Is frame rust still an issue on 2nd gens?

Hello, i'm in the market for a good used Tundra or 16+ F150 (aluminum body). Has anyone else price shopped these two models on the used market? Simply put, I am really shocked by the used market on Tundras, it seems these trucks have phenomenal resale value! Are people really paying over $20k for rusty 2010-2013 Tundras with 110k miles on them?

I looked at two Toyota Tundras this past week, a 2010 Rock Warrior and then a 2013 Rock Warrior and both trucks had significant rust on the frame and underside of the bed. Is rust like this common on 2nd generation Tundras or did I just happen to look at two really bad examples? If rust like this is common, i'm thinking of going with a 16+ aluminum body F150 which I can get for almost the same money that most dealers and private owners are asking on their 2010-2013 Tundras.

We also own a Lexus GS350 which has been absolutely phenomenal in terms of reliability, but the rust I am seeing on 2nd generation Tundras has me thinking that maybe the F150 would be a better buy. Yes, I agree that the drivetrain on the F150 won't last near as long as the Tundra, but it should get me to 200k miles without too much fuss, and by that time I would have gotten rid of it anyways.

 

Took me a while to find one without rust, but I finally did. 2013 double cab with 33k for $25k. People here told me that was pricy, but its regional and prices are high right now.

Good luck. Trucks are made to rust these days. Even those ford's have steel frames which rust even if the body does not. And you've still got a Ford engine.

 

Like @idiggplants said, the Ford is just as susceptible to frame rust as any other vehicle. If you want to avoid rust be aware of the trucks history/area of operation. If its from the rust belt, you really want to check and talk to the owner to see if they've ever done anything to prevent rust. Fluid film, wool wax, Krown, etc. are commonly used to prevent rust. Be wary of any that have rubberized under coatings though. They tend to trap moisture and cover rust so you can't see the rot, but the hole frame can be compromised underneath.

 

And my personal favorite: the craigslist coat. The coat of paint sellers slather on the underside in hopes to pretend there is no rust. Many of aholes wasted my time driving an hour each way with that one. In the beginning I was like... Who tf is falling for that... Till I realized how many people actually do. Now I never travel to see a car till I get a few pics sent to me first.

 

Thanks for the input! So far I have looked at 3 Fords and all of the frames on them have been in much better shape than any of the Tundras I have looked at so far. Probably because I can buy a much newer Ford for the same money as an older Tundra. If I can start with a good base (not rusty), then I can protect it every year with fluid film, but it's kind of hard to do that when the cancer (rust) has already started and spread. I really want a Tundra (love the 5.7 engine), but I think at this point, the value just isn't there especially after considering what the market proceeds them to be worth. Thankfully my work is letting me work from home until June, so I will keep an eye the market and see if prices start to normalize again, if not, I guess it's an F150 for me. I just have a hard time paying over $20k for a truck with significant frame and bed rust, regardless of how good the drivetrain is.

 

They are also several years older than the Tundras that you looked at, aren't they? Still, the short answer is Yes, rust is still something you have to check for on Tundras. If the Truck is from the rustbelt and didn't get any protective oil based coating, the frame is likely shot. What area are you searching for your Tundra?

 

Yes, I can get a much newer Ford for the same money as an older Tundra. I am located in Michigan.

It sounds like my suspicion were correct and this is pretty normal with these trucks.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. I'll start looking aggressively at aluminum F150s.

Thanks!

 

Yes, Tundras always hold their value better due to the reliability record. That's just a given. You will pay more for a Tundra, but their motors are known for 300k-400k miles pretty regularly.

In Michigan you'll be hard pressed to find one rust free. Look for something that is in AZ, CA, or even down South where they don't use salt on the roads. It'll be worth the trip to go get it.

 

Follow this link, and look at the images. https://www.google.com/search?q=Rus...ECBoQAw&biw=1920&bih=937#imgrc=7eywn-jS6etdSM

Frame rust is not restricted to Toyotas.

 

I don't feel like going through all that trouble to get a good one, it's just not worth the time and effort to me.

Toyota does have a proven record of reliability, but what's the point of making such a reliable drivetrain if the frame is going to be completely rotten in 10 years?

Based on my anecdotal experience, so far every F150 I have looked at has been in much better shape than the Tundras. Keep in mind I can get a 2016+ F150 for the same money as a 13' Tundra. I really thought that maybe, just maybe the two Tundras I looked at were poorly taken care of, but it appears like this is pretty common.

Like I said, I really appreciate the feedback, but I don't think a Tundra is in my future.

 

For your area, they were poorly cared for. You would need to use fluid film or the like for sure.

To each their own, and if you do get an F150 we expect pics!

