Rust experts - is this going to be a pain in my neck?

I'm in California and I've always bought California cars, but I'm Considering this 100 series that spent some time in Florida. All of the bodywork is bone dry. Engine bay has no rusty fasteners or anything. BUT there is some surface rust underneath.

To me it looks like they probably towed a boat and dunked it in the ocean at a launch ramp and didn't rinse it off often enough. The tow hitch (removable), rear axle, and front skid plate (removable) are the worst. Nothing looks to be structural, just surface crust.

Is this anything to worry about? Am I being paranoid or is it going to be a nightmare any time i go to work on it?

As another data point, I already cranked the front T-bars a full turn and the adjustment bolts turned freely. The spare tire assembly also turns freely which I assume would be an early point of failure with rust.

 

[zgfiredude]

In my opinion, if you like the rest of the vehicle and the price is what you want to pay....that would NOT keep me from purchasing. I'd clean things up and replace some hardware and treat some spots, but that seems very mild.

 

[76lcmike]

it looks great, you're paranoid...

 

[NE Snowman]

It’s fine, not even close to being trouble. If you like the rest buy it

 

[delz05]

Looks great... would be an easy clean-up... just check rear brake lines... but those are easy to replace and are available from Toyota if needed.

 

[Mike NXP]

Why not hold out for a rust free California beauty ? Maybe this one is cheaper than most 100 series?

 

[riffman12]

Thanks all. Making me feel a bit better about it

Why not hold out for a rust free California beauty ? Maybe this one is cheaper than most 100 series?

because it's an 06 with no nav and no AHC from the factory (Puerto Rico import) with under 140k miles. It's kind of my dream cruiser, and I don't think I'll find the same one again.

 

[zgfiredude]

I have an '06 non AHC, but with Nav....................buy it!!!

 

[NE Snowman]

Id not worry, the rust on the axle is cleanable, same with skids. The crappy parts that us rust belt folks get screwed on is getting salt/brine in the frame rails and sitting there 24/7/365.

The fact that it’s non-nav and non-AHC are a huge plus if that’s what your after. Easier to clean up that small rust, even find other skids. Compared to the nav delete and AHC delete I’d favor that.

I do like AHC and if I didn’t deal with rust I’d have preferred that, it is comfy and if kept up well AHC systems pushing 400k with minor problems along the way. The non nav is amazing and unicorn status. Got me wondering… cloth or leather interior?

 

[cruisin4bruisins]

That's a factory fresh new car in MA lol just spray some fluid film on her and call it a day. Its not bad at all

 

[riffman12]

Id not worry, the rust on the axle is cleanable, same with skids. The crappy parts that us rust belt folks get screwed on is getting salt/brine in the frame rails and sitting there 24/7/365.

The fact that it’s non-nav and non-AHC are a huge plus if that’s what your after. Easier to clean up that small rust, even find other skids. Compared to the nav delete and AHC delete I’d favor that.

I do like AHC and if I didn’t deal with rust I’d have preferred that, it is comfy and if kept up well AHC systems pushing 400k with minor problems along the way. The non nav is amazing and unicorn status. Got me wondering… cloth or leather interior?

still leather interior. Man cloth would be epic!

 

[77pantera]

That's clean as hell. That would be a 12/10 in the rust belt.