All 95-00 Tacoma Drivers Read This!

GOH10 Runner · 03-07-2008, 02:30 PM

This was posted today on Autoblog. I wish this was true for 4Runners too.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/t...s-to-15-years/

Toyota had begun receiving a few reports from customers that excessive corrosion was occurring on the frames of some older Tacoma pickups, specifically 1995 to 2000 models. The Japanese automaker determined that during this half decade of production, some Taco frames may not have received the kind of corrosion protection from the factory that's needed to withstand harsh climes, especially ones where salt is used to deice roadways. While there is no recall and Toyota says that the number of instances where it has found rust go beyond the surface of the frame to penetrate the metal is small, the automaker is pulling an unorthodox move and doing something about anyway.

Toyota is extending the rust perforation warranty on all 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups, some 813,000 units, to 15 years from the original date of purchase, AND you don't have to be the original owner, or the second or the third even. Anyone who owns a Tacoma from this era and finds rust perforation on the frame can have his or her truck officially inspected for rust damage, in which case Toyota will either repair or buy back the truck regardless of its condition. Owners will start receiving letters by mid-March, and those who don't can visit a dealership for a free inspection.

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scuba · 03-07-2008, 03:00 PM

thats crazy
ima go find me an old pos taco rusted out and all then go give it to them for top dollar
then buy me a new fj

mt_goat · 03-07-2008, 03:38 PM

Wow, I know some guys that will be very interested in that. Good info!

olsy1984 · 03-07-2008, 03:40 PM

wow, i recently passed on a 1996 because it was to rusty....

fullmann · 03-07-2008, 05:30 PM

the real question is how much will they buy it back for?

can I pick up a $1000 POS with rust and get toyota to give me $5k?? that would rule!

seaofnames · 03-07-2008, 06:44 PM

I have a large crack in the shock bracket on the rear axle. The coating from the factory is also chipping/flaking off like no ones business. I've spray painted over most of it with some rust paint.

It sure is disappointing the extension doesnt apply to 4Runners as well. I'd still want to keep my truck, and have them give me 5 grand. I'll get the body taken off and the frame buffed and recoated, and do it right.

fasthorse67 · 03-09-2008, 10:07 AM

My buddies '98 just rusted in half, he'll be very glad to here about this!

turboale · 03-09-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOH10 Runner

I wish this was true for 4Runners too.

Kind-of curious about this...? Wouldn't you just rather have a vehicle that didn't rust??

mt_goat · 03-10-2008, 04:46 PM

Here's some more offical Toyota info from the TTORA site:
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showpost....6&postcount=39

It looks like it will be mostly buy back instead of repair. But check out the method of pricing! 1.5 X KBB RETAIL excellent-condition vehicle even if the truck is not in excellent condition!!!!! Plus a free loaner. Toyota is stepping up big time on this.

armymike138 · 03-12-2008, 05:22 AM

The official letter that Toyota sent to the Dealerships says "they will offer 1.5 time the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value. The subject vehicle will be assessed, based on the actual milage and zip code at the time of inspection, as a vehicle in excellent condition regardless of the vehicle's actual conition." But this is only if the decide to buyback the vehicle.

gah171 · 03-14-2008, 06:12 PM

I don't know what to think of this, I have a 96, the frame was bad, I spent 2 weeks of my spare time boxing my frame in with 1/8 steel. and made new crossmembers. and sealed most of the factory holes. getting ready to repaint it amber pearl. I should've left it alone?

mt_goat · 03-15-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gah171

I don't know what to think of this, I have a 96, the frame was bad, I spent 2 weeks of my spare time boxing my frame in with 1/8 steel. and made new crossmembers. and sealed most of the factory holes. getting ready to repaint it amber pearl. I should've left it alone?

Contact Toyota about it, I bet they take care of you on it.

mt_goat · 03-15-2008, 10:29 AM

I'm seeing now why this is being done, these trucks are an accident waiting to happen.

Some pics from a guy over on TTORA:
]

ozziesironmanoffroad · 03-15-2008, 11:01 AM

yuck!

beatenyota · 03-18-2008, 12:35 PM

is my lift/tires/etc going to void this warranty?

in the process of getting my truck in to the dealer, I want to make sure they don't throw it out cause of my lift and tires.

JamesD · 03-18-2008, 04:55 PM

Too bad the recall doesn't work for 95 and older.......

Bob_K · 03-19-2008, 03:57 PM

My friend told me about this and I checked it out here.

His Tacoma is a 2000 with 100,00 miles. We live in a high salt environment and he has driven his truck on the beach regularly for the past 5 years.

This took place today in Massachusetts. He went to a dealership and there was a rep. from Toyota NA on site. They put his truck on a lift and struck a few spots on the frame with a leverage bar. In one spot, a small chunk of metal flaked off and exposed the inside of the frame rail. the rep. said "its a buy back" as soon as he witnessed that, and he is getting a check for approx. $15,000.

