Hey guys, asking for some expertise help. Looking at buying this Land Cruiser. http://rick-hendrick-chevrolet-buick-gmc-richmond.ebizautos.com/plugin-detail.aspx?iid=12791325. Timing belt has been replaced and the car has spent time in Washington state and Virginia. They quoted me a price I am comfortable with, but wanted to get some thoughts from you guys on the rust underneat. Should I keep searching for a cleaner Land Cruiser or would you be comfortable with this one? I am in Atlanta for reference. Thanks, Tom.
Looking at buying 100 series in Richmond - Rust questions
- Thread starter FloridaTom
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If it were me, I'd pass. You are facing at least an eminent exhaust replacement and constantly fighting broken bolts/rotted threads when working on it. Might be worth cleaning it up and sealing if the price is really good. There are a lot of rust free cruisers out there.
I wish I would have taken a picture of a trailer I'm working on for a "little rust" example. There's a 12" piece I put my hand through and had no idea was there, rest of trailer has surface rust.
I wish I would have taken a picture of a trailer I'm working on for a "little rust" example. There's a 12" piece I put my hand through and had no idea was there, rest of trailer has surface rust.
That is very mild surface rust and not something I'd be worried about. Having said that, if you live in a dry state and can buy one from there, you will be happier in the long run. If you live in the snow belt, even a pristine TX or CA truck will look like that after one winter.
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- #7
That looks rough. Where are you located?
To the OP, the rust in the photos looks surficial and I would be comfortable with it. You may have to replace the muffler and cat-back pipes, but it's a 10 year old truck. The 100 series trucks are anywhere from 8-17 years old now and rust is going to show up underneath on most of them that ever see water. If it's got a good service history and it's a good price, go for and it enjoy it.
The northern guys will downplay that amount of rust and the southern guys will shun it. My 100 is 16-17 years old, has original exhaust, no rust under. You are in Atlanta, you can spend that kind of money and get a rust free 100 in your backyard.
Exactly. That's nothing.
Had I seen this earlier I would have gone and checked it out for you. I live a few hours away from Richmond but my brother lives there.
I'm very rust averse, but I would not call that bad by any stretch.
- Thread starter
- #16
This is absolutely true. Thanks for all of the opinions from everyone. I was hoping to get lucky and a Mud'r would have seen this in person. I will keep everyone posted on what I decide to do.
That looks to be minor surface rust. Not a problem if you treat it with something to stop the spread. But putting eyes on it is always better than pictures. Richmond likely has some salted roads that contribute to the rust too.
Florida cars are normally clean underneath. It would be worth your time to search. My truck is a '99 and is rustfree.
Florida cars are normally clean underneath. It would be worth your time to search. My truck is a '99 and is rustfree.
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I doubt it will be an issue with an 05, but earlier trucks in my neck of the woods are developing rust fore and aft of the rear tires. Toyota wasn't too bright with how they shaped the sheet metal, and gifted us with troughs to collect salt and grime.
The only one that is an issue is the one I quoted above. Either pull off the fender liner or look behind it. There is probably some very early stage rust forming from debris that got behind that guard and got stuck on the sheet metal ledge with no way to escape. There is a lip on the leading edge of the wheel well too, a poorly sealed edge that leads to rocker rust.
Rusty bolts and surface rust on the frame are what guys from the south and west will point out to you. If you want to know where the body (meaningful) rust starts, ask someone from the Northeast or Midwest...
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I doubt it will be an issue with an 05, but earlier trucks in my neck of the woods are developing rust fore and aft of the rear tires. Toyota wasn't too bright with how they shaped the sheet metal, and gifted us with troughs to collect salt and grime.
The only one that is an issue is the one I quoted above. Either pull off the fender liner or look behind it. There is probably some very early stage rust forming from debris that got behind that guard and got stuck on the sheet metal ledge with no way to escape. There is a lip on the leading edge of the wheel well too, a poorly sealed edge that leads to rocker rust.
Rusty bolts and surface rust on the frame are what guys from the south and west will point out to you. If you want to know where the body (meaningful) rust starts, ask someone from the Northeast or Midwest...
You're kidding right? My 9 month old LX has that much 'rust'. Do you guys use your trucks or just stare at the frame?