Should I buy this 2004 Sequoia? (1 Viewer)

[CBFJ]

Hi all,

I'm usually lurking in the FJ40 zone, but I'm looking at a 2004 Sequoia Limited with 228,000 on it. Asking $5,900. Everything works, and the body and interior are in good shape. My goal is to have a reliable truck to leave at the cottage to tow stuff and fit people in, that I don't have to worry too much about. I'd be shocked if I drive it 1,000 mi/yr. So it doesn't have to be perfect, and I don't want to sink more than $5-6k into it.

I asked them to send undercarriage shots to show me the rust, and it's got some frame rust. I'm good with the rest of the vehicle, but what do you all think of the amount of rust under here? Dangerous? Is this gonna rot away in my garage, or is it just a typical Midwestern vehicle? (I'm in CO, so haven't seen this much rust since I was a kid)

Thanks in advance. Seems like the price is fair, but correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[CBFJ]

 

[1911garand]

In Minnesota (severe rust belt), this is a $3000 high-school kid special up here. That rust underneath, and bad tires...nope. I'd pass unless that price comes down.

Great trucks though. Maybe if this was a 1 owner private sale with known good history, all records kept, doesn't need timing belt or other major maintenance etc..... just maybe.

If you open the rear passenger doors, how is the wheel well rust under the door seals?

 

[clrussell]

Um. Hell no.

Hard pass.

Very first frame pic tells me all I need to know. IH8RUST

 

[CBFJ]

In Minnesota (severe rust belt), this is a $3000 high-school kid special up here. That rust underneath, and bad tires...nope. I'd pass unless that price comes down.

Great trucks though. Maybe if this was a 1 owner private sale with known good history, all records kept, doesn't need timing belt or other major maintenance etc..... just maybe.

If you open the rear passenger doors, how is the wheel well rust under the door seals?

In Minnesota (severe rust belt), this is a $3000 high-school kid special up here. That rust underneath, and bad tires...nope. I'd pass unless that price comes down.

Great trucks though. Maybe if this was a 1 owner private sale with known good history, all records kept, doesn't need timing belt or other major maintenance etc..... just maybe.

If you open the rear passenger doors, how is the wheel well rust under the door seals?

I am in CO, so can’t inspect in person. Sales guy has been forthcoming with all the frame pics I requested- here’s the listing:

2004 Used Toyota Sequoia 4dr Limited 4WD at Revved Motors Serving Addison, IL, IID 22447251

2004 Used Toyota Sequoia 4dr Limited 4WD serving Addison, IL at Revved Motors | $5,950 | Black | 5TDBT48A44S212617

www.revvedmotors.com

The rest of it looks clean… I guess the question really comes down to safety. If I could get this for 4K and I don’t think the frame is going to crumble in the next 10 years, it would be a good fit for my needs. The first frame photo looks pretty gnarly though.

 

[CBFJ]

Um. Hell no.

Hard pass.

Very first frame pic tells me all I need to know. IH8RUST

Yeah, seems like the right call. I’m not in a big hurry so I will keep my eyes open for they better high mile candidate.

 

[1911garand]

Great info. The photographer conveniently "missed" the rust behind the doors. I'd pass unless $3k or less and use as a beater. YMMV.

 

[CBFJ]

Great info. The photographer conveniently "missed" the rust behind the doors. I'd pass unless $3k or less and use as a beater. YMMV.

I know…I shouldn’t even be interested but he did say all maintenance is current and he is checking on the timing belt. I do need a beater. As long as it’s not going to fall off the frame. Can I find 250,000 mile sequoias in better shape for five or 6000?

 

[clrussell]

I know…I shouldn’t even be interested but he did say all maintenance is current and he is checking on the timing belt. I do need a beater. As long as it’s not going to fall off the frame. Can I find 250,000 mile sequoias in better shape for five or 6000?

Yes.

Well you could, I haven’t searched them recently. A year ago I was pretty hot on buying one.

 

[TheBussman]

in the first frame picture were the rust is really flaky that's one of the worst areas they rust at. i bet if you tap there with a hammer you would go right though. I've seen it a few times here in Ohio. It is fixable but prob better to keep looking.

 

[clrussell]

Just a 10 second local marketplace search