Used 2005 w/ rust. Should I care?

[Muninn]

Hi all - first post on the forum! I'm anxiously seeking out my first 4runner to buy. I found a solid used 2005 with 22k miles on it (yes, only 22k) in the SF bay area, CA. Body and interior are in good shape. Tires look like they have more than 22k on them and the underside had a surprising amount of rust (see attached pics). Is this usual? Should i care about this level of rust over the long term?

Dealer had car about $500 above 'excellent' price from kbb, well above other nada and edmunds, let alone all the rust. When they didn't budge on price i said 'thanks' and as i walked away they said they would work with their technicians to see what they might be able to do about the rust and would call me if they came up with anything. Exhaust manifold and nuts also had textured rust visible from under the hood.

Would love all your thoughts. Can't wait to join the 4runner club!

 

[boondoggle]

Being in CA you should be able to find plenty of rust free options.

No way I'd pay anything close to excellent KBB for that.

 

[kkz]

I'm from the SF Bay, and that rear lower shock mount has more rust than my entire 4runner. That thing you pictured was either very neglected, spent most of its time on heavily salted roads, or a combination of the two and had a odo rollback.

 

[02_SE_Runner]

I wouldn't buy it. My 02 has lived its whole life not in a garage sadly but it has nothing like that if any at all. It's time to move to the next runner.

 

[Muninn]

thanks everyone for your thoughts. you've confirmed what my gut was telling me, but this is only the second 4runner i've really looked at. i love the galactic gray, and it is just not that available. the search continues, or i have to decide i like silver, white, or black enough

 

[Radial GT]

Looks like someone likes driving on the beach in the salt water.

In Minnesota that is a damn good looking underbody!!! eace:

 

[cparise]

i have an 03 with 35,000 miles on it and it looks like that im not worried about it, its just superficial rust, thats what my uncle said hes a mechanic. in cali, thats probably been in the ocean

 

[JustSomeName]

you can find way better options in the bay area, i got my car and there isnt a single spot of rust anywhere on the car.

be patient & keep looking, wait for the perfect one!

 

[Fozzy]

I just bought an 05 . It had low miles but was clean and also has rust. Being in new england its hard to not have a little or even significant rust.

First thing i do is oil the underside after washing it. Oil it again every month, after that you'll have a clean underbody.

 

[Muninn]

Thanks all. Good to hear it may not be significant, but also that I should hold out for much cleaner in California.

I was pretty convinced when the dealer wouldn't move below their $500 over 'excellent' blue book price that the sale isn't the right situation for me. They did remind me they washed and detailed the car, and would be happy to throw in a full tank of gas :bravo:

I'll definitely do some research on the forum for oiling/coating the underside to at least prevent for normal rain, occasional light offroading and trips to the snow.

 

[badattitude]

I'll definitely do some research on the forum for oiling/coating the underside to at least prevent for normal rain, occasional light offroading and trips to the snow.

I'm a big fan of Fluid Film. Ive been using it for a couple years.

Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor

 

[wyanrard]

I've got 130,000 on my '03 and the rust is no where near as bad as that.

 

[One04FourRrunner]

That is not bad at all. Mine is a crusty critter but no body rot, and my frame is still solid . I plan on driving it into the ground so rust does not bother me. Buffalo Ny salty winters to blame for that.