How much rust is too much?

[fireball]

Still on the hunt looking for a 100 to replace our 4Runner.

This one is at a dealer down in SC, but looks like it spent its life in WV prior to this.

The int/ext shots look good, the underside scares me a bit. Some surface rust isn't a big concern, I can give that a quick scratch and coat with POR15. But there look to be a few other areas that are concerning, especially the photo of the pumpkin/rear.

Any thoughts? Unfortunately I'm a few states away so can't go check this out myself.

Thanks!

 

[hkeller]

Pass on that one. You will never un-bolt anything under there. LCs/LXs are great, except for rust! Get a southern one.

 

[Fitzgerald]

I'd pass. Plenty of clean 100's out there.

 

[consalvochris]

Wow that's a lot, my cruiser has lived in New Jersey all it's life and doesn't look anything like that

 

[fireball]

Those were the responses I expected! Too bad, it's an '03 with integrated hitch and non-Nav for $12k. 141k miles. Some issues with the interior (dog chewed the PS door panel and the e-brake lever) but otherwise pretty good looking.

The last photo was the one that really got me....

Oh well, the search goes on!

 

[fireball]

I'd pass. Plenty of clean 100's out there.

There are some clean ones out there, but the prices are pretty crazy. Maybe it's just a mental hurdle I need to get over, but paying $15k+ for a 10-14 year old vehicle with over 150k miles is tough!

FWIW - I'm looking at either 99s (e-locker) or 03s (cheapest w/ 5spd). Max budget is $15k, but would want to spend <10k for a 99/

 

[Fitzgerald]

There are some clean ones out there, but the prices are pretty crazy. Maybe it's just a mental hurdle I need to get over, but paying $15k+ for a 10-14 year old vehicle with over 150k miles is tough!

FWIW - I'm looking at either 99s (e-locker) or 03s (cheapest w/ 5spd). Max budget is $15k, but would want to spend <10k for a 99/

Mine is a 2002 that had less than 120,000 on it and I paid under $15K, but I had to look around quite a bit (still didn't get the color I wanted). I'm used to buying used autos (although not usually 10+ years old). Traded in my nice 2005 Tacoma and couldn't be happier.

Good Luck with your search.

 

[canman]

The pics remind me of the frame on my 97 LX. Nothing too serious in my opinion, but I would pass if your willing to wait for a better one to come along. Hopefully, I'll be touching up my frame soon with some Chassis Saver.

 

[JBT]

I wouldn't be too worried about rust on the frame or axles. I would look at the drivers side quarter panel just behind the rear wheel arch and at the front lower part of both rear wheel arches.

 

[jemsec]

Suggest you keep looking. Many LC owners want to keep them a long time and you might be looking at long term issues with serious rust. There are a lot of better ones around and see them on Craig's list in my area of the south. Contact new car dealers as they typically take nice ones on a trade but are too old and have too many miles for their type used vehicle and sell them reasonable.. You might find a good LC at a good price in your area.

Above all else, be patient and you won't have any regrets.