Rust on 200 series in Northeast states?

[raoulduke101]

Hey, folks, I'm back to IH8Mud after a few years. I previously owned an LX470 and a '76 FJ40 but ended owning a Toyota 4Runner for the last few years. I just sold that rig and am planning to buy a 100 or 200 series LC (leaning toward 200). With my budget, I'm looking for 2008-13 w/ under 150,000 miles. I've come across several in NE states but have usually avoided buying cars from up there due to rust from salt on the roads. Just curious if anyone has owned or bought an LC from NE states and how much rust you experienced from the roads. Thanks in advance.

 

[M1911]

Yes, they will have a lot of rust.

 

[JZelnick]

I bought both of my Cruisers in Georgia for a reason. Fluid Film every November and April keeps em clean underneath.

 

[razzyrazz]

If the price is right and the rust isn't bad I'd go for it. Inspect it or have it inspected. Can spot treat yourself with something like por15 or can have it done professionally where most places offer a warranty on further rust. I spot treated my previous 4runner after purchase and had no noticeable increase in rust after 5 years of ownership. Trying to decide whether to spot treat our LX which was originally from New York or pay to have it done. That being said apples to apples definitely go for a southern vehicle. With the used market for LC's being what it is though, a good deal on a northeast vehicle may be the way to go.

 

[Sandroad]

IMHO, you can automatically rule out a 100 from the NE, unless you know a great deal about its history and care. Consider 200s from the NE on a case by case basis, recognizing that due diligence on a purchase will require extra effort to check on rust. Even after 3 years of Midwest salt, mine looks pretty good, but I’ve spent a few hours on care each year.

 

[Willy beamin]

Bought my 2008 in 2011 out of the north east, MA. It's was clean, garage kept and loved - they exist.
When I removed the rear plastic bumper in prep for a custom bumper I found surface rust on the rear crossmember, that was all. I took a pneumatic wire wheel to clean that off and coated the bare metal with a rust inhibitor sealant. Be diligent in your search. Best advice is look in the south and beware of flood victims
Best of luck in your search. The Attached pic is the rear crossmember exposed so you get the idea of where the rust was hiding.

 

[Mixelplix]

On my '13 LX from New Jersey the only surface rust I noticed was at the same place @Willy beamin mentioned. I just fluid film mine twice a year liberally and it seems to be under control.

 

[speyrod]

I looked at a couple from the NE, an 11 from NJ was clean from rust but had a lot of other little rode hard and put away very wet little issues. I ended up getting a lifetime Seattle LX with more miles and close to spotless as on can get with 150K miles.