Yet another different Toyota problem – bad frames on Tacomas again

[2na]

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.

[Karl F]

if it is your beach ride... keep it..
unless they give you a chit ton toward trade in...
just my 2 cents..
I don't know what the advantage is for them to do the repair, versus the buy back, but their beancounters must figure it is better for the corporation...
guys in the shop gotta love it too.. job security.

[JohnnyD]

Tuna,
If you decide to get rid of it, let me know. I'm in the market for an old Tacoma as a rolling crib / beach buggy.

[tlapinski]

Did you recieve the recal letters from Toyota yet? I have been sitting on mine for about 6 months now waiting for as muach rot and rust to set in as possible. Same deal offered as the 1995 - 2000 deal. HOPING I qualify for the 150% buy back...

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

Did you recieve the recal letters from Toyota yet? I have been sitting on mine for about 6 months now waiting for as muach rot and rust to set in as possible. Same deal offered as the 1995 - 2000 deal. HOPING I qualify for the 150% buy back...

Fill that frame with rock salt
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[topwater popper]

Originally Posted by 2na

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??

I have a good amount of experience with Tacoma's, I run a parts store which exclusivly used Tacoma's (and previously the older toy pu) for over 20 years as delivery vehicles. Many of our trucks have high milage (300k is not uncommon) and they have all been driven hard. Longevity is not an issue with the drivetrain. The 22R and 22RE (2.4 4cyl) are some of the longest lasting motors every made.

The 150% was nice while it lasted though..

[american spirit]

how did you know your truck had excessive rust? doesn't every vehicle on the road get rusted out over a period of time? i wonder if GM has policy on that?

Originally Posted by 2na

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.

[Jenn]

Originally Posted by 2na

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.

[agsurfr]

Had an older PU w/22R motor. Drove it hard and it never once disappointed me--fair amount of beach duty, sold it w/90,000 miles. It was kicking 3 yrs later. Had been rolled over. Driver and passenger were okay. They got it righted w/the help of a wrecker and apparently went on their way.

I still regret selling that truck. Damn, I'm getting nostalgic thinking about it.

ab

[2na]

Yeah, it lives on the beach but any truck I have would, and no, I have not received any recall letter. Topwater, thanks for the 411; my last toy went for 14 years and 200k+ and I bought this one right after 9/11 because the prices were down and I figured it was time. It went for another 3 years & 50k before the frame rotted out on that one. This one has a 6 and runs like a top, never had any mechanical problems with it (jinx). Johnny, I’m leaning toward hanging on to it, and if I wasn’t I wouldn’t want to sell it to anyone I know. If they had given me the 150% I’d be in a new rig right now, but in thinking about it, Toyota must be billing the company that made the frame for all of this work – that is the only thing that makes any sense. I mean, how do you pour 12k into a truck worth 10.5k at best?

Tlap, that may be a good move, because I’ve been told that they weld some. But mine was a piece of swiss cheese by the time I brought it in. Every time I’d shift the bed would bump the cab.

The frame rotted through in the matter of 2-3 months. I am vigilant washing it off, and I 1st noticed the rot in August. I was walking up from the low tide line and saw something hanging off under the truck. A foot of the bottom rail of the frame had popped off and I could see the seams everywhere beginning to expand. I get under it every time I bring it in for an oil change and look under, so it was sudden.

[saltfly]

Originally Posted by 2na

Yeah, it lives on the beach but any truck I have would, and no, I have not received any recall letter. Topwater, thanks for the 411; my last toy went for 14 years and 200k+ and I bought this one right after 9/11 because the prices were down and I figured it was time. It went for another 3 years & 50k before the frame rotted out on that one. This one has a 6 and runs like a top, never had any mechanical problems with it (jinx). Johnny, I’m leaning toward hanging on to it, and if I wasn’t I wouldn’t want to sell it to anyone I know. If they had given me the 150% I’d be in a new rig right now, but in thinking about it, Toyota must be billing the company that made the frame for all of this work – that is the only thing that makes any sense. I mean, how do you pour 12k into a truck worth 10.5k at best?

Tlap, that may be a good move, because I’ve been told that they weld some. But mine was a piece of swiss cheese by the time I brought it in. Every time I’d shift the bed would bump the cab.

The frame rotted through in the matter of 2-3 months. I am vigilant washing it off, and I 1st noticed the rot in August. I was walking up from the low tide line and saw something hanging off under the truck. A foot of the bottom rail of the frame had popped off and I could see the seams everywhere beginning to expand. I get under it every time I bring it in for an oil change and look under, so it was sudden.

GEEEE I wonder if has anything to do with running the lowtide line for miles on end.NAAAAAH!!!!!. Splish -Spash takin a bath.I've been looking at them and new 4-runners.

[5/0]

Im glad I bought a Dodge

[PNG]

Sorry to hear about your truck but its nothing new. The prob has migrated over to the 1st gen tundras also. You should see the pile of new frames behind my dealers shop.

Me, I would keep the truck.

If you havent seen this web site check tundrasolutions.com a very good resource for all toyo vehicles

[MAKAI]

Mike, your truck is more submarine than truck.

