Used 4Runner Purchase | Avoid?

[Stebrock]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to purchase my first used 4Runner (likely 2014-2018). I found a 2015 with approximately 50K miles based in the northeast. The seller sent the following pics of the undercarriage. I would expect some rust given that it's spent its life in the northeast, but is this excessive? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Gaidge]

Looks to me like a lot of corrosion....and that's just the parts you can actually see. Not sure if I'd pull the trigger on a 5.5 year old vehicle with that much corrosion.

Seems like they either A) Never washed the vehicle, B) Ran it on the beach a lot or C) towed a boat and got it wet during loading/unloading often.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Stebrock]

I should also mention that the rest of the car looks pretty mint, so I was a bit surprised when I saw these pics.

 

[Gaidge]

I should also mention that the rest of the car looks pretty mint, so I was a bit surprised when I saw these pics.

I've always had my vehicles detailed inside and out before I sell them. More often than not, you'll get your money back when you sell it.

Having a clean vehicle does NOT mean it wasn't abused prior to cleaning. It just means that, well, it's clean.

 

[<<<<]

Unless you have time to sand and fix all that frame rust, avoid it. Buy it only if you get couple grand knocked down from KBB recommended price for your time and materials to fix such excessive rust problem. Personally, I'd avoid it.

 

[spartacus]

I should also mention that the rest of the car looks pretty mint, so I was a bit surprised when I saw these pics.

Its a lot of rust but in salvageable shape. Could be to your advantage when it comes to purchase price have him drop'it down by 3k'or so buy some grinding brushes, rust remover, por15 or fluid film etc and you have a pretty good truck.

 

[LandCruiser]

That's the fine line between "surface rust" and "I'm pretty sure it's starting to eat through."

Not sure why you rust belters insist on buying local. Take a drive South.

 

[4runnin4mylife]

Just my 2 cents but I would definitely pass on this deal. I was looking at a Lexus GX460 before my 4 runner that was a couple years old and it was the same story as yours. Perfect in every way, until they put it on the lift and I saw the undercarriage. It was from the Northeast also. With all that said, the rust is a little much for me. I don't mind some rust on the crossbars, etc. but what about the parts you can't see. The main reason I would pass (and the reason I did) was the fact if you ever had to possibly remove any nuts, bolts, etc. for maintenance or just whatever issue possibly arises. I don't wont bolt heads or anything else breaking off and causing headaches. Basically the rust is not ideal and could cause problems down the road. Rust is hard to stop!

Just pass on this one man! There are more fish in the sea!

 

[jimmied]

I have a 2016 with 66k and it looks nothing like that. I would pass. That looks like the undercarriage was never cleaned or it towed a boat or jet ski to the boat ramp a lot! Either way that looks excessive.

 

[updawg]

What year was hurricane sandy. I’d be weary of and used car possibly impacted by it in the northeast

 

[JerseyDevil]

That’s a lot of rust for the year. Maybe spent it’s life near the ocean? My vote would be to pass and keep looking.


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[Wolfman’s Brother]

Crack Pipe. They sell 100k of these things every year, which means there is no shortage of clean used examples to be had. Let this be some other suckers problem.

I’ll never own another vehicle that spent a single winter on the road in the North.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Crack Pipe. They sell 100k of these things every year, which means there is no shortage of clean used examples to be had. Let this be some other suckers problem.

I’ll never own another vehicle that spent a single winter on the road in the North.

Yes. Run away. Find a clean well cared-for 4R.

 

[Stebrock]

Thanks everyone! The consensus is clear, this is one to avoid. Just gotta stick to the mantra "they'll always be another one."

Cheers!

 

[citydrive]

rust

Im new here, but have read that 4runners are subseptible to lower rust. Im on my 3rd and finnally looked for some, its there but not like that.

 

[Bill Z]

I have a 2016 with 66k and it looks nothing like that. I would pass. That looks like the undercarriage was never cleaned or it towed a boat or jet ski to the boat ramp a lot! Either way that looks excessive.

I have a 2010 with 137k that looks nothing like that. At a minimum take it to a frame shop before you buy and have them inspect it.

 

[sawman1]

I would certainly pass.