undercarriage thoughts

[Hepar]

Honestly, I like the OEM seats better compared to leather aftermarket in the other vehicle. Feels more like a 4R. No sunroof, and no hitch in this one. But only $130 for a hitch.

The more I read about high mileage the more it seems to be less of an issue than something like rust. This is starting to seem like a no-brainer, but again I would be purchasing sight unseen.

From the pictures, it looks like they're seat covers. And it does say it has had an accident, so I'd research that bit more. Does it have a good maintenance record history? Personally, that's one that I'd want to look at in person before buying.

 

[grahamwzim]

From the pictures, it looks like they're seat covers. And it does say it has had an accident, so I'd research that bit more. Does it have a good maintenance record history? Personally, that's one that I'd want to look at in person before buying.

You're talking about the 4Runner with rust and leather seats, correct? I did see that in person. Drives fine, maintenance checks out. But rust and corrosion underneath. This one.. Used 2007 Toyota 4Runner For Sale in Chapel Hill, NC - CarGurus

I wouldn't be able to look at the 4R with 170K miles on it in person before purchasing, unfortunately. 2007 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD - cars & trucks - by dealer - vehicle automotive sale

I've basically convinced myself at this point to stay away from the vehicle with rust.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

That's super helpful. I guess the question is, what's more important between these two vehicles.... the extra 30K miles on the one you just sent me (but no rust) or the fewer 30K miles on the one I was looking at, but rust in the rear of the undercarriage.

One more note, I called the guy about that 4R you sent. He says no issues at all with the vehicle. His dad owns a mechanic shop next door, they've cleaned it top to bottom. But if I were to snag it, I'd be purchasing sight unseen (can't get down to Charlotte). So I'd have to take this guy's word for it. And it does have 170K miles

30K difference in miles is nothing to be concerned about in the Toyota arena. In other car makes, yes, that can make a difference (GM, Ford). Take a look at this thread: Poll: How many miles on your truck?

I hope I am not coercing you from the original truck you had your eyes on. I wanted to inform you of what other comparable examples are available in your price range. Just be cautious on taking anyone's word on it, especially when it comes to dealers. If they sound a little pushy and are dodging your questions about the truck, reconsider looking further into it.

From the sharp pics they have taken, they don't sound like a hoodlum dealer.


I would run a carfax or ask if they can provide one. When looking at the report, see where it has lived. If it was in Houston or any of the southern locales that have been hit with hurricanes in the past, it's possible this may have been a prior flooded vehicle. A lot of the flooded vehicles from the hurricane that hit Houston have been displaced throughout the nation and sketchy dealers have been flipping them. Not trying to scare you, but it's something you should be aware of.

If you haven't already, ask:

-VIN stickers if they are all present
-Pics of the frame and engine
-Maintenance they have done


Keep us updated.

 

[grahamwzim]

30K difference in miles is nothing to be concerned about in the Toyota arena. In other car makes, yes, that can make a difference (GM, Ford). Take a look at this thread: Poll: How many miles on your truck?

I hope I am not coercing you from the original truck you had your eyes on. I wanted to inform you of what other comparable examples are available in your price range. Just be cautious on taking anyone's word on it, especially when it comes to dealers. If they sound a little pushy and are dodging your questions about the truck, reconsider looking further into it.

From the pics they have taken, they don't sound like a hoodlum dealer.


I would run a carfax or ask if they can provide one. When looking at the report, see where it has lived. If it was in Houston or any of the southern locales that have been hit with hurricanes in the past, it's possible this may have been a prior flooded vehicle. A lot of the flooded vehicles from the hurricane that hit Houston have been displaced throughout the nation and sketchy dealers have been flipping them. Not trying to scare you, but it's something you should be aware of.

If you haven't already, ask:

-VIN stickers if they are all present
-Pics of the frame and engine
-Maintenance they have done


Keep us updated.

You guys are unbelievable. Saving my ass here and I'm learning so much, so thank you. Here's the link to the dealer's page, which has a carfax and undercarriage pictures. Used 2007 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD for Sale in Mooresville NC 28117 Point View Motors

Let me ask for VIN stickers and maintenance.

 

[Hepar]

You're talking about the 4Runner with rust and leather seats, correct? I did see that in person.

Gotcha. Was getting the two mixed up.

 

[97Cruiser40th]

You guys are unbelievable. Saving my ass here and I'm learning so much, so thank you. Here's the link to the dealer's page, which has a carfax and undercarriage pictures. Used 2007 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD for Sale in Mooresville NC 28117 Point View Motors

Let me ask for VIN stickers and maintenance.

I would never buy sight unseen, period. Just look at discrepancy in their own ad, states original paint yet its been in an accident. Maybe it wasnt painted?

