Rust assessment

Hi all. I’m considering buying a 2001 Tundra. It’s at 260k miles and has lived in MT and WY. Price is $4k. There’s definitely rust on the undercarriage but i didn’t see any holes. Was wondering if you all have any thoughts on how problematic the rust looks in the photos. Thanks!

 

hard to say for sure with that amount of mud on it. But it doesn't look too bad. I'm also from Wisconsin so my version of "not too bad" is different from someone from the south. So take that with a grain of salt...pun intended.

Some of these got an undercoating during the frame recall that can mask rust as well.

 

Surface rust.

 

I'll also chime in with a not so bad evaluation.

Check out some of the really rust prone areas though. The x crossmember above the spare tire and the lowest point where the front frame rails swoop down under the cab. Both spots are known for holding moisture and debris, accelerating rust in those areas.

Take an awl or small screwdriver with you and give any suspect areas a tappy-tap and pokey poke. If your hand goes in up to your wrist, its too far gone.

 

This may shock some people but I'm not bothered so much by what I'm seeing rust-wise. I would be a bit cautious about the fact it looks like the rear driver's side wheel seals may be leaking. Ask if it's been repaired, get any repair records, ask when timing belt/water pump was last done, mile-wise.

Price is not horrible, I'd love to see where the X-shaped crossmember over the spare tire meets the frame, and also see any place on the inner framerails where Toyota riveted in extra fasteners, there's usually one up under the cab (near rear of cab). Big thing you need to be looking for is delamination (flaking off in sheets) and warping (wavy ends to the metal).

Generally speaking though ... $4k, hell man, even if you gotta do the timing belt, even if the valve covers are gushing oil, the fact there's still a LOT of factory black matte paint poking through says a lot, and it's hard to argue with that price.

 

I like it. Like others have said poke around with a screwdriver on some spots just to check, but being from the northeast and seeing my fair share of rotted out frames, that looks pretty good!

 

I'd say that looks pretty damn good for a truck that's 23 yrs old and was actually driven 11k+ mi p/yr through 4 seasons.
Trucks around here look like that after 5 yrs.
Take the advise of the other 1st gen owners here on what other maint items to look for. I don't think the rust is concerning.

 

Thanks a bunch everybody! I’ll poke around with a screwdriver in addition to taking it to a mechanic. Current owner recently inherited it from the first owner sans records, so flying blind in that regard. Truly appreciate the help!

 

Definitely have them check the timing belt. Point out the oil staining at the end of the axle tube. I'd consider replacing the little $10 breather "wart" vent that's sticking up from the rear diff, favoring the passenger side.

It's typical to have valve cover leaks, expect to redo those, I can link you up with a ton of info on that. Other leaks aren't horribly common, maybe cam seals, typically never any oil pain, rear main seal or similar. I take it you've already seen the 'looking for a Tundra' megathread, and that led you here, so I won't link you up with that. If not, LMK.

 

Looks better than my truck that spent much of its life in Utah.

 

Looks pretty normal for mountain west. The two I've owned, and all the others I've worked on, look similar. That is - not much to worry about - really more surface and not structural.

JakeJake had good advice, check some of those areas too.

 

Doesn't look bad to me. Looks pretty good actually. Clean the mud off and fluid film it.