Acceptable amount of rust? (1 Viewer)

Location

United States

I'm looking at purchasing an 01 LX, and think I found one for a reasonable price near me, in what looks to be a decent condition, sans operable AHC, which to me isn't as important.

It's 330k miles, with an asking price of $4,900. Now, I'm relatively handy and have worked on my '99 Isuzu Rodeo and '94 Mazda Miata, and know my way around most cars/trucks.

What I'm curious about is the undercarriage of this LX, it doesn't appear to be structurally unsound but I'm curious if there is anything I'm overlooking.

The body itself looks quite clean and there are no check engine lights. I'm wanting to go look at it today or tomorrow, so would there be anything to check out? I know I need to ask about the timing belt and major maintenance.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SteveH]

The cladding may have dissolved the bottom 4-6" of the front fenders, at that mileage. Also, the cladding clips on the doors and rockers may be mostly or totally rusted away. Next time you see the truck, pull at the cladding (everywhere) and see how loose it is. The steel clips are not sold separately, so you will have to fab a repair.

What is your location (more precisely than 'United States')? If you're in the rust belt (or even if not), check the Panhard rod mount on the left rear frame and check the frame more carefully than the pictures show.

 

[magikaram]

The cladding may have dissolved the bottom 4-6" of the front fenders, at that mileage. Also, the cladding clips on the doors and rockers may be mostly or totally rusted away. Next time you see the truck, pull at the cladding (everywhere) and see how loose it is. The steel clips are not sold separately, so you will have to fab a repair.

What is your location (more precisely than 'United States')? If you're in the rust belt (or even if not), check the Panhard rod mount on the left rear frame and check the frame more carefully than the pictures show.

Eastern Kansas/ Western Missouri

Is the panhard rod mount the trailing arm that connects the rear axle to the frame?
And will do a thorough check of the cladding and metal beneath/behind.

Is the swap from the AHC to standard shocks simple compared to fixing the AHC system?

 

[SteveH]

Eastern Kansas/ Western Missouri

Is the panhard rod mount the trailing arm that connects the rear axle to the frame?
And will do a thorough check of the cladding and metal beneath/behind.

Is the swap from the AHC to standard shocks simple compared to fixing the AHC system?

The Panhard rod is the lateral rod that prevents lateral axle movement. Located behind the rear axle. I would not rush around deleting the AHC until you find out what's wrong with it. You also need to replace the torsion bars and rear springs if you delete the AHC - it's more than 'just the shocks'.

 

[magikaram]

Gotcha, that sounds like good reference to start with then.

 

[magikaram]

Ran a carfax and it looks like the previous owner had it serviced every 5,000-7,000 miles at the dealership. Lived its' whole life in Minnesota, so I'll keep a big eye out of any rust that isn't 'surface level' on the structural components.

1 accident reported as minor with the front bumper in 2018, no airbags triggered, and previous owner owned it since 2013.

 

[magikaram]

After a lot of research and careful consideration, I'm going to pass on this LX, it's too "sketchy" as per my girlfriend's thoughts. And she also thinks this one looks quite ugly.
Since I'm passing on it - here's a link for anyone else interested or likely curious than interested in the vehicle.

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