Pre-purchase question

J

jonb2

Member
Hi,
Used to own 2000 4runner years ago sold it and now want back in with a 4th gen 4runner. Currently test driving a few 2007/2008 2wd 4runners V6.

I noticed that the vehicle appears to have alot of engine braking while accelerating and decelerating. Speed up from a stop and it sounds like a "hum" or "whine" that increases as vehicle speed increases and then decreases as the vehicle slows down. No noise while at a stop. Sounds like it's coming from transmission but not sure. Vehicle shifts fine and I feel no shaking or vibration or anything else strange. Vehicle has about 75k miles and all else looks to be in very good condition.

Does this noise/braking effect sound normal or is acceptable for the 5spd auto? I don't remember feeling this in my 3rd gen 4runner.

thanks!
 
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Well dealer said he checked out noise and didn't find anything wrong with suspension. He believes it is tire noise. I test drove a couple other 4runners and did not hear any noise on those.

The tires are Bridgestone Dueler H/L. Any idea if tires could really be making the noise?

thanks!
 
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It's possible it's the tires. It's possible it's something else too. It's definitely not normal. While tires are the most likely culprit, that's a pretty big gamble. If it's the one you have to have, make sure you protect yourself. The only real way to tell is to change the tires out.
 
Thanks for all the advice. I plan to test drive again tomorrow and will pay attention to the turns and see if noise changes. They told me yesterday the vehicle was checked out and it's the tires making a humming noise--but I am skeptical. It's offered at a fair price and all else is in very good condition which make the purchase decision difficult.

Any other advice to narrow it down to tire noise during a test drive?
thanks.
 
Well took it for a quick test drive today again and same noise. Talked to another sales rep and it appears it has been diagnosed with a bad rear differential. So I am not insane after all i did hear something.

They plan to have Toyota dealership rebuild/replace the differential (that's all I know) before selling it. The catch is they won't do these repairs without a contract commitment to purchase after repairs are satisfactorily done. The dealership would pay for the repairs.

Any thoughts about whether I should pass on this 4runner? Everything else seems to be in good shape.
 
i don't see any advantage to you for signing a contract on a car that needs work. They will have to fix this issue regardless. Not sure why they insist there be a contract on it before they fix it... How reputable is this place?
 
This is a "high end" dealership in the L.A. area. They got the 4runner in trade for a fancy european car (very nice car too). If they have a signed contract first, and I approve the repair work, the purchase goes through and is processed. First time I ever heard of such an arrangement but it sounds reasonable. They are saying I can back out of the contract if I decide not purchase the vehicle after repairs are made and before I take possession.

He said they plan to auction it off if no one is interested in buying first--it will cost approx $2k for the dealership to fix.
 
I've done that with dealerships without any problem. Just make sure that's all that's wrong and that the repair is spelled out in any agreement you make.
 
The dealership initially told you there were no issues other than the tires, and then later another salesman said there was an issue with the rear diff.

I would double check the "back-out" clause they mentioned and if possible have a "friend" (independent mechanic or competent car guy) go for the next test drive with you if possible.

Edit: I didn't intend to come across as saying you are incompetent.
 
Any Carfax or Dealer Service/Repair History tracked by all Dealers by the vin #. I found this to be helpful in back tracking the life of my 07 SR5 2WD V6. I purchased in 2010 and I was able to track service as being up to date @ 43,000 mi.

Is or was a tow hitch on the 4Runner? If the rear-end has wear I would question why and feel the transmission could have some good wear. IMO it would be good for you to see them drop the rear’s cover and Tran’s pan to see the oil and grime.

I find it strange that one Rep knew of the rear’s need, the other did not and that it was for Sale. Since the 60s I have purchased used cars 40 – 50,000 mi when many cars are sold vs serviced. At what mileage is or was the Trans Change due. They will probably only want to do a power Flush on the Trans (that w/n show what dropping the pan would.

I did not see Auto Trans Oil Change under Normal or Special conditions. When should it be changed?

Good Luck!
 
Walk away. There's got to be a better truck out there. The tires and rearend both should have been fixed before it was put up for sale.
 
Wow lots of different opinions and thanks for all the responses. Well my decision was to actually go ahead with the purchase. Here's some of MY reasons:

1. This is primarily a new car dealership. They get trade-ins and keep a handful of the good ones for sale and auction off the rest. I'm not 100% sure they knew of the differential problem on trade-in--maybe only after post inspection or my test drive did they have a mechanic check it out. Otherwise why take the liability of selling a known bad vehicle, offering a 3mo/3k mile warranty, spending time advertising, etc. They would have just auctioned it off right away and not spent any money offering to fixing it.

2. The salespeople are primarily new car (not Toyota) sales. They don't know the history or condition of most used cars on their lot. It is up to me (the buyer) to perform due diligence and check out any used vehicle fully. And I don't care why one salesperson said one thing and another something else. It's their business to make sales-I understand that. My business is to make sure I get the best vehicle I can at a fair price.

3. I can't reconcile why rear end went back. I know that I fully went over the vehicle inside and out, underneath, under the hood, etc. and except for normal wear/tear it looks in very good condition. Carfax came back showing regular dealer visits for maintenance every 6-10k miles. Nothing unusual.

So we will see in about a week when all the repairs have been completed whether it was a good decision or not. Again thanks for all the input!
Jon
 
Well picked up my "new" 2007 4runner a few days ago after Toyota changed out the differential. All I can say is it runs great! No problems at all and the noise from rear end is completely gone. So for now I am a happy camper and believe I made the right choice to purchase this vehicle.

Thanks to all for the comments!
Jon
 
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