Is this much rust a problem?

Doesn’t change the fact that your anal af if your concerned about a smidge of surface rust. A smidge. Just a smidge. Lord have mercy.

Actually second thought I’d scrap the whole damn truck with that amount of rust it’s damn sure not safe.

 

Appreciate the input everyone. Going to pick it up tomorrow.

I agree that I would definitely rather have no rust at all, but it seems like this is an acceptable amount that's not going to compromise the truck in any way. I'll wire brush and rust protect it.

 

Thank you. Spend 2 minutes painting the rust and move along. Nothing to panic or part the truck out over.

 

I think it's been in the tide. JMO

 

What would make you think that? Carfax is clean. 2 owners. Serviced every 5k. Like I said, it spent a few years in Massachusetts.

You suggesting I avoid it?

 

Mass. explains it. I didn't see that mentioned. I'm on a coast and see salt solid rust vs. surface. It's not a biggie, mine's been in it several times, not going to report to Carfax every time I've ran a road under tide.

 

It’s probably fine but to be honest, any period of time in the rust belt is enough to start a vehicle frames destruction. I went and looked at a Toyota that spent like 3 years in NY then the rest of its life out west and the frame was destroyed.

The only area I’d be concerned is in your photo that shows the square hole with the sandwiched pieces of frame visible on the inside. Stick a finger up in there and feel around. If it’s nice and smooth it’s probably fine. If it’s crusty then rust has set in. Now that doesn’t mean the frame is toast, but it does mean you will need to spray the inside of the frame with rust prevention asap, or if it falls under the Toyota rust campaign take it to the dealer and have them spray it.

 

It's enough to, at the very least, raise concerns and I would want to see way more than is shown in the photos. There are things that might be hidden. Probably not, but maybe. And who knows how it will progress in the next few years. Also true is there are plenty of things you can do to fix it, as has been mentioned in the thread many times. Wire brush, fluid film, painting over it, etc etc etc the list goes on and all these are valid options. But none of these things are as easy or as guaranteed as just buying a truck that's rust free to begin with. You have no money invested, you have nothing at risk, so why start with a disadvantage? If you already owned the truck, that's different. I wouldn't tell you to dump it or anything. But you're starting fresh here. Are you in a rush? How long do you plan to keep it? Lifetime or flipping it in 3 years? How long have you been searching? Is this the first truck you've looked at or have you been scouring the earth for months to try and find just this combo? The last thing you want is to get impatient and pull the trigger too early just because you think you found "the one" and end up dealing with bullshit in a few years if it gets worse.

 

A 4WD 2nd gen with low miles isn't very common in my area. The price is right and it's coming from Carmax which is usually a pretty safe place to buy. It was also a certified preowned previously (I would be the 3rd owner) and from my research, that CPO warranty is automatically transferred to me. So right price, low miles, 4WD, extremely clean, and warranty till 2024/100k is all pretty appealing. I do agree with you on the rust situation. Would much rather there be none. But if it's something I can easily work through and repair, it may be worth it to have the extra hassle in the beginning. Planning on keeping this till dies. Hopefully 200k.

 

You need to pump up your expectations. If my truck died back when it was at 200k I would have been pissed

I know you say they aren't that common but how long have you been searching? DCSB are the most common Taco. I searched for 6 months before I found mine and looked at countless. Driving 3 hours was normal to check one out. But I was in no rush.

Everybody thinks they're uncommon in their area. Truth is they just don't last long because they get scooped up hours after posting. Gotta watch craigslist and autotrader etc like a hawk multiple times per day and be prepared to pounce.

 

2 minutes! Ha! You should see what I’ve been doing to my 15 for the last couple of weeks to combat the surface rust... lots of welds to chip and work to be accomplished to get rid of the rust...