Read this before you buy a Toyota

We recently purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra. Before we purchased it we did our due diligence and had it inspected by a mechanic that also owns one. It only has 61,000 miles on it and he said the body and mechanics were in excellent condition. He did recommend we call Toyota Corporation because of a rusting frame issue and make sure that had been corrected. I did that and was assured that it had been corrected and they listed the truck in my name in their system.


I would like to give you some history on this purchase so you understand why this truck was so important to us. My husband has been battling Cancer for the last six years and is finally in remission. We decided the time was right to take our dream road trip to Mexico and Central America. We wanted an older truck in great condition so it would not stand out like a new truck. We wanted it to be able to pull a small camper so the towing capacity was right for us. Our son owns two Toyotas and never had any issues and we heard nothing but good things about them.


Now for the problem. Mike XXXXX at River Valley Collision in Hanover, Illinois was going to get it all ready for us to take our trip. It looked rusty underneath so he was going to pull the box and sandblast it and give it a new undercoating, add airbags for towing, running boards and upgrade the hitch. When he took it in last week to start these alterations he discovered the frame was completly rusted through in places. He immediately called Toyota Corporation on our behalf and was told it was given Frame Corrosion Resistant Compound on November 9, 2012 at Bredemann Toyota. Since mike had been in the body repair business for 20+ years he informed Toyota that it was not done properly or not at all. At that time we brought it home because it needs a new frame and we did not have the funds to repair it. The estimate he gave us was $4000 to $5000, if he could find a good frame.


My issue is since this Truck was recalled why was this not fixed properly and why should I have to pay to have it done when it was clearly a flaw on Toyota’s part. I bought it because Toyota assured me the frame problem was corrected. We were told not to drive it because it was so unsafe and it sets in our driveway because of this. If Toyota had informed me correctly about the poor fix they did on these frames I would have never purchased it.

 

First off, I’m sorry about your husband and hoping he pulls through!

Secondly, Toyota usually does right by their customers (for the most part). That being said, I don’t like taking my truck to the dealership at all and rather opt for either doing it myself or getting someone I KNOW and TRUST to do the job. Sounds like the technician who looked, and “fixed” the frame before didn’t do it and marked it as “complete”.

We do hear of oil not being changed, fluids not being checked, skid plate nuts missing, etc

Sorry you’re having this problem with your truck!

I would call relentlessly until they cave and get it fixed under warranty.

 

You didn't notice that hole in the frame until after you bought it? Its huge!!!! And it was inspected by a mechanic and he only looked at the body and mechanical components? And instead of looking at the frame he recommended you call and ask if your frame was good? I'd be after that mechanic if I were you, especially if you paid him to inspect it, knowing they have had frame rust issues. That's pretty tough to miss given the amount of rust on the rest of the frame. Oh and you're a Male revrand named Dave? With a husband? And two kids? I mean it's possible but this story sure seems fishy or even trolly.

 

First off, welcome from CO.

I’m glad your husband is getting healthy enough to take a road trip. Perhaps not the safest road trip but that’s none of my business.
I can only believe that the mechanic that inspected that either didn’t inspect anything or he is legally blind.
Good luck getting it back on the road.

 

Op sorry for your troubles.

You bought an already rusted truck. I’m not sure what you are owed from Toyota. Your ‘mechanic’ should be deleted from your phone contacts.

 

I too am happy to hear that your husband is doing well in remission!

What a let-down, about your truck and thwarted travel plans.

So, a couple of things. I'm a bit questioning that the mechanic you had inspect it before you bought it noticed no signs of rust. Anyone who's done any research on Tundras would know 1st gens may have a rust problem. If you bought it recently, the advanced rust shown in your photo had to have been apparent; even if it was painted over, I'd have expected that much rust to make any covering look uneven, and even for there to have been "soft" spots. Did that guy have a part in selling this truck to you? If so, you may have some recourse if you paid him for that inspection.

As for the Toyota dealership on record as having repaired this, yes, I agree with @Law323, you should be eligible for warrantee repair... but it may be a fight. Starting a thread here is a good way to get ideas... and to post out about how Toyota treats you.

