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Old 01-27-2010, 02:17 PM   #8
Jenn
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Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: 4 hours from my favorite place
Posts: 5,366
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2na View Post
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.
The 95-2000 deal was also buy back OR fix. I got lucky and got the buy back but keep in mind the frame was actually SPLIT and rotten through in other spots. I also know the truck sat for over a year before I purchased it too.
I say they did the work so just run the pee outta it and get your $ worth. Another 6 years and 100,000? chances are if you took care of it that wont be a problem.

thats my 2 cents.
my pickup had just under 200K and still running strong. the frame was the only major problem.
Before that I had a corolla with over 200K and after it was sold it was on the road for another couple yeard that I know of (never any major problems). Hubby has a 99 4 runner thats been through a LOT of VT salt and on the beach with no rotted frame or body, almost 160K and not much more than normal wear and tear routine maintenance done to it. No major problems. sister in law bought a 97 4 runner about 4 years ago for dirt cheap because it needed a head gasket and had abot 180k...new head gasket and its still running strong today. these are just my experiences so take them for what you will. My auto expieriences with every so called domestic vehichle all ended badly. No longevity and a lot of money wasted on repairs. Sorry all who believe in american made but half arent truly american made anyway and in my experience they just dont last.

Simplify.......
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