Paint missing and rust spots all over new Prado Altitude chassis

[dynadave1840 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dynadave1840]

Hi all, Dave here, 1st time poster. Love the forum and have received heaps of useful information from it.

Here goes my question.... I picked up the new Altitude last week and love it (changed over from 120 series which was a brilliant car). All was good until i dropped a bolt and thought I may find it from under the car. Whilst i was under the car, I noticed along the entire length of the chassis are what looks similar to stone chips where small paint spots are missing and what has turned an orange colour which I assume is rust. 90% of it is within the weld along the chassis, but it is also all along the front frame that holds the suspension. This part looks like it was scraped against another piece of metal - its almost a constant straight line of these spots. It was definately build whilst it was in this state as the rest of the underbody is spotless.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same issues? And now I'm majorly concerned I'll be stuck with the problem and come upgrade time in a few years - will my resale be worth anything....

My last 120 series definately didn't have this issue.

Any information/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

[dynadave1840 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dynadave1840]

Here are some photos of what I am talking about (I hope they work)

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

Cannot tell you much from the photos, but would be straight back to Toyota for an explanation and repair, and don't accept any bullshit story.

Give the rest of the Prado an examination before seeing them.

Not saying it happened to your Prado, but we had a Japanese vehicle some years ago that had rust on one side some time after we purchased it. Was told that the outside vehicles on the top deck of the transport ship get hit with waves and salt spray, the water runs down the window into the door and dries out, leaving the salt to attack the vehicles metal parts before it hits dry land.

[Guest Close Guest]

Saw the same rust issues on a new Altitude sitting at the dealer's front lot.

[KAKADAZ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close KAKADAZ]

It will look alot worse once you've gone out a few times I wouldn't stress too much.

[jpmoonta Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close jpmoonta]

My 150 GXL was the same from new. Took it to the dealer principal who said that it happens & I was fussy. 3 months later I noticed rust on engine components & front suspention & steering. The car had not even seen a beach only roads. I was very upset.
My previous car was a prado 90 series without any rust. My new car was a rust bucket.
With little interest from my dealer I painted & fish oiled the chassis & whatever I could get to.
I believe these cars my have some good technology but when it comes to basics that have kept the 60 & 80 series still going, these new cars are crap.

[Tar Trek Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tar Trek]

Hi there,

Extract from an email to me from Toyota.

Please accept our sincere apology for the time it has taken to investigate this further.

As you are aware your vehicle was assessed by a Toyota Technical Field Manager, we would like to make you aware that surface rust on thick or solid steel components will not reduce the longevity or reliability of the vehicle in any way and the condition is considered normal by Toyota.

We sincerely apologise for the disappointment caused and thank you for contacting Toyota.

Tar Trek.

[Davros Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Davros]

It will look alot worse once you've gone out a few times I wouldn't stress too much.

I agree. It is really nothing to worry about.

[Andrew_C Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andrew_C]

I have the same on my late 11 GX. Toyota said it was an issue they have every so often and are happy to treat the chassis next service (10000) or when it suits me to leave the car for a day. I have it on the fault list from the first check. I deal with Nunawading Toyota and they seemed pretty good at looking at any issues I had.

I have a good mate who is an experienced mechanic with Toyota. I was a bit worried about it and he said it happens every so often and after treatment, will be as good as new.