My Rotted Taco and Toyota's Response

Aug 28, 2008 - Riding in a Rotted Taco!

So, get this.............

In March 2007 we bought a 2001 Toyota Tacoma.  The truck rocked!!! TRD Towing Package, SR5 options, matching fiberglass cap, powerful and barely used 4x4 and the best part ONLY 32,000 miles!!!! Ok,  sweet frig'n truck!!! Totally appreciated and taken care of. 

In March 2008 we take it down for inspection, our mechanic calls us to say  the frame was showing signs of stress and deterioration.  Excuse me!!!  That truck is practically brand new!!! Our mechanic was the first to introduce us to the wonderful world of Toyota Tacoma Frame issues.   Frig'n great!  Our first used vehicle that was a mechanically sound had a frig'n design flaw.  We couldn't believe our luck.  Wasn't I pissed. Oh and p.s. we need new springs on the passenger side in order to pass inspection.....Fan-Freak'n-Tastic....this is just getting better and better.

Ok, so we make our call to Toyota Corp, they inform us their "Buy-Back" program is from 1995-2000 vehicles only.  I said, well that's cool, but my mechanic stated the frame was in jeapordy.  They had me take it to a "Toyota Trained Mechanic" to confirm.  Because I love wasting my time and gas to drive an hour into town to let a stranger look over my vehicle.  Anyway, we went to our little appointment and the TTM found no problems with the frame, it was showing signs of wear but basically its not yet broken.  So Toyota Corp said there was nothing they were going to do until the frame showed signs of rust.  Ok, if that's how they want to play so be it, so noted, the gaunlet has been thrown down!

  So, we went on our way, fixed the spring problem, got some new sneakers for the truck and got our inspection.  Each time the truck needed something we had our mechanic check the frame for any signs of rust.  Well, wouldn't you know it..............5 short months later.......TA-DA.....RUST!!!!!! 

So, once again I called Toyota Corp......not so nice this time.......advised them the frame is now rusted.  Again they insisted on a TTM inspecting the vehicle.....another hour ride into town and an hour ride home..........noted.   This time the TTM confirmed the frame was shit. and confiscated the truck!!!   Ah-ha......vindication.......the bastards.....now they have to fix the problem, right!!!!!!

Well aren't I just the nieve one........(one point for Toyota)  First, they reiterated that the "Buy-Back" program was from 1995-2000 vehicles only and since that program is in play we are basically round two.  Our claim with Toyota will take over 30 days because they have to take care of 1995-2000 customers first.  Second, our truck would not qualify for the 150% buy out he did not say at this time how much we would be getting for it.  I figured the more Taco customers that have the same issue on later models the more the company will have to step up and put their money where there shit frames are!!!

 If anyone has ideas, hints or tidbits they want to share to help out Taco customers with this problem please.............bring it!!!!

If Toyota wants to keep their reputation for reliability and returning customers then they need to make compensation!

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