To buy or not to buy….in the rust belt

I’m looking at a 2014 w/ 150k miles. The price is right but it spent most of its life in NY and is now in Ohio *sigh*. I plan on undercoating it right away but now I’m worried it may be too bad. I love this rig but I need some opinions from fellow 4runner owners before I purchase. Let me down easy….

 

Welcome! The pics look lie mostly surface rust but hands on underneath might tell you more. The fact that the frame holes don't appear to be clogged is a plus. Climb aboard a creeper or get it on a lift and tap and probe a bit. It doesn't look terrible but are there any maintenance records to help you out?

 

Looks pretty good for a 2014.

 

It has a lot of maintenance records. Just the usual stuff seemed to be taken care of.

 

Should be alright if there's no rust holes. Is that KDSS cylinder strapped to the frame? Why does it say Yamaha, do Yamaha make the system?

 

Can you take it to a shop and put up on a lift and have someone give you a real opinion? I wish I knew more about how to say how bad it is.

My question to a mechanic would be theoretically how much longer does this have in the rust belt.

 

Is there any way you can afford something newer and treat the frame from the beginning?

I remember somewhere I read that these I treated frames get about 10 years. It’s sad really to see that much rust on a 2014. I don’t know how it is structurally though.

I have been debating buying an additional 4Runner for everyday use in Michigan with the Same winter conditions and salt you have in Ohio. I love them but gosh not sure I want to risk having no frame left even if fluid film it each year.

 

Look INSIDE frame !