Going to look at a 4runner for sale today.. Possible roll back fraud.

[4runnersoon2b]

It's a 2002 limited with 22k miles. The guy is one of those curb side dealers. They are quite prevalent where I am. He needs to send me the vin and I'll run the carfax but if it doesn't show up as fraud - what else can I check to see if it's legitimate?

 

[shadow247]

That's almost guaranteed to be fraudulent. And if it's not, would you really want an 11 year old vehicle that has spent the majority of its time sitting around?

The carfax should tell you, it will report the mileage of the last registration and possibly state inspection. When you go to take a look, check out the Inspection sticker, it will have the mileage on the back.

 

[4runnersoon2b]

That's almost guaranteed to be fraudulent. And if it's not, would you really want an 11 year old vehicle that has spent the majority of its time sitting around?

The carfax should tell you, it will report the mileage of the last registration and possibly state inspection. When you go to take a look, check out the Inspection sticker, it will have the mileage on the back.

If it's fraud - easy call. If it's not - then why should I be concerned that the car wasn't used much if any?

Also, he is asking about 1000-1500 more than other 4runners I have seen that had 100-115k on them so if this is legitimate - aren't I better off paying another 1-1.5k to to get a car with 80k less on the road?

 

[wheelds]

I think from an engine standpoint it would be worse - having so few miles you could possibly be dealing w/ replacing fuel pump, belts, spark plugs etc.. all the little things from a stagnant engine.

From an interior standpoint the interior should look almost new if it does in fact only have 22k on it. Minimal wear and tear

 

[PitbullRescuer]

at 22K miles, pretty much everything should look new. The suspension components, the under carriage, the engine bay. The inspection sticker is a great spot to verify mileage but it's only as good as the last odometer reading when it was inspected. Look the title over VERY carefully. Make sure it's not checked off as mileage exempt, reconstructed or TMU (true mileage unknown) It's buyer beware with that stuff. If it shows 22K, they can advertise it that way but if they don't disclose it as the actual mileage on the title and/or odometer disclosure statement, you have zero recourse after the fact.

 

[shadow247]

If it's fraud - easy call. If it's not - then why should I be concerned that the car wasn't used much if any?

Also, he is asking about 1000-1500 more than other 4runners I have seen that had 100-115k on them so if this is legitimate - aren't I better off paying another 1-1.5k to to get a car with 80k less on the road?

Whether it's got 22 or 122k miles, you will need to do a timing belt and waterpump. Many things to go wrong with a vehicle that hasn't been driven. If the mileage is legit, have it taken to a competent mechanic, NOT one that the dealer recommends, for a thorough inspection. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe there is a ball-joint recall available for that year as well. Make sure that has been done, if not, you will need to take care of that, but if it is under the recall, then it should be free even after all these years.