Reliable, but rust-prone cars

03-06-2009 | PHILIP EDMONSTON

lemonaid@earthlink.net

In coastal areas like Panama, rust is a four letter word that can affect both safety and resale value. Ask Toyota

Panama Star Hi Phil: My mother-in-law (she's 73) got a letter from Toyota about her '99 Tacoma two-wheel-drive pick-up, asking her to bring it in to have the frame checked for corrosion. The truck flunked the test, and she was immediately given a Yaris rental car and told that Toyota was buying back the trucks at roughly 2 1/2 times their value, and that she could expect a check for about 20 thousand dollars - this was according to the folks at the local dealership.

Sounds too good to be true, but the stories of generous checks from Toyota for Tacoma owners had already been starting to circulate around town. Add to that the spectacle of dozens of Tacomas of all description and condition lined up in the back of the dealership waiting for the crusher.

Anyhow, "Gramma" (what we call her) got her registered mail notification of her "official offer." The amount was $14,760. Considering the truck had about 180,000 kms, it seems very generous to me - however, being 73 and having been told the check would likely be more, Gramma's a little disappointed, and wondering whether there's any flex in the amount, especially since she's planning to simply buy another car from Toyota in Saint John, probably a Yaris or a Corolla.

So, I'm wondering whether you've heard of all this, and what, if anything, dealerships are doing to cope with seniors who may have been lead to have higher expectations that maybe they should have had. Thanks. Peter A., New Brunswick.

Hi Peter: Your mom's 1999 model Tacoma would be normally worth only about $3,500. But because Toyota goofed at the factory, she is getting more than four times what the truck is worth. By the way, her mileage is normal, calculated at 20,000 km a year.

Here's the lowdown on Toyota's little known North American buy-back program:

According to the April 14, 2008 edition of Automotive News, Toyota will repair or buy back 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups affected by rust-damaged structural frames. An estimated 813,000 Tacomas from that era are still on North American roads, and may be affected, especially, if driven in areas where snow and road salt are found. The excessive rusting is caused by inadequate anti-corrosion undercoating applied at the factory.

Dealers will inspect all affected Tacomas, free of charge and apply an extended 15-year frame-rust warranty. Trucks with minor frame pitting will be repaired for free; trucks with more serious damage will be bought back at 150 percent of the "excellent" value listed in the U. S.-published Kelley Blue Book Guide, regardless of the truck's condition.

“Gramma” is getting more than 400 percent or four-times what her vehicle is worth— plenty of money to buy a Yaris or Corolla (I recommend the Corolla). Spread the word to other owners. Toyota made a mistake and they are paying for its correction up through the 2000 models.

Late-breaking update: Toyota insiders tell me the automaker is considering extending its voluntary recall/ buyback to cover models through the 2005 model year. Go to http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f11b1d2 to get more information. Remember, small claims courts will probably enforce the parameters of the earlier settlement in claims involving 2001-2005 and later models.