Opinion on undercarriage (2001)

Not terrible considering where it is from. Toyota coating has bought this truck frame some time. It looks very similar to mine (Ohio) and my frame tested good with the hammer in the critical areas, particularly in the rear by the spring mounts.

I think if the price is right the frame is a candidate for a thorough cleaning, POR15 treatment and semi annual fluid film. That is what I have done to mine and I remain confident it will provide the years of service I need to hit 400K. Currently at 218K miles.

Check for other services, u joints look like they have not been greased religiously nor has the slip yoke. fluid changes are probably in order too. Service history is critical.

 

My gas tank skid plate rusted in two and fell off a couple of years ago. (replaced it with a quality piece from Low Range OffRoad) My frame was treated after Toyota inspection, but alas, it is in the shop at this moment getting a new frame. My frame looked about like this one, but the rust came through from the inside out, at the typical rust through point at the front set of rear spring hangers.

My gut says keep looking in the South, but otherwise get a really good inspection done, both hammering on the frame, as well as getting a scope on the inside of the frame.

 

The good dealer reviews help, but the bad rap used car dealers have is well deserved. More than a few posts here on that.

The Toyota undercoating provided some protection and extended the frame warranty, but this one has since aged out of warranty. I agree that it has not been spray painted. Mine looks similar, though much more has flaked off. For a 16 yr old truck from a cold weather state, it looks pretty damn good. But it is 16 yrs old, and will need ongoing attention and preventative maintenance. So in addition to the risk of unseen frame rust, there is that to consider. Looks like it has some mixed and matched tires too. E-brake cable looks questionable.

You didn't mention the price (or milage-as a gauge for the appearance/expectations for needed maintenance). Personally, based on your location, I might hold out for a warm weather truck just to lessen the rust risk. If it were near my location, I would gladly inspect it and give you an opinion.

 

Yeah I'd pass

 

Where is this at @yamamatt65, I'm over in Pittsburgh PA, maybe I can take a look at it for you if its close!

 

pass

 

It's a good sign they were able to put it on a lift without the frame breaking in half, but the hammer test is definitely needed on this one

Some parts of the frame look like a mess. Just look at the texture of the frame rail near the catalytic converter... :/
I think I can even spy a small crack there

Also, this undercoating, it actually makes the frame rust and rot faster. It hardens and ends up cracking and becoming porous over time, trapping moisture and rust against the frame, accelerating the process even more. It's like a bandaid over a gangrenous wound. The only advantage, though, is that the truck may qualify for a frame replacement (if it isn't past the deadline, of course)

If it's all good, the only thing to do is scrape this stuff off and grease the frame. Not worth painting over such a rusty frame. Grease will protect it better than paint.

Then there seems to be a bad leak on the transfer case and the drive shaft looks like it hasn't been greased often, so it raises questions about how the truck was maintained...

 

Thanks everyone. The original eBay ad:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-Toyota-Tacoma-SR5-4WD-TRD-/142445398395?nma=true&si=MFcErKHIWO1Yz7eKq3VGdVnw3pM%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

It had over 25 bids with 4 or 5 days to go, but I guess someone ended the auction early.

 

Looks like someone was willing to take the risk. Perhaps they were able to inspect the frame, or were totally ignorant of the issue. Looked very clean in the pictures.

Good luck with the next one.

 

That's my guess.

 

Much to my dismay, there will never be a shortage or ignorance (or arrogance).

 

I also would have been glad to check this out for the OP

 

Or maybe truck broke in half .

But seriously from what I see on the ebay history they are just in business of selling cars so they are not interested in hiding stuff or ripping people off (bad for reputation especially on Ebay). But they don't need to tell everything they know or guess either (don't as don't tell ). You buy what you see and if you don't see, either take a risk or walk away. The ad did not state the frame rust free nor even state the condition of the frame just "the undercarriage is in great shape as well". Very vague, the same as "The tires are showing good tread" doesn't mean they are the same brand or types - my 10 years old tires still had good thread and did not show any cracks when shining compound was applied.

There is a lesson to learn from this wholesaler. They are very good (I mean in business). They know what they are doing and I'm sure making good money all legally. The buyer's duty is to understand and comprehend what is in the add and not assuming anything beyond that. Unless it is a brand new car under factory warranty I wouldn't buy anything without kicking tires (or hammering the frame in case of 1st gen Tacoma). Unfortunately the ebay auctions don't give much opportunity for that - usually to fast and to far away.

 

RysiuM- totally agree with what you are saying. There was no way for me to personally look at this truck, and if I paid someone to go check it out, I would have to trust that they caught a serious issue. About the frame, the seller and I spoke on the phone twice and exchanged a few emails. I specifically asked about the frame, and about the history with the 1st gen Tacomas. Not trying to say to trust what he said, but he was adamant that this particular one has a solid frame with no perforation or rust issues. He also offered that Toyota applied their anti-corrosion treatment a few years ago. I verified this through the Toyota owners website, which also shows the complete timing belt service completed. All in all, I think $9700 is a reasonable price for what I saw on the ad. Here in GA, a 2001 double cab TRD with anywhere close to 130,000 miles and clean like this truck is advertised well over $11,500. The trucks I see locally under $10,000 are all beat to hell. Shoot, maybe I should have just bought it and paid Wyoming09 to weld the frame if it was bad.