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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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:
]

 

yuck!

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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......