New Guy Needing Help

[clint m]

Hello Mudders.

New guy here currently on the search for a 200/LX570. Searching this forum has been invaluable. I hope to make a intro thread next showing a new ride. I have recently inquired about a 2011 LX570 out of state. I asked for pictures of the underside showing any potential rust issues. In reply I received these two shots. From the very limited view, does this look too bad?

 

[marketShark]

I'd also be more interested in checking the KDSS valves for rust. Just ask for more pics.

as this other thread shows, its all relative to where you live and what kinds of winter conditions the 200 was and will be exposed to
2008 Land Cruiser surface rust, before/after

EDIT: to include the following link Chicago Meet-up and possible Fluid Film opportunity

 

[clint m]

Thanks for the links. This one in particular is a LX570 and thus no KDSS. Are there any AHC components that are more prone to rust?

 

[TeCKis300]

No KDSS on LX570s.

 

[Ali FJ80]

First main question is where does it live, rusty or rust free area?

I would also ask for more pics from a bit further away so you get a broader view. Also under the running boards so you can see the AHC components and frame a bit better. From under the front of the truck so you can what shape the skid and the front suspension.
Sending you only two pictures that show the same small area around the spare tire would not build confidence for me personally.

 

[RET2]

First main question is where does it live, rusty or rust free area?

I would also ask for more pics from a bit further away so you get a broader view. Also under the running boards so you can see the AHC components and frame a bit better. From under the front of the truck so you can what shape the skid and the front suspension.
Sending you only two pictures that show the same small area around the spare tire would not build confidence for me personally.

More over where did the vehicle come from? Potentially it could be sold in Arizona but was owned in Florida?

 

[marketShark]

Thanks for the links. This one in particular is a LX570 and thus no KDSS. Are there any AHC components that are more prone to rust?

No KDSS on LX570s.

Oversight on my part, I didnt read the first post clearly enough. I go between work and MUD periodically, so mea culpa for assuming it was a LC200. Yes, @clint m all are correct no KDSS on an LX, has AHC (different system entirely)

 

[clint m]

Thanks for all the tips. It is currently in Northern VA. Which seems to be a grey area. The Lexus drivers site is being a pain and won’t let me add new VINs the past few days. I’ve been looking a while and had a few slip away. This one has been on the lot a while too, which probably isn’t a good sign.

 

[Emcd]

Looks just like mine that I bought in Reno NV. I’d say that isn’t anything to worry about. I’m going to get under the car this spring and grind off the rust, treat it and paint the seams better.

 

[dwai]

I got mine with surface rust from SD. I had a body shop fix it with 3M undercoating and rust inhibitor
2008 Land Cruiser surface rust, before/after

If I had to do it again, I would be more patient and find one with little to no rust. It's not a problem now and the car drives great, but only time will tell how well the 3M undercoating will prevent rust from returning.

 

[Malleus]

NoVa is a bad spot for rust. There's enough snow/ice there that the amount of salt on the road is beyond my tolerance. I wouldn't worry, if the rust on the rest of the underbody looked like that. It needs to be removed, but it's a small job. Now.

If you have time and can find an Az 200/LX, that's mint. If you can't, take what you can get and take better car of it that the PO did.

 

[Emcd]

Get a wire wheel brush for your drill and remove/rough up the rust on the welds. Then clean it, degrease it, and POR the effected areas. The POR is tough stuff, but won't hold up to UV light. So, cover it in epoxy spray paint. I use VHT flat black epoxy paint. Tough stuff and easy to get. In a couple hours it will look as good as new. If the rust is contained to those weld areas, and you do a good job, you should never have another issue in those places again.

 

[Rex9802]

That doesn't look bad. Take care of it and keep an eye on it. Buying a truck out of AZ or from the west cost will be expensive to ship (although LC's seem to be cheaper out there).

The rust preventers are all durable enough that you can take care of it once a year and have no problems- can probably go futher as long as you do the prep work properly.