Prado near the ocean

[Jamestg96 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jamestg96]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, I did read the rules and stuff and couldn't find anything in the topic, so I'm sorry if it already exists.
So I'm looking at buying the 2016 Gxl td prado and was just curious as I live in Warrnambool, Victoria. Being so close to the ocean, would the car rust? I don't know if this is a stupid question or not.

Is the sea breeze enough to make the car rust?

If so, how long would you think it would take to rust?

Is there any things you can do to stop the rust?

Also I don't have a garage to put it in... I've never owned a car before so it will be my first. Any other information as well about the care of a prado would be appreciated.

Thanks heaps,

Regards in advance,

James.

[MacroP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MacroP]

Hi and welcome.

As for rust - body panels probably not but maybe a bit on the suspensions bits underneath over time. You can get some heavy duty underbody urethane coatings put on underneath if you're worried.

Corrosion prevention in Toyota 4WDs is pretty good these days. Toyota switched to galvanised body panels in the late 80's/early 90's which stopped a lot of the 4WD's rusting their bodies away. My 84 Hilux lasted until around 2000 before the rust had totally decimated the body panels. My 1995 Hilux Surf is mostly rust free (panels are perfect) and has spent the last 10 years going onto the beach regularly. My 2010 Prado is in mint condition underneath.

I've always lived in coastal towns in WA and rust hasn't been any issue for me for a long time and I spend a lot of time on the beach. I simply wash my car down with fresh water if I've spent time fishing on the beach.

[Jamestg96 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jamestg96]

Ohh awesome! Thanks heaps for that!

[iDestiny Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close iDestiny]

Directly from the Toyota site -

Corrosion and Perforation warranty Coverage "This warranty is in addition to the New Vehicle Warranty. Due to the outstanding construction of the Toyota vehicle body, any corrosion perforation (rust through) of any panel will be repaired or replaced within the perforation warranty period of 5 years or 100,000 kilometres (whichever comes first). Exception: The corrosion and perforation on deck panels of pick-up trucks is limited to: 3 years / unlimited kilometre"

This doesn't mention much about the under carriage - perhaps not covered. But Panels definitely seem to be.

If you are keeping longer and doing a lot of beach work might wanna consider additional protection... Otherwise, probably safe?