Good deal or scam?

[prule84]

Went and test drove this 2003 V8 Sport Edition tonight:
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport, $6,465 - Cars.com


Drove awesome, brakes felt good - but there was a catch of course.

The vehicle was traded in last week by an older gentleman (salesman said he was 73). The car was being sold "as-is" because it had likely been in an accident and there was some damage to it. It was missing one of the side mirrors, and the gray plastic trim around the car had some scratches on it. That to me honestly wasn't a big deal because I can get a new mirror and could deal with minor scratches.

When the car was running I noticed a slightly off sounding noise likely coming from the exhaust. I asked the salesman and he thought it was probably some sort of exhaust leak. At the very worst a catalytic converter.

Anyway, we went inside and they offered me pretty much nothing for my trade-in (I have an old car, '97 Volvo 850, wasn't expecting much). The price was $7,400 out-the-door (all the dumb fees and sales tax included). I told him I wanted to take it by my mechanic, which he said they do not allow for as-is sales. I told him I wanted an extra day to at least call my mechanic, he said I was taking a risk and they wouldn't hold it for me. He wanted me to sign intent to buy papers, I walked out the door.

I made the right call right? Obviously this is an extremely cheap price to get into a 4runner, and even with the repairs that I know of I'd still be looking at under 10k which is a great deal. But obviously there is some major underlying issue. Why would they sell as-is when they could fix it up themselves and sell for $13k or more?

I guess the question is, would YOU buy this car for cheap and have the necessary repairs done to get a "good deal" on a 4runner. The interior was impeccable and the exterior paint was great save the scratches on the plastic and the side mirror.

Here again is the link for this listing:
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport, $6,465 - Cars.com

 

[DC runner]

90% of ALL used car sales are AS-IS and I have never had a used dealer refuse me an independent inspection.

Something stinks. Walk away. AS-IS is them telling you it has no warranty, which most used cars do not have anyway. This is where they try to scam you on buying those 3rd party extended warranties that sound great on paper and then literally screw you if you ever attempt to use them.

No way. Walk away. It stinks. I have NEVER had a dealer try to tell me that AS-IS means no inspection.

It isn't that great of a car and not that awesome of a price. It isn't worth 13k, not from them as a dealer. Maybe 10k? Plus, that is a rust belt car. Did you happen to take a look up underneath it? I never even wager a guess on value till I do that. Unless you crawled under it and can tell the extent of the rust damage; that vehicle is worth 0.

 

[cmoua]

There's got to be some reasons why it's sold cheap. I bet the exhaust leak is from the manifold and they are very costly to replace. Upwards of a few grand. Plus it's a East Coast car so make sure to check for rust. My 05 4Runner was originally from Connecticut and there were some rust issues I had to deal with. I think you did the right thing to walk away from a car that appears to be cheap but may have unknown issues.

 

[hearno]

The whole not letting you go get it checked is weird. I'd ask to talk to the sales manager. It's a Toyota dealership, you'll find someone accountable somewhere. Explain that you want to buy after you get it checked and hopefully they're reasonable. That seems like a really good deal. It's a sport v8 with under 100k and it's cheaper than a lot of 3rd gens. A few dents here and there cause an old guy parked by braille.. no big deal for the price. That would make an awesome trail only truck. As someone else stated, the exhaust leak is most likely from the headers as its a known issue. Here http://www.amazon.com/Pacesetter-75...49074&sr=8-2&keywords=2003+4runner+pacesetter much cheaper. Search for reviews.

 

[crashman]

I would tell him you will take it if he fixes the exhaust leak and replaces the timing belt also

 

[RCs4Runner]

All used vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise stated in the written sales contract (don't take anybodys word, if they promise to do something get it in writing) and or if it has an existing warranty, so them saying you can't inspect it due to it being an as-is vehicle is pure b.s.

They're a Toyota dealer, people get PPIs (Pre-Purchase Inspection) done every day on used vehicles. I'd personally move on and find another one.

 

[Ghostwheel]

That is a very cheap price (like trade in value cheap), and unheard of that the salesperson would not allow you to take it to your own mechanic. I note there is a dent on the front passenger bumper. I also see white marks on the front driver's tire. That tells me that tire has been removed and replaced, at the minimum for re-balancing. It might be because the TMPS had to be reset (twice, according to the Carfax) or it might be that the wheels were bent (which could also cause the TMPS to need to be reset). It makes me wonder if this car hit and ran over the top of something (Like a post and short-like 12"- wall/fence), possibly scraping or knocking loose the exhaust pipe underneath. It is also telling that the pictures do not show the passenger side at all. Unless I could have the car inspected, I'd pass.

 

[prule84]

That is a very cheap price (like trade in value cheap), and unheard of that the salesperson would not allow you to take it to your own mechanic. I note there is a dent on the front passenger bumper. I also see white marks on the front driver's tire. That tells me that tire has been removed and replaced, at the minimum for re-balancing. It might be because the TMPS had to be reset (twice, according to the Carfax) or it might be that the wheels were bent (which could also cause the TMPS to need to be reset). It makes me wonder if this car hit and ran over the top of something (Like a post and short-like 12"- wall/fence), possibly scraping or knocking loose the exhaust pipe underneath. It is also telling that the pictures do not show the passenger side at all. Unless I could have the car inspected, I'd pass.

Yea I'm passing. The deal screams 'too good to be true' and I think it is (at least for my situation).

As far as the white mark on the tire, I inquired about it and he showed me that the tire is damaged and the rubber flaps up at one point. I'm surprised he let me take it for a test drive on a damaged tire. Good eye noting that from the pics though!