Needs advice on 03 Taco

I have a 2003 reg cab 4x4 taco with 57k i purchased new. Body is in excellent shape and it runs great. The check engine light came on and took it to the dealer who said that it needs a new carbon canister. It will cost $600 to replace because they need to remove the bed or I would just have to pay for canister part if they replace the frame which is rusted. They told me it would take a few months to replace the frame but they will provide me with a rental. I have a few problems with their proposal. Why were they so fast with determining that the frame needed to be replaced and why would toyota pay for a rental for a few months plus replace the frame and all the parts. They quicky ran off a list of replacement parts over the phone which included the frame, rear springs, brake lines, uper and lower control arms etc. I really don't trust them. Do you think toyota would just buy the truck from me? I am just looking for some advice. What would you do? They made an appointment with me to bring the truck in on tuesday. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

They want to replace the frame because it failed the rust test. the dealer gets paid well to R&R the frame. It's a great deal, If you plan on doing a lift kit, new shocks, duels any of that stuff they will work with you on that stuff cause they are already going to change it out.

 

Toyota is not buying back the '01-'04. If the frame fails, they will replace the frame. Never heard of the charcoal canister failing. Do you know the actual code for the CEL?

 

not sure if you saw this thread already.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/6549-95-2k-rust-help-toyota.html

 

I just had my Frame replaced, they had it for 7 weeks and the dealer I used did a good job, I had them replace my shocks while they were doing it.

I did have my charcoal canister fail, the solinoid is what actually failes but it is almost unreplaceable , and usually it means that the charcoal has come loose and worked its way into the solinoid, I know it can be done with out removing the bed, I had mine done for 500 by a local shop.


But I would definatly have the frame done and not worry much about it.

 

Thank you for your input. I am bringing the truck in this morning.

 

I also had my charcoal canister fail and throw a CEL. I got same quote as you around $500-$600 to replace. Sounds like this is a pretty common issue with the Tacomas.

 

How about a poll on this issue?

 

Update : They had my truck for over a month now. I have been driving a rental that they provided. My truck has been sitting in the lot untouched. Looks like its gonna be next spring or maybe summer before I see my truck again.

 

better than driving around on an unsafe frame. I wish toyota would take mine in for a frame replacement

 

Yes. Thank you Toyota for manufacturing trucks that dangerously rust after 55,000 miles. Thank you for my loss of use for 6 months or more. And thank you for the hyundai you let me use while my truck is being repaired. I can really load that baby up.

 

true it is a hassle but think of it this way now the every part of your truck will last over 250000 not just the engine

 

Yes.I finally got my truck back. There were marks on the sides and hood. I think they were from a hoist they used to lift the body. I was able to rub them out with compound. I think the truck lost it's heavy duty suspension because it rides like a car now. I also saw the invoice to toyota. The frame relacement cost $13,508.00. The car rental from Enterprise was $2,740.00. Total cost to Toyota was $16,248.00. I would have Taken 10k for the truck. Oh well. I guess Toyota enjoys getting ripped off by its dealerships. I am just glad its over.

 

I don't get it. Toyota is goofy not to buy the truck if the frame replacement costs more than the vehicle is worth?

 

I think Toyota is getting recourse from the original frame manufacturer. So the cost of doing the replacements is not all on them. Plus its good PR.

 

I think they are after the PR as well. With this and the gas pedal issue they had on the 2010 cars they need all the good PR they can get. Im taking mine in soon hopefully ill get a new frame as well