Need some rust advice before buying (pics included)

[Juice88]

Hi all,

I am talking to a dealer with a ‘01 SR5, with incredibly low mileage (58k). I’ve asked for some pictures and received the below. I’ve only ever owned a 4th gen, so hesitant with the older trucks. What do you think? This is all he can get before sending it off for safety inspection (trade-in). Thanks

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Hi all,

I am talking to a dealer with a ‘01 SR5, with incredibly low mileage (58k). I’ve asked for some pictures and received the below. I’ve only ever owned a 4th gen, so hesitant with the older trucks. What do you think? This is all he can get before sending it off for safety inspection (trade-in). Thanks

West coast guys will have a heart attack looking at that. Just from that one picture I'd say it's good. No actual deterioration of the metal (well a little on the body mount bracket). No flaking. Rust only on the welds. Like to see a picture of the inner frame by the muffler and the rear of the differential housing.

 

[SaulG]

Get more pictures..under and inner

 

[VernySanders]

its got 58k miles lol just get it. thats not bad at all.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Man, that gives me the heebie jeebies.

Here's a pic on the underside of my '01.

Rust will get your T4R before miles do.

I'd buy one out here (and with higher mileage) and IMHO, it'll be better all the way around.

How much is the asking price?

Good luck,

Eddie

 

[rightyouareken]

Man, that gives me the heebie jeebies.

Here's a pic on the underside of my '01.

Rust will get your T4R before miles do.

I'd buy one out here (and with higher mileage) and IMHO, it'll be better all the way around.

How much is the asking price?

Good luck,

Eddie

Shhhh, us west coasters are not allowed to chime in on rust threads. :tape:

 

[Juice88]

Man, that gives me the heebie jeebies.

Here's a pic on the underside of my '01.

Rust will get your T4R before miles do.

I'd buy one out here (and with higher mileage) and IMHO, it'll be better all the way around.

How much is the asking price?

Good luck,

Eddie

$9,900


Going to try and get more pics underneath as noted above. Thanks for all the input. And tbh I haven’t seen much pop up on the west coast, but I’m keeping my search radius open

 

[Moonbandit]

For a CT vehicle - that is barely surface rust. Easily taken care of... crazy low miles though! I'd buy it for $9,000 without a second thought.
Good luck.

 

[MaineRunna]

That frame looks beautiful! As long as the rest looks that good and the rear axle housing is ok it probably good at about $9000 at a dealership in CT fully detailed of course.

 

[MaineRunna]

Shhhh, us west coasters are not allowed to chime in on rust threads. :tape:

We're just jealous

 

[eddielasvegas]

After sales tax and such me thinks you'll be close to 11 large, right?

I should have added to to my first reply that buying one here to get rust free and then coating the underside with WD-40 or Fluid Film will ensure your frame, etc outlasts the mechanics of your T4R.

Good luck,

Eddie

$9,900


Going to try and get more pics underneath as noted above. Thanks for all the input. And tbh I haven’t seen much pop up on the west coast, but I’m keeping my search radius open

 

[96RedRunner]

Good ones can be found in third coast area less than western prices.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

That frame looks manageable, but I'm not sure if I'd pay $9,900 for it. That money will get you into a 4th gen V8. I highly doubt anyone else will pay that price.

if you're keen on getting this truck, make them a lower offer.

 

[Greybeardviking]

If you do decided to buy it, I have a solid way to treat the current rust and prevent it from rusting further.



Step 1. Wire brush wheel on an angle grinder ( a drill would also work but it will take a lot longer to accomplish the desired effect).

Step 2. Once all of the heavy rust flakes are completely removed. brush or roll on Corroseal (water based rust converter) over the entire rusted area. It is milky white at first and dries to a black, paint-able service.

In my experience of using this on under carriages its best to pour it into a small container and use a little at a time.

Once the Corroseal has completely cured you can leave it alone or you can paint over top of it to prevent any further damage.

Personally, I used Line-X over top of it to "bullet proof" the frame and under carriage.

 

[jjf8]

Also be aware that the low mileage may not be a good thing. Was the oil changed on a regular basis ? You may be buying some sludge as well.

No need to ask how I know ..

Also check the passenger side rear control arm mount, they will rust before the drivers side in my experience . Looks as if they sent you the drivers side only.

My first one bit the frame on that side, passenger side was a mess, drivers side not as much. Had to send it to pasture,

My second runner had the same situation , passenger side had more issues, tho it was very minor, I saw it and adressed it right away.

East Coast Runners......

$9900 is a little high, I paid 6500 for my second one. Higher milage , No sludge tho unlike my first 88K sludge machine, less rust tho I did do preventive repair on the passenger side bracket.

 

[Juice88]

That frame looks manageable, but I'm not sure if I'd pay $9,900 for it. That money will get you into a 4th gen V8. I highly doubt anyone else will pay that price.

if you're keen on getting this truck, make them a lower offer.

Funny you say that, because I’ve been looking at 4th gen (v6 or v8) primarily, but this one popped up and I do like the 3rd gens as well.

 

[rightyouareken]

Originally Posted by jjf8
Also be aware that the low mileage may not be a good thing. Was the oil changed on a regular basis ? You may be buying some sludge as well.

I was thinking the same thing. I'd probably actually rather have a truck with ~150k miles that was driven 8-10k miles per year, than one that has 60k miles and was driven less than 3-4k miles per year. For vehicles not kept in garages, sitting and not being used can sometimes cause more harm than running them and keeping up on maintenance.

Things to consider: has the brake fluid ever been changed? Coolant changes? Diff/trans fluids changed? A truck with more miles likely would have. This one, who knows?