About to purchase 2011 LX. Asking for help re: rust.

[jimcorrigan]

Hi, everyone. I just made my account now but I’ve been lurking for months while I researched what to buy.

I’m about to close a deal on a 2011 LX570 at a Lexus dealership. My independent pre-purchase inspection revealed leaking front struts, and torn front lower ball joints. This doesn’t worry me provided either the dealer either addresses that pre-purchase, or is willing to cut their price commensurate with what it will cost me to get them dealt with at my nearest Lexus dealer.

What does have me at least slightly concerned, is the rust. I’ve attached all the photos I can. Most of them show only surface rust that I can tend to, but there’s one photo in particular that at least gives me some pause. I’ve looked online and spoken to friends, and opinions run the gamut from “it’s fine” to “uh, pass.” The PPI mechanic himself said “this is totally normal.”

I would really appreciate you guys’ feedback. FWIW the plan is to keep it 8-10 years, and use it for alpine trails and overlanding. Thanks in advance.

 

[doru]

Not bad rust wise. Where's the truck from, as in where it lived until it got to the dealer?

 

[jimcorrigan]

Not bad rust wise. Where's the truck from, as in where it lived until it got to the dealer?

judging by the service records, it’s spent its entire life in Vancouver. So very much a local truck.

 

[Sandroad]

It’ll go another 8 years with some care. The rust is not a deal-breaker. I’m not surprised you already have a range of opinions. Rust generates extreme opinions. If you buy it, post back for some ideas on treatment. And welcome to Mud!

 

[TR4RUNNER]

judging by the service records, it’s spent its entire life in Vancouver. So very much a local truck.

Frame rust would not scare me off. I’m from North East so we get used to rust. Just plan to treat it before winter. I would be more concerned with rust and corrosion on the AHC parts, pumps, lines and actuators. My recent 08 purchase had some rust on a few parts that looked bad but cleaned up well and functions as it should. If you have AHC pics post ‘em up.

 

[KLF]

For an 11 year old vehicle, i don't think that's bad at all. Nothing structural, unless you ignore it and allow it to continue.

I would power wash with a strong degreaser, then wire brush and paint with Rustoleum satin black. Then I would keep it coated with your choice of preventatives: Waxoyl, Fluid Film, NHOU (my favorite).

 

[jimcorrigan]

Frame rust would not scare me off. I’m from North East so we get used to rust. Just plan to treat it before winter. I would be more concerned with rust and corrosion on the AHC parts, pumps, lines and actuators. My recent 08 purchase had some rust on a few parts that looked bad but cleaned up well and functions as it should. If you have AHC pics post ‘em up.

Not sure how much of the AHC lines you can see from these shots but this is the best I have (below).

Thanks everyone for the comments so far!

 

[nwfl4runner]

Frame rust would not scare me off. I’m from North East so we get used to rust. Just plan to treat it before winter. I would be more concerned with rust and corrosion on the AHC parts, pumps, lines and actuators. My recent 08 purchase had some rust on a few parts that looked bad but cleaned up well and functions as it should. If you have AHC pics post ‘em up.

This. I’d want to crawl up under and check a few spots - lines above rear shock upper bolts, lines in and out from pump behind rear passenger wheel. Those are a pain to replace if it’s needed

 

[doru]

it’s spent its entire life in Vancouver.

I'm familiar with Vancouver, BC. The rust is not bad at all given the amount of salt BC likes to throw on the roads in the winter.

 

[doru]

I do not know how it is on Vancouver Island but if it is like on the mainland make sure you apply protection before winter! That's true for any truck new or old if you want to keep it long time.

 

[1Maverick]

Now go look under a local GM/Ford truck of the same year and you’ll feel better. Lol

 

[TR4RUNNER]

Not sure how much of the AHC lines you can see from these shots but this is the best I have (below).

Thanks everyone for the comments so far!

View attachment 3065802View attachment 3065803View attachment 3065804View attachment 3065805View attachment 3065806

Can’t really see the AHC components from your pics. The parts I’m referring to sit under your running boards protected by the metal tubes that act as protection for the “globes” and acuators. Below is a pic from my truck before purchase. If you can get a pic along each side of the frame under the running board that would help. There are 2 globes under each side connected to actuators and hoses and valves bolted to the frame side rails. Excessive rust on these components would give me pause on purchasing. However you can see my actuator looked pretty bad but that was superficial and was easily cleaned up with a sanding wheel and spray paint when I changed the globes. Big thank you to all the Mud contributors who shared their expertise.

 

[jimcorrigan]

Can’t really see the AHC components from your pics. The parts I’m referring to sit under your running boards protected by the metal tubes that act as protection for the “globes” and acuators. Below is a pic from my truck before purchase. If you can get a pic along each side of the frame under the running board that would help. There are 2 globes under each side connected to actuators and hoses and valves bolted to the frame side rails. Excessive rust on these components would give me pause on purchasing. However you can see my actuator looked pretty bad but that was superficial and was easily cleaned up with a sanding wheel and spray paint when I changed the globes. Big thank you to all the Mud contributors who shared their expertise.View attachment 3066658

Thanks for that. It’s always difficult when you have to request these things remotely (I’m on Vancouver Island). Anyhow, dealer sent me these

 

[sedonut]

I would say it has minimal rust. I would agree, it is totally normal, if not on the low side for a well maintained 2011 vehicle. If you are planning to keep it for a long time I would treat the rust as covered in many threads.

If you are going to put a lot of miles on it and then sell it, just drive it and don't worry.

 

[Bryanmc]

My 2010 ended up having quite a bit more rust than I thought when I bought it.

It’s just taken a bit of time to brush and treat it, but it hasn’t been a huge deal. I basically worked on a section at a time here and there over a year.

Now my underside is beautiful.

Any time I see posts like this one I think, “I wish that had been my experience.” So, I’d vote not to skip because of this, just plan on some treatment labor.

 

[jimcorrigan]

Wow, I just want to thank everyone for your replies. I knew this site was a trove for information on (mainly) Toyota trucks, but the friendliness here is unparalleled.

I just closed the deal. Got another 3 grand off to deal with the issues I said in my first post. Going to pick it up Friday, get all the urgent suspension issues dealt with the next day, and then start my summer project aka rust treatments.

I look forward to posting pics of the truck, and my intended changes to it. Cheers!

 

[Bryanmc]

Congrats!