Opinions on Condition (based on these photos)

[vdog98]

So I've been looking all over the place for a well kept and recently serviced (timing belt etc) 100k or so 3rd Gen Montero. I found one in New York where the guy just did the major services late last year. Sounds like it has been in NY its whole life, which for me as an east coaster is usually concerning as I know how badly the salt can destroy any vehicle. This truck just broke 100k and I asked for some underbody photos so here is what he sent. he is asking about 4k. Underpinnings looking pretty normal to those of you who have owned these? He says the bodywork itself has zero rust. Thanks!

 

[Salonika]

If you can’t poke a screwdriver through it, it isn’t rust.

 

[Zoomaster]

For east coast "rust" that's about as good as it gets. As long as it's just the surface, like it looks like, the only thing you should worry about is keeping it from getting worse

 

[Inyo_man]

If you can’t poke a screwdriver through it, it isn’t rust.

Well said...
I'd also ask about all of the oil below the motor on the passenger side...
Good Luck

 

[chadzeilenga]

Having lived in Chicago for 35yrs, I don’t see anything in your pictures that would be alarming. Some of the bolts may give you some trouble coming apart, but nothing that would stop me from buying. I have been impressed with the corrosion protection on hardware for many of the Asian brands Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi etc that I have worked on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[vdog98]

Thanks for all the input. I'm still going back and forth with him a bit.

His most recent comment after some of my questions was:

"There is no oil leak but few spots I'm noticing on parking spot by bumper since last oil change, likely from oil filter, I am going gto look at it this week as I get a chance. There is light oil consumption may be a quart every 2k miles especially on long trips. But no smoke. My previous montero had the same thing, I think oil viscosity should be up in grade. I've been using 5W-30. It had leaks but I changed rear cam seal and valve cover seals already. Diff, trans case etc are dry."

He sounds like a good honest guy so I'll likely still go take a look. Also says the check engine light is on for EVAP so probably gas cap or something I imagine. Brakes are being done this week as well so if I go next weekend hopefully she's in top shape so I can buy it on the spot.

 

[Michael Brown]

Well said...
I'd also ask about all of the oil below the motor on the passenger side...
Good Luck

Probably Leaking valve cover. Both of mine (3.5L, and 3.8L) got leaks on that side.

 

[Christian P.]

That seems like a decent deal. That oil leak is pretty big though (and/or it's been leaking for a long time)