Toyota models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Corolla | 1968-present | 2003-2004 Corollas fall under Toyota's 2024 Takata stop-driving warning; 2009-2011 models were in the ZE7 oil-consumption program. |
| Camry | 1983-present | 2007-2009 four-cylinder Camrys with the 2AZ engine were covered by Toyota's ZE7 excess oil consumption program. |
| Tacoma | 1995-present | 2005-2010 Tacomas were in Toyota's 2016 frame-corrosion settlement covering roughly 1.5 million trucks. |
| Tundra | 2000-present | 2000-2003 Tundras in salt states were recalled (09V444000) for a corroding rear cross member that can drop the spare and damage brake lines. |
| Sienna | 1998-present | 1998-2010 Siennas in salt states, Illinois included, were recalled (10V160000) because the spare tire cable can rust and break. |
| RAV4 | 1996-present | 2004-2005 RAV4s with Takata driver inflators are under the same 2024 do-not-drive warning as the old Corolla. |
| Corolla Matrix | 2003-2013 | 2003-2004 Matrix hatchbacks share the Takata warning; 2009-2013 models were in the ZE7 oil-consumption program. |
| Sequoia | 2001-present | 2005-2008 Sequoias were part of the same frame-rust settlement as the Tacoma and Tundra. |
Known Toyota problems that end up at the scrapyard
Frame corrosion on 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2008 Tundra and 2005-2008 Sequoia
Toyota settled a class action in 2016 over frames that allegedly lacked proper rust protection, agreeing to inspect trucks and replace frames for up to 12 years from first sale. That window has now closed for nearly every truck it covered. A Chicago-area Tacoma with a flaking, perforated frame today is a junk decision, not a warranty claim. source
Takata stop-driving warning on 2003-2004 Corolla and Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4
In 2024 Toyota told owners of about 61,000 older Corollas, Matrixes and RAV4s to stop driving until their Takata inflators were replaced, because the inflators can explode and throw metal fragments. The fix is free and Toyota arranges towing or mobile repair. If you'd rather sell, the car still shouldn't be driven to the buyer. source
Oil burning in the 2AZ four-cylinder
Toyota's Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 covered excessive oil consumption on 2007-2009 Camrys, 2009-2011 Corollas, 2006-2008 RAV4s, 2009-2013 Matrixes and several Scions with the 2.4-liter 2AZ engine. Coverage ran 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles, so it has ended. An engine that needs a quart every week is now the owner's cost. source
Toyota’s own paper trail on Chicago rust
Toyota’s reputation rests on engines and transmissions, and that reputation is mostly earned. The bodies and frames are another story in a salt state. Toyota has recalled vehicles only in road-salt states for corrosion several times: 2000-2003 Tundras for a rear cross member that can drop the spare and pinch brake lines, 1998-2010 Siennas for spare tire cables that rust through. Then came the frame settlement on 2005-2010 Tacomas, 2007-2008 Tundras and 2005-2008 Sequoias.
That settlement matters to sellers in a specific way. It offered inspections and frame replacements for up to 12 years after a truck was first sold, which means the clock has run out. Any 2005-2010 Tacoma still on its original frame around here is worth checking with a hammer and a flashlight before you put money into brakes or a timing belt. Our road salt and rust guide shows where to tap.
When an old Toyota isn’t worth another repair
Plenty of 200,000-mile Camrys and Corollas run fine. The ones that get junked usually have one of three things going on: an engine that burns oil (the 2AZ four-cylinder is the usual suspect), rust that has reached the subframe, rockers or brake lines, or collision damage that costs more than the car. A running engine and an intact catalytic converter do help the offer; see what sets a junk car’s value for the full list.
Handing over a Toyota
- Remove the car from the Toyota app and cancel connected services.
- Leave every key, including smart-key fobs, so the car can be shifted into neutral for loading.
- Check the spare under the rear of trucks and minivans; if the cable is rusted, mention it so nothing drops during the tow.
- Pull your I-PASS transponder and city parking permits.
- Tell us which papers you have. Illinois rules decide what works for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call.
Browse other makes on the cars we buy page.
Selling a junk Toyota: questions
Do you buy a Tacoma whose frame is rusted through?
Yes. A truck with a soft or broken frame may not be safe to drive, so tell us where the rot is and whether the wheels still roll. We tow it at no charge and buy it as it sits.
Can I still sell my 2003 Corolla if the airbag recall was never done?
Yes. Park it and don't drive it again. We tow it from wherever it is. If you'd rather keep it, Toyota will replace the inflator free and can arrange towing or mobile repair, so check both options before deciding.
My Toyota app still shows the car. What should I do before you take it?
Open the Toyota app, remove the vehicle from your account, and cancel any connected-services plan tied to it. Then clear Bluetooth phones and HomeLink codes from the car itself so the next owner can't see your data.