Hi, I am looking at purchasing a friend's 2005 Tacoma TRD Off Road (double cab V6 Automatic 4WD) she and her dad have had since it was brand new. The car looks good on the outside and on the inside needs a good detailing, but not much else. I am writing this because I have two concerns and wanted to get some feedback from this community. I have been a long time lurker for help with my current truck (1990 Toyota Pickup SR5 V6 2WD) and you all have usually had good, if not entertaining, advice.

The first issue is a check engine light for the catalytic converters. I did not have time to run the code, but she has always taken it to the dealer and they said it was the catalytic converters, so I assume it is the P420 code (I will check next time I see it). It has been reset a few time but always come back. The dealer recommend replacing the Cats, which I thought was overkill, but I understand that is really the only thing they can recommend. While inspecting the truck, it looked like there was some "smoke" coming out around the gasket between the first and second Cat on both sides. I was wondering if anyone had experience with these gaskets leaking and throwing a code? I figured that could be a easier fix then new Cats. Additionally, I was wondering if people had experience with using the URD O2 simulator to clear the CEL and if it was a viable long term solution. I don't have emission inspections, and the Cats look ok from the outside, so I don't particularly want to replace them, because I feel the error will come back.

The second issue is some frame rust I found on the front driver side pictured below. It looks like some surface and flaking rust, and wanted to know if this was normally a sign of a bigger problem? From looking around the web, the rust seems to be a very big issue and expensive to fix. Has anyone had someone weld patch metal over rust like this? Additionally, where else should I look for frame rust?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this and help me out.

 

First, where are you located? If you're anywhere with consistent winter ice/snow and salt, you would have to do some rust removal/prevention to maintain the integrity of the frame. If the rust is just surface, it's a relatively easy fix, but when it goes through metal is when the $$ start adding up..

I can't help with the cat problem, but I will say it's veeeery likely the cats are to blame with the code.

Should you buy it? If it's a family friend and someone willing to give a deal, these potential problems wouldn't be deal breakers to me. But if you can't get it for cheaper than the other, similar 2005 Tacomas, wait it out for one that doesn't have these potential problems.