Should I buy this urban runner?

[rocketboy]

I'm in the market for a 4th gen w/ 4wd in silver. I've found one locally that is one owner, southern owned, all maintenance performed at owners local toyota dealership, but had one accident on its history report that occurred in the middle of his ownership. It's an auto check history report so it didn't say anything about the location or severity of the accident.

2008, silver
Urban runner package
76,000 miles
No rust
Asking $18,000. Which is actually below KBB.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

 

[eviele]

I'm in the market for a 4th gen w/ 4wd in silver. I've found one locally that is one owner, southern owned, all maintenance performed at owners local toyota dealership, but had one accident on its history report that occurred in the middle of his ownership. It's an auto check history report so it didn't say anything about the location or severity of the accident.

2008, silver
Urban runner package
76,000 miles
No rust
Asking $18,000. Which is actually below KBB.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Accidents are a funny thing. My Tacoma was hit from behind once. There was a car parked behind me that was hit by a drunk driver. The car behind me (a mini) was totaled and my Tacoma had some minor damage. It was a little more than $1500 to repair the tailgate and rear bumper. There wasn't any other damage, but anything over $1500 gets reported to Carfax (I think it's $1500, something like that).
Anyway, the point of the story is this, I drove the truck trouble free for a number of years after the accident. The only bad thing that came out of the accident is it was an arguing point when I traded it in.
If an accident occurs in the middle of someones ownership then you could conclude that they were happy enough with the 4runner to keep it for a few more years. If you drive it and you're happy with it then don't be afraid to buy it. It may in fact be a better deal for you. Just make sure you get it checked out by a reputable mechanic.
Good luck.

 

[robaroni]

I'm in the market for a 4th gen w/ 4wd in silver. I've found one locally that is one owner, southern owned, all maintenance performed at owners local toyota dealership, but had one accident on its history report that occurred in the middle of his ownership. It's an auto check history report so it didn't say anything about the location or severity of the accident.

2008, silver
Urban runner package
76,000 miles
No rust
Asking $18,000. Which is actually below KBB.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Does the owner have pictures of the damage at the time of the accident. This may help you put the accident into context?

 

[rocketboy]

Accidents are a funny thing. My Tacoma was hit from behind once. There was a car parked behind me that was hit by a drunk driver. The car behind me (a mini) was totaled and my Tacoma had some minor damage. It was a little more than $1500 to repair the tailgate and rear bumper. There wasn't any other damage, but anything over $1500 gets reported to Carfax (I think it's $1500, something like that).
Anyway, the point of the story is this, I drove the truck trouble free for a number of years after the accident. The only bad thing that came out of the accident is it was an arguing point when I traded it in.
If an accident occurs in the middle of someones ownership then you could conclude that they were happy enough with the 4runner to keep it for a few more years. If you drive it and you're happy with it then don't be afraid to buy it. It may in fact be a better deal for you. Just make sure you get it checked out by a reputable mechanic.
Good luck.

I agree, if the owner continued to drive it, it's likely okay. When I test drove the vehicle everything felt fine.

 

[rocketboy]

Does the owner have pictures of the damage at the time of the accident. This may help you put the accident into context?

Unfortunately no. The seller is a small time dealer operating out of an office suite. He purchased the car through an online auto auction.

 

[mid9pitstop]

Are you in the ...rush?

Rocketboy,

If you can, avoid any kind of 'accident' in the vehicle's history report. Some accident could be severe and can't be fixed to the original characteristics, either look or/and performance.

I suggest you keep searching patiently. Don't be afraid to go or look extra miles for it. I did and kinda been happy with my purchase. I had to make a 900 miles rounded trip to get mine from the border of Georgia.

But, if you really wanted it so bad, I believe you could get the accident report from local police department with small fee. Google for it.

Again... don't rush.
Good luck