Help with possible purchase of a 99 4runner Highlander

[Baker11]

I am looking at a 99 4runner Highlander Edition w/elocker with 155,000 miles. I have only seen pictures because it is 5 hours away. The dealership is supposed to send me some additional information on the vehicle today and I am trying to gather enough information to ask them about so I am prepared to buy when I get up there. Here is the list of questions I have to ask, please feel free to add to them
1. The inspection sheet
2. Detailed pictures of the exterior and the interior including:
The engine and engine bay and if possible some pictures of the under carriage
The RR DIFF LOCK button
The plate on the inside of the door with the VIN code and everything
Picture of the sticker that shows that the Timing Belt and water pump have been serviced
ETC
3. If there are any maintenance records with the vehicle if you could fax them over to me that would be great.
4. If you could possibly find out the dealership that it was originially sold at so that if the maintenance records are not with it I could possibly contact them and check to see if they have maintenance records.
5. If there are any dings or scratches on the vehicle and the condition of the paint on the vehicle.
6. Possibly a video of the engine running
7. I would like to make sure that everything on the vehicle is operable i.e. Power windows, back window, power door locks, 4 wheel drive, sunroof, speedometer etc.

The dealership has a ridiculous $598 DOC Fee which I wasn't expecting and blew me out of the water I have purchased probably 10 vehicles in my life time all but 2 from dealerships and have never seen a DOC Fee that high. All they are doing is processing the paper work I am taking care of my loan all they have to do is send the title to my bank. DOC Fee's in my opinion are a complete scam but all dealerships require you to pay them. They are asking 6875 for the 4runner which is a decent price from the research I have done as long as it is in good condition but then you add in the DOC Fee and it isn't as good of a deal. Could you guys help me out with some questions to ask them about the vehicle and possible negotiation tips when it comes to purchasing it? I don't want to spend more than 6900 with the DOC Fee included. It has everything I want to start a build but I don't want to get ripped off. Thanks in advance and sorry for the book.

 

[Gerdo]

Make sure that not only has the RR Diff Lock button but does have the actual locker (look for the actuator on the rear end)

 

[RunninInGA]

Give them an "Out the Door" offer, which includes all their fees and all taxes - shouldn't matter what the fees are then.

 

[Baker11]

Make sure that not only has the RR Diff Lock button but does have the actual locker (look for the actuator on the rear end)

Thanks where about is it located?

 

[A.Wilson013]

Thanks where about is it located?

It is on the rear differential.

Here is a picture... Goofy looking thing on the side of the diff.

EVERY body panel should have a VIN sticker, ask for pictures of those, or just ask if they are there/make sure they are before you leave the lot.

 

[T4R_Finally]

DOC fees that high are usually there to allow them some artificial negotiating room without them having to actually take less for the vehicle. I have gotten dealers to do anything from drop them altogether or reduce them to actual fees for title and license. Just negotiate an out the door price and let them plug the numbers into whatever buckets they want on paper. Just keep in mind, the easier you make it on them to sell it quick and effortlessly, the more likely they are to work with you. Not saying you shouldn't ask for all of the things you've asked for, given the circumstances, but someone will have to spend time doing all of that and they will want to make sure they aren't giving that away.

I bought mine 5 hours away but from an individual. Just happened to be in the same town my daughter's boyfriend attends college. The seller was willing to allow him to go look at it, inspect it (I gave him the lowdown from the 3rd gen buyer's guide), and even drive it, alone. That helped me out tremendously because the guy had another buyer coming from 5 hours away in another direction the next day. I didn't mind passing it up if something was wrong, but I hated to lose it just because someone beat me to it.