nerf bars or running board?

I have a Mitsubishe Montero XLS here that my son owns but left here when he moved to California. I'll be selling it on his behalf. It's a 2002 model and has a side bar/running board that is badly rusted (see attached photo). I think replacing it might be wise before advertising it for sale.

I haven't found any source to buy the same type of side bar as the old ones. I found fairly low cost nerf bars at http://www.andysautosport.com/mitsubishi/2001_2006_montero/exterior/side_steps/nerf_bars/aps/

Any opinions or recommendations welcome.

This appears to be a factory installed piece so you may find a replacement at your local Mitsubishi dealership. Likely to be more expensive than other available aftermarket units but should bolt directly onto the vehicle with no modifications .

I called a dealership to get a price quote. Very expensive, as I expected. Their price is $412 w/tax. I feel that we can't justify that. It's a grossly overpriced item, in my opinion. Just look at the photo and see how badly they rusted.

Here's something I found on eBay that looks much more practical: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-03-Mitsubishi-Montero-Pajero-Sport-Black-Nerf-Bars-/270744885340?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMitsubishi%7CModel%3AMontero+Sport&hash=item3f09a7185c

I called a dealership to get a price quote. Very expensive, as I expected. Their price is $412 w/tax. I feel that we can't justify that. It's a grossly overpriced item, in my opinion. Just look at the photo and see how badly they rusted.

Here's something I found on eBay that looks much more practical: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-03-Mitsubishi-Montero-Pajero-Sport-Black-Nerf-Bars-/270744885340?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMitsubishi%7CModel%3AMontero+Sport&hash=item3f09a7185c
Looks like a good alternative to the factory bars ! You might find a bargain in a salvage yard cheaper but if the factory units are that prone to rust , well .... I'd go with the units on Ebay !

Are there any specialty shops nearby you can take it to? I know there's three just in the city i live in, surely there are some in Ohio.

I called a dealership to get a price quote. Very expensive, as I expected. Their price is $412 w/tax. I feel that we can't justify that. It's a grossly overpriced item, in my opinion. Just look at the photo and see how badly they rusted.

Here's something I found on eBay that looks much more practical: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-03-Mitsubishi-Montero-Pajero-Sport-Black-Nerf-Bars-/270744885340?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMitsubishi%7CModel%3AMontero+Sport&hash=item3f09a7185c

Not too surprising... replacement of factory parts is always expensive.

Your eBay option is cheaper, but don't forget to look at the cost of shipping... it was $50 on top of the cost of the item. Still cheaper than the dealership, but it puts you over $100 total cost if that was a concern/problem.

Good luck, and please post back with pictures of whatever you decide to do!

You could just pull the side steps off and sell it with out them?

I can't see having them adding that much value.