Do I run? LX470 questions

[trailbound]

I am in the Market for a LC or LX I came across one for a good price. The driver side frame is my biggest concern. I just picture any work I need to do = breaking bolts. AND carfax shows 5 owners...

Milage is 135k miles Price is below market value from what else I have seen.

Would you run or take the chance?

 

[Sandroad]

I'd pass. There's a lot of rust damage and I'm not even sure the second gas tank strap is still there? (Can't really tell from the angle of the shot). Unless it's dirt cheap and you don't mind LOTS of remedial work, one in this condition is pretty far gone, IMHO.

 

[RKTINC]

Pretty crusty but looks common for a norther rig. Yes bolts are hard on those rigs but depends on what you do to it You can grind/wire brush a lot of that off then prime/coat/treat, then paint that frame and not have future issues. Check on the rear quarter panels hidden behind the plastic number cover, upper rear hatch handle rust holes, windshield frame etc. It might be really crusty too. That much rust and 5 owners should really cut the price not this rig even with the low miles. I would be concerned with the multiple owners more than the rust.

RKTINC

 

[trailbound]

hmm, both responses are the debates I am having in my head.

I think i need to really take a look in person. Seller sent a bunch of photos, and face timed with me to go over the vehicle. But I won't really know until I see it in person for myself

 

[RKTINC]

The short term nature of ownership would tell me to look for AC problems, trans slip, oil usage, major electrical gremlins, something that would make a dealer or individual sell it/trade it quickly rather than spend for the major repair.

 

[bctlex]

How much below market? Definitely need to examine closely before jumping in. Also, what I circle below, not sure what that is, but I do not remember anything like that on mine.

 

[trailbound]

sub $10k most in this area, this mileage, some with worse undercarriage rust seem to me $15-$19kish

and to your circled picture , I was wondering if that was some sort of skid plate that is banged up? Is there a transmissionskid in that area? It appears to have drain holes in it like a skid plate might

 

[bamabrock]

I'd run like Forrest Gump

 

[RKTINC]

The circled photo is the fuel tank cover. It is thin metal and gets very bad on these. The tank straps must be removed to change it or remove it. Not a huge job but big enough to factor it in. They are thin metal and get really soft with this level of rust. not a deal breaker but I can't imagine the body not having significant spots under the running boards and under the rear bumper. Parker brake assembly is probably also frozen and shot. You just have to see it in person to see the body. Frame rust not a big deal but the body rust seems to be hard to deal with if it is there and I cannot imagine it not being pretty crusty as well. Depends on how you want to use it. If you want one to build and destroy in the brush then maybe a good cheap buy. If you want a nice one to restore and keep for a long time then move on.

RKTINC

 

[lhommec13]

Risky but I'd take the chance on it, being a Boston guy. Yes it's rusty but so are most in our area. For your own peace of mind, get a PPI from a good mechanic or dealership. At that price for a 2004, it's definitely worth considering.

 

[bctlex]

sub $10k most in this area, this mileage, some with worse undercarriage rust seem to me $15-$19kish

and to your circled picture , I was wondering if that was some sort of skid plate that is banged up? Is there a transmissionskid in that area? It appears to have drain holes in it like a skid plate might

I would definitely take a look for that price.

 

[trailbound]

Depends on how you want to use it. If you want one to build and destroy in the brush then maybe a good cheap buy. If you want a nice one to restore and keep for a long time then move on.

RKTINC

Hmm this is the statement of truth right here. I am not looking at this as a wheeling rig. I am looking for a family daily driver. That will see some beach driving, but that is about the extent of it. But knowing my self I will not keep it for more than 3 or so years.

 

[vman07]

FWIW I just purchased an 07' LX from Iowa (I live in CA) and it had a fair amount of rust . Maybe not quite as much as in the pics you are showing , but mine definitely has rust. As long as you are aware and comfortable with rust remediation, or at least keeping a very close eye on the rust, I'd say go for it.

At the risk of getting flamed here I think the rust issue can get overblown, especially on internet forums...

 

[RKTINC]

I agree the rust is over blown. I have yet to hear of a handy having a frame failure like the Tacomas or other known rust buckets. The only thing to watch would be the front control arm mounts. I have seen those fail and break here on Mud.

 

[tacoduck]

check the rear tailgate hatch for underside rust... IMO that truck looks pretty good. a little bit of underbody treatment will stop the rust and you will have a sub 10k mall crawler.

 

[OverlandLife]

I wouldn't touch it. But to each his own.

 

[fooldall1]

Much nicer ones out there, I'd wait!

 

[04gto]

I purchased my cruiser about 7 months ago it has been in the northeast its whole life but I got a very good deal on it. It has a lot of rust, though less then your example. The rust has been a serious pain in the ass for me because I added quite a bit of after market skid plates, shocks etc underneath. I have broken at least half a dozen bolts underneath and had to cut off my OEM shocks (fxxx you rust!). I repaired the broken bolts mostly by drilling and re-tapping them. If you buy this truck keep in mind that every time you need to repair or replace something anywhere near the bottom of your cruiser, you will be likely breaking a bolt or three. This will cause a lot of extra time and money to execute said repairs. Especially if you just plan on buying and driving it while performing regular maintenance I would consider buying it. However, if you plan on modding it, keeping it for a very long time and are not inclined to do a lot of rust related repairs and maintenance, you should consider a different cruiser.

 

[trailbound]

Thanks all, I think I am going to try and at least take a look at it tomorrow of Friday. I know I will regret it if I do not look it over.

 

[trailbound]

after thinking long and hard. I do hate rust. Mechanical I am fine with, I do not like dealing with rust. I have had plenty of years playing with it on older Jeeps.

The hunt continues, thank you all for your input