Scammed - frame rot

Depends on state, if it is within a short time and the vehicle won't pass inspection here in MA you can get a refund even in a private sale.

 

Used in CA.. sure. But I am on the east coast, and El Dude claims *new*. If this is secret knowledge... we must know...

 

Marketplace
I’ve seen new Tacoma and sequoia frames before.

 

Terrible, I’m sorry that you have to deal with this. I too would take it to a reputable shop and let them take a look and see what they think. Selling it for a loss is always a possibility, full disclosure and sharing what the shop finds is all a way of washing it away without being left guilty conscience, which is something the previous seller didn’t have, how some people can be that way I’ll never understand.

 

By all means, you guys need it.

But no real secret, several dealers have had new frames sitting at their stores.

Parts get written off after awhile and fall off inventory. Not to mention, if one store has it in stock, they're not obligated to ship it to another store.

You'd have to call or go in person and talk to someone that knows what's up for that specific store as he or she might know of any excess inventory that's literally just stored away in that very store.

 

@tacotime133 All is not lost. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/first-gen-frame-“plates”.761983/

Be as stubborn as the 1st gen itself and you'll give 'er a new life. Good for another 190K.

 

Agree here. Get more pics of different parts of the frame and see what you are dealing with.

People f*cking suck, long story short. Sorry you have to deal with this, but as you say it does look like a very clean truck inside

 

If that's the worst of it, it's not that bad. Plenty of online resources for how to repair the rust on a frame like this. Taking the bed off isn't too bad with a friend. An engine hoist works too. A little time with a grinder, angle finder, some 1/8-3/16" flat stock, template paper, and a tape measure will get you back to where you thought you'd be if you have a friend that can weld (assuming you're not a welder).

 

Was trying not to comment too much on here today, then I see this idiotic comment.

It’s your duty when utilizing public roads to operate a safe and sound vehicle, even in states where inspections are not required.

Do not do this.

 

Where are you located? Have it checked out maybe fixable. Having mine done as we speak. Let's help em out, and help find a shop to fix the issues.

 

I’m located in Portland, OR. What kind of shop would work on stuff like this? I took it to my mechanic and they made it seem like it was a complete loss. They said they couldn’t even put it on the lift to inspect it due to safety concerns. I do have a welding friend, but I am under the impression that it will need to be a full frame swap :/

 

Well I went to this guy https://nc4x4.com/forum/threads/what-do-we-do-at-buckeye-performance-inc.157753/.
This is the kind of shop to look for Fabrication.
Look at what frames sell for you could do it your self. Your across the country from me and my guy.

 

Do you mind if I ask how much it cost for you to get that kind of work done?

 

I would entertain the welding friend route. As others have said, go underneath the truck with a hammer and start tap/whacking at it to expose all of the bad locations. Typically the worst areas will be behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Have your friend come over to assess what they think about doing the repair. Many people have cut out the rot, added in a lot more steel, welded it and kept the truck alive. Plenty of info on this site about everyone's repairs. You can likely do the same. You lose nothing by hammering away, removing the rot and seeing if you can actually save this frame.

 

I would try to find a lawyer who has auto experience and see if there is any relatively easy routes to recover anything from the previous owner. You might have a case if they intentionally painted over damage in order to sell the truck.

 

I know the feeling when you purchase something that isn't what it seems, this is a big disappointment. I don't know what year frames are compatible, or what you would be willing to put into it at this point. I currently see a '99 extra cab, v6, prerunner, listed here in CA for $2100. Doesn't run, mechanical issues but could have a good frame, and possibly some parts that could be sold to recoup some some of the purchase price. Maybe you could find something like that.

 

Mine guy quoted for my case and clean up everything coat it and undercoated along with our Forester, not as bad but take it to a fabricator for inspection and ask them what their opinion is.
Is it just that 1 spot or all over.
Do these things 1st. google the kind of shops I and others have suggested. Look on FB for these kind of shops they are near you too. Have your weildinf friend go with you.

 

@tacotime133

One thing you have not done that was suggested is go outside, get under the rig with a ball peen hammer, and assess your damage.

Your responses are all over and you're wanting to jump the gun on things.

 

sort out what it is gonna cost to repair/replace the frame - then you can sort out if selling it [for a loss?] or repairing it is worth it to you..

situation totally sux but seems common - i looked at a few tacoma's when i was shopping that had been sprayed all black underneath..
each time i took the truck for a pre/purchase inspection - as soon as i saw the spray, i had em drop it down and i took it back

i would suggest that next time you buy a used vehicle, take it for a pre/purchase inspection. they are usually 60-80USD - put the vehicle on a lift, pull on the suspension, check fluids and most of all have someone objective give you their professional opinion - before you buy it.
Most used vehicle sales are as-is 100%; there are a few exceptions but nothing you should ever hang your hat on.

sorry you wound up in this boat, maybe you can keep it afloat!

 

Hey Allison, just a few options to consider (they may be decent or may not be), and I’m sure there are more out there. Best of luck with your taco, hope it all works out for you.