I am looking at a 2009 H3 Championship Edition, coming from a northern state. This is the one model I really want and I was jazzed to find one with just over 100k miles and in fantastic cosmetic condition.
The seller sent me these pics of the undercarriage and they have me a little scared..

Does this all look like "normal surface rust" to you experienced folks? That is how he described it.
I have never lived in snow country so I am not sure what is good or bad, unless I see pieces falling off!

I appreciate any feedback I can get!

 

Welcome to HF.

I would want to look for myself. Surface rust is not a big deal, but you need to be looking for Rot. Rot as in rust that is deep and creating holes or cracks in the frame and structures. I'd be poking around under there with a magnet and a pick looking for Rot.

I have been in MI my entire life, that is why I go south for older vehicles. My 07 H3 did not have anywhere near that amount of rust when I sold it back in early 2019.

 

Thank you for the feedback.
My brother agrees. It just looks like a bit too much all over.

 

I just had a coworker who is from Chicago tell me that doesn't look too bad to him.
Now I am confused.

 

I am saying it looks like a lot of surface rust. More than most. If there is NO Rot, then you are fine, but pictures make it hard to tell, that is why if it were me, I'd be under it looking for myself.

If travelling to the truck is not an option, hire an inspector.

 

Thanks again. Yes, it is about 1,000 miles from me in VA.
But it lived in MD for almost its whole life.

This is only the second CE I have ever seen for sale, and I hate to miss out on my "unicorn!"

 

I agree with Doc. I'm also in Michigan and have owned my '08 Alpha since new and don't have nearly that amount of rust either.

 

Lol! I live in the rust belt and that is just a beauty mark here. My jeep xj has literally got rotted holes along the rocker panels and that is just basic rust here haha.
I'm going to replace the rocker panels and drivers side floor this season when we get some more pleasant weather, say like May.
My 07 H3 I spray with chemical under spray 1-2 times a year to keep rust down but still doesn't look even half as good as that.

 

Looks good to me especially in an Atlantic coastal state. Ask price?

 

Not sure where that graphic came from, but salt doesn't "increase friction". Salt lowers the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming.