Tacoma owner looking at a 4runner, I have some questions

[vicnads]

Hello-

I am looking at 85,000/2004 sport 4runner for 16,500 from Minnesota. I would be taking it to southern New Mexico.

My question is about rust, it has some and I will be going to a super dry climate.

Does this look excessive for a midwest 4Runner? I am not originally from here so it looks bad to me.

Were the 2004's included in the Tacoma rust recall?

I like the truck, I understand welds rust faster, but would just like some input on things you all have already learned.

Price? Rust? 2004 as a good or bad model?

Thank you in advance!

 

[toto]

The 4Runners don't have rust issues anything like the 1st Gen Tacomas. The rust looks a little excessive to me, especially on the trailer hitch. However, it's not that unusual. I keep mine relatively clean, and it developed superficial rust in a lot of those areas fairly quickly.

 

[vicnads]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was a little mystified by all that rust on the trailer hitch, but I guess the midwest will do that eventually.

 

[Shawk00]

I couldn't believe the rust under these rigs when I started shopping... but I quickly found regardless of how cared for they are, it's going to be there. That's looks like a little more than I've seen... but the weather is certainly a little nastier in MN. I wouldn't be overly concerned. You can always clean up the hitch and no one will see what's under the car.

 

[Uneek]

It doesn't look that bad, I would say it's a little worst than my '06 4Runner that's seen snow in the Sierras, but otherwise garaged regularly. On the other hand, it's MUCH better than my '05 Tacoma that has never seen snow, but parked outside regularly. It can get pretty foggy where I live (75-80% of the year).

 

[vicnads]

Well, as the owner of 2004 Tacoma it does look better I will give you that.

Thanks agin for input!

What offer would you make? 16,500 seems high for the rust/mileage but average for the sport package.

 

[ToyTech99]

That's just normal surface rust in your pictures. Nothing to worry about as far as the chassis/structure.

The rust on the hitch is most likely a sign that the vehicle was used to tow. When the tow hitch is used, it is typical for chains to be attached to the loops, causing the factory flat black coating to be rubbed off, which eventually causes the type of rust pictured. It's easy enough to remove the receiver and sand down the rust and recoat it again.

But as for the chassis pictures, that's really nothing to worry about. I don't see anything even close to perforation under there, just normal surface rust.

 

[ToyTech99]

BTW, I have the same exact vehicle, same color, same year. I take really good care of it and always keep it clean as possible. I live in New York, so my 4Runner has seen it's share of salty roads. Here's a picture that I just took last weekend. As clean as it looks, there is still surface rust underneath!

 

[vicnads]

That would explain it! I was trying to figureout why the rust was so heavy and localized on the hitch, that sounds like a reasonable explaination.

If you had to do it all over again, would still buy it?

Thanks!

 

[ToyTech99]

That would explain it! I was trying to figureout why the rust was so heavy and localized on the hitch, that sounds like a reasonable explaination.

If you had to do it all over again, would still buy it?

Thanks!

Me? Absolutely. I purchased my 4Runner new and it's been 100% perfect in every way so far. No regrets whatsoever. These are really terrific vehicles that do just about everything very well. They are ultra-reliable, they are reasonably economic to drive/maintain, they are very capable whether you're on the street, in the hills, or drudging through deep snow. They are quiet, comfortable, and smooth on a road trip. They can tow if you need them to. What more can you ask for in an SUV?

 

[vicnads]

Nothing at all. I'm in.

thanks

 

[GMZ]

Nothing at all. I'm in.

thanks

If you needed any encouragement Ive traded 2 sports cars on 2 separate occasions for 2 4x4 SE 4R's!!!

 

[Uneek]

For the rust, you can use POR15 on it. It'll stop it from further rusting.