Hey everyone, new to the site here....

I joined because I'm about to buy my first 4Runner and I'm really excited! I found a 99' SR5 V6 for a good price I think @ $4300. It has 280,000 km's on it but only one owner and has been dealer serviced since day one will all service records.

I took it for a test drive yesterday and it runs great. I didn't notice any problems or unusual sounds that I could pick up on. The 4x4 works well in 4H & 4L and it got me out of a deep pothole in a field that I got myself stuck in with the front left wheel. Also, I couldn't find absolutely any leaks (checked everywhere I could, inside rear wheel rims, etc...) and his driveway is spotless. He had the timing belt and water pump replaced at 150,000 km's

To me this seems like a good deal for the $4300 asking price. The only issue I can see is what seems like an unusually large amount of rust on the undercarriage especially, some on parts showing in wheel wells and along the base of the doors where they meet the running boards.

I've got a few pics that I was hoping you guys could take a look at and let me know if you think it is just superficial surface rust or if it's something I should be really concerned with. I don't mind putting money into this vehicle to try and stop the rusting problem but I want to know where I'm at.

Thanks and I look forward to joining what seems like a fantastic community of proud 4Runner owners.

looks pretty nornmal. My 99 SR5 has the same rust although not as bright orange as yours

But yes, my rust is in the same areas.

IMO the best way to deal with the rust is to spray Fluid Film on it.

Amazon.com: fluid film

I super-saturated the reds in photoshop to highlight the afflicted areas!

what does fluid film do? ..

EDIT: well i looked it up... so my real question is, does it work as well?

That rust isnt bad, get a wire brush get as much of it off a possible, the get a can of POR-15 and repaint the frame, axle, control arms etc with it, and that is supposed stop existing rust (like mild surface rust) and prevent new rust from forming.

This

Check the area around the rear lower control arm mounts next to the muffler and gas tank for holes in the frame. That looks like it has more rust than mine and I had to patch a hole.

Unless you are willing to do alot of work yourself, I would keep looking. I don't think Fluid film or POR-15 is a savior here. I have both, use both, and i noticed that this winter brought some new rust that is appearing underneath the POR-15 I painted on last fall.

I would look for one without rust if it's possible. That may be tough in Canada.

I agree. I think anyone with a rusty 4runner would tell you to keep looking. I am struggling with the bolts that hold my rear bumper on right now, as I am replacing it again due to rust.

I bought a rust runner. I don't regret it but it is a pain. It will take time and money. I would seriously offer a lower price and take that money and invest it in the runner. if he doesn't work with you walk away.

I had to replace my rear axle due to rust. Cost me about $600 but I got a elocker out of it.

I also have a '99 SR5 in Ontario and man, they love to lay on the salt here in Toronto in the winters! I have rust in all the regular places but this one looks particularly bad up front. How's the back end of the frame and rear axle look? Usually the rear end suffers a lot more. My frame has considerable surface rust in spots but luckily no real scary flaky bits. Check to see if the rust is coming off like puff pastry or whether it is truly 'surface rust'. The surface rust can be dealt with but will require constant vigilance - I try to clean my frame up and treat and paint here and there about twice a year.

Don't be afraid to pull any loose, flaking rust away and look carefully for any perforation. I would probably still pick it up for $4K CAD if there are no holes in the frame and all is mechanically sound. The biggest PITA on rusty Runners is removing the damn bolts that are rusted on tight. I've almost dislocated my arms, sliced my knuckles and whacked myself hard in the head many times trying to do the simplest of repairs. Skid plates up front and over the gas tank can be cleaned up and repainted easily. The body looks good. Good luck and if you do buy the truck the first thing you should do to combat rust is remove those running boards. All they do is collect salt and dirt.