This is crazy, im hunting for a local truck right now for cheap to snatch up and bring to the dealer.

mt_goat · 03-19-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob_K

This is crazy, im hunting for a local truck right now for cheap to snatch up and bring to the dealer.

I've heard that the truck has to have been registered by you before the recall started to get the 1.5xKBB buyback. They will still buy it back but only for what you paid for it.

beatenyota · 03-20-2008, 03:58 PM

took my truck into the dealer today. After inspection, they told me they needed to have a toyota rep come look at it. They were nice enough to give me a 2005 double cab as a rental! that thing has some power, a lot better than my 3.4. i guess it is a bit lighter though.

Ill keep ya posted on what happens.

oh and I guess I was the second lifted tacoma to be inspected by them today.

I did have to show them my current registration. When I talked to them yesterday, they said it had to be inspected. I called today and was like "well if there are rust holes in my frame, how am I gonna get an inspection sticker." after a few minutes he was like "okay just bring it in."

so i did. hopefully I get some good money back.

89macrunner · 03-20-2008, 08:07 PM

going to the dealer sometime next week to see if i can get a new truck

I want a single cab Tundra with the 5.7......

Boosted Chemist · 03-20-2008, 08:58 PM

I just bought a 98 taco. 6 years in florida 2 in kentucky and 2 in buffalo. It looks clean from a 15 minute inspection.

Should i just bring it into toyota and see what they say? Im kinda paranoid now after my 94 has some frame rot.

fasthorse67 · 03-23-2008, 04:21 AM

My buddie just took his '98 Taco to the dealer. They gave him $13,500 for it! It had 199k and a frame that was completely rotted in half, he had to have it towed to the dealer. If I didn't tell him about this extended warranty it would have just continued to rot behind his barn where it was parked.

beatenyota · 03-27-2008, 11:01 AM

Just spoke with the toyota rep over the phone. They are giving me $12,757 for mine, which is great since that's more than what I paid for it 5 years ago and I put 60k on it.

This came around just in time I was getting ready to sell it for like $4000.

Anyone want to buy an ARB, racerunner adjustable coilovers, some American Racing rims, a MTX sub/enclosure, kenwood amp/headunit, a diamond plate tool box, perfect condition tailgate, swaybar.... I think that's all the stuff I am taking off.

edit: the worst area on my frame was mainly where the front leaf spring hanger attaches to the frame.

toyota_mdt_tech · 03-30-2008, 04:09 PM

Here is the real kicker. The frames were built in the US bu Dana corp, seems they cheated on Toyota's specifications. The above mentioned article is true. In fact, if you have a heavily rusted Tacoma from this era, they will buy it back at $1000 more then the highest Kelly blue book, and if you trade it in on another Toyota, you will get an additional $1000 towards the new vehicle. (now I'm not certain of this, but I heard they were paying 1 and a half times what high blue book was, so a 10K Tacoma is now 15K, and 16K if you buy a new one). Now areas where the roads are not salted, I doubt you will have an issue. These will be destined for the crusher, once they buy them back, they will never see a road legally again. Now I assume there will be engines and the like removed first. This can and will create a surplus of nice 3.4's for those guys who would liek to replace a 3.0.

Engineers came over to our store, directly from Japan and wanted donor vehicles. I donated mine for inspection (98 Tacoma TRD V6 4WD) and of course, with 56K miles, always garaged, I knew it wouldn't have issues, we don't use salt on the roads either. They paid me $100 and 1.0 hours labor just to rack my truck while they inspected it.

Dare44 · 03-30-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beatenyota

is my lift/tires/etc going to void this warranty?

in the process of getting my truck in to the dealer, I want to make sure they don't throw it out cause of my lift and tires.

they are just going to crush it if they find it is going to be bought back, so why wouldnt u take off everything u could and sell it

03-07-2008, 03:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula, Or on the rocks Posts: 6,968	thats crazy ima go find me an old pos taco rusted out and all then go give it to them for top dollar then buy me a new fj __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

03-07-2008, 03:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 8,919	Wow, I know some guys that will be very interested in that. Good info! __________________ ~Dale~ 93 4X4 ext-cab, auto, SR5, 3.4 V6, supercharged, 2.1" pulley, URD fuel mods, Aquamist WI, IPT valve body mod, dual cases, 4" superlift front, Alcan springs rear, 33 BFG MT, ARB locked front & rear, 5.29 US Gears, RB 1" Body Lift, 1.5" ball joint spacers, manual hubs, TJM T-17, Warn m8000.

