Dent in Rear Drivers C Pillar - ADVICE PLEASE

[pursuit1980 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pursuit1980]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a 2000 model Prado, and all is quite immaculate except for a horizontal dent in the drivers side C pillar (Rear Pillar), basically across the full width of the pillar, approximately 10mm deep at its centre most point.

To picture it, imagine someone hitting your C pillar with a round length of bar horizontally.

I have tried to attach a photo with an example of the location - hopefully it works.



My question is, will this affect the integrity of the roof or structure of any kind in anyones opinion?

Reason I'm asking, is it is VERY strange for a dealership NOT to have repaired it prior to sale, and having no intention on repairing it, which seems odd.

It is pretty much the only thing stopping me from purchasing the vehicle, until I'm told otherwise.

Thanks, GREATLY appreciated!

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Get an inspection if you are concerned. Your local motoring association or whoever does safety certificates (road worthy inspection) will do this and ask them the specific question.

[christofurry Member Find all posts View Profile Close christofurry]

It might have just cost the dealership too much $$$ for a paintless dint repair to justify on a 90 series Prado. Without seeing it in person, a paintless dint man might not have been able to do much with it and a full blown bog and respray would defiantly be too much outlay for a dealership. Structurally get it checked out if your worried, but I would image it to be fine.

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

If its of any use, I have a BIG dent in the exact same spot on the passenger side from where I swerved for a bloody camel of all things. Since that time, I've had the vehicle in for a roadworthy and was hesitant on the dent. The mechanic took one look at it and said that he didn't see a problem with it.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Did you get the rego number of the camel?

[Whitey1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey1]

If its of any use, I have a BIG dent in the exact same spot on the passenger side from where I swerved for a bloody camel of all things. Since that time, I've had the vehicle in for a roadworthy and was hesitant on the dent. The mechanic took one look at it and said that he didn't see a problem with it.

What would a mechanic know about panel work?
But anyway, without actually seeing the damage in question its a bit hard to make a judgement. If its only a dent(not the pillar kinked) shouldn't be a problem. Like has been said already, the dealer may not have much margin to play with so wont want to fix it. Probably cost a couple of hundred or so to fix if it requires paint.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Nothing to do with the subject, but is it a grey import ?? Cheers Steve

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

It's a VX petrol isn't it?

[Torrie 72 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Torrie 72]

Technically that's the D pillar on a wagon. That's pretty tight on behalf of the dealership. It should cost less than $200 for a metal finisher to lift. My mate has a metal finish business and does dozens of these a day ( in adelaide). Id be pushing the dealer to get it fixed for you if they want to make the sale. Certainly shouldn't affect structural integrity.
Cheers, Ben.

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

What would a mechanic know about panel work?

Not much I presume, but given that he is roadworthy tester it would be assumed that he has to have some clue in regards to structural integrity. Would it not?

[pursuit1980 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pursuit1980]

Nothing to do with the subject, but is it a grey import ?? Cheers Steve

No it was originally purchased brand new through a toyota dealership according to all of the records and paperwork etc.

Thanks.

[pursuit1980 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pursuit1980]

It's a VX petrol isn't it?

No, the one Im actually looking at is a GXL diesel 3.0 model with 240,000 on the clock, which I read is still very good kms for a diesel?.

Thanks,

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Just I have never seen them with roof rails like that and the rear mirror over the rear window. Maybe different specs for Tassie compared to Aus ?? Cheers Steve

[pursuit1980 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pursuit1980]

Just I have never seen them with roof rails like that and the rear mirror over the rear window. Maybe different specs for Tassie compared to Aus ?? Cheers Steve

Ahhhhh, sorry mate, the picture is just an example of a 90 series for the purpose of showing the location of the dent.

I dont actually have a photo of the one Im considering purchasing, so pay no regards to the photo, its just an example.


Thanks,

[cfryback Find all posts View Profile Close cfryback]

pursuit1980 - are you in Hobart? If you are and decide to purchase, give the dealer the flick, and see the lads at ToyoSpec Automotive.

Top blokes, and reasonable shop rates as well. Might be worth taking to them for a "second opinion" for mechanical.