2013 SR5 with reported front end collision--what to look for after purchase?

[cdanprice]

A little over a week ago I bought a used 2013 SR5 from the local dealership. It was purchased at auction--was a rental, and had a reported front end collision which was fully repaired.

Prepurchase: Took it to my trusted mechanic of 10 years, he said damage was all cosmetic, and he could see all of the replaced pieces were OEM. The maintenance was kept up with, no signs of engine wear, spotting in crank case, dark oil, discolored dipstick, etc. After 30 min or so inspection, he said he would personally have no issues buying it--so I did. I used the collision report (Carfax) to negotiate a better deal.

Given the history, should I be on the lookout for anything in particular? I've exercised the 4WD, it seems to be working just fine. I plan on changing the oil this weekend because I don't trust that the dealer used synthetic OR 0W-20. Is it worth trying to check transmission and diff oil level/quality?

 

[chmura]

Check to see if all the OEM VIN stickers are present.

There should be a VIN stickers on both fenders and hood. If they are missing I would no buy it.

If they are present than it was most likely just a small fender bender.

 

[Mooney]

I usually drop all the fluids and filters when buying a used vehicle and do a reset. It's cheap insurance, piece of mind that everything is protected properly.

 

[Canon_Bob]

Sounds like you did your due diligence and negotiated an appropriate deal based on the fact that it had collision history.

I'd pay attention to any squeaks or creaks I heard, and also to any behaviors like a tendency to drift in one direction or shimmy at certain speeds etc.. I'd also inspect the front area often during the first couple months to check for any cracks, bends, or leaks that may have gone undetected.

I got burned pretty good on a vehicle back in 2005 when I bought a high-end European vehicle (used) that was a pre-owned certified with a clean Carfax. Turned out that it had been in a wreck. I don't trust Carfax now, and I inspect ANY used vehicle I buy regardless of what the Carfax says. I think you did well though. Just keep an eye out for a couple months, and don't ignore the seemingly little things that could indicate hidden damage from the wreck.

 

[cdanprice]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll definitely go ahead with the oil and filter this weekend. May hold of on the other fluids till next weekend.

Also, just a point of clarification--the LR UCA failures that are documented on the maintenance page: that particular brand of UCA is aftermarket, right? I'm fairly confident my whole unit is stock, so I shouldn't have to worry about that?

 

[LandCruiser]

CARFAX is a sham.

Reporting is voluntary and spotty and favors dealers and CARFAX.

My 13 had a "front end collision" where the plastic bumper was pushed in.

It cost 600 bucks to fix (new plastic bumper and paint), but body shop/insurance company reported it anyway and didn't specify the minor aspect of the damage.