Hard to find a decent 3rd generation

[Mark_BC]

OK. This should get it's own thread. It could be pretty fun. I bet some we could guess pretty easy and others we would be way off. lol

Where do you think my user name comes from? It's not what you think!!!

 

[Mark_BC]

You'll have to look WEST if you want one with no rust. I'm in CO, and mine has always been in CO. I have zero frame rust and something like 210k miles.

I don't get it. Does it not snow in CO? Do they not put salt down?

 

[theesotericone]

Where do you think my user name comes from? It's not what you think!!!

Well since you think it's not what I think I think you are a Mark from BC.

I don't get it. Does it not snow in CO? Do they not put salt down?

In Cali there's very little salt used and very low humidity. Add that to the fact it's sunny in my home town 345 days a year and it's a no rust situation. I've had my rig for 10 months and have replaced almost everything suspension wise. I've never had a bolt not break loose within 2 minutes. No rust at all. lol

 

[JewFro]

Living in PA I just went through the same painful search as you OP and eventually compromised on price/condition.

It took looking at 6 private party trucks before finding one that was the right mix of value, condition, and rust... because they all had some sort of corrosion.

By far the worst was a 99 Tacoma 3.4, 5spd, E-Locker with 210k they were asking 4k for. Seemed like a good deal on paper until looking at the frame. It was completely rotted through for an 8-10" section

Don't give up! As others said it might be worth traveling for one. I ultimately snagged my 2002 about 6 weeks ago for $4200 with 177k and am dumping another $1500 into parts for maintenance and a general refresh. Its a Maryland truck so the body is spotless but the frame has a little surface rust in places.

 

[pluton]

I looked for 7-8 months in the L.A area and beyond...many many cars here. The first good one came from Tucson, AZ.

 

[1ststaterunner]

So finally the tides turned and found this 2002 limited. 410-336-7095





I'm doing a separate build thread on this one , thank you folks . Appreciate all the advice .

 

[sportscarfan]

I don't get it. Does it not snow in CO? Do they not put salt down?

It's the dry climate. Humid conditions are infrequent so moisture can't incubate and breed rust. We get lots of sun, so even when it snows, it usually melts and subsequently dries out in a day or two. They do put mag-chloride on the roads, but a monthly trip to the carwash takes care of any dried residue.
Note to Texan's and Californian's - It sucks, DO NOT MOVE HERE.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Although it seems very counter-intuitive, it may be worth looking north for a Runner. Rust is inevitable to some extent but if price is the big concern, a solid 4runner can be had for $3k-$4k up here with minimal rust. I paid $3200 for mine with 170k on it this past winter and that is not a rare deal around me.

And at this point in time, finding one North of the Border is like a 30% off sale for you 'Muhricans.

Some parts of Alberta don't use salt on their roads. It's a good place to look.
Same for Manitoba I believe, but not 100% certain.

 

[Renegade_Medic]

That's because its a very common problem for the 3.4L. Actually, I'd hardly call it a problem, more of a maintenance item that needs to be addressed. It's a very simple to fix too.

I'd call it a feature. Can't rust where there is oil!

 

[theesotericone]

Note to Texan's and Californian's - It sucks, DO NOT MOVE HERE.

Lol. Cali sucks too man. Too many people and not enough trails. Traffic is a nightmare and it's always so dam sunny.

Here's a shot of my backyard. Well, it takes 7 minutes to get there but you get the idea:

 

[Atomic6]

I'd call it a feature. Can't rust where there is oil!

I hear ya! I used to own a Triumph TR6 and it was the same way. It didn't leak oil, it was rust proofing itself!