Might Be Time To Ditch The Tacoma

[jzinckgra]

I've had my 2005 Tacoma (6cyl) for nearly 5.5 yrs and it has served me well. No engnie troubles to speak of and decent mpg. When I started hearing of the rust issues of earlier model year Tacomas (2000-2004), I decided to take a look under my truck. I admit I don't pay attention to the underside as much as I should but when I looked underneath this past week, I was surprised at the amount of rust.

 

Lots of flaking and in some areas it feels almost as if I could poke a hole through with a sharp object. I did some more reading about this and apparently there are many others (mostly in the Northeast, where I'm from) that also have this issue. Apparently Toyota didn't rcompletely resolve the rust issue post 2004.

 

My truck is almost paid off and I am stuck with the decision as to what to do with it. I can't imagine what another year or two of new england winters will do it. I'm somewhat concerned that if I hold onto it, it may be worthless in a couple years if it doesn't pass inspection or is just unsafe to drive. I'd rather not go out and start some new truck payments all over again, but if it's the difference between having a truck that will become worthless or getting rid of it now and letting it be someone else's problem, I'd probably go for the latter.

 

Anyways, was looking at the Sierra SLT, 5.3L. What would you do if you were in my situation?

[Chris]

get the sierra

[gnet158]

I'd have the rust checked by a pro. Hopefully it's not that bad and can be sanded and treated. If that's the case then keep your toy. If not then what ever your buy make sure to have the underside treated. Good luck!

[MaverickZ71]

I've had my 2005 Tacoma (6cyl) for nearly 5.5 yrs and it has served me well. No engnie troubles to speak of and decent mpg. When I started hearing of the rust issues of earlier model year Tacomas (2000-2004), I decided to take a look under my truck. I admit I don't pay attention to the underside as much as I should but when I looked underneath this past week, I was surprised at the amount of rust.

 

Lots of flaking and in some areas it feels almost as if I could poke a hole through with a sharp object. I did some more reading about this and apparently there are many others (mostly in the Northeast, where I'm from) that also have this issue. Apparently Toyota didn't rcompletely resolve the rust issue post 2004.

 

My truck is almost paid off and I am stuck with the decision as to what to do with it. I can't imagine what another year or two of new england winters will do it. I'm somewhat concerned that if I hold onto it, it may be worthless in a couple years if it doesn't pass inspection or is just unsafe to drive. I'd rather not go out and start some new truck payments all over again, but if it's the difference between having a truck that will become worthless or getting rid of it now and letting it be someone else's problem, I'd probably go for the latter.

 

Anyways, was looking at the Sierra SLT, 5.3L. What would you do if you were in my situation?

 

Sierra SLT, 6.2L

[jzinckgra]

I heard people doing this and the treatment didn't last very long

 

I'd have the rust checked by a pro. Hopefully it's not that bad and can be sanded and treated. If that's the case then keep your toy. If not then what ever your buy make sure to have the underside treated. Good luck!

[sic lsx]

get silverado with appearance package! They r so sexy that way! If the 6.2 405hp is in your price range go for it ;)

 

See

[Major_Kong]

Wasn't there a TSB about frame rust on Tacomas? I thought that I read somewhere that some owners were able to get their frames replaced by Toyota because of excessive rust. I can't recall what model year Tacomas were affected though.

[KMGZ400]

i say if you dont mind the payment, ditch that tacoma and get the sierra. the 5.3 will be so much nicer to drive then that tacoma's 6 banger. just drive the sierra

[RyanbabZ71]

6.2 405hp

 

Thats 403

[sic lsx]

we all know how much gm is wrong on hp #'s lol i have a friend with a 2wd ext cab on 22;s with vararam intake, areo chamber muffler and tune 13.8's in this heat!!!!

[Bob D]

Wasn't there a TSB about frame rust on Tacomas? I thought that I read somewhere that some owners were able to get their frames replaced by Toyota because of excessive rust...

Friend of mine got a recall. Don't remember year (02-04 ?), but he got a NEW frame (free). Can't imagine what that must've cost Toyota, but I can understand their owner's loyalty. He even was given a Prius as a loaner.

Worth checking out.

[fighter42487]

i love my sierra slt 5.3 ;)

[ryan_hermanutz]

Wasn't there a TSB about frame rust on Tacomas? I thought that I read somewhere that some owners were able to get their frames replaced by Toyota because of excessive rust. I can't recall what model year Tacomas were affected though.

 

 

It was 95-00 Tacoma's that got the frames replaced or money back. I know there are a lot of 05's rusting too, but I would guess it will take a few more years for Toyota to address those issues.

[Bruce123]

I had a 2005 Taco until May of this year. Was a good truck but I wanted a bigger truck. My 09 Silverado is awesome. You will be very happy with the Sierra. The build qulity of the Taco is better but the Sierra seats are sure better than any Taco. The Sierra will be much quieter. Tacos have horrible paint!!

Bruce

[Graya25]

I don't know where you are in New England, but if you're in Massachusetts like me or further north, I'd suggest the Sierra. Many of the undercarriages of Toyota or Nissan trucks around here are pretty badly rusted, some to the point of holes in the bottom rockers of the doors. My truck, although it's a 1997, has held up well despite all the salt they throw down here. The undercarriage had a healthy coat of surface rust when I bought it used over a year ago, but just a light sanding (Those metal cup brushes that attach to drills work well) and some POR-15 solved that problem quite well, and the metal is still very strong. The only things I've had rust out were a ground cable from the fuel neck to the frame that eliminate static electricity, and the wheel of a spare tire.

 

The Sierra holds up pretty well despite the beatings it gets during the winter, go for it! You won't be disappointed.

 

Another good thing is that some towns (mine included) have switched over to a non-corrosive salt for the winters. Mine is probably the exception, but it's at least some good news.