Northern 5th gen

[ASUMTNEER]

So the wife and I are looking at a 2014 SR5 that spent 2 years in the Delaware area. It looks like there is some rust on the tow hitch at the welds and bolts, but haven't seen the undercarriage yet.

How much rust can accumulate up north in just a couple of winters?

 

[sbronemann]

It just really depends. Here in Iowa where they use the heck out of the liquid salt crap-it can build up pretty fast. It just depends on the owner really. I am a Nazi about snow and salt in the winter time(helps to have a heated garage with floor drain and hot water available). I spray the undercarriage of both of our vehicles off at least bi-weekly in the winter time and usually do a full wash job at least weekly(try to). Also wax both of them at least twice in the winter time just to help the paint out. The liquid brine is absolutely horrible on paint and undercarriages.

 

[JayceeP]

Ask the owner if it's been undercoated and whether or not they know what a clay bar is. If they do, chances are they know how to care for a vehicle. Here is what mine looks like after 4+ years in Nova Scotia (Spring this year):

 

[clanger]

I bought a 2014 4Runner from Western PA and I live in Northeast, OH (in snowbelt area). We have a long winter with lots of salt. I expect rust and going to try really hard in my truck's ownership to maintain it as best as I can. I think the original owner didn't really take care of the undercarriage and so far I am only noticing rust on frame joints and nut heads. The skid plate is also pretty rusty too but that doesn't bother me.

For this winter, I am borrowing a friend's Fluid Film applicator and going to apply some of that underneath the car. I already have my truck fully waxed in preparation for the winter.

I would take a look underneath and if you see anything that worries you a great deal, take a pass on it. Coming from NC, you should probably don't see much salt so I am sure you would prefer a rust free truck, especially since it's used already.

 

[ehcanadian]

NJ chiming in I bought mine new in January of this year within the first month my hitch had rust but since then it hasn't gotten worse. Frame had no issues at all mine was not undercoated, However it will be done this year.