4Runner rust vs other manufacturers?

Yep - new here.

Old fart looking for a good beach vehicle (Cape Cod) and have found most USA vehicles to be rust buckets. I have had good luck on the beach with every vehicle I have tried, but virtually all have fallen victim to rustworm.

I am interested in a Gen 4 or 5. Any thoughts on rust with these compared to other manufacturers? What about older generations? Any reliability differences between 4 or 5? Probably go with the 6 cyl.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Wisconsin - you should know something about rust! Any thoughts? Do they hold up to rust better than Jeeps/Chevys/Fords? I know the old ones didn't but I am shooting for something less than 10 years old.

 

Yes we know about rust, let me start with a historic time line. Back in the day(60's & 70's), in the area I live (central Wisc.) very few people got undercoating/rust preventative, basically because very few knew a lot about it. As time progressed people had more info on the subject and some actually started to apply rust coatings of some kind or another, now fast forward to today, there are dozens of rust preventative products available to the public and a large percentage put some kind of rust preventative on their vehicles, as with any product you must do research and find the product that works for you, suggestions are nice but just that.... suggestions. My old '86 Toyota pickup had no problems with rust on the frame.. as a matter of fact it still runs around the area. The only problem it had with rust was the box, which I was told was put on here in the U.S. when they arrived here. I've seen various kinds of vehicles with/without rust problems, it's all about how they were taken care of from new. Sorry to be so long, but there's "cherry" vehicles out there of all ages just waiting to be found, you're less than 10 years is probably the best bet. Another plus is a vehicle 10 years or less will more than likely have a longer life ahead of it. Good luck.

 

Welcome from Maryland

I suggest you buy a clean non- undercoated runner of your choice and apply woolwax coating immediately- then drive and survive

 

Really? I've lived in MN most my life and I haven't really even heard of woolwax or these other rust preventatives until I started following 4Runner forums and websites. I think it's very uncommon for the most part. When I get my Runner, I think I plan to take it to a touchless car wash with an underbody wash every time it gets warm enough to do so.

 

Really? There are companies like Ziebart(not that I recommend them) that have been around since the 50's, lanolin based rust inhibitors have been around quite a while also. Dozens of paint companies also make DIY undercoatings in cans, they have been around for ever! The part about the touchless car wash with the underbody wash is a GREAT idea! We go through the underbody wash even in the winter... when the salt is present. Any idea when your 4Runner will arrive? You'll love it!

 

Even though it’s a great practice -Keeping it clean is one thing - but here in MD- they are now using the shit out of this salt brine SYRUP - this shit sticks to everything it’s flung on and the Woolwax is like an oil butter protection between your METAL and SALT

BUT hey to each his own - in the end of what you think is best

 

Yeah I've heard of Ziebart but couldn't have told you what it was with any confidence. Obviously people use it, but not anyone I know. When I hear rust proofing, I just think of a scammy dealer add-on that you're supposed to decline.

My Pro arrives in February sometime. Built Dec 13. Can't freaking wait.

 

Problem with Ziebart was more the process than the coating. Many holes were drilled to spray the inside of the door/panels and plugged the holes with yellow Ziebart plugs. This process not only plugged all the small drainage ports, they rusted at the holes they drilled. Unless you lived in the desert, many cars rotted FASTER!

Around here, vegetable and mineral oil sprays are pretty common. They really soak into every crevice and can be applied even to rusted metal. They harden up somewhat, but always stay somewhat liquid albeit viscous. If driven much, it is a good idea to re-apply/touch-up every year. Really helps put the brakes on rust. This company is pretty good and I recently had my truck done with their product (no affiliation). I don't know about dealers or applicators up that way, but if you have a lift, it isn't hard to DIY.

https://nhoilundercoating.com/

But I see plenty of 4Runners for sale with 300k miles, so I assume the mechanicals hold up well over time? I know the engines are good.

 

Are varmints attracted to it??

Yeah, I waited too long on my 2005 Colorado. Was pristine when I bought it a few years ago, and rarely drive it in the salt. Just spent over a grand repairing the frame! Really snuck up on me and the frame cracked by the spring hangers. The break was right next to the gas tank and it had to be dropped to get in to weld it because it was so tight. Has NHOil on it now! Love the truck on the beach (Race Point), but can only fit two adults in it. Many vehicles would do fine out there, but the Feds require certain tire sizes to allow for deflation and such, and most newer vehicles have tall rims and short tires which don't fit their requirements. Some vehicles can be upgraded to the proper wheel/tire size (at considerable expense), but many can't, including my Forester, without rubbing or underbody/suspension alterations.

 

It will rust to hell in cape cod.

 

No more than the Adirondacks where I live!! I am typically out there a week or two for vacation.

 

Don’t believe so - haven’t had any issues and my truck sits in a pole building and only gets driven on weekends

 

I thought the lanolin smell might attract critters.

 

welcome from Memphis, TN

 

I woolwaxed my frame. I’m not a wire harness munching rodent, but if I were, I don’t think I would like to get my paws and fur all gunked up with woolwax. I spray extra along any routes I think they would take to get into the engine bay.