Should I buy or look for another one?

[gcm4life34]

I am currently looking to buy a used 4Runner and have found an 04 Limited V8 4WD with 75,000 miles for $16K. Includes running boards, navigation, remote start, after market blue tooth, new tires. As it is located 4 hours away, I had the seller meet my father in-law today to get it checked out at Firestone. Based on the report it came back with $1,400 of recommended work. I plan to call Firestone to get more specifics tomorrow (I really do not know anything about car maintenance/repairs), but was curious what everyone here would think of this deal.

1) Lower Ball Joint (both lower front) replace F control arm-lower - $400
2) Shocks (both rear) remove and inspect or remove and replace rear shock and/or strut assembly - $315
3) Transmission Fluid Flush - $140
4) Coolant System Fluid Service w/Khameleon - $95
5) Fuel System Tune Up - $95
6) Flush Brake System with ABS - $115
7) A few other minor items making up the difference.

1 and 2 were noted as "system failure". I know that if the ball joints are bad, then these should be replaced, no questions asked, but my concern is that these are bad at only 75,000 miles. Is this expected or is this a sign that something else is wrong? Should the shocks be going bad this early as well? If I had both of these done, should I reasonably expect that the vehicle is safe and reliable going forward?

3-6 seem to be items that are good to do but may not need to be done at only 75,000 miles or should not need to be done on this early unless other things were wrong. Any thoughts on these?

Based on the above items, should I this buy vehicle?

Thanks for any help and advice!

 

[SC Joe]

Sounds like Firestone is trying to drum up some business.

If the ball joints need replacing at that mileage, I'd be surprised. If they do...I'd keep looking.

 

[jlm6985]

Sounds like Firestone is trying to drum up some business.

Firestones are kinda known for that... two articles on Jalopnik yesterday alone about it: here and here. CORRECTION: Re-read second article and saw it wasn't a Firestone... nevertheless!:

Personally, they tried to tell me they need to unbolt a rear differential inspection plate to change my differential gear oil last Thursday when I went to get my tires aligned. Fortunately, I know my T4R well enough to know that it has 1) a drain-plug system for changing the gear oil and 2) had done it myself for no labor cost the previous Saturday.

Long story short... get a second opinion for everyone's sake involved in the transaction. I mean:

2) Shocks (both rear) remove and inspect or remove and replace rear shock and/or strut assembly - $315

"Remove and inspect or remove and replace"... HUH? Which is it? If it really needs new shocks... you can find a great set new on eBay for that price. I saw full set of TRD Bilsteins the other day for $320... much better than what Firestone would sell you...

That being said... Good luck with the search/purchase! :thumb3:

 

[MICA4R]

1) Lower Ball Joint (both lower front) replace F control arm-lower - $400
unless previous owner was beating the hell out of the rig, this seems like B/S
2) Shocks (both rear) remove and inspect or remove and replace rear shock and/or strut assembly - $315
I think its $315 to remove, inspect and replace + the cost of new shocks if they find a problem, which they will
3) Transmission Fluid Flush - $140
sealed trans system no real need to do this, plus, I think you have a V8 which has a trans cooler which will extend the life of the oil
4) Coolant System Fluid Service w/Khameleon - $95
Not needed
5) Fuel System Tune Up - $95
WTF does that mean?
6) Flush Brake System with ABS - $115
This is a $25 DIY job
7) A few other minor items making up the difference.
Good luck, these guys sound like pricks. Lady at work went in for an oil change on a 2009 camry, ended up leaving with a new alternator, battery, brakes, rotors, and a $55 for cabin airfilter.

 

[A_HuL]

keep looking, i just bought an sr5 4wd with 100k without a scratch on it for $13k and that was from a dealer not a person, thats too much to invest right off the bat

 

[Seatown]

Firestone is definitely trying to get some business. Half of that stuff is not even needed; kind of like going to Jiffy Lube and having them say you need everything drained or flushed. That's low miles for that rig and a good price. I'd say $500 is all it would take to get that thing purring. I always take my potentials to the dealership and ask for a buyer's inspection...for a $100 they will usually give it to you straight(er).

Good luck!!

 

[jlm6985]

5) Fuel System Tune Up - $95
WTF does that mean?

Essentially they toss injector cleaner into the gas tank (various brands, ~$10 at an auto parts store), spray clean the MAF sensor (various brands, ~$8 a can at an auto parts store - and you only need a few sprays!), spray clean the throttle body (various brands, ~$12 a can at an auto parts store - and you only need a few sprays!), and maybe they'll SeaFoam it (~$10 at an auto parts store).

All of these things will help a car get better MPGs (not to restart that debate-I know it's all relative anyways), but they are all cheap and easy DIY items.

 

[S p a r k y]

I think its a good deal..