Is this too much rust?

[Epictetus]

all,

I am new to the forum and I am looking at buying a 100 series rig as a third vehicle toy/camping vehicle for my family. With that said, we camp about 3 hours highway drive from our home and I want the vehicle to also be a reliable and safe on the highway. I put a down payment on a 2003 LX470 that is currently at a small shop outside Chicago. The car was purchased by the shop at an estate sale in Fort Worth, Texas in December 2017, so it has not seen 15 years of northern winters. Carfax was clean one owner with good service records and timing belt replaced at 90k miles, current mileage is 116k. I would like to know if the rust in the attached pictures would be worriesome to you all. I do not know what is surface rust vs. other rust. The guy swears to me that it is a solid rig and we are having a video conference on Monday to go over the undercarriage....you help and advice is greatly appreciated...

 

[FxFormat]

What rust?

 

[Epictetus]

What rust?

It’s comments like this that make me realize I have quite a bit to learn about the durability of these vehicles. It also gives me some comfort given that I have already put a down payment on it and will be flying to Chicago and driving it 10 hours home....

 

[jerryb]

with the tank cover and the straps looking like that I would just assume the rest is fine/decent. Looks good to me. I don't think it gets a whole lot better than that. It's not coated, or painted. I'd believe it if someone said it was a florida-texas truck. I think you're safe.

 

[ogsuv]

I would have no concerns at all. I would jump at a truck that clean here in Wisconsin.

I would check out the rear qtr panels though, especially by the mudflaps to see if any hidden rust holes, paint bubbling. That is the stuff that can really be expensive to fix and uglify a rig quick.

 

[CurbsEnthusiasm]

That looks just like my Florida LX undercarriage

 

[Lopott]

Looks great. If you pass I would like if you pm me as I am 3 hrs away and will drive down. In my 2002 I figure the rusted out parts just let the salt slurry out. No better winter beater for $5500

 

[Matthew Hindle]

Cleaner than an otters pocket

 

[mts2snd]

I know rust, that does not seem like an area of big concern here, of course check everything else you can.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

The front side of the rear axle looks the worst, but it's not bad. Frame looks good. You might have some fun with some bolts if you start modding, shocks, etc.

 

[Joagmon]

agree with the other responders, you should have no concerns. What you are seeing is indeed surface rust, meaning the integrity of the metal has not been compromised by the cancerous demon. If bubbles or delamination were visible or soft spots weak to the finger, you should then have concerns.

 

[Epictetus]

Thanks all for such quick responses! It seems that I am being overly paranoid and probably have nothing to worry about. I have done some research on price given that I have been searching for a little while, but after seeing the undercarriage photos I would like for someone to reassure me that it is still a good deal....I am paying $15.3k, $400 plane ticket and about $150 in gas to get it home....thoughts?

 

[uHu]

...I would check out the rear qtr panels though, especially by the mudflaps to see if any hidden rust holes, paint bubbling. That is the stuff that can really be expensive to fix and uglify a rig quick.

Also the underside (bottom edge) of the tailgate (both parts), and behind the rear bumper, are areas that show rust first. The underside of the cargo area floor can also get surface rust if there it has been exposed to a salty environment.
To stop development of further surface rust, and to preserve (and "unstick") bolts, I suggest getting it oil treated, e.g. with Fluid Film or Krown (Lanolin oil), on the entire underside and inside the frame rails.
I agree with the others here: It doesn't look like anything to worry about. A very good find.

 

[Keowee]

I agree with the other comments. Replace the heater tees if there no record of it being done. Search "heater tees" in this forum.

 

[Epictetus]

Thanks for the insights....I think I am going to move forward with the purchase, I hope to post more once I start doing some light mods....thanks again for helping out a newbie!

 

[Spike555]

Rust? I don't see no sticking rust...

 

[Lopott]

15 is too high for me. would be right if had some add ons like rear bumper etc. and with ahc most likely need to swap or service. 10 would be more like it. or just hang around here and watch the classifieds. I have a 60, 80 and 100 series. like them all but 100 series is the go too most times.

 

[crimsonaudio]

I'd buy that and wouldn't think twice.

 

[KillerBox]

South Alabama mechanics would act like that Truck is eaten up with rust

I don’t see anything to be concerned about

 

[Kabanstva]

That is clean.