Should I buy a 2011 SR5 that has under 40 k miles?

[Teraxx]

Considering the fact that these things are good for 300k miles(or more) you might consider getting one with 75-100K miles. Probably be 4-5000 cheaper and you could use that money for mods, (if that's something you want to do). But, unless the owners have kept it in a garage when the roads were salted I would consider trying to find one from the southeast. Like others have said, you need to take a close look at the underside for rust.

Will do, folks...Just so you all know, I have bought used vehicles before, so I know the general things to look out for - and rust is always numero uno, no matter the car - and I've even paid a mechanic for an inspection before purchase of my last vehicle. I may do so again. I'm uninterested in high mileage versions, I have had good luck with low miles/older cars in the past, so I'm sticking with that philosophy for now.

 

[Teraxx]

Just a quick update...I got to test drive the 4Runner yesterday and it drove, braked and handled very well. My visual inspection saw only 2 minor flaws, a door ding underneath the driver's handle (PDR could likely fix this cheaply) and the previous owner put a gluey dash mounted air freshener that left a bad stain on the dash (about 2 inches in diameter). I'm going back to see it again on Tuesday so they can put up on a lift for me and I can check for rust. Otherwise, its as pristine inside and out as it looked in the photos...It is truly in amazing shape for a 2011 model!!

Is there an area you guys recommend I should focus on for my rust inspection while it is up in the air? Thanks in advance.

 

[sn_85]

Just a quick update...I got to test drive the 4Runner yesterday and it drove, braked and handled very well. My visual inspection saw only 2 minor flaws, a door ding underneath the driver's handle (PDR could likely fix this cheaply) and the previous owner put a gluey dash mounted air freshener that left a bad stain on the dash (about 2 inches in diameter). I'm going back to see it again on Tuesday so they can put up on a lift for me and I can check for rust. Otherwise, its as pristine inside and out as it looked in the photos...It is truly in amazing shape for a 2011 model!!

Is there an area you guys recommend I should focus on for my rust inspection while it is up in the air? Thanks in advance.

You couldn't have just crawl underneath to look at the rust? That's the first thing I would have done. Do a good inspection of the frame, suspension parts, differentials. Have them take off any skids. Otherwise risky proposition to actually go back to a dealer and look at it. That's always how they get you, when you keep coming back to them.

 

[PrettyGoodSam]

im in PA i bought a 2012 w 55k in 2018. extremely minimal undercarriage rust for a car from NJ. i buzzed it off, apply coats of rust o, then fluid film. i keep an eye on it. last two winters have been really mild which is great for the car haha. just over 67 k now and the only thing i had to replace was rear brakes.