03-07-2008, 03:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
olsy1984 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 210	wow, i recently passed on a 1996 because it was to rusty.... __________________ Now: 1990 pickup, v6, 5spd, 4x4 - needs minor work (a little bit of rust to fix on the inner box) ~1996 4runner~2.7L 4cyl~5spd~mostly stock - SOLD

03-07-2008, 06:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
seaofnames Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mission, BC Posts: 151	I have a large crack in the shock bracket on the rear axle. The coating from the factory is also chipping/flaking off like no ones business. I've spray painted over most of it with some rust paint. It sure is disappointing the extension doesnt apply to 4Runners as well. I'd still want to keep my truck, and have them give me 5 grand. I'll get the body taken off and the frame buffed and recoated, and do it right. __________________ 1996 4Runner. Revos, tundra brakes, 5" deckplate, ISR, inverter, addco sway bars, marlin 1200lb clutch. More to come!

03-10-2008, 04:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 8,919	Here's some more offical Toyota info from the TTORA site: http://www.ttora.com/forum/showpost....6&postcount=39 It looks like it will be mostly buy back instead of repair. But check out the method of pricing! 1.5 X KBB RETAIL excellent-condition vehicle even if the truck is not in excellent condition!!!!! Plus a free loaner. Toyota is stepping up big time on this. __________________ ~Dale~ 93 4X4 ext-cab, auto, SR5, 3.4 V6, supercharged, 2.1" pulley, URD fuel mods, Aquamist WI, IPT valve body mod, dual cases, 4" superlift front, Alcan springs rear, 33 BFG MT, ARB locked front & rear, 5.29 US Gears, RB 1" Body Lift, 1.5" ball joint spacers, manual hubs, TJM T-17, Warn m8000.

03-07-2008, 05:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
fullmann Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 109	the real question is how much will they buy it back for? can I pick up a $1000 POS with rust and get toyota to give me $5k?? that would rule!

03-09-2008, 10:07 AM	#7 (permalink)
fasthorse67 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 82	My buddies '98 just rusted in half, he'll be very glad to here about this!

03-12-2008, 05:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
armymike138 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 11	The official letter that Toyota sent to the Dealerships says "they will offer 1.5 time the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value. The subject vehicle will be assessed, based on the actual milage and zip code at the time of inspection, as a vehicle in excellent condition regardless of the vehicle's actual conition." But this is only if the decide to buyback the vehicle.

03-14-2008, 06:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
gah171 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 19	I don't know what to think of this, I have a 96, the frame was bad, I spent 2 weeks of my spare time boxing my frame in with 1/8 steel. and made new crossmembers. and sealed most of the factory holes. getting ready to repaint it amber pearl. I should've left it alone?

03-15-2008, 10:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 8,919	I'm seeing now why this is being done, these trucks are an accident waiting to happen. Some pics from a guy over on TTORA: ] __________________ ~Dale~ 93 4X4 ext-cab, auto, SR5, 3.4 V6, supercharged, 2.1" pulley, URD fuel mods, Aquamist WI, IPT valve body mod, dual cases, 4" superlift front, Alcan springs rear, 33 BFG MT, ARB locked front & rear, 5.29 US Gears, RB 1" Body Lift, 1.5" ball joint spacers, manual hubs, TJM T-17, Warn m8000.

03-15-2008, 11:01 AM	#14 (permalink)
ozziesironmanoffroad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spring Valley, CA Posts: 5,677	yuck! __________________ The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back. 1988 Toyota P/U 4x4 22re, 1200 miles on the rebuild engine builder .268 cam pioneer CD deck 31x10.50x15 BFG A/T BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper KC Daylighters 100W rancho rs5000 MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB! If not living life to the fullest, why live it? my trucks official buildup thread

03-18-2008, 12:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
beatenyota Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 103	is my lift/tires/etc going to void this warranty? in the process of getting my truck in to the dealer, I want to make sure they don't throw it out cause of my lift and tires. __________________ 99 taco.. recalled 01 4Runner, wet okole fronts, husky liners throughout, alpine type S in front doors, headunit & 2 12" subs.... future: moderate lift w/ some tires?

03-18-2008, 04:55 PM	#16 (permalink)
JamesD Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,829	Too bad the recall doesn't work for 95 and older....... __________________ New Tacome V6 transfer case http://www.yotatech.com/f107/sale-br.../#post50755569 Various Toyota truck/4Runner switches for sale http://www.yotatech.com/f109/various...trucks-148139/

03-19-2008, 03:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
Bob_K Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4	My friend told me about this and I checked it out here. His Tacoma is a 2000 with 100,00 miles. We live in a high salt environment and he has driven his truck on the beach regularly for the past 5 years. This took place today in Massachusetts. He went to a dealership and there was a rep. from Toyota NA on site. They put his truck on a lift and struck a few spots on the frame with a leverage bar. In one spot, a small chunk of metal flaked off and exposed the inside of the frame rail. the rep. said "its a buy back" as soon as he witnessed that, and he is getting a check for approx. $15,000. This is crazy, im hunting for a local truck right now for cheap to snatch up and bring to the dealer.

