Rust straight off the lot on a brand new Tacoma?

Hey all,

Having spent years watching the Top Gear team in the UK trying to destroy the most dogged Hilux, my mind was set that whenever I'd saved enough for my first truck it was going to be the compact Toyota. Doesn't take long searching these forums to realize the venerable US Tacoma is near to indestructible, but for one chink it's 250k mile armor; rust.

Having purchased a new (3 miles on the clock) 2013 recently I was preparing a checklist of maintenance for my new pride and joy (of which preventing frame rust was one item) when I realized I already had a number of rusted bolts and spots on the drive shaft, frame, exhaust 'plate', leaf springs, inner wheel assembly and in and around the transmission block. Now I've seen the threads of owners, 1st and 2nd gen 05+, 08 etc with rust issues but I didn't expect to receive the vehicle already rusted.

I contacted the dealership but of course they're response is predictably 'reassuring'. Rust is normal, rust is nothing to worry about, ignore it, etc etc.

So I suppose my question's are:

1. How soon after everyone took receipt of their trucks did you start seeing the rust crop up and so does the rust in the pictures I included look typical for a 'new' vehicle?

2. I've heard a lot about the frame rust, but I'm surprised by the rust on the inner wheel assembly, exposed bolts and exhaust 'plate'. Is this common?

3. I guess treatment is what many have suggested before, scrub down with wire bush, spray over areas of chipped paint and treat with fluid film, but does this include things like the washers around the transmission or the bolts in the wheel assembly?

Thanks in advance for your time and help.

Dean.

 

Its just surface rust no big deal dude my truck has some. It just happens over time while the vehicle is on the lot.

 

Yup as those above have said, wouldn't worry about what you have in the pics.

 

That's nothing , just wait a year

 

That is mainly just suface rust and as others have said no big deal. If you really wanted to you could remove the rust and use some boeing sheild spray or any oil spray to coat the areas but you will have to reapply regularly. My new 13 has the simular rust areas.

 

If theres no paint it will rust, it happens to all makes and models.

 

you live in a ridiculously humid part of the country. you are close to the ocean. its totally normal

 

I noticed the exact same rust forming after 2 months on the very areas your pictured.

Don't worry about it.

Last year, I did spray some of this stuff to slow down the rust... Surprisingly it does seem to work.

... These 2 are the same products, just new labeling.

 

Thanks guys, awesome help! Having read one too many threads that referred to 'hidden rust', 'rust beneath paint' and 'rusting from the inside out' I thought it best to check.

Given the Tacoma's reputation for longevity, I'm determined to be diligent with the maintenance so I can keep her rolling and I know many have said rust protection should just be part of that routine. Perhaps I'll try the brush and spray Jsin suggested.

 

you live in the Gulf área? that seem like quite a big chunk of rust, mine doesn't have it at all but I live in a dry weather área in Central Mexico also my Taco never sat at the dealer I took it fresh from the factory in Baja, arrived, checked, prepped and gone

Tremendous vehicle, I enjoy it a lot, specially taking into consideration mexcican driving conditions where you never know what could happen, the Taco takes me everywhere

 

Oh and you're right tstout23 it is ridiculously humid, a steep learning curve for a brit.

Thanks for the product recommendation File IFR.

Anyone have any tips on what rust I *should* be keeping an eye our for? One of the pictures should show rust on the drive shaft and the box frame which I thought was painted, or at least powder coated. Presumably the small spots are from where road debris as taken the paint away.

 

Our 2012 Grand Cherokee was just like that. Bought it new off the lot in Dec 2011.

 

Looks normal. Fluid film it while its new!

 

I would take it to get rustproofing performed and a good undercoating. Pay extra for the acid wash and that will take care of the small pieces of surface rust you may have.

Other than that nothing to be afraid of.

 

I'd kill to have that little rust on mine. Just get a spray can of Fluid Film and hit the two areas on the frame. The other areas I'd just leave.

Better than spraying a half gallon of FF every fall

 

its the same effect as when your disc brakes sit for days of non use. they will get a layer of rust on them. same issue with all those items you posted.


it wont affect anything in the long run


have fun

 

Don't worry. The damn thing will rot from the inside out. Not much you can do

 

Hit those spots with some fluid film...wait a month -then take it to ZIEBART like I did ...I have a lifetime rust protection

 

Never bought a new truck / car before huh?

 

I see the problem...2wd!