Rust question, and a thank you to all for previous info
Hi. I've recently been looking at used 4Runners and Highlanders, which led me to this forum. First I would like to thank all of you who have posted info about rusty frames. I looked at a 1998 4Runner this weekend. It had all maintenance records, had timing belt replaced at 91k (6k ago), new tires, and was really a nice vehicle. Because of threads here, I climbed under and looked at the frame. Sure enough, I found a spot near the muffler where the paint was holding the inside of the frame together, and when I pushed, it fell inside. So, I didn't buy it. Otherwise I might have.
My question is, what all years were affected? Is it all First Gen? Did this issue get rectified sooner? Was it ever? Does it still happen?
Runners aren't really effected by rust as far as model years. They are effected by place of sale... If they spent most of their life in New England they will be rusty. If they were sold in Calif and spent most of their life there, they will be fine.
If all the runners in your area seem to be rusted out you may have to look in another state.
Runners aren't really effected by rust as far as model years. They are effected by place of sale... If they spent most of their life in New England they will be rusty. If they were sold in Calif and spent most of their life there, they will be fine.
If all the runners in your area seem to be rusted out you may have to look in another state.
Thanks for the reply. I've read a few posts in this forum though that suggest the 4Runners had a problem similar to the Tacomas. I'll see if I can get a link. One of them had a picture of a rusted out frame on a 4Runner, on the inside near the muffler. Because of that pic, I checked the same place on the 1998 4Runner I test drove, and it was rusted through in the same place. Someone suggested that it was due to a lack of drain holes in the frame.
Yes I agree, they can rust but Toyota has not issued a recall like they did on the Tacoma's. The frames are different and were made by different companies I believe. So yes they will rust but I don't think they deteriorate as fast as the Taco's did and that's why Toyota has not stepped up as of yet.
I think if you bought a 4runner with little to no rust you would have a great truck that would last another 10 years.
The Following User Says Thank You to kball For This Useful Post:
Yes I agree, they can rust but Toyota has not issued a recall like they did on the Tacoma's. The frames are different and were made by different companies I believe. So yes they will rust but I don't think they deteriorate as fast as the Taco's did and that's why Toyota has not stepped up as of yet.
I think if you bought a 4runner with little to no rust you would have a great truck that would last another 10 years.
Thanks for the reply. Lots of good info in your link too. I just wonder why it appears as though many 4Runners have rusted frames in the same area as the Tacoma, since they were built by different companies?
I'll definitely be checking the frames closely as I shop, whatever the year.
Thanks for the reply. Lots of good info in your link too. I just wonder why it appears as though many 4Runners have rusted frames in the same area as the Tacoma, since they were built by different companies?
I'll definitely be checking the frames closely as I shop, whatever the year.
Either the drainage for the water is bad, or ownes don't wash/wax them enough. Honestly, for a good job washing any vehicle you're going to get wet and/or dirty and also be tired after the job.
Either the drainage for the water is bad, or ownes don't wash/wax them enough. Honestly, for a good job washing any vehicle you're going to get wet and/or dirty and also be tired after the job.
It seems they are rusting from the inside, so yes, drainage. I just don't understand how that could be missed.
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