Anyone with a carfax subscription?

[wbsurf]

Hey all, I'm fairly new to posting here but I've been browsing around the forum for a long time now. I'm looking at an '02 w/ just under 80k miles on it. SR5, 4wd, leather, sunroof, roofrack. It seems to be in absolute mint condition (timing belt and water pump already replaced). The only thing I know it needs is a new set of tires (in ~15k miles). Anyway, before I pay for the carfax report on it, I thought I'd take a stab at piggy backing on someone else's. The VIN on it is: JT3HN86R420382226

Thanks in advance and hope to be an owner soon!

 

[maine runner]

I would not put much, if any, faith in Carfax.

Not all states have been included (google Carfax + lawsuit) and their accuracy has been criticized heavily on the internet boards.

Have the vehicle looked over by a good mechanic that is not connected with or referred by the seller.

 

[004Gunner]

Have the seller provide one. Typically a seller will purchase the carfax report themselves to show a buyer that the vehicle is clean. Carfax does have it's downsides but I think having one is better than not.

 

[Thai]

I think having one is better than not.

Very true. However, i have to tell my story. I had a BMW M3. I crashed it against a curb at night because of my lack of dynamic driving skills! Anyway, i busted my front passenger side...requiring $5500 in repairs, including significant body & suspension work. It went through my insurance carrier (State Farm...great experience btw)...and the repair was done by the biggest BMW authorized bodyshop in Texas, located in the biggest TX BMW dealer. So, by all this, i am trying to tell you that my BMW was repaired and insured by legit companies. This was back in 2004.

Till this day (last time i checked earlier this year), carfax still has my BMW being free of body repairs and accidents. :awais: I don't know what to tell you...i don't have much faith in CarFax.

To the original poster...if the owner of the 4runner took his car to a Toyota dealership, then i would get full maintenance records on that 4runner before buying...just to be sure that he/she took care of the 4runner.

 

[wbsurf]

Thanks guys, did a search on google and was very surprised. That's crazy about your BMW, Thai. I'm still in the process of negotiating with the current owner, but you've all been helpful. Thanks again

 

[XJeepguy]

Accurate or not it still shows :

VIN: JT3HN86R420382226
Vehicle: 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5
Records: 22 records found in the CARFAX Vehicle History database

on the free scan .

Lotta records for 6 years old .

I'd be curious enough to want see

 

[02runner4]

That's really an interesting story about M3.

I checked about three used 02 4runners before puchasing one. The first vehicle had a clean carfax history, no accidents, nothing sinister. It was also priced fairly and had low mileage compared to other 4runners in the market in my area. But there was something weird about that vehicle. Certain spots in the frame were corroded. The hood would not open unless you try to lift it with your arms. The rear bumper was damaged, although frame was not. And the spare wheel seemed like it was in the river for over a year. The seller had to jump start the car when I arrived at his dealership. I took a test drive and pushed to 70mph and I found out that the front wheels were extremely shaky.
The second vehicle I took a test drive also had a clean carfax and low mileage. It was out of alignment to the point where the car would steer to the left at 30mph, and tranny's shifting quality wasn't too good.
The third vehicle which I bought was clean inside out. I went under the car to find out if there had been any damages to the frame. It was clean and I could not find any corroded spots. It was close to perfect, but the carfax indicated an accident history. I took a test drive and it was like a brand new car with its great shifting quality. I also have a 02 tacoma with the same engine so I know how these cars ride.
Well, I did purchase the third vehicle not solely based on carfax.
If the carfax report shows like 22 records, it could be something like oil changes or something blah blah blah "checked" every somewhere 5000 miles.
YOu should check the vehicle for yourself and take a test drive.