Need some expert advice on '11 rust

[fishcolo]

Hi there,
I was hoping some of you experienced 200 series folks could weigh in on frame rust of a 2011 LC that I'm seriously considering. It's on the east coast. I've looked at a few of these, mostly in CO and any rust looks like more than I'm used to. Just not sure if this is "surface rust" or more of a concern than that. I've also included a pic of some damage to the undercarriage. What would be under the dented plate on a 200?
I also asked about the KDSS valve and whether it was rusted. The reply I got was it was included in the safety inspection, and if something was wrong, a warning light would pop up on the dash. They also said there would be constant pump noise as the vehicle tries to adjust. Does this sound correct to you?
Anyway, on the pics. Thank you everyone! I really appreciate all the advice and insight I've gotten reading through your posts.

 

[afgman786]

Hi there,
I was hoping some of you experienced 200 series folks could weigh in on frame rust of a 2011 LC that I'm seriously considering. It's on the east coast. I've looked at a few of these, mostly in CO and any rust looks like more than I'm used to. Just not sure if this is "surface rust" or more of a concern than that. I've also included a pic of some damage to the undercarriage. What would be under the dented plate on a 200?
I also asked about the KDSS valve and whether it was rusted. The reply I got was it was included in the safety inspection, and if something was wrong, a warning light would pop up on the dash. They also said there would be constant pump noise as the vehicle tries to adjust. Does this sound correct to you?
Anyway, on the pics. Thank you everyone! I really appreciate all the advice and insight I've gotten reading through your posts.View attachment 2497947View attachment 2497948View attachment 2497949View attachment 2497950View attachment 2497952

The rust on the welds is pretty common and easy to take care of. That's not too bad for an east coast rig. The parts you've circled, looks like they've played in some trails and bashed into some rocks or something with the skid. My concern would be the front LCA, that bolt looks pretty crusty.

I also asked about the KDSS valve and whether it was rusted. The reply I got was it was included in the safety inspection, and if something was wrong, a warning light would pop up on the dash. They also said there would be constant pump noise as the vehicle tries to adjust. Does this sound correct to you?

To your above question: They don't know what they are talking about.. there will be no warning light for KDSS, there is no constant pump noise. It is not an air ride system or anything like that that is constantly adjusting. An LC has shock and coil suspension and there is no adjusting the system does. You wont know if the KDSS bolts are an issue until you try to break them loose to allow easy flow of the fluid to do suspension work. It loosens up how stiff the sway bars are to allow more droop, and should NEVER be opened more than 3turns.

 

[Lester did that]

That does not look bad at all for the East Coast. Those transmission guards rust/rot out. Same goes with the factory bash guards. Take a peak at the tow hitch if its covered. Those are usually a rust gem. You can knock off any of the scale and grease the heck out of it. The LCA is a little rusty. Might make a mechanic swear and curse in CO. But if the ball joints are good you shouldn't need worry about the LCA's even if you are lifting it. For most lifts around 2" you only need to replace the UCA's with adjustable UCA's for alignment but you would have to do that anyway. I was just quoted $2300 for new LCA's and was told it is a complete waste of money. Unless it's for looks.

They have no idea what they are talking about with KDSS. It makes no sound at all ever. It's not AHC where you can raise or lower the vehicle. No warning lights if something goes wrong. Unless it is sitting un-level, one side is lower like it's leaning or you are doing a suspension up grade you should never have to touch it. If you are doing any of those things take it to a professional that understands the system and has worked with it before. They have no problem cracking a frozen KDSS. That is not a Toyota dealership or some other dealership with a service department. They will tell you anything to make a sale. Walk away from the extended warranty unless it's free or over 175k miles.

All in all the rust does not look bad from up north. The west and south is easier on vehicles with rust. It's a matter of perspective. If anyone can show me a 200 series, 100 series or other LC built before 1985 that has catastrophic failure because the frame rotted I would love to hear about it.

 

[fishcolo]

Thank you guys! I had a feeling about that KDSS statement from the Toyota service manager. Seemed like he was making it up as he went along. As soon as I get the feeling someone isn't being upfront and honest, I start to really question everything I've been told. Sometimes dealerships are like that I guess.

So a frozen KDSS valve doesn't make the vehicle unsafe? Doesn't increase the likelihood of a roll-over or anything?

I ended up passing on this one. There were some sketchy sounding entires in the its Toyota Owners records. Stuff like misfiring cylinders and reports of white smoke from the exhaust like it was burning oil.

It's great to read your input as far as the rust goes. Lester has a point, its not like people's LC's are crumbling beneath them.
Thank you so much!
Mike