 

[ToyotaBrah]

You guys are unbelievable. Saving my ass here and I'm learning so much, so thank you. Here's the link to the dealer's page, which has a carfax and undercarriage pictures. Used 2007 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD for Sale in Mooresville NC 28117 Point View Motors

Let me ask for VIN stickers and maintenance.

Darn it. Not so sure about this one now, man.

Shows a moderate accident on the front/right front. Airbags didn't go off, but still an accident is an accident. The repair works looks good, though. Silver is pretty hard color to match. Very possible they may have paint blended the rear passenger doors to match the front passenger fender. Common practice in body shops.

I'm betting the passenger side fender and bumper is not going to be original.

 

[grahamwzim]

Darn it. Not so sure about this one now, man.

Shows a moderate accident on the front/right front. Airbags didn't go off, but still an accident is an accident. The repair works looks good, though. Silver is pretty hard color to match. Very possible they may have paint blended the rear passenger doors to match the front passenger fender. Common practice in body shops.

I'm betting the passenger side fender and bumper is not going to be original.

The guy is sending me over VIN stickers in about an hour or so. He and his dad (who owns a mechanic shop next door) went over the entire vehicle with a paint meter and there is no new paint done on any metal (e.g. doors). But he said likely the bumper was replaced.

 

[grahamwzim]

I would never buy sight unseen, period. Just look at discrepancy in their own ad, states original paint yet its been in an accident. Maybe it wasnt painted?

Good point, he said he can't tell if the replacement bumper was painted or just that color but no metal was painted (at least according to a paint meter).

 

[8355adam]

certainly looks rough but there are a few really good shops in the rust areas that might be able to do some solid work on this if you are willing to put in the $$$. PM for details of one in RI and one in VA if you live around there.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Updates?

 

[grahamwzim]

Updates?

When I talked to him on the phone yesterday he said that they went over the vehicle with a paint meter and none of the metal had been repainted. The bumper was likely replaced, so does that mean they got a silver bumper or just did a stand up job of matching the color? And if this is the only issue with the vehicle, how significant is it? Or should I typically just stay away from vehicles that have been in accidents?

 

[97Cruiser40th]

When I talked to him on the phone yesterday he said that they went over the vehicle with a paint meter and none of the metal had been repainted. The bumper was likely replaced, so does that mean they got a silver bumper or just did a stand up job of matching the color? And if this is the only issue with the vehicle, how significant is it? Or should I typically just stay away from vehicles that have been in accidents?

I by nature do stay away but others are more willing to accept that risk. If you can verify it was simply bumper issue and no frame twisting etc might be worth pursuing but definitely this requires in person visit.

Good luck. There any local folks that can do a drive by? If was local to me I would but too far for me.

 

[grahamwzim]

I by nature do stay away but others are more willing to accept that risk. If you can verify it was simply bumper issue and no frame twisting etc might be worth pursuing but definitely this requires in person visit.

Good luck. There any local folks that can do a drive by? If was local to me I would but too far for me.

Thanks, I think I'm going to try to head down there Friday/Saturday. Rental car is only $30, so it's probably worth it at this point.

For what it's worth, I've been vehicle shopping for about a month. Have gotten sick and tired of car salesmen, but this guy seems like a class act. He has said there are absolutely zero frame twistings or issues with the vehicle. Still is worth a trip.

 

[msh03046]

I learned what not to buy with my first 3rd gen, and found a truck in much better shape for my second "go 'round". Having said that...unless I was looking at pics from trucks that spent their entire lives in moderate climates I feel like 3rd gen axle housings, skid plates, and suspension bits tend to show more signs of advanced rust than any other parts. Fortunately those parts are removable and can be sand blasted clean and powder coated. Honestly I focused more on the actual frame rails, cross members, inner / outer rocker panels, and up under the fender liners (4 corners of the upper wheel wells) to look for any signs of advanced decay. If those have too much rot, than it's definitely time to move on.

And is it just me, but I watch a lot of how-to videos from California, and even out there the axle housings show at least a good bit of surface rust. I feel like you could spit on these axle housings and they'd start to rust lol..

Thanks, that makes me feel a little better. Unfortunately, they're asking $12K for it, likely due to the year, leather seats, sunroof, etc. There is another 4runner on the lot with 110k miles, 04 V6 that they're asking 10K for.

Like I mentioned, I ran the truck through an inspection and the engine is running great. Here in NC these 4runners can come and go within hours. There's such a high demand that it's hard to find one reasonably priced.

If I make an investment in this I want to make sure I'm not entering a money pit and can use the vehicle for another 100K miles.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

When I talked to him on the phone yesterday he said that they went over the vehicle with a paint meter and none of the metal had been repainted. The bumper was likely replaced, so does that mean they got a silver bumper or just did a stand up job of matching the color? And if this is the only issue with the vehicle, how significant is it? Or should I typically just stay away from vehicles that have been in accidents?

