Originally Posted by Ant

I need to sell my 2005 4runner. My plan was to sell it privately, but the problem is my AC doesn't hold a charge anymore. I had my mechanic charge the system but it only lasted a month. He said it's difficult to determine where the problem is. He added dye to the system and said he did not see it leaking from any of the visible locations. He seemed to infer that diagnosing these AC systems can be problematic and it can be hard to narrow down the definitive leak.

I know if it's leaking behind the dash it will probably cost me $1,200-$2,000 to repair.

So I am kind of stuck. It's a 2005 SR5 4wd with 150,000 miles. The only 2 problems are the AC and the TPMS sensors don't work. I am in the northeast so there is frame rust and what I assume is typical for a 16 year old vehicle.

Before the AC problem, I was hoping to get $4,500 for the truck. Now I doubt anyone will buy it.

So I went online and found Vroom. I answered all their questions on the condition of the truck (told them about AC not working and TPMS) and it gave me an offer for $4,100. I thought that was great. BUT in going through the process with them the sticking point is the following. They pick up the truck and ship it to Texas. Once they inspect it, they then submit payment to me. HOWEVER, if their inspectors find other things wrong with the vehicle they can reduce their offer to me AND if I don't accept it I have to pay to ship the vehicle back to me. So if they want they can use that leverage against me.

Does anyone have any history with Vroom and selling?

Any opinions on what I should do?

Donate it?

Take the risk with Vroom?

Get the AC repaired and hope whoever does it finds the actual leak and then try and recoup the repair cost and make a little money on the sale?

Thanks for any help.