Rust question

Hello - considering buying a 4Runner from a friend of a friend.

Frame looks very clean, almost too clean, wondering if this looks like it could be an undercoat covering up rust.

would you be suspicious?

07 4Runner with 130k living in the northeast.
https://ibb.co/2SjmXPK
https://ibb.co/PmRVD8K
https://ibb.co/3h7JdRH

 

Hey OP
Ur right. That looks like a cherry frame.
Very little rust. It's been coated properly if that's in the NE, doesn't look like a nice coating that stayed wet like Woolwax tho. Also doesn't look like it's slathered in FF or PB Surface Shield neither, maybe it's some rust paint.
Hmmm

 

You can see a little rust starting in classic areas like weld seams. Rust often starts coming back through from within even after prevention.
Or
I'm completely wrong and someone will own me

 

I recommend investing $24 on

$24 Lighted Borescope Camera Head, Borescope with 19ft Semi-Rigid Snake Cable, 1080P HD Borescope with10 Adjustable LED Lights,

this endoscope camera. Put it through holes in the frame and inspect the inside b/c that's where the rust starts then eats through to the outside. Here's a test pic looking inside my frame. I bought one to watch for rust and it has numerous other uses too.

My '07 was only ever owned as far north as NC as far as I know but the frame is exceptionally clean. I only bring that up b/c it's possible the corrosion cause was rectified as time went on, same as the V6 head gasket issues are, IIRC, primarily found in the '03-05 model years. The original issue was inadequate corrosion protection at the factory.

 

I've said this before, bolt/fasteners don't lie when it comes to corrosion...also, the aluminum transfer case housing shows signs of surface pitting, indicative of heavy oxidation. Not saying this is a bad thing (I've seen much worse examples) just a good example of the environment this part has been exposed to over the stated mileage.




On my build thread (that I just started today) I posted pics of my 3rd gen's front axles having some +380,000 miles put on it and living on the west coast with its moderate year round temps and marine environment (which is highly conducive to corrosion.) I have not done any kind of rust preventative coatings nor post-treatments of any kind...just an example.

That said, the frame looks to be in great shape, fasteners are typical condition given the circumstances. What I would want to carefully *inspect* would be the backsides of the rocker panels and wheel well areas since those are prone to developing 'rashes'.