You may be aware of the
bad frame issue with 1995-2000 Tacomas. Well, you think that they would have addressed the issue, but the frame on my 2002 rotted out. Called Toyota, brought it to a dealer, and rather than the old deal for the prior frame issue (150% of excellent Blue Book, no matter what the condition) toward a new one THEY REPLACED THE FRAME!!! So, new brake lines, new pretty much everything attached to the frame – leaf springs, all bolts, you name it they did it. I talked to the service manager about it, and he told me that Toyota gives them 60 hours to do it, plus materials. He told me that he had billed them up to 11k for one, but when I got mine back he said I was the new high score – close to 12k. Blue Book value excellent = 10.5k. When I 1st realized the problem, I tried to work Toyota for a deal on a new one but they wouldn’t entertain any discussion.
Here is my dilemma: part of me wants a new one (9 years 120k on this repaired one) but now, with the new frame, should I keep this one (it feels tight as a new one now)? Should I expect another 6 years 100k? The new frame is rust proofed to death. Frame rot is the #1 cause of death to old Toy’s. Mechanically it is fine – who has ever heard of a Toy motor going? I have changed oil every 3k. Any input from mechanics out there??
And lastly, if you own a 2002 Tacoma better take a look at your frame! The service manager had me wait for 10 days to get to me because I was 3rd in line.