Rust Question

Hey everyone,
New to the forums here and mainly got on to learn more about the platform and hopefully get enough knowledge to buy a decent first gen. I looked at this one today, it’s from NY 2001 Tacoma double cab and has some rust but wanted to know how bad the rust is and if it’s worth it. Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

More photos

 

I am from WI and no stranger to rust. This looks like they painted over it at some point to cover it up as the paint is now flaking off and exposing pitting in the metal. It all depends what you want for it and your expectations. The rust is probably much worse than what is currently visible. 1 year of winter driving and it will turn much worse. If they are trying to hide rust, what else are they hiding? I myself would pass and find something else.

 

Looks like they hosed it down with undercoating which will trap moisture. Fix would be to powerwash it well treat the metal and paint it.

The body rot would have to be all removed, treated, primed and repainted.

 

thank you

 

Appreciate your time looking at @hfjeff and @fxntime. Currently living in Houston but moving to Florida so it won't be seeing any more snow. They are asking 10,000 but it is a rebuilt title and the damage was on the passenger front fender but they were able to fix it with no damage to the frame. I plan on using it as a daily here and there when I don't want drive my 6speed. Also if inspection goes well I may try and offer 6-7k. I am scared that they tried to paint over majority of the rust and hiding something.

 

I really don't like that first pic, you can see the metal delamination quite well. I'd take a hammer and tap the frame well before plunking down any money.

 

It doesn’t look terrible but, as others have said, it looks repainted. The rocker panel rust doesn’t look great as that’s the body not frame. Also, the worst of the rust will come from inside the frame rails not the visible portion. I’m not sure if any of the 1st gens were ever eligible for frame treatment or replacement but I would be interested in knowing if the owner ever had it treated. For that part of the country it doesn’t look bad at all. Good luck my Tacoma friend!

 

If you are from the south and staying south, find something that has lived its life down there. It is not uncommon for people up here in the rust belt states to find older vehicles online that are down south, then fly down and drive them back for this exact reason (I speak from experience). I have learned to look for rust cover ups the hard way when I was younger and that has helped to avoid going through it again when my teenage boys were car shopping years ago. If you do your own maintenance, you will have to deal with it first hand at some point and it will cause further problems like rusted bolts unexpectedly snapping off in the middle of a simple maintenance task.

 

First photo , like someone else has mentioned the metal is delaminating in the drainage hole. When looking at older vehicles, bring a tool with you to test probe frame areas. Small screw driver awl, etc. That truck in my opinion is just way too far gone. Best advice I would give you, is to keep saving, and get the best , newest vehicle you can afford without going in over your head.

 

This one spot tells me there is probably significant rust inside the frame. Whatever that coating is in the outside could be hiding any spots that are rusting through or on the verge of rusting through.

 

Nope.

Doesn't matter that you are moving around in the southland. Once the rust has started, it doesn't stop. And what you can't see is much worse that what you do see.

And $10k on a 20 yo w/salvage title? No bueno for me.

Will your insurance even write a salvage title? Many won't.

 

At that price, my opinion is that it’s not worth it at all. I paid 11k for mine completely rust free. And depending on where you’ll be in Florida, if you’re living beachside the salt air will have effect on it. I live in Florida and see it first hand. It’s not nearly like living in the north east though. I personally wouldn’t pay more than $4k for this truck. That frame is going to be toast pretty soon based on the flakes on the outside, the inside is probably worse.

 

You can find better......I'm going to say no, not worth it.

 

Run away.

Don't even consider that truck.

 

pass

 

Ya, take your time finding one in Florida. Not worth it if you can shop around in a salt free state.

 

Usually when you are not looking you will find a nice vehicle that fits the bill. Thats how I found my 96 Single cab, hand written "For Sale" sign on the window in a neighborhood I just happen to take a shortcut thru.
As others have stated, find a nice one in Florida.