Would you be scared? Underbody coating on '02 LX470

[rockitman]

I'm looking at a 2002 LX470 from the midwest with low mileage. BUT it has some type of plasticized coating on the underbody.

Owner says it was applied when new and was reapplied where necessary.

Kind of makes me concerned that if moisture/salt penetrated anywhere, the coating would look fine but beyond that it could be a real mess. Heck, it's a 23 year-old vehicle.

Would you be concerned?

How on earth do you check for worst case scenario?

TIA

- Todd

 

[rmspider16]

You’ll probably get much better advice with some pics so the members can see what it looks like. I’m in Utah, so I coat all my vehicles in Surface Shield every year. Stays wet vs the hard coatings. I have heard some issues with the permanent barrier types with getting salt/water/rust under and it rotting from inside out.

 

[rockitman]

Great idea, thank you.

Here are pics.

 

[GTV]

IMO it was covered for a reason. I wouldn’t buy it.

 

[delz05]

Looks fine to me... being in the Northeast, any frame without rot holes is in good condition. These pictures show nothing but simple surface oxidation that hes been coated to prevent corrosion. i am sure a few hours of clean-up (pressure wash, sand/grind, rust kill and paint) would keep that frame in near mint condition, based only on what pictures you have provided.

 

[Super77]

That looks like rattlecan undercoating. It’s ok on wheel wells and smaller parts, but I’d avoid a vehicle that was completely sprayed with it. The question of rust aside, it will make a mess of electrical connectors, hard line fittings, hose clamps, and any hardware that gets gooped. If there is a seller lets you, take a small screwdriver to an inconspicuous part. Spraycan undercoating will scrape off easily and be less than 1/16” thick.

 

[excessive]

i think i see rust under the undercoating, which is the main reason why you don't want to do this. the rust keeps growing under there and will eventually return with a vengeance. I also see shiny new exhaust, which means the old one probably rusted away

 

[rockitman]

Excellent insight, guys. THANK YOU.

I will let this one go. It's got less than 80k miles but wants $30,000. This is the reason everyone has lowballed him IMHO.

 

[Kabanstva]

Offer him $4,000 cash and go from there

 

[Aracobuilt]

I know the mileage is low but for $30,000 I would definitely pass. With that amount you have much better options. I would only take the risk if it was a high mileage truck for under $5,000.