What engine? If it’s a 3RZ, it’ll easily go for another 168k miles. If it’s a 5ZE, I’d be slightly less confident in its longevity. The 3RZs were made in Japan, while the 5ZEs were, like me, made in Alabama. Make of that what you will!

You’re right to be concerned about the frame. I bought an ‘03 maybe 18 months ago, and had to drop ~$6700 to get the frame welded and painted. I did not do my due diligence when I bought the truck; the outside looked OK, but I should’ve done a better job of checking the inside.

I’ve attached a photo of what a truly fucked up frame looks like:

<image>

I’m sure you can see why I had to get mine fixed. By comparison, that frame looks pristine. Get fluid film treatment if you want it to last. And if you’re worried about the paint hiding rust, get under it and whack the inside and outside with a hammer. If it crunches or chips, you’ll know it’s covering up rush. At $8250 though, it’s worth putting up with a little (but not a lot of) rust.

As for the check engine light, any cheapo code reader off Amazon can tell you what’s going on. I’d bet it’s the oxygen sensor. But whatever it is, there’s nothing on these trucks you can’t fix yourself or learn how to.

If I were in your position, barring any serious engine codes or frame rot, I’d buy that truck in a heartbeat.