Buying 05 4runner Advice Please

[solapark]

I am about to purchase 05 4runner with 32000 miles on it from the original owner.
The car still has 2 month bumper-to-bumper warranty left.

I would like to get the car checked out by a mechanic, but the car is located about one hour away where I don't know any mechanic.

Should I go to toyota dealer to get it checked out? I am thinking that I can perhaps combine the checkup with 30K maintenance (which has not been done yet). But I am not sure how honest the dealer is going to be given that the warranty is still left.

Or I can just pick some national chain stores like Midas or Firestone or some unknown mechanic (perhaps AAA affiliated?).

Any advice?

Also, when I looked under the hood, I noticed that the seller has washed up the engine and other component. But I found that some bolts were rusted. Is it normal to have some rusted bolts for 3 year old car?

Finally, is there anything I should specifically check out?

Thanks in advance. I am very excited about buying this car, but I certaintly do not want to get stuck with a problematic car.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Carfax it and at 32k your biggest concern is prior damage. If it drives right and you like take it to a bodyshop and let them look it over. They'll be smart enough to be able to point out mechanical leaks and they'd be best suited to judge if it was in an accident. Don't take it to the good 'ole boy shop that the used car dealer uses.

Good luck!

:cheers: