Need opinions! Has this odometer been rolled back?

[the_kg]

First of all, hello. I hope to become a regular member of this forum soon

My wife and I are shopping for a 4Runner and came across this one:
http://www.autobase.com/cgi/info.exe?bc=4380607&dealer=leblancn

It looks like a decent deal (though I hope to still be able to talk them down) and I got excited, until I saw the Carfax report

So what do you think? Is it likely that 40,000 was legit, and the owner really did go from 7k miles in the first year to 34k miles in the second year? Did the inspection station make a typo? Did the owner do a rollback (is it even easy for an individual to do)? Or did the dealership do a rollback?

We plan to go look at it tonight. I read that I should check the wear on the gas/brake pedals, as well as check for the original tires. Is there anything else I should look for to tell if it really has 40k+ miles instead of 19k?

What brand/style/etc are the original tires for this vehicle?

Any and all advice is welcome.

 

[Will_4R]

I noticed something similar a few years back while shopping for a 4runner. In my case it was obviously a typo (misplaced decimal). In your case, I am not so sure. So far, the evidence points towards odo tampering. I would start by asking the owner for an explanation and for complete service records.

There are enough 4Runner out there that unless you are sure it is typo, I would pass. Also, remember if you try to sell this ever, you are going to have some explaing to do to any potential buyers.

Original tires: Dunlop AT20 265/65R17 or 265/70R16 (depending on options and trim level)

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Very good info there. I've dealt with this a couple times. When I registered my old Mustang, they wrote the mileage down as 100k (it has ~120). Then the carfax showed the inconsistant reading just because when registering they wrote down a blanket mileage. Under Arkansas law if it's over 10 years old they aren't required to physically check the mileage, and nothing I could do. I dealt with this a second time on my previous 4runner. I purchased it, drove it for a while. Then I sold it to my brother, who sold it recently. It showed 130k on the odometer, but carfax showed it at 180k several years back. Typo or roll back, I don't know. It's not worth the risk to me, because my brother lost several sales due to the inconsistant reading given on the carfax.

 

[the_kg]

Thanks for the input.

Original tires: Dunlop AT20 265/65R17 or 265/70R16 (depending on options and trim level)

The pictures posted online clearly show the tires are Bridgestone. Is there any chance that it came with those tires, or is that a definite red flag that there's more than 19k miles if the tires already had to be replaced?

 

[chaz]

judging from the beginning, first year was probably correct at 6,906 id say the 40,905 should have read around 10,905-12,905, then the last year 19,191. that would be some what the same mileage year to year, making the last number logical, & make sense. i believe it was a typo, i bought my 06 in 07 with only 6500 on it, so it is true that some people dont drive the 12000 a year quoted as average, i know i sure dont come anywhere close to that mostly because i own 2 vec.s, but of course check into it. that also may be a way to get the price lowered. it looks in good shape otherwise. not all 4runners come with the dunlops, some models get bridgestone , some michelin, it depends on package, dealer &/or part of the country. 16, 17, & 18 size wheels, also depend on model being purchased.

 

[LBeard87]

Thanks for the input.



The pictures posted online clearly show the tires are Bridgestone. Is there any chance that it came with those tires, or is that a definite red flag that there's more than 19k miles if the tires already had to be replaced?

its not going to have the 265/65/17 dunlops or even the 16in dunlops because the 2006 and newer limiteds came standard with 18in wheels. im not sure if they came stock with bridgestones though.

 

[Lowpro]

I saw a listing for an 09' T4R that had 30k miles on it already. Some people apparently commute for a living. :wow2:

 

[imdav2u]

Look at the floor mat on the drivers side.If they are the original mats,this one looks like it's in very good condition.As far as the tires go,I have an 07 Limited ,it came with Bridgestones.It looks like it is very good condition,I would say the mileage is correct.

 

[imdav2u]

I should have looked at the ad before I posted.$25k for an 06 4Runner with a V-8 is way out of line.I just bought my son an 06 Limited 4 X 4 with nav and 41 k for $17,800.It has a new set of tires and the spare is a new ,I would say original,Bridgestone tire.This one has a V-6,V-8 's get 2 to 3 mpg less than the 6.

 

[the_kg]

Well we just bought it! :banana:

After looking at the vehicle, which is immaculate, I believe it really was a typo at the inspection station. The tires looked worn, but far from bald.

The dealer already submitted the paperwork to carfax to have the mileage corrected or somehow "fixed." I'm not holding my breath on that, but it's worth a shot. Although I have no intention of selling this beauty anytime soon :lookout:

$25k for an 06 4Runner with a V-8 is way out of line.

I don't know what makes you think that, but the kbb trade-in value is 24,500. I don't see how 500 over the trade-in value (which is the lowest assessment) is "out of line." But we're all allowed our opinions.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Regardless of opinions, glad you got what you're looking for. Enjoy the new ride!

 

[Larry77]

My money would be on a type-o...looks like a great truck if you don't want 4x4...

I paid 28k for my '06 Limited 4x4 with Nav (17k miles) and I felt like a got a great deal...

 

[Yogi4]

I saw a listing for an 09' T4R that had 30k miles on it already. Some people apparently commute for a living. :wow2:

Yep, some do, I did for 30+ years. In the last 8 months, I have already put 10K, mostly highway, on my 09, and changed tires at 3K, because I could not stand the original Dunlops on-the-highway handling. Also, while this may not apply my rental car employer has a lot of T4Rs in its fleet that have 30k+ in the first year, and they go out into the retail market at about one year.
Bill W

 

[Lowpro]

I just bought my son an 06 Limited 4 X 4 with nav and 41 k for $17,800.It has a new set of tires and the spare is a new ,I would say original,Bridgestone tire.This one has a V-6,V-8 's get 2 to 3 mpg less than the 6.

Really??? Where is this?? T4R's I see out here in Los Angeles are almost $10k above that! :crybaby:

 

[Lowpro]

Also, while this may not apply my rental car employer has a lot of T4Rs in its fleet that have 30k+ in the first year, and they go out into the retail market at about one year.
Bill W

Bill,

What are your personal thoughts on these fleet vehicles that you are talking about? Would you buy one? Would you recommend a family member buy one? And how would you be able to find them? Thanks!

 

[the_kg]

Wow, Carfax actually did update the report. It no longer lists the anomalous mileage for that one inspection. It just says 'passed inspection.'

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

That's great!!! I wish I knew that back when I had the issues with my vehicle.

 

[peter78]

My money would be on a type-o..QUOTE]
I am thinking the same way. It only showed up once and it wasn't consitant with the other readings. I am glad you got it.

 

[Uneek]

Sorry I'm late. The 18" rims come with either Bridgestone's (don't know what model) or Michelin CrossTerrains. I believe all Sport Editions come with the Dunlops AT20s and some SR5s and (earlier) Limiteds with 17" rims.

Congrats on your purchase. You'll love it.

 

[Yogi4]

Bill,

What are your personal thoughts on these fleet vehicles that you are talking about? Would you buy one? Would you recommend a family member buy one? And how would you be able to find them? Thanks!

I actually bought a fleet vehicle (05 Explorer) that had been in rental service. And it did serve me well, until I drove a T4R and wanted one desperately. I was fortunate to afford a new TE, but I would have bought one of the used SR5 4WDs anyway. Mostly, they are good vehicles, like any used vehicle, you need to check them carefully. My company does take care of them, even though most renters drive them like a rental car (without thinking that they may be the next to drive one, and expecting perfection). Best place to look would be on the rental companies web site--most of the big ones have retail sales. If you wish, PM me for my specific company--one of the biggies.
Bill