Looking @ 2012 LTD. What should I look for pre-purchase?

[J-Roc]

Just looking for a bit of buyers insight. Hoping I can get some ideas of what to look for on this particular truck...
Things I should be looking for/common problems for this year of Runner.
Anything wearing out prematurely

The truck has 76,000 miles on it.

If anyone has any tips/suggestions for me before I go look at it, that would be greatly appreciated.
Again, I know what I’m looking for when buying a used truck. But if there are any common problems associated with this year, anything you can think of may go a long way.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bossman]

Some links specific to the 2012:

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/4Runner/2012/

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/toyota/4runner/2012

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/common-4runner-complaints

The dealer has provided the Car Proof report - be sure to check on that. Asking price seems high for that year/mileage. Listing indicates it comes with winter rims/tires, so that is plus.

I'd check for recent brake work (the seized caliper issues did not magically disappear between 4th and 5th gen), and I suspect it may still have original tires.

Airbag recall has likely not yet been done.

 

[J-Roc]

Some links specific to the 2012:

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/4Runner/2012/

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/toyota/4runner/2012

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/common-4runner-complaints

The dealer has provided the Car Proof report - be sure to check on that. Asking price seems high for that year/mileage. Listing indicates it comes with winter rims/tires, so that is plus.

I'd check for recent brake work (the seized caliper issues did not magically disappear between 4th and 5th gen), and I suspect it may still have original tires.

Airbag recall has likely not yet been done.

Thank you sir. Will definitely check out those links.
Carproof already provided, looks clean.
I am going to ask him if there is any movement on price as well.
Hoping I don’t miss the V8 Would you ever consider going back?

 

[Bossman]

A clean Car Proof is a good start. It was interesting that they provided the full VIN in their dealership online ad. If it is a local owner, they should be able to provide service records.

I definitely enjoyed the V8 in my 03 Limited much more than I am enjoying the V6 in my 2011. But my old 03 was having a few too many serious issues (brake line failures, X-REAS failure, RAS failure) that caused me to want to trade it in. My 2011 is excellent in all other categories, other than engine. Had Toyota only put a V8 option in the 5th gen, there would be many, many more happy T4R owners.

It also depends on what you intend to do with your 4Runner. Mine is simply a daily driver that gets me where I want to go in any weather condition (which is why I went Limited - for the full-time 4WD).

 

[J-Roc]

A clean Car Proof is a good start. It was interesting that they provided the full VIN in their dealership online ad. If it is a local owner, they should be able to provide service records.



I definitely enjoyed the V8 in my 03 Limited much more than I am enjoying the V6 in my 2011. But my old 03 was having a few too many serious issues (brake line failures, X-REAS failure, RAS failure) that caused me to want to trade it in. My 2011 is excellent in all other categories, other than engine. Had Toyota only put a V8 option in the 5th gen, there would be many, many more happy T4R owners.



It also depends on what you intend to do with your 4Runner. Mine is simply a daily driver that gets me where I want to go in any weather condition (which is why I went Limited - for the full-time 4WD).

Exactly where I’m sitting. Ras is shot, Xreas Leaking...Rust Rust Rust. I could go on and on. Would love to go another 5 years with it, but wont last another year without sinking thousands into it and then maybe more shortly after that.
Figure I’d save that money and get a “new” one.
Just a daily driver but the 4WD is a must in these winters.

 

[Bossman]

Yes, those Ontario winters and all that road salt plays havoc with our vehicles. All of my major issues trace back to rust and corrosion. The body of my 03 was still in good shape as I washed/waxed it regularly.

I bought my 03 in 2008 and had it until 2016, when it got traded in for my then 5 year old 2011 Limited. My 2011 had a bit higher mileage than the 2012 you are looking at, but I paid significantly less than what that dealer is asking.

 

[DannyLlama]

Check for leaks and moist spots on all the boots, suspension, axel, steering rack, etc...

 

[J-Roc]

Just took it for a test drive....
Everything feels good. My only issue is RUST...
How much is too much. Is this acceptable for a 2012?

The rust is consistent all the way back. Undercoat it and be done?
Or should I re consider?

Any help is appreciated as this isn’t a small purchase for me.

Thanks