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Pickups Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem
923 messages, Last post on Nov 16, 2009 at 8:28 AM
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Replying to: daleyplanit (Sep 14, 2008 9:49 am)  1-800-331-4331 (after speaking to the local dealership) about having my 2003 looked at and they said that the fee would be my responsibility becasue that year is not covered - at least I did get a case number. Any suggestions as to my next step? I also have a 1993 that is in very good shape except for the frame! Any possibility of having that looked at? Thanks!
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Replying to: stacie2 (Sep 23, 2008 5:37 am) Toyota should be doing this for free. They looked at mine for free - and this could be a courtesy safety check as far as what they want to call it. in the event the frame fails, toyota will pull your inspection, you should not be driving in this case but being that it's a 2003 they wont let you keep the car on the lot, or get a loaner while the company drags its feet. you'll have to call 1-800-go-toyota to start the process of the buyback. This is a NIGHTMARE. I've been threatened by customer care that if I don't accept their low offer for my truck that they will take the offer off the table. They told me i had to say "yes" or "no" right there on the phone and they would not put it in writing. here are the three best places to contact the federal trade commission your state attorney general your state's consumer protection board I wrote my newspaper, 60 minutes, my assembly and congress reps on the state and federal level, and posted my torubles and letters on a website to help others (facebook group- "toyota frame defects") if you need ANYTHING don't hesitiate to call me - but do yourself a favor, contact those folks above. Toyota told me it woiuld be 30 days before they made me an offer and with one letter from my state consumer protection board it was a week - now they tell me a check could be as long as 7 weeks coming if and when i accept. next step is my county DA. I don't think it's right Toyota is blackmailing me into accepting a lowball offer and these trucks should not be on the road |
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I just completed sale of my 1999 Tacoma with 141,000 mi. and am satisfied. However, I have tips for Taco owners who've not yet had an inspection done and are wary. I understand. I read mixed experiences of Taco owners who went through the program, and entered the process wary of whether it was legit and of pitfalls. # 1 - YOU DON'T NEED THE NOTICE SENT TO REGISTERED OWNERS. When I received the notice last Spring I figured it was just another "come-on" and threw it away. When I heard the program was legit, I called local Toyota Service facility. They said you don't need it and you don't have to be original owner. Just schedule a "frame rust inspection" appointment. # 2 - YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR TACO IF IT QUALIFIES. Service Mgr. called me stating my truck qualified, but he said I could not have the truck back since it was a "safety issue", After I went ballistic I called the Area Service Mgr., HE stated the first guy was wrong. He said "You can keep driving it and bring it in when you get your check.....or you just drive away and be on your merry way and not even take part in the program. It's your call. Do what you want". # 3 - COMPUTE YOUR VEHICLE VALUE ON "KELLEY BLUE BOOK" WEBSITE. Area Service Mgr. sent paperwork to ISG - a firm Toyota has retained to do background histories on vehicles and streamline payments. 2 - 1/2 wks. later ISG rep called me with an offer - a generous offer - but low. I had checked Kelley Blue Book average retail "excellent" on my year, miles and options, and knew exactly what it was worth - then multiplied that figure by 1.5, so I knew what to expect. I asked rep to read my options and found Service Mgr. had left off power steering. Rep adjusted the offer upward. Note: EVERY TACOMA IS CONSIDERED TO BE' "EXCELLENT" CONDITION regardless of actual condition. 4 - ENSURE DEALER HAS A LOANER WHEN YOU TURN IN VEHICLE. ISG has no control over the dealer loaner - That is dealer's responsibility. When ISG rep and I chose a date for turning in Taco and payment made to me, I called the dealer but there were no loaners available that date. We settled on a different date and I asked dealer to reserve loaner for me. Last....when the exchange of vehicle and payment take place, the ISG rep gives you a certificate with your old VIN/SER on it. You have 60 days to make your best deal at a Toyota dealer - then present the certificate to the dealer who fills out his information. Toyota will give back $ 2,000 on purchase of a new Tundra, $ 1,000 on purchase of a new Tacoma, or $ 500 on any other purchase. My buyback took a little over 5 weeks: Inspection took place Aug. 10. ISG Rep called me Aug. 25. I recieved written offer Sept. 3. ISG called me Sept. 13. We met Sept. 18 for dropoff/payment. I hope this helps.
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MSRP is $32,575.00 with all packages and price out the door is $28,700.00 no tax title, registration or insurance. I believe this is below cost, unless I am missing some holdback and rebate or incentive. 
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I've had my 95 Tacoma 4X4 examined this summer and it passed, but I change my own oil and I see where it is "flaking," a LOT. I guess I have a year or two more before the warranty on the frame expires, but it only has 132K on it. My wife and I love having it to haul and use during the snowy season. The way we use it, we could have it another 5 years, easy. My fear is as it gets older, it is bound to get serious (and then we'll be out of luck). Has anyone taken it to numerous dealers and had luck after being turned down initially? I hate to think about getting rid of it (we've had NO problems w/ it), but I'd rather have something to show for it and not take a chance of loss...financial or otherwise.
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Replying to: ab008 (Sep 16, 2008 2:20 pm) |
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Replying to: ohblue (Oct 26, 2008 8:30 am)
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Replying to: rcoole (Oct 27, 2008 3:29 am) |
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| I know that the buy back on the trucks is only for 1995-2000. I have also seen the vin #s covered. I have a 2001 Tacoma that has a section of the frame on the passenger side near the leaf springs, that is rusted completely through for approximately 3'. This section of the box frame is about to fall off. Does anyone have any ideas? We have had the truck inspected and the dealership said it is the worst they have seen, but of course it isn't covered by the program. We have a case started with Toyota but would like some other avenues to explore. I will post a picture a little later. This is my girlfriend's and she has only made 4 payments on it. This only reinforces the reason i drive a Chevy and always will. The bottom of the Toyota looks like it is 30 years old. From Illinois | |
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Replying to: johnny66 (Oct 31, 2008 5:22 pm) I am having the same problem. The dealer failed my truck, and i had to fight tooth an nail to get money (note NOT nearly what my trucks was worth). PLEASE do youself a favor and contact the following southland cali BBB your state attorney general your state consumer protection board the AT and CB will get you into a mediation program if you ask. if they drag their feet contact your state and federal senate and representatives. it may take a day of letters, but unless you twist their arms toyota won;t do anything. I've had to fight every step of the way, but the alternative was a unsafe truck i cound not drive or sell. At least i got some money (they say they will give me thousands under KBB) feel free to email me for help, i'm more than happy to. -Martin
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