I would be very surprised if the shop that fixed it was able to source another OEM silver bumper in perfectly flawless condition. The part where I don't buy their story is when they told you just the bumper was replaced. The Carfax says "front impact, front right impact...moderate right front damage reported." I interpret that as the accident affected more than just one body part. To show this, if you compare the passenger side headlight and the position of it compared to the driver side, you'll notice it looks newer and it is positioned differently than the driver side.

It's not unusual for headlights to be replaced. They get oxidized...people replace them. However, replacing one side raises a red flag. And knowing that it sustained an accident heavier on the passenger side, it makes sense. Even with headlight replaced, it could have still been a light enough accident to have just affected just the cosmetics.




To answer your last question, it's complicated, but I will try and keep it succient. I would still buy a car even if it has been in an accident, but the severity of the accident, how well it was repaired, I take into consideration.
if it was a severe impact that set off airbags and frame had to be realigned, absolutely no. The car's crumple zones were affected at that point, and if an accident were to occur again in that same area, the cabin would take more of an impact since the crumple zones were affected.

I digress.
Back to this truck. If just the headlights and bumper were replaced, I would still move forward. Sounds like these guys are not new to cars seeing as they have a paint depth meter gauge. Like 97Cruiser said, look at it in person. Pics can only tell so much.

Few last things I'd like to mention, then off to class:

-When turning key to accessory position, make sure all lights turn on initially then turn off after starting engine. (i.e Check engine light, SRS light, ABS light). Some sketchy sellers will take the bulbs out of the cluster to hide any problems it has. Super shady.

-Exercise caution and give a thorough look at the frame. If the frame looks shiny and out of place, that could be a sign that the part of the frame affected was sectioned and a new frame piece welded in.

Sorry if I rambled too long.

 

[grahamwzim]

I would be very surprised if the shop that fixed it was able to source another OEM silver bumper in perfectly flawless condition. The part where I don't buy their story is when they told you just the bumper was replaced. The Carfax says "front impact, front right impact...moderate right front damage reported." I interpret that as the accident affected more than just one body part. To show this, if you compare the passenger side headlight and the position of it compared to the driver side, you'll notice it looks newer and it is positioned differently than the driver side.

It's not unusual for headlights to be replaced. They get oxidized...people replace them. However, replacing one side raises a red flag. And knowing that it sustained an accident heavier on the passenger side, it makes sense. Even with headlight replaced, it could have still been a light enough accident to have just affected just the cosmetics.




To answer your last question, it's complicated, but I will try and keep it succient. I would still buy a car even if it has been in an accident, but the severity of the accident, how well it was repaired, I take into consideration.
if it was a severe impact that set off airbags and frame had to be realigned, absolutely no. The car's crumple zones were affected at that point, and if an accident were to occur again in that same area, the cabin would take more of an impact since the crumple zones were affected.

I digress.
Back to this truck. If just the headlights and bumper were replaced, I would still move forward. Sounds like these guys are not new to cars seeing as they have a paint depth meter gauge. Like 97Cruiser said, look at it in person. Pics can only tell so much.

Few last things I'd like to mention, then off to class:

-When turning key to accessory position, make sure all lights turn on initially then turn off after starting engine. (i.e Check engine light, SRS light, ABS light). Some sketchy sellers will take the bulbs out of the cluster to hide any problems it has. Super shady.

-Exercise caution and give a thorough look at the frame. If the frame looks shiny and out of place, that could be a sign that the part of the frame affected was sectioned and a new frame piece welded in.

Sorry if I rambled too long.

You didn't ramble too long at all. This is very helpful.

I can see what you're saying by the picture. The passenger side headlight looks new.

I think I misspoke. I just talked to the dealer again and he said there is no evidence that he could find that the front bumper was replaced. Doesn't mean it wasn't, just that there's no way to tell at this point. So, looks like I'll just have to go and see for myself. I love the vehicle, so thanks again for finding it.

 

[T4R2014]

Highly doubt any body shops will weld a new frame section for a 4th gen 4Runner. At this point a 4th gen with frame damage is junk to insurance.

 

[Ridgeback00]

I just had a search up for cars.com, ebay and autotrader. Mine ended up being from 405 Motors, they seemed to have a few Gen 3s at the time. First time I’ve bought a vehicle without seeing it in person but they took a lot of pics for me under the truck and were easy to work with. After seeing so many I liked and then being scared by the amount of rust they had I was happy when it showed up, there’s almost none.

 

[grahamwzim]

Updates?

Wanted to let you know that I purchased the vehicle you found for me. THANK YOU! This is in incredible shape for a 170K 2007. Drives great and (fingers crossed) will have many great years ahead. Need to get a hitch for my bikes and cargoliner for my dogs and will be good to go. Assuming this is what I should be grabbing? Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Curt Trailer Hitch 13445

Thanks again.