Looked at a 2008 FJ - Heavy frame rust....

jthoms1

jthoms1

New member
So I looked at this 2008 FJ today. It has 133,000 miles and the body and interior are in excellent condition. The engine and tranny seem to be great as well. It drives great. However it was a northern vehicle and has a lot of rust underneath even a few spots on the frame where it has rusted through. The guy is asking $14,000 and I told him given the issues with the rust i’d be a buyer at about half that. What do you think I would be into to maybe get it sandblasted, the rust cut out and new metal welded in as well as replacing bushings and other stuff that are probably shot due to the salt as well. Anyone have any experience with stuff like this? I have a lot of experience building forerunners I’m on my third one. This would be for my son though. Just looking for some thoughts and feedback and if anybody has any experience mitigating rust issues like this.
 
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jthoms1 said:
So I looked at this 2008 FJ today. It has 133,000 miles and the body and interior are in excellent condition. The engine and tranny seem to be great as well. It drives great. However it was a northern vehicle and has a lot of rust underneath even a few spots on the frame where it has rusted through. The guy is asking $14,000 and I told him given the issues with the rust i’d be a buyer at about half that. What do you think I would be into to maybe get it sandblasted, the rust cut out and new metal welded in as well as replacing bushings and other stuff that are probably shot due to the salt as well. Anyone have any experience with stuff like this? I have a lot of experience building forerunners I’m on my third one. This would be for my son though. Just looking for some thoughts and feedback and if anybody has any experience mitigating rust issues like this.
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Skip and get 1 with zero rust for that price or lower. The price is too high because of the rust. I've seen 08s with under 100k with no rust and priced about the same.
 
Walk

emotions aside....WALK

there are too many FJs out there to pick up one that might break in half within the next 2 years of ownership
 
For any future readers, when there is heavy frame rust, check condition of things like power steering lines. They will bubble sometimes before eventually leaking.
 
Depends on the amount of welding/patching needed on frame and how willing the welder /shop is to do that type repair. I paid $1000 for two plates to be fabricated and welded to my 4R frame and they were not very extensive.
If you can weld then thats another ball game.
 
Frame replacement or keep looking. I'd keep looking. Try searching Texas, Florida and California. Places where 4wd is not important. Plane ticket is easier than dealing with non corrosion problems.
 
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