Should I sell/trade my 100?

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Wanted to get some advice and opinions from you all regarding my vehicle, a 2007 with just over 190k miles.

I’ve owned the car since 2020, purchasing it with about 144k. Unfortunately, I shouldn’t have overlooked the fact that it spent its life in WI and MN before coming here to IL
The vehicle has treated me well and has had significant maintenance done over the years such as aluminum radiator, fuel pump, etc…lots of it preventative as I’m an OCD Porsche owner , the car is running quite well. Unfortunately, I’ve had to do a few minor body related repairs due to rust, along with trying to prevent the underneath from getting worse with fluid film, I’ve done the best I can. The last 6 months has been a bit rough with some AC lines needing repair, brake lines needing repair…..all due to corrosion. Despite the fact that it’s running well, my AHC lines/globes are original, as well as my brake booster (which I’m not AS concerned about).

While I enjoy the car and expect it to run well into the 200k range, I fear getting hit with more rust related repairs as I get closer to that mileage, not to mention any suspension work, etc.
I know the 2006/2007 is a desirable year but not sure if it’s worth putting the money into a car that is a bit rusty, especially since I’ve had to do the above repairs already. Ironically, I prefer driving it to my wife’s 2023 Highlander so maybe I need to look at a rust free 100 from another state Thanks in advance!

 

[MountaineerLC]

Pics would help us give you a better answer. However, my general thought is that “a bit rusty” isn’t a big deal, unless we’re talking frame and body panels rusting through.

 

[plainjanefjc]

I would dread owning a rusty landcruiser- as much self maintenance and repairs get done with age I would punt it. Clean it up list if for sale and someone will bite.

 

[mezger996]

Appreciate the replies so far! Car is definitely NOT falling apart…..it’s more so the mental part of putting $$ into a rusty vehicle when a repair is needed. What keeps me up at night is the possibility of AHC related repairs or additional brake lines/ac lines. Yes, everything can be repaired, but there’s lots of corrosion free examples out there that may be better long term.

 

[Alex7]

I guess where is the rest of the rust ? Have you discovered what you feel is all off it ? Is this the forever truck if it didn't have rust ?

 

[mezger996]

The skid plates for the oil filter area and fuel tank starting to look like Swiss cheese a bit, the frame itself is a bit crusty but not bad…nothing structural. The brake lines which go from the master down to the wheel well passenger side a bit crusty as well.
AHC works fine but can definitely see the globes/lines have seen better days. I’ve serviced the fluid twice during my ownership.

I didn’t do enough homework on these cars back when I was purchasing so that is definitely on me. If buying one today, I’d avoid Midwest/northeast cars. I take full responsibility for that, and I’d definitely put money into the car if it were rust free.

 

[Alex7]

The skid plates for the oil filter area and fuel tank starting to look like Swiss cheese a bit, the frame itself is a bit crusty but not bad…nothing structural. The brake lines which go from the master down to the wheel well passenger side a bit crusty as well.
AHC works fine but can definitely see the globes/lines have seen better days. I’ve serviced the fluid twice during my ownership.

I didn’t do enough homework on these cars back when I was purchasing so that is definitely on me. If buying one today, I’d avoid Midwest/northeast cars. I take full responsibility for that, and I’d definitely put money into the car if it were rust free.

imo, and of course opinion doesn't mean much but if the rust is starting eat away at the truck in any sections I personally would not put much more than maintenance and addressing things as they go as it sounds like you've done. That said, I wonder if rust is inevitable for where you live ?

By the way, you wouldn't happen to have a red 996 do you ? lol totally off topic .

 

[Sanney22]

sounds like you answered your question with not wanting to put money into it which i agree just run it or sell cheap sounds like all you could do as the only killer of them is rust

 

[mezger996]

imo, and of course opinion doesn't mean much but if the rust is starting eat away at the truck in any sections I personally would not put much more than maintenance and addressing things as they go as it sounds like you've done. That said, I wonder if rust is inevitable for where you live ?

By the way, you wouldn't happen to have a red 996 do you ? lol totally off topic .

I do, red 996 turbo lol

 

[Alex7]

I do, red 996 turbo

I do, red 996 turbo lol

lol nice - Your car collection trumps mine every day of the week - I think I defer to you on these questions lol

 

[mezger996]

It’s frustrating these cars can’t handle salt….or perhaps it’s the previous owners not keeping up with washing. Makes me jealous seeing all these rust free examples in other states haha!

 

[Crush 4]

Sell it! I’m like you with OCD and have spent many hours on my back scraping wire brushing and using every coating known to man to still not be content with the result. That coupled with fighting every nut and bolt when doing repairs has built a behavior to buy vehicles that haven’t seen salt and living in Michigan, have a winter vehicle and store the vehicles I care about if you can afford it

 

[Sethro60]

If it's not causing any mechanical issues, drive it into the 300K range. Worrying about a little rust on a Cruiser is pure vanity.

 

[QsLC75]

May I offer you a different perspective?
I purchased an immaculate 100 from Houston, Texas in 2013. I daily drive my 100 while living in NC then moving to OH, VA, and now northwestern PA. It is also the primary vehicle we drive on long trips (600+ miles) and when in bad weather conditions living in the snowbelt of Ohio and PA. Living in northern states as LC owner, I have had to adapt both my car care and mental attitude about rust. I spray all of my winter vehicles with Fluid Film or Wool Wax annually.

Hence at almost 200K miles on your 100, its' past home states, and living in Illinois; I would want to replace the brake lines for safety and sanity. While the AHC is a nice luxury, at some point it will fail. I would take a weekend to replace the brake lines. Then address the surface rust on the frame, remove the OEM skid plates, and commit to yearly rust-preventative spray. When the AHC fails, replace the suspension. In this manner, you can drive it year-round, trust it, and not subject more valuable vehicles to winter. Selling your current and then buying a nicer 100 means subjecting it to Illinois winter road conditions.