Would you buy a 4runner with....

[DGA]

New to the forum, but I have been lurking for a while. Just sold my FJ and now looking for a 4runner. I found a 2010 TE Mag Grey that ideally suits my price range, but there are a few things. It's a lease return, used by the city(that's what the dealer says), the exterior had quite a few scratches in the paint(some are almost as long as the vehicle) and it also has an electric brake assist for towing(I think that's what it's called). The interior is in great shape, I took it for a test drive and all seems good. On my second look they buffed out most of the scratches(gone or only slightly noticeable). I'm hoping if I take it to some one else maybe they can get it polished up a little more.

My wife says she doesn't care about any of the issues Im bringing up. She's okay with it as is.

With this 4runner being in my price range I can get a lift and tires right away.

Would you buy based on those issues?

 

[K0nfusion]

Sounds good, however I don't think I saw the price you were being quoted? If it has the electric brake assist installed, chances are the guy did some big hauling with it. I've seen those things used for larger trailers, boats, horse trailers, ect.

Is it Toyota Pre-Certified? If not, I would schedule to take it to a Toyota Dealership and have them look everything over prior to the purchase. All the scratches down the whole length of the vehicle make me think it saw some serious trail time....a branch or bush you drive past will get it the whole way.

Toyota is known for being extremely reliable, and lasting a life time. However if the previous owner thrashed and trashed it, he could of done "some" harm.

 

[Newf4R]

What City buys a TE 4Runner? I see you're also from Canada... We're a friendly bunch. Call the City and see if you can dig up some info on it. I doubt they have a fleet of these things. If so, I'm moving to your City!!

 

[DGA]

What City buys a TE 4Runner? I see you're also from Canada... We're a friendly bunch. Call the City and see if you can dig up some info on it. I doubt they have a fleet of these things. If so, I'm moving to your City!!

Moose Jaw,Sk. I doubt they have a fleet.

 

[jreask]

Moose Jaw, the birthplace of former St. Louis Blues player Reed Lowe !

 

[phillyd2]

Leased truck + .gov worker + towing = have it gone over twice by a good wrench money before buying.

 

[Okki]

Leased truck + .gov worker + towing = have it gone over twice by a good wrench money before buying.

What he said... and maybe think about negotiating with the dealer about the TOYOTA extended warranty. And unless the paint stripes were all the way to bare metal... just means you would have less to feel bad about the first time you take it out on a trail.

Okki

 

[Hellamatic]

Sounds kind of fishy to me....a 4Runner owned by the city??? Seems odd...

 

[DGA]

Sounds kind of fishy to me....a 4Runner owned by the city??? Seems odd...

I made a mistake there. It was leased by SaskWater.

 

[scanny]

I would probably look for another 4Runner, personally I don't like the idea that city worker drove the truck for 3 years especially towing a trailer. T4R can take quite a bit of abuse, but who knows how it was driven. It might worth the risk only if dealer will offer a really nice price and extended warranty. And I wouldn't worry about scratches, although it a good bargain point during price negotiation with dealer.

 

[Greg_Canada]

I would never take a city owned vehicle... ever seen how people drive rental cars?

 

[DGA]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to pass on this one and keep looking.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to pass on this one and keep looking.

Good call. Plus, with all of those scratches, I am sure there are plenty that won't come out, with todays weak & think paint.

 

[4rdan]

Not sure what kind of deal you were offered, but as a reference, I paid 32k for my 2010 Limited just this past May with less then 50k kms (30k miles).

I waited over 4 months for a good deal.

Good luck.

 

[Lolrax]

It will probably be fine, but chances are it did some heavy hauling with our weak ass engine, and was treated poorly by someone who didnt own it or care.