 

I was thinking the same but I figured I would give him/her the benefit of doubt.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/2000-tundra-frame-replacement.7215/#post-724148

 

It’s a 2003. No offense but goodluck with Toyota doing anything. I have a triton bass boat with a known issue back in 2003 that caused the gelcoat on the top cap to blister. I can promise you triton would not help me, even though they are aware of this issue in the older models. I purchased it used and at that point it’s on me, not them. I could possibly see an issue if I had purchased it new from them in 2003, but I didn’t I bought it “as is”

 

It is common knowledge that cars rust. It is a 2003. I just got finished fixing the frame on my 1999 jeep. It needs a lot more work. I never thought it was the manufactures problem. It is old and has seen a lot of salty roads.

 

So he did not tell you the frame was in good condition but instead told you to call toyota... 2012 repair was a long time ago and i dont know how anyone could miss a hole like that especially a mechanic who had it up on a lift.

 

If the mechanic inspecting the truck just took a hammer and tapped down the length of the frame, a frame that rusted would’ve been blatantly obvious just by the sound. If he can’t spot that much rust on the frame of a truck known to have rusty frames, he shouldn’t be doing inspections.

Hopefully Toyota does something for you but it’s been 6 years since the corrosion treatment was done. I really wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t.

 

Glad to hear your husband is doing better and I feel bad that you are in this position.

Not to sound rude but I disagree with what you think Toyota should do about your problem.

You purchased that truck in that condition, that rust didn't happen over night. Toyota assured they provided a treatment to the frame at some point, that isn't a lifetime frame guarantee, regardless of how incorrect your mechanic feels it was applied.

Who did you pay that missed the big rusty hole in the frame? That is the only person who owes you something, your "prepurchase inspection" fee back and an apology at least

About a year ago I was looking for a used 4Runner in the $4,000-$5,000 range. The very first thing I did was check the frame on each one. I couldn't find one that wasn't a mess underneath at that price point. I have considered driving down South away from the coast to try to find one.

Due diligence is relative.

It's a shame the frames don't last, but with what they put on winter roads up here I see why they rot so quick.

 

I am assuming you are in illinois.
Arlington toyota in Palatine last month changed the frame on my friends 2005 Sequoia which had rust issues and he bought it used like you as well.
See if they can do anything for you.

Hope it works out

 

If indeed the vehicle falls under the recall, Toyota is obligated by law to fix any known issues pertaining to the recall. Check out the NTSA web site and call them if needed.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2003/TOYOTA/TUNDRA/EXTENDED%2520CAB#recalls

-Jason

 

HEY Mr. REV DAVE (male),

Hope your HUSBAND get well soon!!!!!

Are you a minister/ pastor...???

Show some more pics of your truck

Why is that year Truck such your dream, to travel so many miles, do all that mods..... when you could have invested in a newer model?

 

Les there is no question driving a newer truck through Mexico is outright stupidity. There is no law and order in that country. Heck I’m not sure it’s wise to drive any Toyota truck there. That’s kinda like leaving a case of Mountain Dew unguarded in a Walmart parking lot.

It seems the wife is typing for her husband.

 

OP, I posted a response in your other thread as well.

I agree that your mechanic who performed the pre-purchase inspection is mostly at fault for the current situation that you are in. The right dealer or the right customer care rep might do something for you.

But, I also agree with other members that this has more to do with the environment the truck was in more than Toyota being at fault. I live/work in coastal NC. I see 3-5 year old vehicles (ALL MAKES) down here that get driven on the beach regularly. The bottoms of them look like they have been exposed to 20 years of New England winters. This has everything to do with proper maintenance, cleaning, salt-x treatment, and corrosion prevention.

