Used 2014 4Runner SR5 Issues?

[JAGMBA]

It's been a few years since I've been on the forums, but now I may finally buy a 4Runner (well, my wife may buy one). My wife is looking for a used reliable truck-based SUV which fits in our garage, so I recommended she look at the 4Runner. She found a a plain 2014 SR5 with 44k miles and will trade her 2013 JKU Sport with 60k miles for the 2014 4Runner. I checked the Carfax report and it came back clean even though the vehicle was a rental car for 41k miles and a second owner only had it for 9 months. Are there any issues with the 2014s I should look for before she makes the purchase? We have the vehicle for the weekend, so I can look at anything in the engine bay or underneath. Thanks.

BTW, yes I'm mildly concerned about buying this plain SR5 due to it being a former rental vehicle. However, this plain SR5 drove better and felt mechanically tighter than a 1-owner 4Runner SR5 Premium we drove with similar miles. That 1-owner SR5 Premium had a rather loud whine coming from the engine that was in sync with engine revs, so I suggested she pass on it. Anyway, again thanks for any advice.

 

[Ryan1975]

I've owned three 4Runners since 2008, totalling over 175k miles. I've only had one issue in the past 11yrs - a faulty radio that was caused by an Ex GF that didnt know how to knock snow off her boots.

 

[flyrv9]

Is it 4WD? Many rentals are not. I'd get it in the air and take a good look under there. Look for leaks, evidence of prior leaks, evidence of accident repair, flood damage, etc.

Look at all the fluids to see if they are low and look like they should. Look at the engine for evidence of leaks, prior work etc. Check tires for even wear. Pull a wheel and check the brake pads. Check body panels for fitment to see if they have been replaced and the paint is even throughout. Check body surfaces with a magnet to see if there is any bondo type repairs. Check all glass for damage.

Lastly check that all functions work: windows, locks, 4WD, Xreas, E brake, lights, everything.

I'm probably leaving a few things out, but you get the idea. Look to see if the manuals are there and if so, go through them. If you buy it, make sure they give you a full set of keys. That should be 2 fobs plus a valet key. Keys and programming is expensive so if they are not all there make them create the correct number. Check date on the battery. Check to see jack and tools are there and the spare looks good. If one lug on each wheel is the anti-theft lug, make sure the socket key is there for it.

 

[Freyja]

My 2014 was a previous rental and got it at 41k miles as well. No problems after a full year using it as a daily driver and adventure mobile. Had my mechanic look it over and he said he was solid as a rock, no rust, new tires, all good. Purely anecdotal, but it was worth it, everything else was 2-4k more with more miles. People still comment on how nice and new it looks.

The fear is that people abuse rental vehicles, and I have seen it happen. Literally today I was up on a forest road exploring, and all the sudden a Miata comes creeping down the trail, bottoming out like crazy. But really it's a 4Runner, you have to really really try to abuse it in a negative aspect.

Just like all used cars, just check everything out before doing anything. Test drive as many cars as you can as well, to make sure you know how a 4Runner should operate.

 

[JAGMBA]

It is 4WD and all fluids check out, except the PS fluid which is REALLY dark and needs to be changed. The underside (frame, body, rubber joint boots, mounting points, etc) looks VERY good for the mileage with the exception of a bash of the fuel tank skid plate that's on the vertical side near where the front and rear drivers side doors meet. That damage is odd in that there isn't any damage on the horizontal area of the skid plate near that area nor is there any damage to the body above it. Ran it through the car wash to see if there were any leaks of the body and it passed the test. No leaking fluids either; the dealer let me take the vehicle for the weekend, so it's been garaged at night and I've checked under the hood and rear differential each day. Battery is new (April 2017) as are all of the tires as well. In the morning, I'll jack up the front end to check the ball joints.

Negatives are the significant amount of surface scratches in the paint and a missing interior panel that covers the jack. The surface scratches are enough to trigger my hyper paranoia about rust and make me want to either have it wrapped or painted this year to protect the metal; the paint must be ridiculously soft.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Could the scratches be pin stripping from driving by trees off road? That may also explain the skid plate dent. Has your wife test drove a Highlander? Women seem to like them better than a 4runner.

 

[e60ral]

^^ the paint on these is pretty terrible, but are the scratches through the paint or just the clearcoat and into the paint.

if they are not through all the paint a little light polishing and then a good wax/sealant is all you need

 

[philsey]

Assuming the scratches run horizontally, plus the skid plate dent indicate off-road use. How significant? Who knows?

Any way to contact the second owner? That might prove informative.

9 months of ownership makes me curious.

BTW, Carfax is only as good as the information GIVEN to them. They do not COLLECT data.