Corrosion - Opinions

Hi All,

I am looking at a 2018 Tacoma on the east coast. The paint doesn't show any signs of bubbling, but there is some corrosion in the undercarriage (leaf springs, Bilstein shocks, exhaust, etc.). Does this look problematic?

 

Doesn't look problematic yet.
But will be if left alone and no corrosion preventative applied.

The way it sits. It's fine. Nothing I see to worry about.
Good luck on the purchase.

 

Looks normal for being 7 years old. Expect to replace the chopstick-sized Bilstein shocks and leaf packs due to wearout and sag.

 

+1. Same thinking here.

If you buy it, be sure to address that corrosion or it'll eat the truck alive in a few years.

 

Decent for a salt belt truck. Hit the frame and non replaceable items with a wire brush, top off with a rattle can and follow up with some wool wax.

I do the frame/undercarriage maintenance every fall. I don’t worry too much about bolt on items. The brackets that hold wiring/brake lines rusted on my way home from the dealer!

My truck is a 2019 with 31k and garage kept. The Northeast is not kind to vehicles.

 

Hard pass, for me. Look at the plugs on the rocker area, they are leaking rust. That isnt on the surface, that is inside the inner rockers. Dont walk away... RUN. Dont get emotionally attached to vehicles, they are a tool, and an investment. Buy the best you can, and protect that investment with corrosion protections ASAP. Good luck in your choice. Ski

 

I'm in the middle on this one.

I'm not sure if skidooboy is on to something, or not...but it bears further checking. Pop out the plugs (with the seller's permission) and check inside with a flashlight to see how it looks.

Even assuming that's OK, I'd expect the seller to discount the truck some OR he needs to be the one to spend a few hours addressing the issue.

When I was looking at trucks in Indiana of roughly the same age, I would have been thrilled to find one as good as that one. I ended up having to drive a full day south to get out of the rust belt and find a good one.

 

Good catch. My eyes went right to the frame. So, your saying it’s internal and not just surface rust?

 

I just don't understand why people pay good money for vehicles in the north and will not invest $100-150.00 every other year for rust proofing... makes me wonder if they skimp on other maintenance ?

 

I agree I get my truck done every year with Krown and well worth the money as I see so many vehicles up here getting eaten with cancer that it is sickening. Like mentioned what is 100 - 150 for rust proofing to loss of value because of rust.

 

I don't get it either. Even if you don't keep your vehicle for a long time (whatever that may be) it seems getting your money back (plus some?) would be easy. If things change and you do need to keep your vehicle, you don't have a rust bucket.
When I was 17 I bought a 1983 Mazda RX7, and it had a Ziebart coating from the previous owner. While that type of rubberized undercoating is no longer preferred- that car looked so good I had people asking to buy it, or wanting a call when I did.

 

Better than Rusty Jones….

 

I remember back it 70-80 Ziebart treatment I had my 74 Datsun 260 z , 79 GMC done and they lasted years. Sold the Z in 2009 and had no rust under or anywhere else and got a good buck for it. Same with 79 sold it back in 90. So it proves rust protection is a good investment.

 

My new 1982 Subaru hatchback had Rusty Jones a yellowish brown color and with a consistency like soft wax.

 

Purchased a 2018 less than a year ago. Might have been a little worse than that one. BUT....... I have a lift. So after kind of living under it for 3 days you would think it's a new truck. I did a lot of it with wire brush/wheel and chassis saver paint. Then went after it with the wool wax. Removed every single plug and used the long reach tube. Went through about 2 gallons or better. So happy I did this. I really like tacomas and this one being the end of the 4wd access cabs made it worth while. YMMV

 

If this is a short term vehicle <5 years and the price is right ($ discount for the corrosion), go for it. If you intend to keep it longer, I would look for a rust free example. That is how I would approach that.

 

Especially the Z. I bought one in 1991 that was 10 yrs old, beater car in the first place. Before I found the underneath rot, that is. Yikes.

 

I concur that the frame and body rust should be routinely addressed if you live in the rust belt and your intentions are keeping the truck for the long haul. But some of that rust is normal (i.e. exhaust system rust) and is to be expected. Good luck with your purchase efforts.