Rust Question

Looking at buying a 2002 with 171k miles for 9k. Two questions

Is it normal for the brake pedal to need alot of "pressure". I have a 2020 Tacoma and the brakes are sensitive, so im not sure if it just me.

Does this look like rust underneath? (car comes from CO)

 

It does look like rust. but it may be just surface rust. can you take closer look photo? if surface rust only, this can be treated and protected, so it will not spread this rust any further. Is this colorado? I see another license plate looks like CO plate..

 

Yes its Colorado. The car has all the service records dating back to the original so I assumed they cared for it.

 

Where you check rust? above spare tire. many people will not check there. that is where all dirt, rust, mud will stay and rust. if cross member above spare tire has only surface rust, this may be good condition. Remember, surface rust only. if you can take rust off with wire brush, that will be a good indication it is only surface.

 

I don't see any real rust. I see "patina".

 

Mind if I ask what makes you say that? (im new to this)

 

Rust is real bumpy/scaly stuff. The outlines of the frame and parts will look "blobby". From the pic, it looks like I can discern the edges of everything for the most part.

So what I see is surface rust. The muffler looks a bit rusty...but it's a muffler. Those always rust quick but it looks like it might still be solid.

You have to investigate though. I'm from the internet. I could be wrong.

 

Here...bad rust for you to compare to:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/help-new-buyer.16711/

 

Thank you so much.

 

I bought my '15 4R Trail local (NC) but it was from Colorado also. There was minimal rust underneath. I live along the coast and drive on the beach frequently and am familiar with rust. The pics you show look good. The statement look under the spare tire is a good one and make sure the spare will come off but it is not the only area, check the kick plates under the doors. The spare tire design sucks on all and I have owned all but a gen 3 4R. Your description sounds good to me and the pics look just fine. The surface rust in the pic would not concern me. I bought a '06 online (dealer said rust wasn't bad *&#$@) from WV and sold it a year later, trucks bought from areas where salt is frequently used on the roads has to be the worst. Colorado's salt usage seems to be infrequent. Double check and good luck

 

I came across this older thread...as it reminded me of a friend's 4runner, that had similar severe rust problems...which eventually, instead of replacing sections, that vehicle was completely parted out. I myself, would never purchase a badly rusted vehicle...and coming from the Isuzu world, Lord knows, I've seen my share of badly rusted out Troopers, Rodeos, etc..D.O.A.