Opinions needed- 3rd gen rust - Toyota 4Runner Forum

HunterG425 · 05-16-2020, 03:54 PM

Hey y’all,

I’m in the market for a 3rd gen. I came across a listing for a 2001 SR5 with only 146k. It has all of the records for maintenance. Asking price is 6000. The only downside is that there is some rust on the underside. I’m not too experienced with rust repair, so I wanted some opinions on whether I should go for it and fix the rust myself, or keep looking.

Thanks!

HunterG425 · 05-16-2020, 04:19 PM

Ok here's the pictures because it wont let me upload/add them

Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet

sleepydad · 05-16-2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterG425

Ok here's the pictures because it wont let me upload/add them

Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Keep looking, where you are located you should be able to find a rust free truck.

Kanoe · 05-16-2020, 04:36 PM

Those photos are mostly the front part of the undercarriage which does not rust as bad as the rear. I'd like to get a look at it in person if it was me, it might not be that bad. At the very least some photos of the rear half of the truck where the rust is likely to be the worst.

How far away is it to look at?

Crazy09sage · 05-16-2020, 05:28 PM

They aren’t the best pics but I’ve seen worse. I’d get some pictures of the frame around the rear control arm mounts and next to the muffler, and a good shot of the rear to make a better determination. If you do a quick search of the forum you’ll see some of the rust restoration projects others have done and trouble areas.

BrianK14 · 05-17-2020, 12:49 AM

That rust is really not bad. But, agreed with the above. You need pics of the rear control arm mounts, rear frame rails, and rear axle housing. That’s where the rust will typically be the worst

jgue467 · 05-17-2020, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterG425

... wanted some opinions on whether I should go for it and fix the rust myself, or keep looking.
...

Not bad from a central texas standpoint.

yet as others said a personal inspection is best, rear is usually worse.

Take a nice sized piece of cardboard so you can comfortably lay down to inspect well, don't just peak from the edges....

You can use what ever you find to negotiate down, but what is there wouldn't really be called rust penetration, its 'surface rust', nbd...

Serhey · 05-17-2020, 09:48 AM

This is a really helpful thread as someone who's also in the market for a 3rd gen and live in one of the worst areas for rust, the Midwest. I am open to buying one anywhere in the US though. What would be the best place in everyone's opinion? I've read that Washington/Oregon get the least wear and tear. Is that true?

BostonJon · 05-19-2020, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterG425

Ok here's the pictures because it wont let me upload/add them

Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet

the seriousness of rust seems to be somewhat subjective. I live in the midwest and that rust wouldnt scare me at all. Yes, I'd like to see the rear control arm mounts and some more pics of the back, but i've seen much much worse on 20 year old trucks.

BostonJon · 05-19-2020, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterG425

Hey y’all,

I’m in the market for a 3rd gen. I came across a listing for a 2001 SR5 with only 146k. It has all of the records for maintenance. Asking price is 6000. The only downside is that there is some rust on the underside. I’m not too experienced with rust repair, so I wanted some opinions on whether I should go for it and fix the rust myself, or keep looking.

should have mentioned - the price seems a bit high to me but that's a regional thing and maybe they are in higher demand in your area.

rivenbbe · 05-19-2020, 02:26 PM

You can definitely Find rust free ones. I happened to come across a 97 in Va (which is terrible on frames).. however it was purchased by the dealer on auction and had spent its life in New Mexico. Frame is immaculate. Just do some digging. I got super lucky considering I was only looking for a manual.

SamSquantchT4R · 05-19-2020, 02:34 PM

Do not buy a 3rd gen with rust. The car will not be worth the time/ money you put into it for another 20 years. This is not a 50k collector car if you restore it... yet. Also- there is always more rust than you can see. So if what you are seeing gives you pause- remember there is likely double that hiding elsewhere.

Hardizzy · 05-19-2020, 04:27 PM

I had to perform patch repairs around the lower control mount by the exhaust on all four of my Northeast 3rd gens. This frame actually looks pretty amazing by my standards. There seems to be a good bit of surface rust on the axle housing. A wire wheel and some home depot spray paint will fix her right up! I very much doubt you have any frame rot, only way to know for sure is to stick your hand up there and feel around. ;)

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