If you can get the vin number ahead of time, I would also register it as yours on the toyota owners website. Any work they have had done at a dealership will show up as well as any user entered maintenance (they they chose to). You can register a vehicle as many times as you want so it is not a problem. You can also check if there are any TSB and recalls on the vehicle in question.
Toyota Safety Recall and Car Service Information
This was posted over at tacomaworld. I found it useful when inspecting my 4Runner back in January.
Below is a list of items to look at.
Carfax is a good source for checking the accident history of the vehicle. However, unless the car was totaled even major accidents might not show up. This is typically the case then a car was repaired for the existing owner. The following are some items to look for in checking for accident damage.
Body
* Signs of overspray on trim pieces, lights and inner fenders
* Weld and signs of repair work on inner fenders, core supports and underside of body
* Check for VIN stickers in doors, hood, tailgate.
* Check body panels with a magnet. If body filler was used, the magnet won't stick in places.
* Use Polaroid sun glasses and look at the paint. Repainted panels will stand out, especially if they are metallic paint.
* Check body lines and panel gaps for alignment
* Check A/B/C/D pillars for overspray or signs of paint matching. These are the normal placed where the body shop will try to blend the paint if just one panel was painted.
* Check the overall shine of the paint on different panels.
* Check for dirt in the paint, or changes in texture. The factory paint is uniform and clean.
* Check behind the rock panels, fenders and tailgates for signs of repair.
* Check the edges of body panels for paint masking marks or body filler.
* Check for marks on frame where it might have been pulled on a frame straightening machine
Electrical
On vehicles where a lot of accessories were added bad wiring can cause endless headaches.
* Check all lights, horn, interior lights and electrical parts for functionality
* Check fuse box for incorrect wire taps or modifications
* Check for blown fuses
* Check condition of battery
* Check for corrosion under battery tray
* If possible, remove dash panel below steering wheel or look underneath. This is most often the spot where accessories are installed. Check the neatness of the installation and correct splicing of wires. A rats nest is normally an indication that the work was not done properly.
* Check for additional wires that were added to the positive terminal on the battery. Check that these were done properly, routed properly and fused properly.
* Look underneath the back and along the frame rails to see if any trailer wiring was done properly.
Interior
Indications that the interior was kept clean and maintained is normally a good indication of the overall owners attitude towards the vehicle. Do not confuse a detailed interior with one that was kept clean on a regular basis.
* Check for scratches on plastic trim pieces.
* Check condition of upholstery, headliners, door panels and trim pieces.
* Check under seats for dirt
* Check the operation of the electric seat
* Check the operation of all the heater controls, radio and other accessories
* Check interior lights
* Check for mildew and water stains on carpet.
Drive Train
* Check head/block interface for antifreeze leaks.
* Check outside of steering knuckles for oil & grease. Caked on dirt and grease is a good indication that the inner axle seals has failed some time ago and internal components could be damaged or worn beyond service specs.
* Remove the square fill plug on the knuckle and take a sample of the grease. If the grease is runny, it is also an indication that the differential oil is running into the knuckle.
* Check if radiator has been replaced. This could be indications of overheating conditions previously.
* Check if there are deposits in the coolant overflow bottle. This could also indicate deposits in the radiator.
* Check for leaks underneath.
* Check tires for uneven wear.
* Check tires to for the same tread on all tires.
* Check that all the tires are the same brand and size
* Check condition of spare and if it is the correct wheel
* Check if any drive train components have been replaced. If so, try to determine why.
* Check for vibrations during drive.
* Check all fluids to see how dirty they are. Dirty fluids are an indication of owner neglect.
* Run the engine at normal temperatures and check for unusual smells
* Listen for any unusual sounds
* Check for signs of any emissions equipment that might be removed.
* Check exhaust system for rust, holes and repairs
* Check for blue or white smoke when car accelerates.
* Check the automatic transmission shifts smoothly
* Check that the electric lockers engage by turning them on in low range and driving on a low traction surface
* Apply the brakes at different speeds and see if there is any fade, or if the vehicle pulls sideways.
* Apply brakes lightly and check for any vibrations through the pedal
* Turn the steering from lock to lock and listed for any noises and/or roughness
* Test drive the vehicle at highway speed and see if there are any vibrations
Hope this helps
