purchase assistance - is this normal???

[luke21]

Hi All,

I'm in Santiago, Chile and about to buy a 4runner for an extended trip around south america. I should say, I am new to 4runners. I inspected one today and all seemed normal except in the engine bay the joins in the 4 corners were really messy. I got a couple of photos, as shown below.

I'm sure this isn't normal. What could it be a sign of?

Unfortunately my spanish is not (yet?) up to the standards to ask the seller.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Luke.

Full size pictures are at the links below (easier to see full detail)
PicPaste - 2014-10-04_17.14.44-i3foXMGv.jpg

PicPaste - 2014-10-04_17.14.53-p9xW1V5x.jpg

Pictures that comply to forum max size are attached.

 

[ARunner]

Looks like someone has wired up some HID headlamps from what I can tell in one of the pictures. You're correct, those body seams do look less than clean. All body panels should have a VIN sticker on them. Look for these next to the Airbox on one side and next to the fuse box on the other. They're partially hidden by the seal on which the hood lays. If they're missing, I'd suspect there may have been some front end damage that may be why the lines aren't very pretty. If the're still there (and match the VIN of the vehicle) I'd be less concerned, but that still doesn't look just right.

Not sure what your options are in that part of the world for 4Runners, but I'd keep looking if there were other options. Overall, that one doesn't look very clean from the 2 pictures you've shared.

 

[4gin007]

Check for any paint blemishes on the fender. They will be a tell tale sign that the truck has had collision repair.

 

[luke21]

Thanks both for your help. I checked the fenders and they seemed to be in good condition - some paint missing in places but nothing that would indicate a heavy collision. Though I guess if there's been some major body replacement on the front then it's possible that the fenders have also been replaced.

I didn't think to check the VIN and if I decide to move forward with this one I'll do that - but I'm inclined to agree with Arunner that it doesn't look right and is worth looking elsewhere.

 

[MikeInNH]

WOW....You got guts to drive in Santiago. I've been there a couple times for work..and the drivers there make Boston drivers look like little old ladies.

Shouldn't have any rust issues down there. If panels were replaced then they'll look straight. Look for gaps alignment gaps between the fender and door. Make sure everything lines up. Take a small refrigerator magnet and check for bondo. The magnet won't stick to bondo, but will to metal.