2006 LC100, 143k miles — how concerning is this frame rust? Buying advice

[flake39]

Hi guys,
I’m considering purchasing this 2006 Land Cruiser with ~143k miles. Mechanically it feels excellent and the interior is exceptionally clean. Dealer is asking ~$33k.

It has been NY vehicle and my main concern is the underside. I saw scaling around some frame seams/brackets and significant corrosion on one suspension/AHC component.

I’ve attached close-up photos and videos.

For those familiar with rusty 100 Series:

1. Would you consider this normal/manageable Northeast-style corrosion or something more serious?
2. Do you see evidence of meaningful frame section loss?
3. Which specific areas should I have a PPI inspect/probe?
4. Assuming the frame tests structurally solid, would this rust materially affect what you’d pay?

Thank you for all your input.

 

[frawstme]

the first, fourth, and fifth pictures are concerning. the rest are parts that can be replaced

the frame rust isn't awful but its fairly bad. You can't tell from the pictures how far it's penetrated. If it's only within ~1-2mm of the surface and can be grinded off and coated, sure. If it's worst that that I wouldnt unless it's a very good deal. Replacing a frame is extremely expensive and not really an at home job unless you have a shop

still have to factor in other repairs that you're inevitably going to have to baseline it, too. I put over $8k into my 103k mile lc when I bought it. It looks like at a minimum you're going to need to buy new rear shocks, front LCAs (maybe can get by for a while), sway bar bushings, and that steering boot doesnt look too hot but hard saying the condition under it. Im guessing the rear LCAs need bushings based on the condition of the arms themselves. I'd bet there is a lot more other things that are going to need to be done as well but the information that I have is limited by those pics

again if the deal is good enough that it accounts for all the work that you're going to have to do, maybe. assuming that rust isn't penetrating too heavy

edit:
just saw that you said it's 33k, nah

paid $25k for mine earlier this year with 103k miles and basically no rust. go a bit south and buy one for $5-8k less that doesnt have these issues

 

[RapidRob]

It's manageable but will require lots of work.
Maybe $20k would be an okay offer. But after I said that I thought it was still too high.
Just look for another one that's from south of the salt zone.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Also much too high for the rust. For 33k it needs to be under 100K and zero I mean zero rust... Rust will hurt more than you can imagine. Mine was about that when I got it a 4 years ago (120K 2000 for 17k) and now I've done 3 brake lines, a fuel tank, and patched at least 4 holes in the frame. That doesn't include the rusted bolts I've had to drill and tap and my rockers now going bad.... I also wire wheeled and professionally cleaned the frame when I got it and did inside and out rust painting to keep it going longer. sadly it just keeps coming. I live in VA so the salt isn't as bad as up there either.

 

[onemanarmy]

pay $15k for it, replace the shocks and bathe the underside and inside the frame with fluid film.

but no more than $15k

I bet the inside of the frame has serious scale chunk rust. Reach inside the frame and feel for rust/blow compressed air into it and watch the flakes fly out

 

[flake39]

Thank you guys so much! Really appreciate all the answers. I will pass on this one.
I am just getting into LC - rented LC80 in Alaska, had a lot of fun driving it and now can't stop thinking of getting LC for myself

Although thinking that LC80 is a bit too much, hence looking at LC100.

 

[jaewastooshort]

$33k for that? I know the market has gone nuts on these recently, but I still find it astounding that I got my '01 LX with much less rust than that (still more than I'd really prefer) and 156k miles for $8,500... I cannot wrap my head around the current pricing.

@flake39, FWIW I see 100-series pop up on cars and bids all the time... some are rusty and/or high mileage junk, but there are also some really clean, low-mileage exampels that pop up, so you might keep an eye out there. I've bought a couple of cars off of there ('08 corvette and recently an '01 tacoma), and they get their sellers to provide pretty comprehensive pics so it's a little easier to have faith that you're getting a pretty decent representation of what you're bidding on.

very clean '00 LX that sold yesterday: 2000 Lexus LX 470 - 85k Miles, 2UZ-FE V8 Power, 4WD, Third-Row Seats, Major Recent Service - https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KYjmAObM/2000-lexus-lx-470

 

[Mixelplix]

Keep looking, @flake39. If you're willing to travel for your truck there are much better deals.

Under a month ago I bought a southern truck that has zero rust for 35% cheaper than the one you linked. I flew down, and drove it home. Transportation costs might have cost me $500.

Having lived in the northeast my whole life, I'll never buy another vehicle from around here.

 

[excessive]

run away from that one

 

[jsloden]

Someone is on drugs. 33k for that? Get one with higher mileage with no rust for a lot less money. With that having AHC and that amount of rust you'll never stop chasing leaks. Just be patient. I just bought my second lc100 with 330k for 4 grand. It has absolutely NO rust and is fairly clean otherwise as well. It also came with a bunch of service records.

 

[Maxgrapene]

pay $15k for it, replace the shocks and bathe the underside and inside the frame with fluid film.

but no more than $15k

I bet the inside of the frame has serious scale chunk rust. Reach inside the frame and feel for rust/blow compressed air into it and watch the flakes fly out

Yep, I have to second this given my purchase experience over the summer for a 2000 LC. That rust is a major asking price reduction point. Also, concur with what someone said about finding a non-rusty vehicle (with a clean engine and transmission that's the route I went)

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

I passed on a local 280k mile truck very current on maintenance, interior was mint, everything worked, but the underside was a mess. He wanted $10k.