Ask the Car People.SM


Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

1348 messages,  Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 10:23 AM

You are in the Toyota Tacoma Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, Car Safety, Auto Body, Car Warranties, Truck

Messages Page 94 of 135

#929 of 1348 Re: My 2001 Tacoma [medic44] by tacomajim

Dec 04, 2009 (9:59 pm)

Replying to: medic44 (Dec 01, 2009 5:59 pm)
The whole situation bothered me enough that I went in to the manager and asked them whether they would consider buying my truck from me BEFORE they did the "frame job". They were quite interested. In reading other entries into this forum regarding fuel tank leaks, break line leaks etc, I asked the dealer whether they would cover any damage to existing parts that may be caused by tearing the truck appart. They basically said that that would be my responsibility as they cannot predict what kind of rust issues are there prior to the disassembly. Too many variables for me. Also, given the fact that my truck is 8 years old I started to think about how many years i would have before normal wear and tear replacement would kick in. Bottom line after discussions with many mechanically inclined friends was to DUMP IT!!!!!
 
I ended up selling my truck for 10,500 on the basis that I would buy a new 2010 Tacoma. This is a good deal for me and for them. I they the dealer gets around 10,000 to fix the problem. If think they do it for less they keep the rest (that is their profit margin). They agreed after a bit of wheeling and dealing. I was able to reduce the MSRSP from 34.5 to 33. I also got a leather Toyota Jacket and a ball cap (so what eh!)!
 
I am happy with my decision! I have a 13 year old who could be driving in 3 years. The new vehicle makes me feel more comfortable in considering to let my son drive it. There are lots of new and better safety features on the new Tacoma.
 
Tacomajim for the second time around.

#930 of 1348 Question by turrbine

Dec 12, 2009 (2:16 pm)

I had a 97 Taco which Toyota bought back. The whole experience went pretty well. I now drive a 2008 Taco and I love it. The big question is, who makes the frames on the new Toyotas? Is it still Dana? Did they learn their lesson? Will some of us be using a hammer on our frames in a few years?

#931 of 1348 2008 Frame Question by tmiller159

Dec 13, 2009 (7:49 am)

Replying to: turrbine (Dec 12, 2009 2:16 pm)
I did the same thing and have a 2008 I also enjoy. I am not liking the rust forming on the frame during last winter! It is unacceptable to make a frame that rots out before the exhaust system that is 1/3rd the thickness of the frame and exposed to very high exhaust temperatures which accelerates corrosion! That happened on my old truck, and it appears to be happening to this new one. If so, it will be my last Toyota.

#932 of 1348 Re: My 2001 Tacoma [tacomajim] by gusotto

Dec 13, 2009 (11:03 am)

Replying to: tacomajim (Dec 01, 2009 3:07 pm)
I also have a 2001 Tacoma SR5 Extended Cab (built 2/01) with the rust problem. My dealer has taken pictures and forwarded to Toyota. They will get back to me. A "small" chance of a buy back but the frame does have holes so I will get a new frame. The mechanic who will work on it is very good and I trust him.
 
I told the dealership that if they gave me a "real good deal", I'd probably buy another. A lot of the '95-2000 drivers didn't buy again so they didn't make any money. I'll have to see....
I have the 2.7 I4 w/5-speed Extended Cab. Not many out there to replace it with. Too many automatics.
 
Then I got to thinking about letting them rebuild the frame. They extended the warranty to 15 years, only 3 on a new one.
I already have a new muffler by Toyota so another muffler would be free. I'd have the shocks replaced so that is another life-time item. (I tend to keep things for a while).
I can look over the body when they have it. I believe it's in fine shape.
 
They said anything that looks questionable during rebuild (hardware, fittings, etc.) would be replaced.
 
Truck is paid for, I'd have to spend my own money on a new one.
 
New tires on 11/27. Day after Thanksgiving.
 
The chassis is rebuilt but while apart, I'd add new shocks, timing belt, clutch job, all items that I'd save on labor while the truck is apart. Easier for the mechanic.
 
MPG is less on the new one.
 
Same with the load capacity.
2001 has 1,900 lbs. (steel box).
2010 is 1,395 (plastic composite box).
A lot to give up!
 