 

Will do!

Take care!

 

I do believe they have a 10 year warranty extension regardless of miles on the 2nd gen frame rust issue, according to my letter... from the time of initial purchase.. so, if you're looking for a 13 you still have 2 years to cash in for a full frame replacement or cut and patch... its free99 after all, but the tax of losing your vehicle for x amount of time may not be worth it for you.. if you do pull the trigger on a 2nd gen take this info and run with it...

 

Thanks! That's good to know, but i'm sure you have to jump through a million hoops before Toyota would even consider replacing the frame for you -- not really something I want to go through. You would think after the rust problems Toyota had with the first generation of Tundras that they would learn from this. Guess not!

Does anyone know if Toyota switched suppliers on their truck frames? It seems like the prudent thing to do after 2 generations of their trucks have had issues with frames rusting out.

I do still have plenty of time before I have to find a vehicle. If I do happen to find a nice one that is reasonably priced I will jump on it, but so far I am 0 for 2 on that front. Anyways, it isn't confidence inspiring that both Tundras I happen to look at were in pretty bad shape. Sure, they looked good on the exterior, but I was speechless the moment I crawled under them. I sure do hope the guys who have good frames are looking after them with fluid film!

 

It's not exactly an issue with the 2007+ trucks like it was on the first gens and tacos. At least I've not seen the major widespread rust damage that the previous gen had. I heard that the supplier of the frames that had issues wound up having to pay damages to Toyota, but I don't know if a different supplier was selected.

 

If its made of steel, it rusts.

I dont believe that the 2007+ were known for the frames breaking in half like the early tacomas and some of the 00-06 tundras.

I'm not in the rust belt, but i have yet to see any pictures of completely rusted out fenders and rockers on a 07+. Not like a chevy or dodge from the same era. What I mean is, the bodies can still look pretty good, but it's rusting bad underneath. Make sure you crawl under and really look it over.

Or drive south of Atlanta and buy a rust-free truck.

 

Rust isn't normal at all if the Tundra was never in the rust belt where salt is used.

 

At the end of the day you are going to pay one way or another. Right now the used car market is really high because of the lack of new cars being built. If a specific brand is selling at a lower price I would look into why. I'm not sure I would buy a truck with 150k miles on it if I found out that they rarely make 200k without major engine or transmission work. But I also wouldn't buy a Tundra with lots of rust either. I've had too many bolts break because they are rusted in place.

The last I knew Dana was making the frames for Toyota. Read something about them not applying the phosphorous coating correctly. But at this point Toyota should have done more or made a change.

I can remember when Toyota replaced the frame on my 2000 Tundra. There were several guys who had 'American' trucks who laughed. Yet within a year or two their frames were starting to fail inspection. Usually that means they become yard trucks with plows on them. I rarely see very many trucks more than 10 years old on the road. It really comes down to how the area you live in deals with snow and ice.

If you see a truck spraying brine on the road turn around, lol. That's about the worst thing for your vehicle. Several years ago this state started doing it but I haven't seen them in a few years. They would spray at the beginning of a snow storm. Maybe it didn't help. Or maybe the drivers just couldn't stand watching the car behind them rust away as they followed the truck.

 

I live in the Northeast, everything rusts here. I bought mine in VA and brought back. Lot less rust in southern trucks plus they srrmed a little cheaper since you don't need 4wheel drive there.

 

I live in Georgia and am looking for a Gen2.5 Tundra. Finding a fair number of 2021 model year coming off of lease from the rust belt. Is three years and 30k miles of road enough to condemn the frame to a rusty death?

Just realized that this is the Gen 2 forum but it does seem to fit with the thread,

 

Depends how long you plan to keep it. In 10 years it could be rusty enough to need brake lines, backing plates, holes in the bed or fenders. If you don't plan to keep it that long it won't be a problem for you.

 

Wash it thoroughly, dry up and coat. Rust can be stopped/slowed down significantly. My treated 2019 spends a few months covered in salt, it has very little rust, mostly on weld seams (Toyota does not do its welding right).

 

If I want to know just how bad the rust is on a truck I am looking at.
I lower the spare tire and look up in the chain hoist pully area.
That area is a water/salt trap. Washes can't hit the other side of the rim under there.
You will also be able to tell how many times previous owners had to take off the spare tire by how worn the bar is used to lower the tire.

 

Don't count on aluminum not rusting. There are several videos at "youtube" where the hosts point at the aluminum body parts rusting. It can also happens to stainless steel. Aircraft have aluminum panels, and corrosion is a big issue in places where deicing fluids are used. I worked with aircraft and we had to wash them to remove deicing fluid from the landing gears and body panels.