Frame Repair or Replacement? Advice Needed

Hi all, took my recently purchased (private party) Tacoma into a body shop to get quotes on both frame repair and replacement. This shop has worked on countless Tacos doing framework. I’m looking for advice on my situation. I want to have this car for the next 5-10 years. The entire frame has legit surface rust under the undercoating the previous owner applied and I’m worried that it could evolve to more even with treatment (treatment entailing: sandblasting/grinding off and applying a lanolin-based product), I live in MN, but will be moving to CO next fall.

My Taco has 80k miles, 2006 OR Extended Cab Manual 4x4 V6.

The repair came out to around $4500, repairing 2 rear crossmembers, both front cab mounts, reinforcing/repairing the frame on the left side, and replacing the fuel tank. This also includes grinding off existing surface rust (accessible that is), and labor for applying lanolin undercoating. My main concern with repairing the frame is that in 5-10 years (or even next year) when I am looking to sell, the frame needs repairs and/or replacement.

The replacement estimate came out to $13k for the worst-case scenario, and the shop cannot reuse any of the parts attached to the old frame. This includes OEM frame, new suspension, control arms, ball joints, brake lines, hardware, etc…. This option guarantees my frame will be good at the time of resale.

P.S. Toyota dealership quoted me 17k for frame replacement without including any other hardware except the frame. :’)

TLDR: The truck has 80k miles and the frame needs work, $4.5k for frame repair, $11-13k for replacement, what would you do?

 

Personally if the important areas like suspension mounting and engine mounting is good, repair. If you are starting to have issues in those places replace.

Truck looks great otherwise

 

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Welcome to TW!