3rd Gen Rust -Not again-!

[MngreLMatt]

Howdy All,

Well, to put it shortly, I've been drooling over the 3rd gen 4Runners for quite some time. I currently drive a 1999 LS400 that has 226k miles. That car is an absolute dream. With an older car and an interest in mechanics I've been having a blast learning the ins and outs along the way as I have been doing DIY maintenance and repairs since I got the vehicle. I would love to get into a 3rd gen and have some fun. It is a better fit to my lifestyle, love the outdoors(Surfing, Diving, camping etc). The DIY resources are plentiful for the 3rd gens and with my growing tool collection and learning slowly but surely I'd love to tackle whatever it has to throw at me.

Anyway, I stumbled across a 4Runner that has horrible interior(Slashes) and the exterior has some problems as well in the form of holes due to Border Patrol inspecting the vehicle. The Previous Owner bought it form the Border Patrol supposedly.

I'll cut to the chase, it's a 1998 4x4 Limited with 138k on it.
I'd like ot get some opinions on a few pictures he snapped for me when I asked him if there was any rust on the frame. After reading countless posts on here, there were a few pertinent questions I made sure to ask.

Here are the pictures of the rust. What do you all think? I wanted to get a general consensus before I drive to see it, in which time I'll be able to get a better idea of the severity of the rust as well as if it is in the No-no areas.

Thanks in advance and can't wait to start contributing here.

Matt

Pictures Uploaded in my 3rd post.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Doesn't look that bad but doesn't look that good. Why are you interested in a rusty slashed up border control truck? Is it free?

 

[KaliKid]

the poor quality pictures make the rust look bad imo but the good quality photo makes it look normal. Where are the holes? this thing might be a headache or you might end up finding a few mill in the gas tank. Worst case you end up with a kilo in the gas tank. haha

 

[MngreLMatt]

Thanks for the responses guys. I was originally interested because it did not have too many miles and I figured I could offer something far less than he is asking and the worst he can say is no. I mean, if the guy is looking at his situation realistically, he's dreaming to think that people will be interested in the car given the amount of 3rd gens we have for sale here in Southern California. I thought I'd offer somewhere around $1,000-1,500 and have some fun working on the body etc. For reference, some people are asking 5, 6, $7,000+ for these 96-2002 3rd gens. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I wouldn't consider myself ignorant to the reliability and build quality of these vehicles, but it does seem like there is a bit of exaggerated value on the sellers' side.

KaliKid : I am not sure where the holes are. I have not seen it in person yet, wanted to get a second opinion before I take anymore of the guy's time.

Please don't hesitate to tell me that this is ridiculous and I should wait until something better shows up. Not looking for anything spectacular here, just seeing if I couldn't swoop up something cheap and continue to work on it and restore it. Hard to say what kind of condition the drivetrain is in given the condition of everything else.

Thanks in advance,

Matt

Here's the ad : 1998 4Runner Limited 4X4 w/3rd row seat, 138k miles

 

[MngreLMatt]

Hopefully these show up better

 

[T4R2014]

Who gives a crap about the frame. It looks fine. I want pics of the holes that the border patrol made!

 

[JJ300K]

Bought a 1998 limited with 180k this past May. Has spent its entire life here in Virginia. I'd definitely check it out. Pictures look like the same as my frame. Surface rust at the welds, rear sway bar, rear axle. Nothing too severe. Having fun completing the mandatory maintence and going after the rust with POR 15. I'll get 300k miles out of it unless I find a fatal flaw. Feeling better about buying it each time I put the wrenches or OSPHO away.

 

[Hoots Magoon]

That's not rust. If you want to see rust, I'll post some pictures of my 99 that's lived its entire life in New England.

 

[shahsmerdis]

This is nothing.
NOTHING!

 

[gray_es300]

People in California have it made ha

 

[Mellemel]

Yeah, I can show you gaping holes in my frame from rust ! Actually it's now ex rust !! I had it all grinded out and welded up so I cannot show you any rust. All I have to worry about now is it coming from the inside out. She is 19 years young right now with 377,000km's aiming for 500,000 at least. Dude, your rust is nothing at all.:boink:

 

[ajonesnv]

People in California have it made ha

Mine was born and raised in Las Vegas...No rust...not a bit. I love the SW.