Looking at this 2nd Gen, too much rust?

[MikeMH]

This 2nd came up for sale locally. Owner says it was originally a New Jersey truck which worried me. But the truck only has 70k on it, and it's a 5spd 4wd. I asked for pics of the undercarriage and I think it confirmed my suspicions that I want to steer clear despite it looking great otherwise, what are your thoughts?

It seems like some of it is common 2nd gen rust, ie around the bumpers and rear wheel wells. But what concerns me most is the rear door and what appears to be where the rear link mounts to the frame. Again, y'all know these trucks the best so I appreciate the advice.

Note, he is asking $6300, which I think after seeing these pics is way too high despite the low miles.

 

[KidVermicious]

Do not be seduced by low mileage. Low mileage means it has been sitting, and trucks hate to sit. I'd much rather buy a truck with 175,000 miles.

The pictures of frame rust you posted look like normal surface rust to me - my '85 has worse scale than that and it's fine. To check for frame rust, you need into those hidden points behind the link mounts and control arms and such, and hit it hard with a hammer everywhere else, especially the low points where water and dirt might collect inside the frame rails. The rear door looks to be cosmetic, you should be able to fix that by sanding it clean and repainting.

 

[92-SR5]

Do not be seduced by low mileage. Low mileage means it has been sitting, and trucks hate to sit. I'd much rather buy a truck with 175,000 miles.

This! it is also not great on an engine to sit for long periods of time either.

 

[Nervo19]

I'm seeing 3rd gens here in VA for $5900-6900. Is there a specific reason you want a 2nd gen? The mileage is bull unless it was parked it's whole life in a salt mine. The rust in the lower doors comes from dirt trapped inside them and not rinsed out. If it runs well IMO it's worth $1000 and you'd have a lot of work to do. Check Autotrader and cargurus on line and check every day til you find a better one.

 

[Clone of the Mean]

I have a 94 Runner. All Arizona miles. No sign of rust. You can buy it, ship across country and still be ahead of the game…..

 

[Red Leader]

I've got a '90 with some rust issues. Whatever one you go check out, check the doglegs (area in front of rear wheels where that plastic panel is) as they are prone to rusting out behind the plastic cover. Also check the windshield channel. Anywhere with body covered up means that water sits and it rots out.

If you can, be patient. The price for that one seems high. I looked for about 2 months before I found my 1990 22re 5-speed 4x4. The low miles are nice, but don't be afraid of high miles. Maintenance is more important than miles.

 

[MikeMH]

Thanks guys for all the advice. Basically confirmed my worries, I'm thinking it was used exclusively in the winter time if the miles are accurate.

I'm actually looking for a 3rd gen primarily but when this one popped up I figured I'd look into it. But I will be passing on it for sure now.

 

[ralatkins]

I have a 94 Runner. All Arizona miles. No sign of rust. You can buy it, ship across country and still be ahead of the game…..

I was thinking the same thing about my NC runner. fly up and drive it home. no rust and ive bought tons of goodies for it. they're just waiting to go on.