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Frame major rust questions

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by garlenski, Sep 20, 2021.

  1. Sep 20, 2021 at 1:06 PM
    #1
    garlenski

    garlenski [OP] New Member

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    Hello, I recently purchased a 2006 4WD and was honestly very inexperienced in the car buying process (first time). I got what I thought was a killer deal on it, but after taking it to a buddy's house he pointed out one major flaw; the rust.

    Pictures are below, but any insight or experience anyone could share about how to either get this repaired or source a new frame would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for help here, definitely the last time I don't fully inspect a vehicle.

    IMG_3208.jpg
    IMG_3209.jpg
     
  2. Sep 20, 2021 at 1:07 PM
    #2
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    You just donated money to the old owner.
     
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  3. Sep 20, 2021 at 1:15 PM
    #3
    garlenski

    garlenski [OP] New Member

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    Unfortunately, that is 100% true.
     
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  4. Sep 20, 2021 at 7:29 PM
    #4
    spencermarkd

    spencermarkd New Member

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    Well that's a bummer.

    New frame from the dealership is going to be $10K+. You're probably better off taking it to a local frame and body shop and see if they'll do patches/repairs on the frame. It's not ideal, but its better than driving around with half a frame.
     
  5. Sep 20, 2021 at 7:47 PM
    #5
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    What's really pathetic is how anyone in good conscience could put a truck on the market like that, and not divulge the damage. Some people suck. They'll get theirs one day.

    I've known one or two like that in my life - who think if they con someone, it's the victim's fault for not knowing better, so it's perfectly ok to do.
     
    Trail Runnah, xoxrnr and LandCruiser like this.
  6. Sep 21, 2021 at 1:01 AM
    #6
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    OK, so let me be a little more positive on this one.

    This frame rail is shot to hell, that is true. But I'm looking around at everything else in the pictures and the underside looks really good otherwise. Like, ridiculously good compared to that frame rail.

    Inspect everything and make sure you know the extent of the damage. If it's just that rail...this rig can be saved I think.

    Take it to a welder and see if they will touch it...or give you a recommendation on where to go.
     
    peter2772000 likes this.
  7. Sep 21, 2021 at 8:37 AM
    #7
    spencermarkd

    spencermarkd New Member

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    Based on how much of the frame rail rust has been painted, my guess is that they took a rattle can and went to town underneath. Definitely looks better than the rails, but if it were my car I'd do some scratching and poking and verify there wasn't more lurking on everything else.
     
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  8. Sep 21, 2021 at 9:16 AM
    #8
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

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    What chaps my ass is they covered up the rust with a rattle can. So they KNEW.
     
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  9. Sep 21, 2021 at 10:11 AM
    #9
    r32

    r32 New Member

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  10. Sep 21, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #10
    orangemoney52

    orangemoney52 New Member

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    Hey OP, this happened to me a year ago and it was a good lesson for myself (I took to the auto shop for inspection AFTER I paid the money). My friends including my wife always use this story to mock me haha. The frame looked exactly like yours. The owner knew about it but didn't tell me.

    Stay positive! I paid around $7000 in total to replace the frame, which includes $1500 for the used frame and $5500 in labor. I talked to around 20 auto shops in my area and found an owner who has a good reputation (lots of recommendations). The owner was sympathetic of my situation and helped me out.

    In total I paid $15500 for the rig (2005 V8 Limited with 95K miles) - $8500 for the car (should have got suspicious with such a low price) and $7000 in frame replacement.
     
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  11. Sep 27, 2021 at 8:27 PM
    #11
    Letsflyman

    Letsflyman New Member

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    I hate the very term "sue."

    But you have a case here. Take pics of everything and at least have a lawyer write up a letter asserting that you were ripped off and that much of the rust has been hidden by paint, so the owner surely had to know he was offloading a rust bucket on an unsuspecting buyer. Just the possibility of a lawsuit might get you your money back. It's almost criminal that the previous owner did this to you.
     
  12. Sep 27, 2021 at 11:19 PM
    #12
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Depends. We don't know how the deal went down.

    Did the buyer ask about the frame or rust?

    Was the car is offered "as is"?

    If the car was offered "as is" and the buyer doesn't ask basic questions, there simply is no recourse.

    If he asked that the car was roadworthy, if there was any hidden damage, or anything along those lines...and the seller's answers contradict what we see here then you can claim the car was misrepresented.
     
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  13. Nov 18, 2021 at 3:18 PM
    #13
    austin blue

    austin blue New Member

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    Belllegalgroup.com/Toyota-lawsuit get in touch with them they go to court in January 2022 to push a recall it’s free and they need more people to come forward also file complaint with nhtsa the government I did both it’s the only way without pawning off a dangerous vehicle onto someone else then hell hopefully we’ll both get new frames if the recall hit early next year
     
  14. Nov 18, 2021 at 4:58 PM
    #14
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    No way to even prove the previous owner was the one to paint it.

    Maybe he got f'd over and looked for the next sucker to save his ass. Good luck I say trying to get anything out of um.
     
  15. Dec 27, 2021 at 5:18 PM
    #15
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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    SAD. I hate when this happens...so sleezy...previous owner is a real P.O.S. anyhow, check with frame shops...and tally up your options...........good luck
     
  16. Mar 18, 2023 at 4:58 PM
    #16
    ToyoTroy

    ToyoTroy New Member

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    What kind of shop did that for you? Dealer (no?), Regular car shop around town (probably not?), Frame shop?
     
  17. Mar 18, 2023 at 9:17 PM
    #17
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

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    I am super sorry to see this dude. My heart goes out to you. Toyota corporate should have rectified these issues years ago. Sadly new 2023 models rust the same and you’ll see lots of threads about preventing it.

    If you are anywhere near Chicago or surrounding area call AMD at TCCN Automotive. He has tons of videos and has is own shop was at a dealer. I would trust him for some solid advice.
     
  18. Mar 19, 2023 at 12:41 AM
    #18
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    If the OP asked about any roadworthiness, rust, damage, or if it had any serious issues, and the previous owner denied any, then it misrepresentation. Even if the previous owner was screwed, you don’t just get to pass it on. If the previous owner lied, it was fraud.

    A lawsuit would be a reasonable response to fraud.
     
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  19. Mar 19, 2023 at 7:14 AM
    #19
    xtremewlr

    xtremewlr New Member

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    Lots with more in the works
    This thread died 2 years ago and the OP hasn't even been on the forum since September of 2021. Just saying.
     
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  20. Mar 19, 2023 at 7:24 AM
    #20
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

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    Too funny did not even notice it was two years old. I just enjoy the forum
     
  21. Mar 20, 2023 at 4:14 PM
    #21
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Good luck proving without a doubt he knew. If the previous owner was the only owner then they obviously knew if there was multiple owners I say good luck.
     
  22. Apr 3, 2023 at 7:19 AM
    #22
    Rampage

    Rampage New Member

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    Damage is done. As long as there is enough good metal left, any competent welder can fix that. They actually make kits to cap the frame. Not the end of the world. You could also cut out all the rust and weld in a patch.
     

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