Need rust advice about potential purchase. Pics included.

[Rancho5]

I'd appreciate your opinions on the attached pics provided by the seller. It's out of state but my son lives nearby so he's going to test drive it and bang on the frame rails for me.

Do you see any welds that look out place, like they've been replaced? Any input appreciated.

 

[RivMan]

That's hacked up garbage. It looks like most that steel has been replaced.

Run as fast as you can, don't look back.

-Rob

 

[Too Stroked]

Hard pass. Looks more like a cover up than a repair to me. Run, don't walk, in the other direction.

 

[Rancho5]

Thanks. My feelings too. What in particular sticks out, in a bad way, for you? Mine was the gas tank strap.

Too bad too...only has 97k on the odo.

 

[wsgoat]

As others have said, walk away. That's a rust-belt vehicle that's been "band-aided" by a back-yard mechanic.

 

[TravThePro]

I have helped quite a few people with fixing rusty vehicles. Unless you're planning to do an entire frame swap down the line (and pay as much as that would be worth), that vehicle is not worth anything long-term. When people spray rubberized coating over seriously rusted areas, it will actually exponentially speed up the rotting of the metal. Someone who will screw you with a smile on something like that is likely to be dishonest over several aspects of the vehicle. Good luck!

 

[Humble Leader]

Thanks. My feelings too. What in particular sticks out, in a bad way, for you? Mine was the gas tank strap.

Too bad too...only has 97k on the odo.

here are all the things that stick out to me. I think hack job as RivMan noted is an accurate description here

- obvious partial frame repair as others have noted, that alone is a pass
- picture 1, gas tank strap, there's a bolt left in that had something broken off of whatever it was holding
- picture 2, there's something rusty near the gas tank. looks like a half skid of some sort, maybe it's normal on the 4th gens
- picture 4, random bolt half in on the right hand side. it's minor yes, but as someone who takes care of their vehicle I would never just have a bolt hanging like that
- picture 5, I don't think that's how that exhaust connection should be. one of the bolts looks bent, does it even have a nut on it. paint drips and it looks like a bubble forming on the newly painted steel
- picture 6, is that an oily substance on the skid plate on the gas tank. is it water? nothing else seems wet down there
- last picture, probably rust forming on that new frame piece

 

[meltdowner]

Rust that like that makes me wonder why we keep allowing the streets to be salted. There has to be a better way to melt snow.

 

[y=mx+b]

Its been covered by everyone else, but to beat a dead horse, I'd say pass. It looks like it already has a safe-t-cap on there and a hackjob of some other patches, fuel tank skid has rusted through one hanger and is hanging, and its all been covered with some beautiful black spray paint to appear pretty. I'd say its not even worth the effort for your son to go out and look at it. Even with only 97k miles, not worth a frame swap.

For my when looking at 4runners, my prioritization is:

1. Frame Quality / No Rust
2. Maintenance History
3. Engine (Avoid 03-12/05 v6, all others fine)
4. Mileage
5. Trim Level

 

[mjg514]

yup, what everyone else said. all i needed to see was the shitty band-aid of a frame repair and, as [MENTION=429038]y=mx+b[/MENTION] called out, the obvious fresh spray paint job on the rest of the frame...nope.

 

[triethylborane]

How much is the seller asking for with 97k mi?

There is a point where the issues with the vehicle might be worth it . . . if it is priced low enough given your intent with the vehicle. It may be rusty with some questionable repairs/faux repairs, but your skills and desires are important to this issue as much as the cost is, IMHO.

Note, dont skimp on safety, issues like the fuel tank and frame integrity will have to be addressed.

 

[Luv4R]

If your serious about this rig, my advise would be to hire a Toyo mechanic or a even better a Toyota or off-road truck shop mechanic to inspect it for you.
It will be well worth the $100-$200 investment.

Good luck

 

[5thToy]

run away