Rust on the undercarriage?

[ewingeric]

Hello friends!

First time poster, and hopefully soon to be first time 4Runner owner!

Looking at purchasing a 2002 4Runner, and have come across one that has an amazing interior, exterior and has low miles! Only concern is that it seems to have a good deal of rust on the undercarriage. Seller says that it's just surface rust (which there should be a remedy for?) but I don't know enough about the problems with rust to know if I should run from this.

Thoughts from a pro? Pictures attached.

 

[Rainier42]

Doesn't look too bad for a 2002 ... you should have seen my 2000! One thing I would recommend if/when you purchase put anti-seize any all bolts you remove.

 

[LinuxHack3r]

I personally do not think it looks that bad, but I'm finding that when searching for these older vehicles rust is a bigger concern of mine that mileage.

 

[LinuxHack3r]

But, I also have to couple that with the fact that I am looking at 9-13 year old vehicles, so there is going to be some rust present. The question is, how much am I ok with?

 

[ChaosStarter]

That's nothing overall.

 

[bsa70]

The rust around the spare tire is troubling. The other could be handled with a wire brush and paint. The other is very heavy pitting with flaking and onset rot. It looks like salt water rot to me. I would go from bumper to bumper with a high powered light and really look up around the spare tire, gas tank area. Many times salt water gets up in that area and is not washed out. Take your finger and feel inside the drain holes of the frame. If you feel rot walk away. If you see fresh paint-walk away.

It all boils down to $$$ for me. If it is an incredible deal. Its something you could live with for years to come and drive it as is. If you are paying top dollar-no way. Use it as a bargaining tool.

I have dealt quite a bit with Jeep Wranglers. Talking about rusted out frames! I have seen them so bad you could bust through the frame with a hammer. I've also seen folks spray expandable foam and paint covering stuff up.

 

[numbay]

new 2020 with less than 1K miles even has rust starting

Noticed rust around transmission and xfer case.

 

[jbtvt]

Noticed rust around transmission and xfer case.

These housings aren't aluminum on 5th gens?

Yea...that's your differential.

 

[TrailGunner]

OP, did you end up with it?