Hey guys,

Got a question. I'm considering buying a truck that is in California, but was taken there from Michigan. My concern is the rust since it was in the snow. I live in Arizona. What items/parts should I worry about the most? Also, is there anything out there to help cure/protect from the rust is does have?

Thanks guys... Appreciate any help.

 

There are plenty of other trucks out there if you're unsure of this one.

The radiator support is prone to rusting out completely.
Also look at the inside bottom door jams, rockers, the bed behind the cab, bumpers, tailgate area...etc.

There are anti-rust sprays you can get or pay to have done but they are rust prevention methods, not fixing methods. You'll have to investigate your area and see what you find.

 

Tackle,

Thanks a lot buddy. I will continue my research with this, the reason I am an even debating this truck is the price and miles are good, 10K for 80K miles. Granted if the repairs are that extensive, I'll have to move on. Haha

 

I paid similar for a truck with higher miles in Minnesota at a dealer.

You might have a few guys come in here and say you should only pay half that price but I think it's reasonable, especially if it checks out.

Any idea how many winters it's seen? At 80k it likely hasn't seen much snow/salt.

 

I was thinking the same, I did have him send me several pictures of the engine compartment and undercarriage. It's not as bad as I thought, the worst item is a little rust on the passenger side rocker panel and from what I understand all 80K miles are in snow areas. However, he just threw me a curve ball because he says the carfax states it had a small fender bender, but said only a bumper was replaced. At a total loss now? he said title is clear though. What you think? Proceed or turn and run! Lol

 

Unless you need the truck ASAP for some reason or it has everything you've ever wanted, I would pass.

There are plenty out there.

 

I was thinking the same. There's one in AZ I'm looking at today. A little more expensive, but has less miles (67K) and no damage.

Thanks tackle, appreciate all the help.

 

I just bought my 02 Supercab XLT 5.4L in January (I turn 16 next week) and every truck I would look at would have the rockers rusted so make sure they're is no serious rust there becuase I heard it's a pain to fix.

 

Here's mine I just got in January

 

That would kill the deal for me. But I know how these things rust out. By the time it shows on the outside of the truck, -they're to far gone on the inside. That rust spreads fast after that.