Rusty '06

[scottm]

Looked at an '06 this weekend, 115k on it, and rust spots that aren't from damage. I haven't found my 4R yet, sure hope I'm not getting a vehicle prone to rust! Most of the rust is on the bottom of the rear hatch around the latch, same as my Land Cruisers. But the rust on the back is disturbing, that's not from damage or wear & tear. Is that trim piece wearing a hole in the paint and galvanize? There were other small knicks and chips beginning to show just surface rust, I wonder if they went light on the galvanizing?

This truck spent most of it's short life as a fleet vehicle in Michigan, titled in Indiana, so it lived in salt and probably hasn't been babied. I'm guessing it was a work truck hauling a trailer, since the only option on it is the trailer hitch (and roof rack which came with the package).

 

[K.C.]

Yikes...that sucks.

That's nasty rust. You can't really fix it, however you can control it from explanding further. I would lightly sand it w/ numerous grits of sandpaper & maybe touch it up w/ touch up paint.

Also...it's a hassle, but you'll love yourself if you take off the chrome garnish & pry open the tailgate from the inside to inspect it.

I live right by the Ocean Beach...and weather is not friendly w/ our vehicles too. However...I spray down my vehicle every single day to help slow down the rust.

Good luck!!

 

[scottm]

It's not mine, and it's not gonna be unless he drops the price so low I can't help myself. Repairing the hatch and windshield would set me back some serious $ immediately, and then I have a bare-bones, high-mileage truck with a dubious history.

 

[Sporin]

fwiw, my new-to-me New England (salty) '06 shows no signs of that anywhere.

However I do have a bit of it underneath that I'll be wire brushing and treating. That's very normal for up here on an undercarriage.

 

[Slvr RnR]

I laughed when I saw that picture. I have an 07 with rust in the EXACT same corner on my back hatch. Not quite as bad but still, it's there. I didn't notice it until I was detailing it a week or 2 later. That was 1 1/2 yrs ago, but hasn't spread. Or at least it hasn't spread on the outside.

 

[scottm]

An '07? How many miles? Anything in it's history that might have contributed to rust besides life in the rust belt?

 

[James_T]

Don't they have some of those spray-on rust removers/converters?

Not sure how effective they are, but just throwing out the idea for the easy way out.

 

[wombie]

Funny, I've got a bit of rust the exact same spot (not quite as bad, though mine's a dark colored car so it wouldn't notice as much anyhow) - noticed it while waxing the car the other day. Stealer is going to fix it (don't trust myself with a paint stick and it needs some other unrelated work doing anyhow). I guess that particular corner of the chrome is a bit sharp...

 

[d_clark]

Noticed you were over in Holland.

Have you checked out the Certified used vehicles at toyota.com. Several dealers in the area have some available that look clean.

Good luck with the search.

 

[MikesToy]

Ewwww, it must be the chrome contributing some rust.

 

[scottm]

Noticed you were over in Holland.

Have you checked out the Certified used vehicles at toyota.com. Several dealers in the area have some available that look clean.

Good luck with the search.

Thanks, the local dealer has had a few nice 4th gen, but not quite what I want and many thousands more $ than prices I see online elsewhere.

 

[scottm]

Ewwww, it must be the chrome contributing some rust.

I wonder if it's rubbing through the paint somehow, or maybe if it ever takes a mild hit it can chip the paint. I'd probably try to get some adhesive stone-guard or similar in there to protect the paint.

 

[Slvr RnR]

An '07? How many miles? Anything in it's history that might have contributed to rust besides life in the rust belt?

Sadly, both my 4runner and I are Buckeye fans and all Buckeye fans age prematurely.

I actually got the vehicle when I was living in Kentucky. It only had 18K on it and you could tell a woman drove it (wedding ring scratches on the paint behind the door handle). I'd have to guess it's a design flaw if it's happened on more than a couple vehicles at the exact same spot.

 

[scottm]

Sadly, both my 4runner and I are Buckeye fans and all Buckeye fans age prematurely.

I recall my family's scarlet & gray Econoline van held up well after we moved from Columbus to Michigan long ago.

 

[wombie]

Speaking of rust (I took another look at my rusty corner this morning...I can only think that the chrome has a sharp undersurface that has clunked down on the paintwork, or been continuously pressed against it over time by opening and closing the tailgate...not sure really) any suggestions for types of grease to gloop on the door hinges and the tailgate lock? I know exactly what brand to buy in Europe, but I'm a bit clueless over here...

Thanks!

 

[vando45]

I seem to recall that there is a TSB on that rust problem. Nothing like that on our Michigan 4Runner.

 

[wombie]

I checked out the TSB list and couldn't find it...dealer didn't mention one. Would be good to find out because even if the stealer puts some paint on there, if there's an underlying issue with the chrome part that is causing the damage in teh first place it'll just happen again.

 

[AdoboRunner]

I had the same thing on my 06 white Runner. I took it str8 back to the Toyota dealership I bought it from, and they fixed it. They have their own body shop at the one I bought mine at. They told me other runner of the same year had similar problems. They told me that they took off the chrome piece, took the rust off, and repainted the tailgate. Then they put something between the chrome piece and the tailgate so that they wouldn't touch. and it has never happened again. Take it to toyota, a 06 should not be rusting

 

[wombie]

I had the same thing on my 06 white Runner. I took it str8 back to the Toyota dealership I bought it from, and they fixed it. They have their own body shop at the one I bought mine at. They told me other runner of the same year had similar problems. They told me that they took off the chrome piece, took the rust off, and repainted the tailgate. Then they put something between the chrome piece and the tailgate so that they wouldn't touch. and it has never happened again. Take it to toyota, a 06 should not be rusting

I take it they just repainted the small area that was a problem rather than the whole tailgate?

 

[AdoboRunner]

I take it they just repainted the small area that was a problem rather than the whole tailgate?

yeah they just repainted the small area. But they blended it well. I would have taken it back if they didn't, and It was under warranty so I paid nothing.