Mileage: How low is too low?

[Verruckt32]

I posted this on another forum as well...

I am looking at a 2007 4Runner with only 9200 miles on it. Besides being concerned with it possibly being rebuilt (Carfax is clean, however). Is there anything else I should take a hard look at, or be concerned with? Fluids could probably use changed because, if nothing else, they are old. Any other concerns?

 

[emelianenkov]

I posted this on another forum as well...

I am looking at a 2007 4Runner with only 9200 miles on it. Besides being concerned with it possibly being rebuilt (Carfax is clean, however). Is there anything else I should take a hard look at, or be concerned with? Fluids could probably use changed because, if nothing else, they are old. Any other concerns?

Not being used enough is a major cause for engine problems. Take a good look at the hoses, seals, and belts on the engine! That being said, I got my 05 with 20k miles on it and it runs like a top! If the carfax is clean, take a ride in it. Put your foot to the floor. See if ANYTHING doesn't feel right. But I'm thinking you have found yourself an amazing vehicle!

 

[MikeInNH]

Carfax is clean, however

Unfortunately Carfax is NOT very reliable. They even admit they can only collect 5% of all data.

I'd take it to a good mechanic for a thorough inspection.

 

[SUP3RJEFF]

+1 for a thorough inspection.

 

[ridefast]

The miles stay with the chassis not the engine, im not saying its impossible to reprogram the odo so be cautious! carfax is ok but you will be able to tell if that truck has been loved! Most people with 2007 trucks have near 75k miles, and the "wear and tear" to go with it. Look behind the fenders and you will see if the metal is a different color than the oem panels that will indicate a wreck. Look at the bolts that hold the quarter panels together underneath, if they have marks they have been replied.
People with 2007 trucks with 9200 miles better not have a scratch and garage kept!

 

[Qjake]

Unfortunately Carfax is NOT very reliable. They even admit they can only collect 5% of all data.

I'd take it to a good mechanic for a thorough inspection.

^This!^

You can also run the vin# on the Toyota owner site to see if they have any service records etc. Also as Alex suggested check the belts, wires, tires, etc as rubber will dry out and fail due to non-use.

So let's see it! Got any pics or a link to the add? Sounds like a good find but ya never know. Good luck!

 

[CXS]

Also check the numbers on the body parts to make sure they match, if they don't you know it's been in a wreck of some kind.

 

[emelianenkov]

The miles stay with the chassis not the engine, im not saying its impossible to reprogram the odo so be cautious!

Near impossible to reprogram the ODO. I have tried before because I do gauges as a business. But a good suggestion none the less! I know I have 45k miles on my truck now, but I also own a limited cluster with about 6k miles on it. The miles are recorded on the clusters, not the vehicle's computer. If I drive with no gauges, no miles are recorded

 

[ridefast]

Good to know! Thanks bro!!!

 

[MikeInNH]

You can also run the vin# on the Toyota owner site to see if they have any service records etc

And that only works if you have your vehicle serviced at a Toyota dealership. My 05 has NEVER been serviced at a Toyota dealership....Nor will it ever be.

 

[MikeInNH]

Reprogramming the OOD may be impossible...HOWEVER replacing it with one that has low or lower mileage can be done easily. You can find them on EBay.

 

[emelianenkov]

Reprogramming the OOD may be impossible...HOWEVER replacing it with one that has low or lower mileage can be done easily. You can find them on EBay.

That's precisely what I said a few posts ago

 

[eli_lilly]

I'm on my 1st 4runner, but prior to that I had 3 Jeep Cherokees in a row. The last one I bought was the lowest mileage ever and it was a HUGE mistake. The body looked great and it looked great under the hood, but literally every single greased or water-cooled part failed over the next 2 years due to corrosion from lack of use.

-E

 

[emelianenkov]

I'm on my 1st 4runner, but prior to that I had 3 Jeep Cherokees in a row. The last one I bought was the lowest mileage ever and it was a HUGE mistake. The body looked great and it looked great under the hood, but literally every single greased or water-cooled part failed over the next 2 years due to corrosion from lack of use.

-E

Please forgive me, but there was a major purchase with the three vehicles before your 4Runner; they were JEEPS!