west LA inspection mechanic recommendations? maybe you can help!

[grave]

I'm hoping to go look at a 2006 4R this weekend in west LA and was wondering what to do about an inspection. Everything seems on the up & up... clean carfax, second owner, been in a fender bender but no airbag deploy or frame damage, says he has all maintenance records, but I feel like I would want someone experienced with 4WD 4th gens to come check it out with me. I've never owned a 4WD truck before so don't know how to checks drivetrain, differentials, all that stuff.

Is there anyone on here who would come with me to check it out? I'll buy you a 12pk of your favorite brew, or buy you lunch. I live in OC.

 

[@Lurch]

The most obvious things to look for is to check the front CV boots for signs of grease leaking. If they look like they're leaking bad that's an easy way to knock some $ off the asking price if you like to bargain. If it's a V8, ask about that timing belt. I was able to knock $1,000 off the asking price since it hadn't been changed yet.

Also, check to make sure it shifts into 4hi & lo and engage the center diff lock. Drive a few feet with it engaged.

 

[grave]

Its a V6, so no TB issues.

How do you engage the center diff? Other han turning the knob for 4WD I know nothing. Is there something to listen or feel for? Guess I'll head to youtube...

 

[ZebRuaj]

The switch for the diff lock should be at the left of the steering wheel, next to a bunch of blank switches.

If the transfer case actuator or diff lock is busted, the truck will chime at you repeatedly and the dash lights for 4wd will keep blinking.

Things I looked for, aside from normal used car stuff:

1) 4wd actuator works and doesn't beep at you.
2) Leaky struts (specially if xreas).
3) Torn CV boots.
4) Upper and lower ball joints not leaking.
5) Any burnt out interior and exterior bulbs. HVAC display and control bulbs seem to be common.
6) Seized brake calipers.
7) Leaky headers if V8.
8) Oil leaks around timing cover if V6.
9) Milkshake in radiator and oil cap if older V6.
10) Rear window operates.
11) Spare tire mechanism isn't rusted and inoperable.
12) Anything worse than surface RUST on the frame.

Taking the time to read through a bunch of threads and posts will give you ideas on what to check when looking. These trucks are old and aging, so expect some maintenance that needs to be done.

Always ask and push for an extended test drive too. You can't determine major things in a 10-15 min drive. I've always had luck with the "I need to see if this vehicle fits my lifestyle" phrase. Have had vehicles tested for a few hours to a full day with good salesmen/dealers.

 

[grave]

Thanks for the replies. I've been lurking the board and soaking up info for a few months and think I found the right truck. Blue 2006 sport, which is rad because I really like the round roof rails and I'm glad it's not Rental Car Silver. The VIN for the truck checks out on Toyota Owners Club and it was dealer serviced very regularly up until its most recent service two days ago. The one thing I thought was strange is that it was serviced a few times in CO and a few times in OK over the years. Maybe he was in college? Visiting family? Who knows. I figure he can answer those questions when I go look at it.

 

[4by4runr]

Just a heads up for anyone here - I spent a lot of time pulling records on the Toyota site and carfax when the carfax report was available and found that not every Toyota dealer uploads their data to carfax.

Regarding the diff lock and 4x4, my transfer case was replaced about 15k ago and from sitting in neutral it goes into 4lo and lock almost as quick as the button is pushed. I drove another that beeped for a little while before going in. Just some food for thought. Personally if it was over 100k I wanted to see at least one trans fluid done.

 

[rooost]

Carfax is really about what you see and consider that there may be many things you dont see, you can use it to rule a car out but not necessarily to rule a car IN.

Sounds like you are onto a good deal, these T4Rs are getting more and more rare as time progresses....the good news is, even if something is wrong, most everything can be fixed!

 

[4by4runr]

The Toyota site avoided me from one car where it said "customer attempted to change transmission fluid but couldn't open the fill plug after draining then drove in for repairs." And then it was traded in... Thank gosh for the Toyota owners site.

Consider yourself a historical appraiser, you are verifying the authenticity of the description from the seller and using carfax and Toyota site as a guide as well as physical inspection....or just go buy the color you like for the price you want��