Looking for predictions / advice on potential rust on potential 2nd gen

One of the tacomas (my first) I was looking at was a 07 DCLB. The only pic the seller included that shows anything besides the body, is this one where you can see the rear leaf springs behind the tire. Yeah, I know this low def picture doesn't tell us much, but would we typically see any trouble signs in this area that appear or don't appear to be present. In general, is there anything about this pic that may indicate the care or decay this truck has likely seen underneath. For reference I have included one of the other pics that shows the overall condition of the truck.

I will reach out to the seller and see about getting some pics of the frame. This is a northern truck (MI), and I assume it spent it's whole life here. Apparently the seller may have a buyer lined up, but if given the chance, what should I be looking for in person that would be a deal breaker?

 

If your somewhat knowledgeable about rust and the history of rust with Tacoma’s from this web site, you will know exactly what to do once you see it in person. Your gut feelings will kick in and you will know grasshopper.

 

This my first taco, and rust is just part of life up here in MI. I'm not sure it will be so obvious for me. Just trying to avoid buying something that will end up being a total loss.

 

Look very careful underneath, stuff like this happens with rust.

I would take it to a mechanic and tell him your concerns.

 

The rare dump bed options are hard to find.

 

FWIW.....rust happens. Its one of the many forces of nature.

You need to inspect the truck with your eyes. Run the VIN through the Toyota database to see if the frame recall has been done. Have a Toyota mechanic inspect the truck.

You have the means, you need to do the diligence.

Remember, buying a used truck it is an "AS IS" purchase. Be sure to get the transaction in writing, including any guarantee the seller states.

 

I went all the way to southern TN to buy my 2012. Frame is pristine.

Michigan might not be the best hunting grounds for a used Tacoma.

 

I predict there will be many vehicles for sale in the NE part of the USA.

Probably for low $$. May need some repair.

 

My son has a 2005 LB Access Cab. 170k mi. It had the frame replacement two years ago, but other than that has minimal rust for its mileage and age considering being in the New England area for 16 years. The only area beginning to show an issue is below the drivers side rear access door at the lower rear rocker at the back of the cab. Other than a few surface spots on the floor pan underneath, most of the worst rust is on the various sheet metal brackets Toyota uses to hold things down underneath the truck and under the hood. Some of them are pretty bad. The bracket/mounting holding down the smog pump is a complete mess. (but the pump still works)

My 2014 double cab is rust free except for several of the aforementioned metal brackets holding things on the frame and body here and there and under the hood. It just had the frame inspection/CRC campaign done and was declared no issues found.

 

Thanks for the input guys. This thing does supposedly have low mileage <80k. I'm really only looking for a DCLB, and in this market, with a budget < 25k, my options are going to be pretty limited for a while I suspect.

 

You'll be lucky if you find a long bed. They seem to be pretty rare, at least around here. I wanted a 2012-2015, V6 AT 4x4 Double Cab LB and gave up. I came across one, and the price was in the stratosphere. I ended finding a nice 2014 SB SR5 as above with the Trailer Tow pkg and grabbed it.

 

I really needed a regular cab so it would fit in the only open bay I have in my barn, which is short because of shelves and such on the wall..

BUT...I found a 2012 4WD for 14k with 120K miles. I don't think you have to pay more for a rust free one. You just have to be willing to go get it. I found mine on eBay, bid on it, never met the minimum but had made contact during the sale and worked out a deal afterwards.

Point being...I really think you're better off widening your search and spending some of that $25K travelling to find the right truck.

Good luck my man!

Phil

 

Phil, I like that approach. I got some over due visits to the south anyway. Going to start looking around. Thanks.