[ecduzitgood]

I wonder how much safety is at issue with a frame that is on it's way out but not quite gone enough. I would think for the amount of money they charge for a new vehicle a person should expect items like the frame and brake lines and power steering rack (lines) to last for at least 20 years. I just replaced all the brake lines on my 97 Explorer and my power steering rack (rotten lines) which in turn lead to new transmission cooling lines along with the shocks, front torsion bar bolts (one went after 6 years due to rot). I wish they would build a vehicle that would not rot out from under you. At least the fuel lines are stainless steel why not the other lines, especially brakes and steering (I forgot those they went about 3 years ago). And I have never taken this on the beach.

[Karl F]

Hold On Sandman... the ones with Frame issues are US made..same with the "sudden acceleration" issues.. anything with a VIN beginning with a J, signafying made in Japan, is not affected...
the original Frames were made by Dana, the auto parts manufacturer...to Toyota specs, which is what proved to be faulty, but nonetheless, were US made...
the accelarator solution they are pushing now, is cutting a 1/4 inch of the bottom of the pedal.. but from the people I know with the issue...and seeing it happen firsthand... that is not going to resolve it.

Actually I do agree tho...buy US...even being that most US brands are nowhere near 100% US made...just take a half hour and walk thru the car lots and read the build sheets.....

but...what do I know... I'm a Ford man....

[Nebe]

I'd keep it. Having a car that's paid for is a nice feeling
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Mr. Sandman]

I have nothing against Toyota's...I just wanted to cause trouble and thought I would toss the match and run.

I owned two land cruisers (before they were luxury-ized) and use them exclusively for fishing. Rust was an issue but you could not kill them. Rolled one 3X and replaced windows, used it for 5 years on the rock and sold it for more than I paid for it. I was pleased.

But as I got older, I seem to be turning into my farther...I buy American. Yes I know a lot of parts are made overseas but I still buy American for other reasons. Quality has improved immensely over the years and that is no longer an issue IMO. Yes labor is cheaper in Asia, the fact is in Asia factory workers work long hours for 35 cents and a bowl of rice while our government and labor unions insist we provide health coverage, a good wage and retirement benies. It simply costs more to build in the US with these rules. I understand people wanting to buy things cheap...ie walmart and Sams club culture but there are repercussions...that's part of the reason we have 11+% real unemployment (not to mention local tackle shops going BK).
Capital flows to where it is most cost effective to make things to feed this culture of wanting it cheap. This is why American can not compete on labor. The fix is for the government to provide incentives to build stuff here, this means allowing investors taking the investment risk to make (and keep) good (and big) profits. As long as we have a socialists mentality at the helm, it will not change. Hope all you want, america can not compete, we shot ourselves in the foot.

Back on topic...I would keep the vehicle...there is a lot to be said for a vehicle that is free and clear!

[2na]

Just got back after looking at it from under a lift, and I'd be nuts to sell this - there is no way I'd get what it was worth. New frame, brake lines, E brakes & lines, clamps (they re-used the bushings though). The only rust on it now is the ding on the driver's door I got about a month after I bought it and the rear bumper.

Thanks for all of the input!

[saltfly]

Now that all that stuff is new you should spay the crap out of it.Couple of choices,Boeshield T-9 spray waterproof lube or chainsaw oil[stickey] mixed with thinner and sprayed with a pump sprayer up inside the frame,springs,brackets,bolts,brakelines,fuelines.: uhuh:

[Steve K]

[QUOTE=Mr. Sandman;742846] As long as we have a socialists mentality at the helm, it will not change.QUOTE]

I guess no manufacturing jobs were outsourced to other countries from 2000 - 2008? You have got to be kidding. It is about maximixing shareholders' profits and the compensation of the CEOs who run these companies not about ideologies.

[ray]

HAD ONE SPLIT IN HALF ON MY LIFT TWO WEEK AGO GUY GOT
$ 10400.00 FOR IT. FROM TOYOTA

[fishonnelsons]

You CAN'T let go of it - as they say - Bad MOJO if you do.

Per Bob's thoughts - just try to stay in water less than 3 feet deep and it will last you another ten, then I'll sell you my Sequoia.

[Karl F]

I think ya made a good call Mike.. and if they didn't soak it down with some kind of rustproof.. clean it up good,. get some kinda rust proof paint on there, and then take bob's tip, and oil spray it a couple times a year, if so inclined.. truck will last a good long time I am sure..

and bob... ya had lots of good advise and observations on this thread...both on and off topic..

[big jay]

My 99 taco just officially failed yesterday. When I put my finger through the frame the other day I thought it was time to go get checked.

One of the sales guys was waiting for me to hit me up to buy a new one. When I asked what I could buy for the check I would be getting, he was kind enough to explain to me the laws of "supply and demand".
You see, since Toyota has recalled so many of these Trucks, there aren't many left for used inventory, so therefor everyone wants them, and Tacomas are more expensive now... Hey could of course hook me up with financing.

I figuere he's been having a tough week, so I didn't bother to compliment him on getting that line out with a straight face.

I'm thinking F-150 (used) next.

[2na]

They really are just burning bridges. My experience with Toyota was not what I would call reassuring. The national people couldn't care less about the issue. I'm thinking the same J, I've had Toyotas for over 20 years, but buying a Ford will be on my horizon once this one dies.

[ratblue]

to follow up me story on getting this corrosion treatment, I called the dealer & they tell me they are not doing the treatment :at this time". so, toyota offers 15 yr extended warranty only if you get the treatment, but dealer doesnt do the treatment