I'm considering a 2003 GX470 from a private party in Ohio.

I requested frame photos and this is what they sent.

Opinions please. I'm from GA so we don't ever have rust down here.

How bad is it, can it be fixed and If so how much? Is it bad enough to pass from buying it? How long before it really becomes an issue and rots in half?

I haven't ever had a vehicle with rust so I'm hoping some of you guys can advise. It's an elder couple original owners with 120xxx miles on the clock. It looks like there is some more damage up front but I'm not sure the old guy can squeeze under there to get better pics because he's old lol. They did perform a dealer 90k service though.

 

living in NJ this is what they can look like after 11 years. Not really that bad. It's not like the rust will eat through and the axle will fail. I have been keeping up with mine by spray painting some of these spots over the years and going through car washes that spray the underside. If you think you may keep the truck for another 15 years you might pass? If not, there are more important things to check on, like the condition of the air suspension components in the rear.

 

If I were you, I'd just wait for something local and in better condition. Common sense tells us that it's never good to have rust on metal.

 

Agreed. I would 100% pass on that one. If there is that much visible rust then there may be a lot more that you can't see. Save yourself the hassle and wait for one in better shape.

 

Do you still live in Georgia? I would avoid anything from the northeast like the the plague. They get eaten up a little too quickly in my opinion. Even cars native to Colorado here fare better than they do from up there!

 

Agree that is normal for a 10+ years old car in northeast snow and salt area. It is not that bad. Also agree that there are more other concerned areas to check for a 10+ year GX. If you can take care it a bit regularly, the rust will grow slowly.

 

I have been looking at gx470. They seem high, 2003-2005 models still priced at 15-17k. This guy with the 03 I'm asking advice on only wants 12k with 118k miles.

It also has grey interior. Hard to find. I hate the white cream color interior.

Is there a frame recall on GX like the Tacoma or Tundra?

Also, he says they have annual safety inspections in Ohio but he hasn't been required to get one is that true?

I like the car just not the rust. If I got him talked down do you guys think it may be worth saving some money? The saving money part weighs heavily on the decision (when doesn't it lol)

Would there be a way to stop the rust if it was only surface rust and not scaling rust, with the intention of keeping the vehicle another 10 years perhaps?

 

Just spray the rust spots with either rubberized undercoating or rust oleum spray paint, the frame is not going to fall apart, that is just surface rust.

 

I would be more concerned with looking at air bags and ht sensors...

 

that rust will not be a problem

 

I know where the airbags are , what about the height sensors?

If I did purchase it, I would rust convert the spots and rust oleum paint over.

What say you guys? 12k a good deal, or try for less?

 

Try him at $10k. Tell him your concern with the rust.

 

That's what I was thinking. Here's a front frame shot. Nothing I feel I can't address and save some money. I'll take a road trip and enjoy the scenery with the wife regardless.

Any more advice or comments?

 

10K, even with the rust...the thing will run forever

 

I will see what happens. I plan on looking at it Tuesday. Hopefully he's a little bit negotiable. He says it's his wife's car and the title is in her name so its her decision. She likes it but wants something brand new. He also will be out of town so it will be his wife and oldest son doing the negotiating. I will try to do what I can.

Would you fellow members still consider it a good deal at 12k?