I have a 2005 4runner that is rusting away. I've been using it as a beach vehicle and for launching boats.

The frame is now so rusted that I've deemed it unsafe to drive. I've gotten 16 trips driving on the beach so I'm not complaining . Bought it used in 2009.

But , it has only 97,000 miles! And it is the no longer available V-8.

I guess I'll try to sell it with the understanding that it won't last and is not safe. I've usually traded in cars, so I've had no experience selling one, especially one in this condition.

Any suggestions?

quote:

2005 4runner

Do you have a welder? There are frame repair parts available from places like this https://www.rustbuster.com/col...-buster-frame-repair

Maybe sell to the overlanding fans, sounds like a perfect vehicle for getting scrapped up.

4.7 v8 with under 100k miles is very desireable. Considered a million mile engine by optimists.

Put it on marketplace and disclose the rust. I'd start at $5000 obo. Cash talks bs walks.

Someone will buy it. I searched for my 1st Gen Tundra for over 2 years, flagged just about every one that match my criteria on marketplace, they all sold eventually. A LOT of them were straight up rust buckets, but they sold.

Disclose the rust, take pics of the undercarriage.

$5000? I was thinking $2000 .

As far as welding goes, it would require several of those parts and is beyond my ability.

Thanks for the ideas

Doublesharp is not that off, 9X18.

Check KBB. I just did.
https://www.kbb.com/whats-my-car-worth/

quote:

Originally posted by 9x18:
I have a 2005 4runner that is rusting away. I've been using it as a beach vehicle and for launching boats.

The frame is now so rusted that I've deemed it unsafe to drive. I've gotten 16 trips driving on the beach so I'm not complaining . Bought it used in 2009.

But , it has only 97,000 miles! And it is the no longer available V-8.

I guess I'll try to sell it with the understanding that it won't last and is not safe. I've usually traded in cars, so I've had no experience selling one, especially one in this condition.

Any suggestions?

I was in the same boat. Mine was a 2007 with the v8, leather etc. mine had 160,000 miles, but frame was so rusted I was afraid that a wheel was going to fall off while driving. I went online with carmax and thhey offered $4500 for it. When I took it there to sell and they inspected it they said that they could only give me 3500 due to the rust. I was very happy with that. I would not have felt comfortable selling to an individual with the amoun of rust.

Can you post pics of the rust? Depending on severity and location, there are viable, safe frame repair options and a 2005 4Runner with that engine is VERY desirable… especially with that mileage. With a properly repaired frame and no salvage or repair title to drag it down, value around here for that specific vehicle EASILY exceeds $10,000.

I posted about my 03 Tundra a ways back that likewise has low miles (currently sitting around 91K)) that was well worth pumping some money into frame repair. The final bill was just shy of 2 grand and given the truck’s condition overall was an easy expenditure. Repair parts came from Rust Busters.

In the event the frame is deemed a complete loss, the engine alone with service records especially showing a timely timing belt replacement schedule is worth well over $2000 by itself. In fact, pretty much all the parts in good condition command high resale value. I suspect you could easily get $4-5K even with full disclosure on the frame.

There was a huge recall on Tacos and Runners, covered several years. It involved the frame rusting. Might want to call a dealer and ask.

Sell the good parts, and scrap the rest. Or just sell the vehicle to a salvage yard.

The frame rust recall ended years ago.

As fredward said, check with a dealer before getting rid of it, yours may be in the recall. It's worth a shot and is a known issue.

$2000 when can I come pick it up???????

Ok. So it has some value beyond a drivable car.

I've apparently under estimated that value.

The rust is pervasive . I've had the brakes rusted frozen .Everything under the vehicle is corroded. The rear hatch footing is gone. I estimated the loss of a cross frame at the front wheels just under the engine at 50%. It is scary .

At the last oil change the mechanic carried up the skid plate and said it couldn't be reattached. He allowed me in the well to see for myself. Yikes. He said I should start looking for a new ride. " Be very careful" he said.

Thanks everyone for your guidance. I've really enjoyed my 4runner and it fit my needs perfectly.

Two web sites come to mind:

bringatrailer.com, for just "selling to anybody who's interested,"

and

4runners.com, a very active online community of fanatics. I'd bet someone there would be interested in the vehicle, particularly with the V8.

If you’re paranoid (not always a bad thing), have a bill of sale that says the vehicles has severe frame rust and is not drivable. Print two copies with a place for both of you to sign. Keep a copy. If he wants a “clean” bill of sale for registration, that’s fine, he can have that too, but you have a copy he signed that proves you were entirely upfront and if he drives it and tries to blame you he’s not gonna have much luck having signed that he knew it was rusted and not drivable.

In addition to the engine and transmission having value, don't forget the interior! People have all kinds of shit go bad with their vehicles...door handles, clocks, heater controls. Lots of salvageable parts for the right buyer.

I agree with the others. Disclose the rust and sell it!

2005 SR5 engine and trans for sale, $4,000
Comes with a free engine stand.

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:
If you’re paranoid (not always a bad thing), have a bill of sale that says the vehicles has severe frame rust and is not drivable. Print two copies with a place for both of you to sign. Keep a copy. If he wants a “clean” bill of sale for registration, that’s fine, he can have that too, but you have a copy he signed that proves you were entirely upfront and if he drives it and tries to blame you he’s not gonna have much luck having signed that he knew it was rusted and not drivable.

Get it notorized.

I have the same gen 4Runner.. 2007, Limited, 4x4, V8. It’s got 250k miles on it and people admire it all the time, I get offers sometimes. There are several 4Runner groups on Facebook. Join one and throw it up.. I guarantee someone will buy it.