3rd gen owner looking to purchase a 4th gen (09 Trail Edition)

[DK327]

Hey people, my 1st post here on the 4th gen section... I've had my 2000 T4R since Feb 2016 and I absolutely love it! It's my DD and I'd purchased it for $5K and put at least another $5K worth of maintenance and upgrades into it so it's ready to go (hopefully) another 250K!

I've been doing some reading on here and after all consideration, decided I want to get another T4R, more specifically, an 09 with e-locker (Trail Edition) and found one for $15K with 115K miles on the clock. Everything checks out and I know how important maintenance history is so I put VIN on toyota owners but only found a few right after the vehicle was purchased. And then, nothing!

The vehicle does come with free carfax and it's 2 owner, no accidents, nothing of any concern, just that there are no maintenance records, just owner registering the vehicle every year. IT DOES come from the rust belt and since it's 600 miles from me (but only couple of hours from where my folks live) I might have them go look at it and the belly to make sure it's not rusted out. I don't know if this is an issue with 4th gens as it is with the 3rd gens...

Anyway, any pointers are much appreciated. In the meantime I'm continuing to browse the forums for more pre-purchase info...

Thanks in advance!

 

[wcjeep]

Have the current owner take some pics of the chassis. Save your parents the drive if it's a mess. Many valid reasons for lack of input on the Carfax. Some legitimate places just don't work with carfax. Other places are lazy. DIY.

 

[JeffMerr]

Also verify that everything engages (4wd/diff lock/rear locker etc.). 09 trails are pretty rare so if the rust is minimal I wouldn't wait too long or it will be gone.

 

[WallyP]

If you're still looking for an 09 TE, I am selling mine. It was serviced at the dealer from new until 2016, when I bought it.