I considered having the body shop giving the new frame a really good paint job before the rebuild. I'll have to see what the replacement frame looks like. Do it before attaching everything.
 
The rebuild would have to be done while I still own it. I was told the dealership doesn't get as much if they own it. Advantage to the dealer if rebuilt under my name. I've seen figures of 60 hrs. needed and a cost of $14K. Makes my truck worth more. Everything is new underneath. Runs like a top anyway w/96K.
The more I think of it, I might keep the truck after the rebuild. I'd need a VERY good offer to part with it!

#933 of 1348 Re: 2008 Frame Question [tmiller159] by bjjinny

Dec 15, 2009 (11:26 am)

Replying to: tmiller159 (Dec 13, 2009 7:49 am)
New frames are by Dana and warranteed for 15 years. They are made in the USA too (not Indonesia). FYI , my gas tank is my problem. I'm holding out for an aftermarket one.

#934 of 1348 Tacoma frame rust by tgtech570

Dec 28, 2009 (7:43 pm)

I have heard much discussion of how many consumers are not being helped with their Toyota frame rust problems. Maybe I'm an exception to the rule or maybe it's the local Toyota dealer I go to here in Canton, OH... but it's been my experience that Toyota has stood behind their products. I started with a 1998 Toyota Tacoma that had frame rust 2 years ago and Toyota bought it from me for 150% of it's value. With the proceeds, I then purchased a 2002 Tacoma which I was just informed today that it's frame is bad and is going to be replaced by Toyota. The total cost to replace a frame is almost $10,000 on a 7 year old truck that's worth about $8,000.

#935 of 1348 Re: Tacoma frame rust [tgtech570] by tcincy

Dec 28, 2009 (8:45 pm)

Replying to: tgtech570 (Dec 28, 2009 7:43 pm)
Same here.
I live in Cincinnati and leased new, then bought, a 1999 Tacoma from a Florence, Ky. Toyota dealer. They inspected mine in August, 2008 and bought it in Oct., 2008 for 150% KBB excellent retail, which I used to purchase a 2009 Tacoma. So I got the buyback payment as well as a $1,000 incentive to purchase another Tacoma. I've been reading horror stories on here for a year from customers getting the runaround on inspections, paperwork, not being able to get their trucks back, dealers wanting to "repair" the frame, etc. It sounds like Toyota let their regional offices handle things as they see fit, instead of one consistent national policy.

#936 of 1348 Re: 2003 or 2004 Tacoma rust problem? [j81] by pamela60

Jan 17, 2010 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: j81 (May 15, 2008 1:10 pm)
It does include 2002 Tacomas. I received the letter just before the holidays. Decided to wait till after the first of the year to take the truck in. Had it inspected on Jan.16. Was told it was totally unsafe to drive. One baseball size hole in frame. They gave me a loaner but no offer of a buyout. Called the 800 number the receptionist gave me. Have a case number and she will call me back on Tuesday, Jan. 19, I hope. I can keep you informed if you wish. Pam Rivers

#937 of 1348 Re: 2003 or 2004 Tacoma rust problem? [pamela60] by rustedframe

Jan 17, 2010 (9:55 pm)

Replying to: pamela60 (Jan 17, 2010 2:30 pm)
Pam, please post the 800 number you have for Toyota.
I took my 2002 Tacoma in about 2 months ago and was
told I have a "hole in the frame" and that they want to
replace the frame.I want them to to simply buy back
my truck.
 
It would be cheaper for Toyota to buy it back than repair
it! I need to contact Toyota & plead my case for buy back
Vs repair. Has anyone been able to get a buy back for
a 2001 or newer?

#938 of 1348 Re: 2003 or 2004 Tacoma rust problem? [rustedframe] by kcram HOST

Jan 19, 2010 (8:35 am)

Replying to: rustedframe (Jan 17, 2010 9:55 pm)
For those of you with 2001-2004 Tacomas, you are not likely to have your truck purchased because the frames for that generation of truck are still in production - that is why Toyota is replacing the frame. The 1995-2000 frames are not in production, thus those trucks are being purchased by Toyota and subsequently destroyed.
 
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host

Messages Page 94 of 135

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement