5th Gen Buying Advice/Known Issues/Red Flags

S

Skywurz

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Hi All

I have a 2011 Limited with 108k miles being delivered by a dealership on Saturday (tomorrow) (because COVID you can do that now apparently) anyway i was looking for any input on what i should be looking for as red flags. The carfax looks good. I get about an hour to check it out before i have to accept delivery or not. Then i have 7 days for other inspections. I was digging through this thread for ideas https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/197021-worst-problem-5th-gen.html but it has only given me a couple things to look for.

Thanks
 
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Depends on the car's service history, accident history and if it has been a flood victim. You can't tell much in an hour; even if it went right on your mechanics lift. So what is the difference in not accepting delivery vs returning it if inspections reveal issues? This sight unseen way of buying cars these days seems crazy to me - not something I'd want to do. I'd start with making sure everything is there: all sets of keys, owners manual set, spare and tire changing tools, lug lock key, etc.
 
You should run both CarFax and AutoCheck. Sometimes there are things on one that aren't on the other.

Get a mechanic to run diagnostics on it. They should have an expensive computer that they can hook up and find any error codes that have ever been triggered.
 
In addition to all of the other advice Drive it as much as possible all different ways, highway, stop and go, off road forest service roads use the 4x4 system. Ask your self are you happy with the suspension, handling overall, can you feel any vibrations,,hear sounds, smell coolant, oil, burning rubber, brakes good not pulling etc and go'from there.
 
Frame rust on anything that has seen snow.

Older ones can have bad door locks.

If it's a 4x4, and it better be, than the front CV axles can be worn.

I'd also make sure that all the 4x4 stuff shifts and actuates properly and doesn't give off any warnings.

If it has XREAS it may be worn out or dead--not a deal breaker.
 
Thanks All this has been super helpful. So far my list is going to be

Check for wheel locks and key
Check for owners manual
Check/Smell Oil
Check Drive Belt
Check/Smell Power Steering Fluid
Check/Smell Trans Fluid
Check/Smell Coolant
Check CVs for issues
Check Cabin Filter (if it has not maintained well it will be super gross because its overlooked)
Check for leaks on timing covers
Check for leaks around diff covers and CV entry
Check for leaks around oil and trans pan.
Check for Rust while you are under the thing
Check for mods in wheel wells
Check if AC works
Check that all seat functions work.
Check that seat heaters turn on and off
Check Lights
Check tire Tread
Check door lock and window function
Check that both keys work
Check for cracks/chips in windshield
Check 4wd functions
Test drive up to 60mph and check for death wobbles
Slow down from 60mph and check for wheel chatter.
Check that the CAT is still there
Make sure it gets warmed up to temp and the cooling fan engages and keeps it cool.

Short list so far... :dance:
 
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