03-20-2008, 03:58 PM	#19 (permalink)
beatenyota Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 103	took my truck into the dealer today. After inspection, they told me they needed to have a toyota rep come look at it. They were nice enough to give me a 2005 double cab as a rental! that thing has some power, a lot better than my 3.4. i guess it is a bit lighter though. Ill keep ya posted on what happens. oh and I guess I was the second lifted tacoma to be inspected by them today. I did have to show them my current registration. When I talked to them yesterday, they said it had to be inspected. I called today and was like "well if there are rust holes in my frame, how am I gonna get an inspection sticker." after a few minutes he was like "okay just bring it in." so i did. hopefully I get some good money back. __________________ 99 taco.. recalled 01 4Runner, wet okole fronts, husky liners throughout, alpine type S in front doors, headunit & 2 12" subs.... future: moderate lift w/ some tires?

03-20-2008, 08:07 PM	#20 (permalink)
89macrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,062	going to the dealer sometime next week to see if i can get a new truck I want a single cab Tundra with the 5.7...... __________________ Daily Driver: 2007 Windsor "The Hour" Fixed Gear 250 miles Crouch Rocket 2005 Felt F80 1100mi (purchased new in Jan 2008) 2006 Mazda3 GT 2000 TRD Tacoma..Bought back and crushed 1988 4Runner SR5 V6 5 speed..sold

03-20-2008, 08:58 PM	#21 (permalink)
Boosted Chemist Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 43	I just bought a 98 taco. 6 years in florida 2 in kentucky and 2 in buffalo. It looks clean from a 15 minute inspection. Should i just bring it into toyota and see what they say? Im kinda paranoid now after my 94 has some frame rot. __________________ 88 CRX Si Retired 90 CRX Si Benson Turbo b16a 94 Yota 4x4 downey 3" lift

03-23-2008, 04:21 AM	#22 (permalink)
fasthorse67 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 82	My buddie just took his '98 Taco to the dealer. They gave him $13,500 for it! It had 199k and a frame that was completely rotted in half, he had to have it towed to the dealer. If I didn't tell him about this extended warranty it would have just continued to rot behind his barn where it was parked.

03-27-2008, 11:01 AM	#23 (permalink)
beatenyota Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 103	Just spoke with the toyota rep over the phone. They are giving me $12,757 for mine, which is great since that's more than what I paid for it 5 years ago and I put 60k on it. This came around just in time I was getting ready to sell it for like $4000. Anyone want to buy an ARB, racerunner adjustable coilovers, some American Racing rims, a MTX sub/enclosure, kenwood amp/headunit, a diamond plate tool box, perfect condition tailgate, swaybar.... I think that's all the stuff I am taking off. edit: the worst area on my frame was mainly where the front leaf spring hanger attaches to the frame. __________________ 99 taco.. recalled 01 4Runner, wet okole fronts, husky liners throughout, alpine type S in front doors, headunit & 2 12" subs.... future: moderate lift w/ some tires? Last edited by beatenyota; 03-27-2008 at 11:02 AM.

03-30-2008, 04:09 PM	#24 (permalink)
toyota_mdt_tech Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: WA Posts: 529	Here is the real kicker. The frames were built in the US bu Dana corp, seems they cheated on Toyota's specifications. The above mentioned article is true. In fact, if you have a heavily rusted Tacoma from this era, they will buy it back at $1000 more then the highest Kelly blue book, and if you trade it in on another Toyota, you will get an additional $1000 towards the new vehicle. (now I'm not certain of this, but I heard they were paying 1 and a half times what high blue book was, so a 10K Tacoma is now 15K, and 16K if you buy a new one). Now areas where the roads are not salted, I doubt you will have an issue. These will be destined for the crusher, once they buy them back, they will never see a road legally again. Now I assume there will be engines and the like removed first. This can and will create a surplus of nice 3.4's for those guys who would liek to replace a 3.0. Engineers came over to our store, directly from Japan and wanted donor vehicles. I donated mine for inspection (98 Tacoma TRD V6 4WD) and of course, with 56K miles, always garaged, I knew it wouldn't have issues, we don't use salt on the roads either. They paid me $100 and 1.0 hours labor just to rack my truck while they inspected it. __________________ Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician "MDT" 1998 Toyota Tacoma TRD V6 4WD 5 SPD 1998 Chevrolet K1500 1999 Toyota Camry 2003 Toyota Highlander 4WD 2007 KTM 85SX 17/14 2006 KTM 300XC-W 2005 KTM 65SX 2004 Kawasaki KLX 110 2003 Honda XR50 2002 Yamaha TTR 125L 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 2002 Suzuki Eiger 400 4WD 2004 Cargomate<--link GeePaw® Racing<--link

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