Advice on a 2022 - SR5 - 4Runner - Rust

Hi everyone,

Just joined this forum, I see a lot of value in all these conversations !

I'm currently buying (deposit made) a 2022 SR5 - 7 seater from a dealer in Montreal (not Toyota). The truck only has 29,000km and the full warranty is valid until December this year. While inspecting, I noticed (pictures will come in a few days) the badge hatch handle rust issue (https://www.4runners.com/threads/rust-on-rear-hatch-warranty.37242/) and some paint peeling under the license plate attachment points. I'm a bit shocked since the truck is a 2022...I guess I could bring it to a Toyota dealership and try to have it covered after I complete the transaction. This truck never received a rustproofing treatment. Also, I asked to have the truck lifted so that I could check the frame and undercarriage. I'm not used to the BOF vehicle and I saw rust on the frame and components. I would not say significant but it was there...I did not noticed any leaks. Here in the winter they use salt for road maintenance and I think maybe this truck was stored in a garage during the winter (which usually makes it worse for the rust to occur). This week, before I complete the transaction, I was thinking to take it to a garage that only does rustproof to get their opinion on it. I will post pictures in a few days but I was wondering what you guys think...I have a decent price for it. But not sure if I should stay away... If I complete the transaction, the same day it will go in for rustproofing and I was hoping this would be enough to control the issue (with yearly applications). And if anybody knows a good Toyota mechanic in Montreal area, please, let me know ! Thanks for your time !

 

It might be flooded car. Consider walking away.

 

Post pictures here. Some rust is expected after 2 years. Usually first thing to rust in 4Runners is hitch. I've never done any rust protection for my 2010 SR5 and after 11 years there was a lot of rust, I sort of regretted not doing rust protection, but there was no issues with frame or drivetrain. I lost all heat shields due to rust and had to replace neutral switch on transmission, but other than that truck was running just fine. But I never has rust on hatch handle, maybe it just wasn't noticeable on grey. But after 11 years my truck was t-boned on an intersection and totaled as a result, so in my particular case rustproofing would be waste of money : ) But I took my new 2022 4Runner in rust proofing shop for fluid film application. There were no rust after 2 years but it got stolen. So if truck was not flooded and hasn't been in accidents I would probably used that hatch rust as price negotiation point and fix it myself if price is good.

 

Thanks a lot for the feedback. I’ll post pictures as soon as I can. I just watch a few vids on fluid film, that’s interesting. And with a tube you can spray some of it inside the frames holes.

 

I paid about $150 CAD for fluid film application, saved me a lot of troubles. But smell stays for probably 3 weeks, and fluid film gets everywhere, I spent lots of paper towels cleaning doors, door handles and liftgate : )

 

I’m going on 6 years in service with zero rust on the frame/body. Location plays a big part.

 

Hi guys,

I finally opted for a 2021 with similar mileage. It was rustproofed, didn't have the rust hatch handle issue and after inspecting the rear hatch, it was in much better shape. The 2022 had rust on the inside mechanism. I attached some pictures. Thanks for the help !