Rusted out frame

[N8G]

It's finally reach that point where I need to decide if I am keeping my old girl ('05 Limited V8 with 180k) or replacing her. I took it to the mechanic to get new brakes and he showed me the frame on the passenger side is swiss cheese. He gave me a referral to a welder / frame guy who gave me a ballpark estimate of $1000-1500 to repair the middle of the passenger side. I would guess that should buy me 2-3 years before other parts of the frame start failing. So I think it would be $1700 - $2200 between the frame repair, brakes, and fixing an AC leak to get her back into decent running shape. It's basically my high schooler's now for getting themselves to school, activities, and jobs so I want it to be safe for them.

Would you fix it up for $1700 - $2200 if you'd get 2-3 years out of it? Everything else is good except for a rip in the driver's leather on the side (cosmetic only) and cracked exhaust manifold.

If you wouldn't fix it, would a salvage yard give me anything for it? Any other options for scrapping it out that wouldn't cost me anything?

 

[AuSeeker]

It's finally reach that point where I need to decide if I am keeping my old girl ('05 Limited V8 with 180k) or replacing her. I took it to the mechanic to get new brakes and he showed me the frame on the passenger side is swiss cheese. He gave me a referral to a welder / frame guy who gave me a ballpark estimate of $1000-1500 to repair the middle of the passenger side. I would guess that should buy me 2-3 years before other parts of the frame start failing. So I think it would be $1700 - $2200 between the frame repair, brakes, and fixing an AC leak to get her back into decent running shape. It's basically my high schooler's now for getting themselves to school, activities, and jobs so I want it to be safe for them.

Would you fix it up for $1700 - $2200 if you'd get 2-3 years out of it? Everything else is good except for a rip in the driver's leather on the side (cosmetic only) and cracked exhaust manifold.

If you wouldn't fix it, would a salvage yard give me anything for it? Any other options for scrapping it out that wouldn't cost me anything?

That's a lot cheaper than 2 to 3 years of car payments but it hard to say without seeing good photos of the damage, you may get more years than that depending on the amount of rust needing repaired.

A salvage yard (not a scrap metal yard) should give you a few hundred dollars in scrap value for it if they have to come and get it, but may pay you more if it's driven in showing them it at least runs and drives meaning more parts they can sell.

Edit: Here's website that buys used/junk cars, it gives you average prices and they do pay more for running vehicles, they will even buy online, or they also list a "locations" link in the drop down menu or at the bottom of the main pages, they do have a listing for your city.

(Not sure why the link is showing up like that but it's a good link that works on my end)

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[N8G]

That's a lot cheaper than 2 to 3 years of car payments but it hard to say without seeing good photos of the damage, you may get more years than that depending on the amount of rust needing repaired.

That is my feeling too. I would rather repair it if possible and run it a few more years but only if it will be reliable and safe.

I added a picture to the original post of the section that needs to be replaced. The other areas are definitely rusted, but not rusted through like that area.

Thanks for the auto salvage link. Good info to have!

 

[T4R2014]

See if you can find a shop that does undercarriage restorations. Inspect the entire underside, replace metal where holes are found, and then clean up everything else for repainting and then wax coating. These types of shops will also replace any brake or fuel lines of questionable condition. This should eliminate any fear of dropping a few grand and preparing to get nickle and dimed over the next couple years. And you'll still have a 4Runner.

 

[rdruss]

Passenger side right under the front door, same as mine, it's where the AC condensate gathers and then drips to the ground. I had mine repaired a few years ago for $1k and pay particular attention to it since with yearly scraping, painting and Fluid Film. Also, put and extension on your condensate line that comes out of the firewall right above the frame on passenger side so it quits dumping on top of the frame rail.
If the rest of your Runner is in good shape I would certainly repair.

 

[SurferUK]

, put and extension on your condensate line that comes out of the firewall right above the frame on passenger side so it quits dumping on top of the frame rail.

That's a good thing to keep in mind and add to the "To do" list. Thanks!

 

[MikeinNH67]

Ouch, that looks like the flat part at the bottom of the front arch. Check all of those sections on either side of all arches with a pointy hammer as that is where the salty sand ends up. Also peer behind the plastic bumper and look at the front tow points. That rust is pretty high on the frame. If you decide to fix it, I would cut out the cracker rust and have someone weld on Safe T Caps.

Just a moment...

 

[armabill]

I was in the same position as you with a 2005 TRD. Passenger side, right front wheel well with 2 holes as big as your fist. Sure, I could have it repaired but the rust will still keep going and the 4runner prices will still keep climbing.

I got a new one while I still could and while the 2005 was still fit for a trade-in.