Hello,

I'm in the market for a 3rd gen T4R. I'm located in Chicago and have had a very difficult time sourcing one. The demand on these things is crazy - I've contacted sellers that have posted an ad within the last 24 hours and was told I'm behind a dozen people in line. I've also nearly purchased two, but later found the odometer was rolled back.

Anyway, here's one I'm currently looking at, a '00 with 178K. Is this a complete skip? Keep in mind I'm thinking this is as good as it gets for the Midwest.

Seems to be concentrated towards the rear, but a lot of it looks deeper than surface rust... I'm not sure what an angle grinder and Fluid Film could do, or if it's too far gone.

I could probably get this around ~$2K. Thoughts?

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I don't see anything that is immediately alarming but it is certainly beyond the point of surface rust from what I can tell. It also looks like there was an attempt to paint or even sandblast the rust in the first picture (looks silver).

The lower rear control arm mount is generally the first spot to completely rot out on these so check those out carefully.

Keep in mind fluid film is really great when starting with clean metal. It does not convert or treat rust. It repels the contaminants that cause the rust to form from the beginning. It wont be much help at this point other than slowing the spread of the existing rust.

For 2k it might be worth getting a little bit of use out of it if everything else checks out but that is your call. Good luck! I grew up and live in the NE so I am sympathetic to the rust issues (also lived in MI).

I would stay away. That’s more than surface rust. If something breaks at freeway speed. It’s gonna be ugly!

Shop in a state that doesn’t snow. Our California cars have NO rust!!!
But the cost of Toyota’s out here are a premium

too much rust for me

Has less rust than mine.

Mike

Where did you end up finding this? Craigslist? Also whats your budget?
I can help you out if you end up finding something I'm somewhat local.
It took me almost a year in a half to find mine and the rust wasn't to bad..
Keep looking you'll find the right one. If not you can always look in the southern states. I've started looking down in tennessee for one. Good luck!

Only pay attention to advise from rust belt owners. LOL For 2 grand it doesn't look bad but I bet the frame is rotting from the inside. You'll get many years out of her. Nothing is gonna break off while driving. You gotta sand & paint that axle housing before it starts leaking. Or replace it with an e-locked one. LOL Good luck!

Doesn't look too bad, especially for $2K. Check around the rear lower control arm mounts real well.

Hey man, thanks for the offer, and words of encouragement. I am started to get discouraged in my search. I check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace daily. Autotrader, not so much, prices are too inflated. If you have any ideas for sourcing one I'm all ears.

I guess I can't expect perfection, but was hoping for something around $5K.... That had some semblance of service history, a verifiable odometer, didn't have stolen wheels on it, a recent timing belt change, and... big ask...limited rust. Perhaps this doesn't exist at my budget but I don't need anything fancy on it. It would just be a Home Depot errand runner and most importantly, would spare my '17 Mustang from its third winter.

In this case, I’d check those rear control arm mounts and if they check out, go for it. Will be a good car for what you need.