Need straight advice!

Owned 2004 base Tacoma since 2004. Runs beautiful. 175k miles and body good, but rusted frame. Missed the Toyota fix. I desperately want to keep, but bid was $6500 to replace frame. Am I crazy for considering fixing? I've looked for used options, but prices are insane! Don't really want new truck as I use this like a truck as a fanatical gardener. I need advice!

 

I say, it’s time to move on and get a gen3 or something new my friend. Sounds like your truck has giving you it’s best life time. It’s time to let go.

 

Source a frame do the swap and send it for another 200k. It’s all about having fun.

 

$6500 sounds cheap. Is that from a shop that does this sort of work? You're right the 1st Gens are pricy for clean ones.

 

That's a cheap bid for a shop to do the frame job. Toyota quotes around $12k for it. Usually involves a lot more than just a frame replacement - if the frame is that far gone then most likely many other parts need replacing with it as well

 

Thanks for the replies. Bid was from local machine shop. I'll see what the consensus is in next few days, and we'll see if I'm swayed!

 

If they can do it right for that price I'd seriously consider it. If it needed an engine for about that price I'd do it.

 

If you are set on staying 1st Gen, that is likely going to be cheaper than purchasing a similar good condition 1st Gen with a good frame. The cost of my 1st Gen was insane, but I was really set on a good condition 1st Gen and that is the market now. I'd plan for incidentals in the process if you decide to go though with it, as likely more things they take off in the swap may need to be replaced adding to the cost.

 

Excellent point. Start thinking of things you need to replace (either known now or just that are hella easier to do in the process) and see how your math comes out.

 

That sounds fair.

Went to the dealer recently to get an oil filter, saleswoman chased me down.

Said she'd pay me $17,750 for my Taco. I only paid $19,000 11 years ago, prices are crazy.

I'd opt for the new frame

 

Where to use your money? It used to be Gold & Silver. Now it's guns & ammo. Soon it could be vehicles and food. Not sure what is right, but I'm not leaving money in the bank. If you can do it for a fair price, it's like money in the bank. Like I tell my son, it's money in the yard that you can enjoy.

 

6500 is pebbles compared to a 50k turd gen. That’s pretty straight forward. Why don’t you call it 10 grand and do more while your there. Still a fraction of a new truck

 

Obviously too these trucks are not losing value.

 

Agree with this

 

Do you want to keep your truck?

Can you afford the $6500+?

If so, do it.

 

My advice…if you love the truck and the truck has been good to you…it’s worth keeping. I still have my 85 4Runner and have been working on a restoration for a bit now.

 

Here is my two cents, if you love the truck and happy with driving it for 500,000+ miles them make the repairs. It is a hell of lot cheaper to to make the repairs than buying a new truck. Sounds like you don't not want to get rid of it, and I do not blame you. A new truck note and higher insurance for 5+ yrs does not sound like something I would want. If you can swing the money for the repair and a few upgrades while it is torn down IMO that is the way to go. Make a pro's and con's list and see what sways you. Hope this helps. Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

 

Only you can decide how to spend your money.

For that quote just what are you getting??

That is the real Question ? Custom built new Frame? A good used frame swapped into your truck .

Is this just the labor with you sourcing the replacement frame?

Where all the other assorted parts that break also included in the quote?

This can get much more expensive veryfast.

Good luck . This is a hard call either way.

 

Folks here given great replies. What is your status? I'm an interested party I am in exactly the same boat as you, except half the miles!

 

Here's the same very thin set of pennies I toss in any time someone asks about doing a salvage title: Can $6500 get you a truck that will be as good as this one? "Good" is subjective and wholly up to you.

If you can swing it, consider having them box the frame and cavity wax it before they put it on - hell of a lot less labor to do it with access from all sides, and as others have said, also make sure you budget for incidentals - stuff too rusty to get off cleanly or that will need replaced soon anyway. For example, control arms typically come as part of the frame from Toyota but how are your current leafs, shackles, brake lines, bumpers?