How do these frames look? 2003 and 2004 Xtracab V6 Manuals

I am interested in these very similar Tacomas. A 2003 and a 2004 Xtracab V6 Manual. Both of these vehicles certainly have their issues, but also appear to be in pretty decent condition. A bit overpriced by the dealer. I am primarily asking your opinion on the condition of the frames based on the pictures I received from the dealer. Oddly, the 2004 seems to have a worse frame yet the structural damage (presumably the frame) is noted for the 2003. These both have free carfax reports. What do you guys see?

2004 - 145,000 miles
https://www.uaxdrive.com/vehicle-de...manual-4wd--new-timing-addison-il-id-43413675

 

Here is the 2003. 123,000 miles.
https://www.uaxdrive.com/vehicle-de...-xtracab-v6-manual-4wd-addison-il-id-45000144

 

I'd nope both of them

 

1st is better

 

First one looks like it's hiding damage, somebody sprayed undercoat all over it.
Second is sketchy as well.

Glad I live in Tucson.

 

They look like someone spayed them with undercoating.
And almost as if they spayed it over a good bit of rust.
You need to get under there and do a poke and tap test.
You really need to see how bad it is under the coating.

 

RUN. they've been coated. ones had welding done.


theres rust under the undercoating. thats a death sentence. few years and they'll have holes if they dont already

 

The rusted cab support in #2 was reason enough for Toyota to replace my frame.

 

The frame on the 2003 looks good except for the cab support, but i guess that's all that needs to fail...

Unfortunately this frame looks far better than most trucks in Wisconsin

 

Those who are telling you to run haven’t seen 90% of vehicles in the rust belt hahaha. If we ran from every vehicle that looked like that up here, there’d be none left to run from.

Those frames don’t look terrible (from my rust belt perspective) but definitely need a knock test done with a hammer to see just how solid they are.

 

I own two trucks from
Wisconsin. Both frames were coated like that and well. I got them cheap because they’re ready to split

 

Enter the hammer test. Point being, not all frames that look like the OP’s posts are ready to split/break. Stay informed and make a safe decision, but do it on more than looks alone. Unless of course you see obvious cracks, through holes or other serious damage.

 

Even if you do the hammer test it’s hard to gauge how many years you have. Will it still be solid in a year? Hard to say. They rot from the inside out unfortunately

 

It all comes down to price and if you are able to do most all your own repairs as far as fabrication .

Now if this is a project to get out of the house and the price is correct go for it.

 

Did you replace or repair the frames on them? Curious as to what i could do to make them work, minus replacing the entire frame.

 

Every Truck is some what different you really don`t know your options till after a close inspections .

Then plan it comes down if the job is cost effective .

Though with the cost of used First Generations making new frames might be profitable .

 

I’m replacing the frame on both of them with western frames

 

@ztwatson

Just pass on both; they're both bad.

 

2nd one has already been plated, and the first one just looks like they sprayed coating over flaky rust.

Hard to tell if that's goopy undercoating or flaky rust covered up by goopy undercoating.

I'd pass on both, both are going to be a PITA to do ANYTHING on.

but you can always do the hammer test. If the owner doesn't let you tap around the frame with a hammer, run away for sure.

 

First off, everyone should say where they are from, generally. Opinions vary based on that..

You will need to go check them out in person.
Crawl underneath and inspect. The second has safetcaps- which if done right, and treatment can last. The Toyota applied spray coating isnt worth much, and probably did more damage based on my experience.

I Would not buy a first GEN in the Midwest if it hasn’t had a frame replacement. I have two, and they both have had it. There still can be issues, but they are solid with FF applications.
Before purchasing, ask the owners, check with the dealerships and make sure you have proof that the frame was replaced. Visually you should be able to tell as well, black on frames and oem stickers on passengers side are giveaways.

The unfortunate thing is that the dealers will sell these to the unsuspecting. And yes they are over priced. If you wanted to take a chance, it would have to be at a ridiculously low price.
GL negotiating—

we’ve also been shopping Ford Rangers, and the frames from that era…. You wouldnt believe some of them..