Tacoma rusted frames

Hi I am new to Tacoma World. I really want a 2001 Tacoma . Looking at 2001 standard cab 4 x 4 manual trans. I have a 1996 just looking to upgrade. Any advice on the frame issues? I love the Tacos just really concerned about the frames. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Get under the truck with a screw driver and poke around for any significant rust issues. Where has the truck lived it's life? Take some pics of the truck and post em up in here.

The frame recall covers trucks from certain states and conditions. It goes back for 15 years from when the truck was made. it's a 2001, so if the truck qualifies under Toyota's conditions, this is the last year to qualify.

 

Thanks for the reply and recall info. I am in Wisconsin. So most likely a truck from here. Do you know what years have the frame issues? Is it just a certain range of years. Thanks again. I love these Tacos hate to go Nissan.

 

The qualifications years for first generation yotas are 95.5-04

 

Thanks again.

 

If it has not be replaced it is sooner or later going to need attention .

I would venture the amount of winters it has seen plays into it big time.

 

Thanks for advice. I agree. Really disappointed. I just became away of this frame issue recently. I always thought Tacos where the best. I really wanted another 1st gen Taco. Hard to shop for them wondering if the frame is bad?

 

If you do find one, the frame may have already been replaced.
My '01 had a replacement. Would have kept it if I could have but needed to upgrade as the size of the clan was growing.

 

Thanks for the input. I would consider buying one with a replaced frame. As stated in earlier posts I love the Tacos. I will look and see whats out there. I was planning on buying one with in the next 10 months. Thanks again for the input.

 

Not all the frames are rusted through and a lot of them are in good condition. It just depends on where they spent there life and if the previous owner maintained them. Just take the time to make sure the frame had no rust issues when you buy one and then maintain it while you own it and it's not a big deal.

 

find what you want in a non snow/salt state and pay the bucks to go pick it up. The drive home will be a bonding experience.

 

Thanks again FirstGen Jer. I will continue my search. I see the 1st gens still hold their resale value .

 

My best advice is check the VIN with your favorite Toyota dealer to verify if the frame is still covered before you buy.

 

Great advice. Thanks!!

 

I just have to wonder I read of so many that have never heard of the Frame Issue till they buy the truck and get it home.

Is it the fact they are over come with New Vehicle lust ??

 

Good point. I didnt know until I did research. I bought my 96 Taco 5 years ago unaware of the frame issue. Just by luck the truck was originally titled in Arizona before it got here. Frame still looks ok. If I could find one with a new frame I may consider a purchase. Until then, I will sit back and watch and consider other options. I have seen a few in Atlanta that are tempting.. Thanks for the feedback .

 

If you do find a Tacoma with a solid frame, be sure to find out if it was brought to the dealer back in 2012 for a frame inspection and undercoating.
Apparently the 15 year extended warranty on the frame is void if the truck wasn't inspected by December 2012.