Last Minute Questions?!

[swatman1331]

Hey guys,
I'm leaving to go look at this 4Runner today at about 4:30. I'm just wondering, what are some things to look for when considering buying? Please tell me anything at all. It is a 96 Limited, with 160,000miles on it. The seller says he keeps it garaged all the time and has it detailed every six months.

Also, how does the buying process work? Normally I wold just ask my dad, buy he is at work, and I am here, with nothing to do. Thanks in advance.

 

[PaulSula]

depending on how much time/ money you have, I would recommend taking the 4Runner to an independent mechanic and have then give it a once over. They are pretty good about finding things like, cracked frames, gummed up engines, etc. Other than that I would say to just say ask a lot of questions, and keep your ears open

 

[toto]

Get whatever information you can about the maintenance history. Sounds like the current owner would be pretty good about routine stuff like oil changes and ideally drivetrain fluid changes (transmission, differentials). But what you really need to find out about are the more expensive, once-in-a-while things like the timing belt (on a V6), water pump, spark plugs, battery replacement, brakes, shocks, and tires. When was the last time each of those things was replaced?

If you can get a VIN, I'd also run a Carfax report. It's $20, and it will tell you the life story of titles and registrations, plus any serious incidents the vehicle has been involved in. I'm sure you're spending a lot more than that on the truck, so $20 for a little extra peace-of-mind is no big deal.

Once you know you want to buy it and you are happy with the price, you basically hand the guy a check (most likely a cashier's check), and he signs over the title to you and gives it to you. In Illinois, you would then go to a Motor Vehicle facility to apply for plates, an updated title with your name on it, and pay the used car sales tax.

 

[swatman1331]

according to what the seller told me over the phone, he had the oil changed every 3000 miles. I dont know if he every had any other fluids changed, or if he replaced any other parts. I'll keep that in mind to ask him.

 

[Jacobzky]

and make sure it passes the smog inspection.

 

[tomhaney1]

Hey guys,
I'm leaving to go look at this 4Runner today at about 4:30. I'm just wondering, what are some things to look for when considering buying? Please tell me anything at all. It is a 96 Limited, with 160,000miles on it. The seller says he keeps it garaged all the time and has it detailed every six months.

Also, how does the buying process work? Normally I wold just ask my dad, buy he is at work, and I am here, with nothing to do. Thanks in advance.

I agree with PaulSula- Save yourself a potential major headache and wallet-ache and get it properly inspected! It could save you thousands. If they stand behind their vehicle they will not object to an inspection. Pay the money and get it done, you will not regret it...

 

[swatman1331]

well, i went and checked it out...and im gunna get it. its very clean..no rust anywhere. drives well. i'll post some more pics when i can.