Potentially buying- too much rust?

[snipegoat]

(finally hit my 15 posts so I can start this - long time lurker on the forum, finally made an account)

I'm checking this 4th gen out. From the initial low quality pics I saw of it, I noticed what looked like a bit of engine corrosion and potential frame rust. I asked for some better pics and here's what I got.

Now I don't assume that the guy sent me pictures of the worst of the worst, but iffff these pictures do show the worst of it, what do you all think about the amount of rust?

Should this be a hard pass? I don't mind doing some work to remove the rust and paint over it, but not if it's already started down the wrong path of rusting
Thanks!

 

[Inv4drZm]

What rust? That muffler looks brand new. That is about as good as you will find.

The engine corrosion does seem a little unusual. Not sure how you would fix that.

 

[wv_lx450]

that all looks like very minor surface rust to me. looks the frame is in good shape from those pics

 

[snipegoat]

Thanks for the quick replies. I meant to put in my original post that it all seems to me like it could be easily sanded and painted over, and it doesn't appear to have gotten into the frame.


I guess I'm just a little paranoid. I currently have a 99 4runner and the frame is in good shape, but I know how bad they can get. But it's my understanding the 4th gen doesn't suffer from the same issues.

And the main thing that threw me off was the assorted rusted pieces in the engine bay.

I mostly wanted some objective observers' opinions, as I was worried I was talking myself into not thinking it was so bad because i wanted to buy it haha

 

[markymark191]

The frame looks good to me. But my opinion doesn't count being from minnesota everything is rusted!

 

[wsgoat]

That frame is sweet! I wish mine looked that good.

 

[Berty_K]

Looks like mine-- down to the engine rust. You're good to go.

Check the front wheel wells for liners. Those may be missing and causing the engine bay to rust. Easy to diy if they're not there.

 

[4Running335i]

Beautiful lack of rust and lack of work hiding the rust like a recent member had. I wouldn't even bat an eye over what I see in these photos.

 

[mlrff]

Just get a wire brush and some spray paint....good as new

 

[snipegoat]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I think I’ll go check it out in person this weekend. Here’s hoping for no surprises!

 

[snipegoat]

Well, easy come easy go. It sold last night before I could get out there this weekend. Now I'll drop the really sad news. It was a 2009 trail edition. 120k miles, asking $13,400.

But it was about four hours away from me, so I couldn't go during the week.

 

[luke.]

I’m in the same boat. HELP!

Hey guys I’m new and looking to get my first 4Runner. Put a $200 down payment so the dealership will hold it for me. It’s a 2008 Limited with 150k miles in perfect exterior & interior condition. Got it inspected by a mechanic in the area of the dealership and he said there was some minor rust and that he’d never buy a car that has any rust at all. I thought that was a little impractical so I sent my personal mechanic some photos and videos. He said he can’t know for sure without physically seeing it, but to him it looks more dirty than rusty, just some surface rust, and it’s not anything that he’s scared of. Would really appreciate it if y’all would let me know what you think!

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I agree it’s tough to tell bc the frame looks like it’s got a lot of dirt on it. But the radiator support isnt too bad and that’s usually a nasty area and from what I can see it’s in much better shape than mine. No guarantee, but I don’t see anything I’d worry about

 

[luke.]

Awesome glad to hear that. From your profile pic and bio your setup sounds sweet and similar to what I wanna do, would love to see some more pics. Thinking about adding some bilstein 5100s as well.

 

[hiimh8m3]

I'd be able to find a frame looking like that on the east coast!

 

[chrisbagnell]

Judging by the gas tank skid, which seems to rust very easily, that is a solid car. Maybe the dealership can clean it so you can get a better look at it but there are a lot of different way's to treat the rust and protect your frame. My 04' has rust in all of those areas in your picture but the frame is solid. As long as there is nothing blocking the drain holes your frame will be fine. Wire brush, rust converter, and rust oleum paint is a great and cheap way to fix it. There's also products like POR-15 and Corroseal, you just have to find what's in your budget. As Syr4RinNC said, the radiator support looks solid that's an exposed area to the environment. Best of Luck!

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Awesome glad to hear that. From your profile pic and bio your setup sounds sweet and similar to what I wanna do, would love to see some more pics. Thinking about adding some bilstein 5100s as well.

Heres some pictures of mine. Let me know if you want to see anything or have any other questions. Shared album - Bryan - Google Photos

I like the bilsteins - but I think they work best as a mostly on road and mild/ occ off roading. If you'll be doing any regular trail riding id go to the 5160s.

I call mine the econo-runner as its mostly modded with the cheapest options. In retrospect, i wish I would have adhered to the buy once, cry once philosophy - although I wasnt sure what I was getting into until I did. I would have gone with the 5160s if I knew as much. I also woulda gone with bigger tires, though the wildpeaks I got were like $108 a tire at the time, hard to pass up. I would have gone with a headunit that has obd2 capability

 

[luke.]

Thanks chrisbagnell, I’ll look into all of those options. Really appreciate it.

Yeah you got a sweet ride Syr4RinNC. Only downside to the one I’m looking at is it’s not 4WD.. ik ik, big bummer. But personally Id like it but don’t NEED it, I live in GA and just look to do minor off roading on trails and stuff like that. Mostly will be driving on road, so based on what you said it sounds like the 5100’s would suit me better. It currently has 275/65 R18 BFG AT tires but they’re pretty worn down and will need to switch them out soon. Probably gonna go with the BFG AT again and and might swap the rims for some 17s. Which size tire would you suggest/wish you got?

 

[ukrsindicat]

Coming in late to the party, but check the frame where the ac condensation line is draining. This spot is usually rusted up

 

[meltdowner]

all those photos look better than my frame. buy buy buy