rust on 2004 I may purchase

[rocketboy]

I am considering purchasing a 2004 4Runner from a private seller in my area (Georgia). He has owned the car for 2.5 years and half of it's miles (total 135K). He is the second owner. The first owner was in NJ according to the carfax. Everything about this 4runner is great (price, features, etc), but I am concerned with rust since it is from NJ. I took pictures of the underside of the vehicle and two of the brakes.

Any opinions on this rust (if its anything to worry about) are appreciated. If I decide to go forward with the deal I will have it checked by a local Toyota service shop before signing the line.

Thanks!

 

[kimboy]

Have it viewed while it's on a lift. You won't see much with these images.

Also, check for exhaust leaks. This is a known problem I have with my 2004 as I used it quite a bit on the beach.

 

[NuclearN8]

from what you show, that looks like surface rust, no issue and commonplace of the vehicle has ever been in a state above the mason dixon line that salts the roads in winter.
it's pretty obvious if a frame is rusted so badly it won't pass inspection (there will be big holes in it or itll be weak when tapping it with a screwdriver handle, hammer)... I have two 4runners and they look worse than that when I bought them... did POR-15 then fluid film on top of that semiannually and they'll last longer than me now.

 

[blackoutt]

You need to look further underneath. Also if there's some light surface rust on the welds that's normal for a northern vehicle. It's most likely not going to fall apart yet but if you want it to last longer prep and paint it like the guy above me and me did. Chassis saver used on this one.

Wire wheel and degrease

Phosphoric acid rust converter

Chassis saver paint 2 coats and rust oleum top coat (still wet)

 

[rocketboy]

NuclearN8 and blackoutt, thanks for your awesome replies. If it does end up being surface rust, how much does the preventative maintenance/coating you recommend cost for materials and labor roughly?

 

[blackoutt]

I spent around $100 in materials (por 15 marine clean, krud kutter rustex, and chassis saver paint, disposable paint brushes, gloves etc) not counting tools because I had them already. Labor was very intensive by brush, probably around 20-30 hours total over the course of a week. Hoping it lasts.

 

[dgmorr]

Oh you southerners :canada: