OrangeJ

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy this 2016 Lexus RX350 with roughtly 45,000 miles on it. The exterior and interior look good. But I found the bottom kinda rusty and it got me concerned. Here are some pictures I took.











I can understand the exhaust pipe flange is vulnerable to rust, but the rust on the body frame and the wielded joint seem too much for a 3 year old car. Is it normal condition for a car from NY? Or should I walk away from this car?

Thanks so much for your advice!

mspearl95

man those salted roads are hard on cars!

JSracer

looks normal for a minnesota car,
spent 25 years with them hanging over my head spinning wrenches.

could look at another for comparison, if it would help.

OrangeJ

Is there anything I can do to the rusty joint? I'm wondering if nothing is done, how long will it take to spread the rust all over the places....

JSracer

joint ??
what did the shop say, where you had it up in the air, normal surface rust right ??

no reason to think its a flood car is there ?? definitely doesn't look like it from the pictures.

OrangeJ

By joint I mean the welded area where two parts are connected. I don't think it's a flooded car based on the carfax report and autocheck report. The shop said it could be a concern years down the road because the welded area is where it holds the frame part. As to the flange, I got two different opinion... the mechanic shop said it's bad and maybe can last for a year or two, but the lexus dealer told me to not worry about it as it could last for up to 10 years. At this point, I'm conflicted as well.....

JSracer

last a year ??? like 1 or 2 years before falling apart ?? definitely wouldn't listen to them , now or in the future. what did lexus say would happen at the 10 year mark ?? it would fall apart ??

if a concern, look at a second vehicle for comparison.

OrangeJ

I didn't ask the Lexus guy about a 10 year mark condition. He only suggested to put por-15 on the welded frame. But I don't have tools to lift it up and do it. The car is from Carmax, so I'm considering return it within this 7-day period.....

JSracer

Got ya,
So you did an after purchase inspection, usually they are called pre purchase 😉

Sounds like you should return it, you'll be thinking about it every day. For us in Minnesota, hell, they almost look like that off the transport

Por15, yep, good stuff. Have it on my trailer axle

PeeVee

I should check under mine!

OrangeJ

Take some quick shots if you can

1Louder

I'll look under mine and post a pic later (mine is a 16, but with only 25k miles). My initial reaction is if you live where they salt the roads often maybe that's par for the course - local inventory is probably going to be similar. But for around here (Seattle) that would be unusual IMO and I'd probably pass. I say that now - we'll see when I take the pic.

PeeVee

Mine is a bit similar, and miles don't count when it comes to salty roads:

Gravel350

I'll have to check mine with 40k miles. Lots of salt here in Ontario, Canada...

1Louder

Here's mine - 25k miles, but all up in Seattle. Roads are not salted all that often.