Is this amount of rust OK?

I bought my 2017 in 2020 and the rust wasn’t too bad, but it was approaching the condition of your pics. I power washed it down really well then used WoolWax. It legit looks like a brand new truck underneath now and it hasn’t been a crazy amount of work. I wouldn’t let it scare you off. It’s on Michigan roads every winter.

 

More than the rust you need to have the dealer check the coolant crossover pipe behind the engine for signs of (Pink Corrosion = LEAKING) also check the timing case cover for leaks. Tell them you want a visual inspection that requires putting on the hoist to properly shine a light on the crossover pipe to inspect. These are the 2 biggies ($$$) that fail.
While on the hoist inspect for any other leaks while under it.
The rust would not be that big of concern for me IMO. The others i described, Hell yes!

 

2020 oil sparayed with Krown once a year, well worth it for the amount of salt it sees every winter.

 

The OP said they are not negotiating price, "he has tried everything". As far as the mid skid plate, the Sport pkg doesnt have that. Ski

 

We have all gave opinions, most you dont seem to like. My advice again is, pass on this one, look for a newer, cleaner unit, if you want it to last. For reference, I will include similar pics of my 2019 Sport. I live in Michigan, and it was protected from the first week with Fluid film, wool wax, and or surface shield every fall. These trucks are not cheap, dollar wise. Make a good choice, not a bad one you may regret. Also, look at your pic of the front skid closely... in the center is a shiny black lift area of a crossmember... it was either replaced, or was covered in oil from oil changes but, it is the only thing up there not rusted. I didn't post a pic of mine there due to I have the TRD skid plate, and you wouldn't be able to see much. My front suspension has zero rust, looks brand new, for reference. Ski

 

OP, I would follow this advice it is the best post IMO!

 

My 2020 would look nearly like that if not for me treating it with fluid film with 8 rattle cans the first year Before it ever seen a central PA winter. I go over it every fall with about 3 more cans to recover what gets washed off. Here they have switched to mostly pre treating roads with brine and putting salt down when it gets more than just a little snow. I think the Brine is worse than just salt. Mine still looks close to that in places I dont spray like the brake Drums and around the front brakes.

The rust on that 2019 is not doing structural damage yet, it's still surface rust. make a treatment plan is my suggestion if you buy it.

 

I've been using Eastwood products sich as their rust encapsulator for years and they are good products also.

 

Thanks for all the info everyone. It's been really helpful

 

Get a PPI

 

I did. That's who told me it was minor surface rust and sent the pictures. I'm just here getting second opinions from enthusiasts to be diligent. These forums are great.

 

I use Krown every Fall, and my 2019 looks the same. Aside from the oily sheen for a few months, it looks nearly like it did when I bought it with 7 (PDI) miles on it. I like that they use the holes and gaps and get behind body panels too!
I am sure the other brand offerings do well too.

 

Sorry, that is not minor. That's there was nothing ever done to the truck, except maybe a drive through car wash, once in a while. Run, dont walk away from that deal. Ski

 

should be fine. Look into getting your frame fluid filmed. I do it every fall.

 

I get mine Krown every year and no rust anywhere. I check when doing maintenance when it is up on the hoist. Worth the investment cause I see all kinds of trucks rusting to shit up here in the salt country

 

For roughly the same money, maybe a little more, you can fly to Arizona and buy this one:
https://www.larrymillertoyota.com/u...eoria-AZ-c31c94f8ac184ac25d46f13e2cc49d26.htm
It's just an example. At any given time, the Phoenix area Toyota dealers together will collectively have about ten third gen Tacoma 4x4s on the lots. A duckduckgo search will help you find them. Then you can drive it home.

I suspect that a Phoenix area TW member might go look at it for you.

 

It looks mint to me for the northern US. Yeah, it's a bit more rusty than the trucks owned by the freakazoids that frequent this site. I've drunk the fluid film kool-aid too, and I fully blame this site for the brain washing. It's like a cult.

It's not too late for that truck, to make it a fluid film junky. You might try Surface Shield, it's supposed to have naval jelly in it, which should neutralize the rust, or so the crazies say.

 

I would opt for a rust converter then cosmolene. The other crap washes off. Personally I'd shy away from a used rust vehicle

 

My 2018, sprayed yearly with Krown looks almost, about like this. That rust is just on the welds etc, it shouldn't be a worry, especially if you start spraying it. Now..... take a peek up inside the box side around the wheel well/fender flare area. I've krowned yearly and I still had rust there. Had to do some minor bodywork. Look at the lower front of the rear wheel well, where the plastic wheelhouse attaches. That attachment point (a plastic clip with a screw) will chafe the paint off the square hole it's in. What gauge are these box sides? (It's thin) All of them around my wheelwells were like this, rust just starting to spread, cleverly hidden by the fender flare. I look at every Taco I see now, and the majority have rust starting there. (Older 3rd gens)

 

For those who haven't read the entire thread:

The OP is contemplating travelling into the rust belt (Cleveland, specifically) to purchase this truck. They don't live in OH, NY, Michigan, Canada, etc.