I guess I got screwed

So I bought my 01 4x4 Taco just 6 days ago. Took it in for an alignment and the frame (the part not visible without a lift) is rusted/repaired/rusted/repaired....ugh. There is an open recall on the spare tire holder, but I doubt that will get me a new frame...especially given the repairs made previously. Any ideas?

Thanks.

D

 

Private sale or dealer sale?

 

Used car lot in Ohio.

 

If you bought it from a dealer/used car lot and they didn't disclose that information to you then you may have an argument.

 

If its a used car lot , check your laws in your state , That could be illegal for them to sell from a lot with a rusted frame .

 

If the previous frame repairs you mentioned were done by a Toyota dealer to address a rust problem (or maybe another frame problem) you might get a new frame.
When Toyota told me a few years ago there may be a frame problem with my 2003 I took it to a dealer who's fix was only to spray it with something. When I recently took it to them again with the spare tire holder recall they said they couldn't replace it because the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. They contacted Toyota headquarters and I'll be getting a new frame.
Even if you don't get a new one there's still a chance it won't give you any problems (I'm assuming it didn't prevent you getting an inspection sticker).

 

x2 Time to start bitching

 

1. Did you buy the truck "as is"? A dealer will not pay for repairs to a car sold “as is,” even if the malfunction occurs the same day you buy the car.

2. is there any "arbitration" language in the contract? This makes it difficult to go to court if there is a problem later.

Even if the vehicle is unsafe you may have issues getting anything done.
Report the dealer to the local Better Business Bureau, ASAP

 

It's important to crawl underneath these trucks when considering a used purchase. When my son was looking at used Tacos a few years back, we brought a creeper, an old moving blanket, and a flashlite. Some salesmen were real uneasy when we went underneath the truck. We eliminated about three vehicles doing this by finding rust, glossy paint over rust, ripped boots, bad shocks, and generally beat up suspension. It's worth the look.

 

Hey folks. It was a corner lot not a Toyota dealer. We don't have inspections here so that's not a problem. I haven't seen the rust myself, but my mechanic says that at least the shackle that rusted through was repaired with a large piece of steel and welding. So it's drivable today anyway. I have contacted my local toyota dealer and was informed of the open recall for the tire carrier and that the frame recall had expired. He referred me to his service manager to see if they will reopen the recall. I have left a message and am waiting for a callback.
:-(

 

Maybe I spoke too soon. Local dealer pointed me a corporate. They are going to honor the warranty and repair the frame. I have a case number and will be hearing from a case manager soon. I have no idea what the remedy is, but I'll take it!

 

Having dealt with Nissan Stealership's on several TSB's...persistence is the key.

You almost have to take up residency...and I learned fast they don't like you hanging around the potential "new car" sales either.

And...document...document...document. Good luck man...

 

WOOOO

 

awesome news , great its coming together in your favor

 

damm..hooked in my book!

This makes me want to go an get my 99 Tacoma checked out at a dealer before I start any suspension/paint/engine tunes&mods

​

 

Well done! Congrats

 

Awesome, you my friend are getting a new frame. Keep us posted, don't just use us like a kleenex...

 

lol

 

well you will be without the truck for a while while they swap out the frames (usually 3-4weeks but they will tell you 2 weeks ) and it can take months for the frame to arrive so they can set up a time to do the swap. they build them as they need them so it takes a long time to get a replacement frame delivered.

when they swap frames they will often change any bad parts for you that they already need to take off and replace so you will have to pay for or supply those parts to them and the labor is already included with the frame swap. its best to purchase any parts you know you need or want new parts installed and have it ready to go when they are.

things like shocks and struts come to mind along with front end parts, not sure what else could be done for free but just ask them to give you any recommendations for things they find are worn out. most places are fair with suggestions such as that because they are already making good money on the frame swap.

 

....and corporate called me back and apogized for the confusion, but my truck won't be covered. Then it gets better. The lot I bought it from has clammed up so I guess I'm on my own. From what I can tell, the frame has chunks missing but has been patched with a lot of metal and welds then covered with rustproofing. Hopefully it will hold together till I get it paid off...:-(