UK 4Runner vs Japan Surf - Corrosion

[sosidge]

Hi, wonder if I could get a little feedback on a few of the vehicles I've been out to see in the last couple of days.

My main query is about corrosion on the underside of a UK 4Runner. The one I have seen has a heavy surface rust on almost every suspension and chassis component. By contrast, all the import Surf's I've seen, even the ropey ones, have a near-mint underside, with most components still black.

I'm unlikely to see many 4Runners myself to compare since it is a pretty rare car, so I'm wondering if the amount of rust on this car is unusual, and whether it is an indication of soon-to-come MOT problems.

Also, could you give me an idea of whether I've got my head screwed on about what is a fair price?

I've seen (all dealer cars)...

£2500 - L-plate 3.0TD Surf SSR-something, 150k km, lots of minor panel damage, no standard alloys, signs of break-in damage, no stereo, torn upholstery, broken radio antenna. Underside and engine bay seems in good condition. This seems like an OK price if you are willing to take on a tattier vehicle.

£3500 - M-plate 4Runner 3.0 Turbo D, good condition for age but no history, 120k miles, underside very rusty to my eyes. Also seems an OK price for a UK car.

£4000 - L-plate 2.4TD Surf, decent condition, non-standard alloys. Seems a bit on the high side

£5000 - 1994 3.0TD Surf (2nd gen), good interior and exterior condition. This seems a bit high to me but also seems to be a popular price for the local specialists to charge for similar vehicles.

Thanks.

[That Ruddy Squirrel]

I think you need to bear in mind that UK 4runners have had to survive 10+ years of our salted roads etc, whereas the Surfs have only seen a couple.

I would suggest getting a Surf, then getting it up on a ramp and give it a huge dose of Waxoyl.


Trev

[internetsurfer]

my surf is as clean as a brand new model . the same as was my import celica gt4 , compared to the uk models the imports are generally in better condition with less miles.i paid 8k for my surf with 9.5k on its clocks.

[John h]

Having regularly trundled up and down the A1 the colour of the road around Bishop Aukland had a permanent layer of salty sand tinge ! Japanese roads are not treated with de-icing rock salt hence clean under-body and chassis apparently any rust that does form has come from 'extended use-off-roading etc' our only UK bought Forerunner started to show rot exactly 3months after the 6year warranty ran out ! rear chassis and tail gate the first to go

[andycook]

my N-reg 4runner is pretty brown underneath - compared to a nice pristine surf!

Every summer i jet spray under, wirebrush and waxyol it, to limit further corrosion.

I bought it off mate 2 yrs ago, with 138k miles on clock for £3000

Body work needed tidying up a bit.
It had passed MOT.
but i replaced warped discs, track rods, CV boot gaiter
and many other bits and peices since
it had service history - but recorded oil changes something 7-8 k miles

dont think 2 yrs down line, i would pay 3k for it!

or 3 1/2 K for vehicle with no history

the salty roads, esp here in scotland will attack underside - unless previous owners made effort to coat it in paint or waxyol

[truckarms]

I have had no problems with the under body of my 4runner however I would say that the nuts and bolts need a good spray of wd40 or better before you can get them loose due to the build up of rust etc.
Also the bottom sills (or is it cill) on my front doors are a bit rusty, drives side is the worst, when I broken one of my rear wheel arch fiber galss bits there was some rust bubbling under that too, so I would say the Jap ones are probably better from that point of view.
Personally having been in both I would say buy a jap one, the small extra hassle you will occasionally get with Insurance companies etc is worth it, as you will get aircon rear spoiler and other options which dont come on the 4runner unless you are very very very very very very lucky

[mud-ge]

the only comparison i have, is a mates 4 runner which is on an N plate ,and this is as rusty as an old horse shoe, but my m plate surf appears to be ten years younger,still a great truck though.

[Koi]

All depends on how any previous owner has looked after it.
My Runner is in good nick and as said you get A fresh import Surf or one thats only been over here a short while thats never seen a salt gritted road in its life. The Runner spent all its life in the UK so I don't think its a fair comparison.
As for the prices you have quoted, it depends where you are and how much of a stealer the dealer is. Check out the for sales threads on here to get a rough idea of prices.

[SPEEDYSQUIRES]

My 12 yr old Jap Surf is mint, 40k miles, not a mark anywhere!!! Had it waxoiled before it was mot'd & run on UK roads, should run for years.......

[BETRAYAL]

how much will it cost to get it wax oiled?

[bundubasher]

A thin layer of rust is the only thing holding my 4Runner together!

On my vehicle the serious rust is:

Around the back window weatherstrips - top corners.

Tailgate window weatherstrip area.

Behind ALL of the 4 fibreglass flares.

The winder for the spare

And of course the exhaust pipe.

Ask Rusty - he had a good look at the underneath of my truck before it left the UK.

[SPEEDYSQUIRES]

how much will it cost to get it wax oiled?

Should cost around £100, bought mine from a dealer had it done foc as part of the deal.

[BETRAYAL]

ok thanks, new guitar on the wish list first im afraid

[amethyst]

ok thanks, new guitar on the wish list first im afraid

be best to do it before the winter m8.. or the rots gonna get ya....

[M35A2]

Mine is mint underneath too. I'm going to give the underside a good clean and then underseal it. Then am going to waxoil the chassis. I've got the gun and a compressor to do the job.