Russell,
I don't have the luxury of examining the car before picking it up, due to the distances involved. That said, it is a superb idea to restrain oneself and examine the vehicle first. I'm paying for a mistake like that now. I once hauled a dolly 200 miles. Not wanting to return empty-handed, I bought a 1985 Montero that has been a disappointment and a "hole in the asphalt to throw money into".
Bob

I dont think it looks too bad at all. How much are they asking for it? I am in no position to buy it from under you btw. Just curious how much their asking for it.

Bob,

In the portions of the photos you posted, there does not appear to be 'bad' rust. The top of the radiator looks like it boiled once or twice. The rear control arms appear like some of my Cali parts cars. The battery box is always a problem, especially if the vehicles have been bounced around. Based on the interior shots, one PO was a smoker, some burn holes in the fabric, but not unreasonable. It's an 89? The radio console has the 2 DIN1 slots; I thought the radios were the larger DIN2 in 89?? All my 4-doors are so.

Depending on price and our limited viewing windows, I think it looks like a good truck.

R-

The lack of rust in the rear door jamb areas is a positive. Ask for pics of the rear rheel wells from the inside, and with the carpet pulled back. If it is good there too, it should be worth getting, IMO.

The seller is asking $500.

Thanks a ton, guys. This is great advice. I'll ask for the additional photos you have recommended.

$500 seems very fair to me. I paid $325 for my Montero non running. That Raider is in better shape than my Montero. Since the engine is not an issue and from the pics, I think I would be on my way to get it. Its not a west coast rust free body but I think you can tackle what little rust it has and have it last for many years. I love it hearing the west coasters comments on rust. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Everything around here has rust. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Actually, my DD Raider is the rustiest vehicle I've ever had and driven. Parts cars don't count. My Raider has been a snow car in RI, NY, spent some time in Florida and the SF Bay in Cali. Then I beat on it with grading jobs. Still, our rust is nothing like back east rust. When I was in London (1986), I saw cars two years old with rust through the sheetmetal, bad!!

Bob, for $500, I'd have already had that Raider. Little bit of rust or no. I'd even have begged for $1K from the wife. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> That's what I'm sayin. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I would have them pull back the carpet over the rear wheel wells and take a picture to see how bad the rust is. Even the best get rust there for some reason.

Also, it is kind of hard to tell but it looks like there may be some rust under the rear door.