 

My wife's 07 Sequoia is in the Toyota dealership in springfield ILL right now getting a new frame as well, they are under a current recall. The 1st Generation Tacoma's were a nightmare with frame rust and recalls. You may have a case if the Toy dealership is on record for "repairing" the frame. You listed "Corrosion Resistant Compound", I don't think that is the same as "repairing" the frame. Somebody correct me if Im wrong - but that sounds like a sprayed on undercoating to me. Anyway, if I were you, I would go to the Tacomaworld site, and post this question, they have way more experience dealing with this issue, there have been many folks in your shoes with the same experience buying Taco's and then finding problems with the frame.

Also the guy that inspected could have missed this area, my guess it was covered up by flaked rust and when he started sandblasting it went right through. Still no excuse, If he hammered on it he should have found it, I bet he just gave a quick visual once over and it wasn't as obvious as this giant hole. I think you have an uphill battle but I would keep digging.

 

Yes, please post some pics of your truck.

 

Noted and agree

Just something about this #1 first ever post to this forum that doesn’t stir my cup of tea.

I would want to think this is a Competitor that is sabotaging......IDK

See it for what it’s worth......

 

I guess I'll be the mean guy here but I have a lot of problems with this post.

First and foremost, I absolutely hate when people join a forum just to complain because some company wouldn't do whatever it is they wanted. I have no respect for people who join a forum just so they can complain.

I also think it was in poor taste to bring up her husband's cancer. That sucks and I'm glad he's doing better now but that was not relevant to the story at all. IMO that was added entirely for sympathy points.

I think the screen name of "Rev.Dave" and gender listed as male but the post being written by the "wife" seems a little fishy.

Next she states they did their "due diligence" by taking it to a mechanic and he told them everything was fine but call Toyota about the frame? Sorry but I'm not buying that part. I think 1 of 3 things happened here... 1. They never took it to a mechanic. or 2. The mechanic they took it too screwed them by charging to inspect a vehicle but never actually did (in which case that's the person they should be mad at) or 3. The mechanic told them about the frame and that's why he told them to contact Toyota but they misunderstood what he told them?

As an FYI, I know someone else who has been through this with a Tacoma he bought new in the 90's.... When they do a recall for these frame and someone brings one in for inspection, that's a 1 time deal. Meaning they inspect it and if it meets the criteria, they replace it. If not they undercoat it. If the frame is fine at the time of the inspection but later starts to rust out, oh well, sucks to be you. They are not going to put a lifetime warranty on it. It does suck to be in that position but I get that they can't warranty these things forever either.

That being the case then IMO, it's just stupid to drive through that country at all regardless of what you are driving.

 

Air I don't disagree at all.

 

Air,

I AGREE WITH YOU 1000% and you read my thoughts!!!

Imagine what this does when another newbie join and what to they see
“SLANDER”

Reminds me of when I post something on OfferUp and someone responds :
“I will send you a check for $500 and have my transporter pick up the item. Keep the extra $450 for your frustrations...”

 

Unfortunately, when you buy a used car you're buying it in "as-is" condition. Unless Toyota gave you something in writing that said this particular frame is rust-free and has no issues, I don't see what recourse you have with them over a 15-year-old truck. Even if they did do something to it in 2012, that was six years ago. It sounds like all they told you was that they had a record of something being done in 2012.

Really, as others have said, the only thing I can see happening for you would be to get a refund from that mechanic who did the inspection. If he missed something that blatantly obvious he has no business doing pre-purchase inspections. However, unless he somehow benefited from the sale of the truck you probably don't have any legal recourse against him unless he gave you some sort of documented guarantee that the truck was free of certain issues.

I bought a truck some years back and later found out it had cracked exhaust manifolds. The guy I bought it from said it didn't have any major issues (to his knowledge), and whether he knew it did or not I bought the truck as-is and had to eat the repair. I'm sorry for the predicament you're in, but this might just have to be a tough lesson learned.

As for the people calling BS on your post, I can see where you're coming from (especially with such a click-baity title), but I also understand how someone that isn't really into online forums might want to go somewhere to be heard. I don't see the advantage of a competitor coming to dump on such an old model truck. Just my opinion!

 

I call BS trolling troll

 

Yep^^^^^

 

There's only one man who can help the original poster:

Elk Hunter, where are you?

 

¿El Cunter, dónde estás?