Buying a 2008 Runner
 

Hi to everyone. I am looking at a 2008 4Runner here: www.topsfieldmotorco.com. I would welcome anyone's feedback on their thoughts.The vehicle looks and runs great. Everything is fine except for a lot of rust on the frame. How much is too much? I had a 99 that had tons of frame rust but it never became an issue. Thank you...

Rust on the frame is no big deal unless you see holes in the metal from the corrosion. The rust is most likely due to the undercarriage wasn't cleaned off if driven when there is salt on the road for snow. It is best to get an undercarriage wash after each snowfall, when the snow is gone and the salt is mostly gone too from the road. Definitely get a good undercarriage cleaning at the end of winter driving, but rust is normal under a 10 year old car, but you can tell if it is excessive enough to cause structural damage. If it is just surface rust, I wouldn't be concerned, but still do the undercarriage cleaning to keep it from getting worse. HOWEVER, if there is any rust in the engine compartment, that can be a real mess, not to the body, but to the components on your engine...wires, etc. Hope this helps!

Thank You
 

Thanks Knight for your post. I passed on that particular 4Runner on the advice of an owner of a body shop who had done work for me. I wound up buying a 2005 later that day and though the frame was pretty rusty I've had no problems with it so far...

Did you take a hammer or screwdriver to the frame during your inspections??
I believe there was a recall on 4runner frames similar to Tacoma frames rusting prematurely

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/T.../RWD%25252FAWD

Just a visual
 

Seller put it on a lift. I did a visual. Obvious rust but nothing that stood out. Runner runs great and has been trouble free...

I really would like to buy new but just don't like the price or looks...