath if you chose to buy. I think the price a bit high though. Look around some and compare prices, I think you could do better.
I love the 2nd gens, hate the nose on the 3rd gens. 2nd gen seems to be the sweet spot on the tacos. Looks great, performs well...other than the rusted frames, they are amazing.

 

Good advice here. It took several months to find my '07 at a price I was willing to pay. I also only looked at TRD Off Roads with replaced frames. I also worked with several used car dealers who were on the lookout for what I wanted. Ended up finding one at a completely different dealer, and they accepted my offer. Always run the VINs on the Toyota Owners site to check the service records. I was able to use that info in my negotiations.

 

According to Kelly blue book for my area the price is in the "great" range for sr5 lb dc, so I suppose I'm surprised at some people's reactions with the price haha. Yeah I would definitely be taking care of the frame, I have a feeling most of trucks are going to look like this. Is there a reason that 2015 tacomas in my area have more rust than my 2012 rav4?

 

I would use the rust issue as a way to talk the price down, looks way worse then it actually is, but if untreated you could have a disaster on your hands in the next 5-10 years

 

The rust is not that bad. The price is 4-5 K too high.

 

Let me know where I can buy these at 22k miles for $22,8 and I would gladly hop on a plane lol this is a v6 btw

 

I don't think most people realize how high the demand is for Tacoma's in NE. They are every 3rd car. Here in the midwest, other than 5 lug fleet vehicles, I'm lucky if I see 1 - 2 a day, and I'm out and about quite a bit.

Rust: could be this owner simply didn't bother with the underside AT ALL, with that mileage,(22k in years is 5500 miles a year) It clearly has spent more time sitting than rolling. If it rolled through eastern MA on a typical day in Feb, then sat for days/weeks before being washed or even getting straight rain water on it, it's going to corrode. A daily driver is actually more likely to get a bath more often.

 

My take is high demand shouldnt sway some one into buying a car that may present some serious issues. In the sub 20k range I get it. But once you're talking 27K, might be best to extend one's budget and buy new or a model with no rust. That being said, if the undercarriage is fully inspected and the existing rust can be blasted off and coated it's probably fine. "Probably" though. You cant really access many interior surfaces of the frame.

If I were selling this tacoma I would have taken care of it as best I can before listing. At least the cosmetic stuff.

 

I'm with you on the look of 2nd gen. I don't personally like the look of 3rd at all and thats why I went with a 2015. There is alittle more rust than on mine (bought it 5 months ago) it lived half in the south and a few years in Illinois but its definitely not to bad as far as I can tell from pictures. Good luck go with the 2nd gen if you like the looks more than 3rd

Edit.. for your reference I bought my 2015 access cab 4x4 v6 manual for 22k with 50,000 miles in Illinois cert. Pre owned. I feel like I could have searched for longer and found a better deal but I already spent 6 months looking, 3 months looking almost every day. I'm happy with my purchase.

 

I really don’t see the infatuation with buying a 22K mile Taco for $28K, just for the bragging rights of low mileage. A 120K mile Taco will drive just as good and at 220K miles it will still be going strong. And if you’re financing that $28K, now you’re talking about somewhere North of $32K. There are tons of TW members that bought their XXXK mile Taco for somewhere in the neighborhood of $10K to $16K. There are people that say that, “Tacos hold their value so well that I can sell it for 80% of what I paid for it.” OK, but you still had to work your ass off for that $28K. Unless you are in a financial position that $28K to you is like me going to McDonalds, you’re better off putting $15K into a house and buying a $13K Taco.

 

2nd gens are a solid choice when you find the right one. Happy I decided on mine. Yours seems to be a solid price too, but I guarantee that a lot of those bolts are seized and will have to get chopped if you are thinking about a lift down the road. Also your alignment cam bolts are probably done too. Happened on mine and I don't have nearly as much rust as you.

Maybe see if the dealer can offer some sort of rust removal treatment or pay for one else where. Or just keep looking.

 

Is it 4x4? If not, it is over priced. If you're willing to fly and drive back then you can expand your search to further south where you'd probably get a better truck.

Also for certified used, are you using www.toyotacertified.com ?

 

I don't think that looks bad just surface rust. If you do buy it wait until spring time do to rust removal. I would start with washing / de-greasing the frame. Then use a wire wheel / wire brush to remove rust. Ospho rust neutralizer, Eastwood primer, Eastwood black chassis paint and then Amsoil heavy duty metal protector. Eastwood also makes an internal frame protector which I highly recommend. The prep. is the key 98% of the work, just take your time. FYI follow safety precautions using Ospho neutralizer protect your skin. You will hear people say use fluid film I found it washes away to easily. I now use that heavy duty metal protector and I find I'm doing less touch up in the spring. My .02
Rust Never Sleeps

 

It's a 4x4 v6