looking at a 1991 4runner that has rust on A-frame

Hey everyone,

I'm going to look at a 4runner tomorrow. Super keen on the car but it has some rust issues.

I was just wondering if you guys think its still worth getting if I'm getting it for a good price?

I'll attach some pics of the rust. I'd appreciate any and all advice.

Thanks for reading. Let me know if anyone can help me out!

 

Almost never. You need to show more pictures.

 

Is it just that one area or more? How is the frame? Personally I would never buy a vehicle with rust like that.

 

okay, thanks for getting back to me! Will upload more pics. Was thinking maybe I could just get a new guard? what do you reckon?

 

And apparently there are 2 areas of rust. The other area kinda looks like surface rust though. Will attach pic. Thanks for getting back to me. Appreciate it!

 

Did you crawl under it and take a good look at the frame? That might answer your question...

 

Hey mate! Nah I haven't been to inspect the car yet. Am going to check it out later today. I will make sure to crawl under and check the frame properly for rust. If its just panel/cosmetic rust on the guard/door etc do you reckon its worth it? I looked online and I think I can get a replacement guard for AU$100. And yea hoping the rust on the doors isn't too bad and I can just sand it back/treat it.

 

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly everyone!! Truly appreciate the advice and wisdom

 

That rust looks like it has completely eaten thru the panel. The only way to fix that is cut it out, weld a good piece in or replace panel. Or you can always bondo it. I would pass myself. If the panels are that eaten up, I am sure the frame won't be in that great of condition either.

 

Tell the owner get his ass under there and take a pic. If he doesn't want to move on.

 

Yeah. You need to inspect that frame really well.

There is always way more rust that you can't see.

 

Thanks for all the comments everyone! Really appreciate it. Yea trlhiker thats a very good point. Think i'm still going to go check it out, cause who knows fingers crossed that its just the guard thats heavily rusted. But yea you're right its likely theres more underlying rust. Really hoping the man upstairs is on my side today and the frame is in good condition haha

 

And yea Dillusion thats a good point as well. He's at work so he can't take pics and im catching the train to sydney from newcastle so might just have to roll the dice with this one without the underside pics

 

Negusm. Yea im going to give it a proper look over. In your exprience with 4runners where are some of the major rust spots to look for on the underside of the car? Should I be able to see the majority of the rust or is sometimes internal? I'm bringing a scredriver to hopefully have a whack around to see how bad the rust is in parts. Let me know if anyones got any tips! cheers for all the help everyone

 

Not sure on this generation specifically.

But on any car with a frame, it's all about the frame. Front to back. Body mounting points to the frame rust badly. Suspension mounting points to the frame rust badly.

Remember, a car with rust comes with bolts and fasteners and straps and clamps that will all be rusted and a PAIN IN THE ASS to work on.

I am done working on rusted cars. It's always a fight.

 

Sorry man but anyone who wants to sell a vehicle will take pics for you. He don't work 24/7.