new in the 4runners, TRD PRO 2021, 100k miles rust acceptable?

I’ve been saving for years to get my 4Runner, and now I’m finally test-driving a 2021 TRD Pro with 100K miles from CarMax here in New England. There’s some rust underneath, but nothing that looks too serious to me. What do you think? What should I do to make sure this thing stays solid and reliable for years to come?

 

Uhm...If it was me I would keep looking. Look at the diff and the shaft flange......

If you go for it, be prepared to spend a good amount to remove all the rust and get it "professionally" coat it with the good stuff not just fluid film or the once a year type maintenance materials. Get a solvent based type material that is applied evenly and provides several years of protection. Good luck!

 

Welcome

 

welcome

 

Mostly confined to the weld seams, but this vehicle has the aforementioned rust plus above-average miles. You’re paying a hefty premium for a C-pillar badge, shocks, and loud exhaust, and have been waiting for years, so no harm in waiting a little longer for a more worthy steed.

If you plan on keeping this one for the long haul, why not save a ton of money for mods & future repairs, and just shop an OR Premium in better condition for less dough. Spend 34 bucks to swap Pro badges, and nobody will know the difference, or even care.

 

That's what most 5 yr old 100k mile Toyotas in the Northeast look like underneath.

If you want a 5yr old rust-free 4Runner you are shopping in the wrong geography.

 

^^^This
I expected worse for a New England vehicle

 

That could be a Certified Used Vehicle on a Toyota dealer lot in southern Ontario. Soaking the frame and body annually with Fluid Film or Krown should halt the rust's progress and the dirt sticking to it will camouflage any visible rust.

 

i’m curious more about how much they’re asking for a four year-old vehicle with 100,000 miles on it

 

Looks to be in good condition for 100k miles in New England!

As 4Hopper said, the Pro trims tend to be bad value for the money when buying used. The Fox shocks probably need a rebuild at 100k miles as well.

 

Welcome

 

There are areas that are more prone to corrosion that are not readily visible and should be checked. Crossmember under radiator, fuel tank straps, spare tire hoist, etc.

But from your pictures, not bad for the northeast. A Wool Wax treatment would be a good idea if you purchase the truck.

 

Pass.

 

Yeah pass and keep saving and looking for a nicer one .

 

I'm curious to know what the asking price is for this?

 

Maybe there isn't one. Maybe mmagnus is figuring out what to offer to kickstart a negotiation. Everything else being equal, a "nicer one" typically commands a more serious offer.

 

If it’s anything like the market around me, too much. 2024s are being listed for more than they sold for new.

 

Carmax always lists a price.

 

It doesn’t look too bad as long as the price is decent. Spray it down with fluid film or surface shield and it will slow down that rust.

 

I checked carmax.com and I couldn't find any 2021 4Runner with around 100,000 miles in the north east. Maybe it isn't listed online.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! It's a shame... someone had the money to buy a 'Pro', but not enough left to get the under-side treated when bought new. First thoughts on seeing the pics here tell me... clean it up or have someone clean up the rust and coat it with your favorite rust preventative, but thinking about your situation, I would pass. You waited and saved your hard earned money for years, what's another few months? We live in Wisconsin, and sometimes you'd swear they are putting salt on the roads like they got it free, our 2020 ORP does NOT have 100,000 miles on it, but the frame/underside looks much better. Actually no rust. From new it was taken care of.. Fluid Film every year as a touchup routine. You can do better, keep lookin', they are out there. Good luck.

 

I agree, being from southern Ontario, they also dump salt like it's the end of the world! I had my Pro from brand new and treated it the first day I got it, and looking under it now, it still looks like brand new. Treatment from first day, or before it see's any moisture especially during the winter months is key.
OP, I would hold off, but then again it also depends on the price you can get it at, it may be worthwhile getting it and cleaning it up.

 

OP has disappeared….

 

Hello! Oh, thanks for all the feedback! I wish I had found this forum earlier!

This is the one I’m testing: $40K CarMax listing. I think the price is on the lower end because of the high mileage and visible rust on the frame.


So far, I really like it:

• It’s a TRD Pro — originally I was looking for a TRD Off-Road (maybe Premium), but this trim has grown on me.
• This black is amazing! There are so small scratches, but looks really good overall.
• Clean history based on the VIN number JTELU5JR5M5918407
• The interior looks almost brand new — I’m honestly impressed, and the sunroof, it's awsome!
• The engine bay looks clean and well-kept (though I’m no expert — just going off what I’ve learned online).
• I like the synthetic leather seats.
• The 2021 model has keyless start, which is a nice touch.

Things I don’t love (yet):

• The exhaust note — not really my thing, kind of a flat “bueeee” sound.
  
  
• I’m still unsure about the rust. It’s not catastrophic, but definitely something to consider.

CarMax says it went through their inspection process, so I hope it’s solid overall. And with the lower price, I feel I can invest a bit later in treating the frame and protecting it from further rust.


Timing is tight — I need to buy something this month so I can ship it back to Poland. I’m moving back to the motherland, and while 4Runners are rare in Europe, Toyota parts and Land Cruiser know-how are everywhere. Repairs and maintenance will be much cheaper there too. And the car will face harsh conditions too (very similar to New England).

 

(sorry for the second post, I wanted to post positive things about the car now )

 

$41K seems like too much money for something with 100K miles on it.

 

Crazy but that's what they are going for. Heck i can still get around 35k for my 2019 with 100k, and that's only a depreciation of 8k over 6 years.

And OP, i have seen brand new 4Runners with worse rust.

 

If you are buying to export to Europe, keep in mind that you might have issues registering US car without rip-you-off conversions and so on. Make sure to research what can and cannot be imported first and only then buy.

 

Welcome.

 

I agree. For $40k you could get something with far less miles and build it the way you want to. Some samples below, all black

This one below is nice!
https://www.carmax.com/car/27354944

https://www.carmax.com/car/25254283

https://www.carmax.com/car/26472278

https://www.carmax.com/car/27214150

https://www.carmax.com/car/27079124

https://www.carmax.com/car/27211208

https://www.carmax.com/car/26869807

https://www.carmax.com/car/27214150 (a year newer, Only 27000 miles not 100000)