Would you buy a used T4R from a non-Toyota dealership?

[JohnnyT]

Came across a stunning 2007 Sport V8 with very low miles at a non-Toyota dealership for about $3-4k less than you would get it OTD at Toyota (even post negotiation).

Certainly no "certification" would be involved. I'd have to consider an aftermarket warranty if I wanted protection.

What do you think??

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'd do a thorough check on it, if everything checks out I'd definitely buy it. I bought mine from a Ford dealer, a few thousand less than most others I looked at (and with more options).

 

[Runner27]

I bought my 4Runner from a Ford dealership. It was a 2006 SR5 V6 4WD with 43k miles for $18,000. I think it was about $4000 lower than the normal market price. Consider the 4Runner durability and reliability, as long as it did not involve in any previous accident, I don't think you would need any "certification".

 

[NJshadow93]

I bought my '03 SR5 V8 from a tiny used car dealership in the ghetto, haha. I saw it listed on cars.com, decided it can't hurt to take a look, it was very clean, running great, low mileage, good price, so I bought it. I also bought the aftermarket warranty. That was in July 2011, and today, the warranty is expired and never needed it, regular maintenance is done and no mechanical problems. Actually, buying at a Toyota dealer is not always the best way to go. They do tend to price them higher and they do not check them as you would think. I test drove a couple 4Runners from different dealers and those trucks seemed to have quite a few problems. Whether buying at a Toyota dealership or not, always get the truck checked out professionally and also inspect it yourself thoroughly.

 

[TSO]

don't forget, you always have the option of taking it to a toyota dealership, and for around $100, they'll do an inspection for you.

I recently bought my 03 4 runner from the volvo dealership, which is part of a huge auto group, owning toyota as well, 2 doors down from the volvo dealership. I just found out, when I took my car in to get the power steering fixed, that the inspection at volvo wasn't very complete. apparently, the truck was taken in on trade at the toyota dealership, at which time they documented the steering shaft and front axles were damaged. however, that was not brought to my attention until last tuesday when I dropped it off at the dealership for service. either the volvo mechanics missed it, or just decided not to tell me at the time of sale (probably the latter).

because it was a pre documented issue, the warranty would not cover it...yes, the warranty that the volvo dealership just told me, apparently only covers things that happened during the warrant period, not pre existing.

well, after pitching a big fit the volvo dealership agreed to pay for all the repairs... and my rig is currently in their shop getting repaired.

The point being, had I taken it to the toyota dealership 4 inspection before I purchased it, I would have found out that these issues were already documented, and I could have negotiated accordingly, or not bought it at all.

 

[NWSKIUrbanRunner]

I bought my 2008 4Runner from a Ford Dealership in Tillamook, OR. Granted i was lucky and the owners cousin had previously owned the vehicle. They gave me a great deal and didnt give me any BS. They were very helpful and I must have been going on negotiations, questions, etc about the car for a month before a deal was made and i drove down to pick it up.

 

[deedst4r]

I bought mine from a carmax dealer (way over priced) so bringing the price down was a pain but we got it done and got a great car that was exactly what we wanted.


I'd say don't let the dealership stop you from buying a car you like. Just make sure it is in good condition.

 

[blaniac22]

I wouldn't get hung up on the certification. As I've said in other threads, my opinion is that the certification programs are over-rated and, depending on dealership integrity, can be a borderline scam.

That's not to say certifications are totally worthless. It's just to say you still should have any used vehicle thoroughly checked out by an independent 3rd party no matter where you buy it.

In this case, as another poster suggested, a Toyota dealership could be a good place to start.

 

[diamondplate]

if you have the VIN off the truck you can enter it though the Toyota website to see what sort of dealer maintenance has been performed. You may get lucky and find a great service history - that may help make your decision easier.

I know a lot of people say bad things about Carfax - about how it is not as thorough as they'd like. However getting a Carfax report may either show a clear history of throw red flags (accident history, fleet vehicle, etc).

 

[blaniac22]

if you have the VIN off the truck you can enter it though the Toyota website to see what sort of dealer maintenance has been performed.

Excellent point

 

[JohnnyT]

Thanks for the feedback, but now allow me to elaborate a bit more on the situation......

My current car - 08 SR5 V6 - 41000 miles - runs great - outstanding (and I mean this) inside and out. I detail cars as a hobby and it is outstanding. Bought as Certified from Toyota in April 2011 with 34k miles. Haven't had it long. Platinum warranty for 7 years.

HOWEVER, I fell for the V8 when I drove one last week..... and now I can't get it out of my head..... soooo......

The possible target car - 07 Sport V8 - low miles - non-Toyota dealership - low price - super clean inside and out BUT the person who traded it in removed an alarm (or two) and a remote start so the dashboard under the steering wheel is taken apart right now until they can get a Toyota tech in to "re-program" and get it running. I have not driven this yet.

If all is put back together professionally, it runs well, and there are no rattles, etc. or issues that result from the work being done, I will strongly consider trading these trucks.

(And as I write this, I just realized that I need to tell the dealership that I want full documentation from the Toyota tech as to what was done, how, and how long it is warranteed for.)

Am I nuts to go through all this and take a chance on this other car (and anytime you buy a used car you take a chance no matter who checks it out for you because you NEVER know how the prior person treated it) by trading in my car (a known entity) just to upgrade to the V8??

I was very, very impressed by the performance of the V8 over my V6 though.

 

[Bahnstoermer]

That is exactly how I bought mine. Drove 8 hours one way to get it from a Nissan dealer. It was mint and a Smoking good deal! Wholesale or better and looked brand new top and bottom. They said they always have trouble selling toyotas, and the only reason they have is that there are large Toyota dealers nearby so people go there. Whatever the reason, I was happy to help them with their mint "problem" V8 4Runner with leather, heard seats, Nav and AWD

 

[Glock_19]

I'm not much of a gambler so you can probably already guess my response.

1. I bought my truck certified at the Toyota dealer with the 7 years warranty. I've only had it in for small repairs but they were all covered by the warranty and it's nice to not have to hassle with it.

2. I'm a big fan of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" philosophy. You have a truck that you say is "outstanding" and it sounds like a mint V6. Why go through all the hassle and pay all that money just to trade up to a V8 that could have problems? It sounds a little like you're just caught up with a shiny new toy which happens to all of us but doesn't always result in rational decisions (Take this with a grain of salt, I'm a happy V6 owner).

 

[Bahnstoermer]

That is exactly how I bought mine. Drove 8 hours one way to get it from a Nissan dealer. It was mint and a Smoking good deal! Wholesale or better and looked brand new top and bottom. They said they always have trouble selling toyotas, and the only reason they have is that there are large Toyota dealers nearby so people go there. Whatever the reason, I was happy to help them with their mint "problem" V8 4Runner with leather, heated seats, Nav and AWD

 

[JohnnyT]

I'm not much of a gambler so you can probably already guess my response.

1. I bought my truck certified at the Toyota dealer with the 7 years warranty. I've only had it in for small repairs but they were all covered by the warranty and it's nice to not have to hassle with it.

2. I'm a big fan of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" philosophy. You have a truck that you say is "outstanding" and it sounds like a mint V6. Why go through all the hassle and pay all that money just to trade up to a V8 that could have problems? It sounds a little like you're just caught up with a shiny new toy which happens to all of us but doesn't always result in rational decisions (Take this with a grain of salt, I'm a happy V6 owner).

Sir, believe me, I subscribe to all the same schools of thought you mention. If I was asked the same question, I'd give the same advise. But in this case, for some reason, I'm behaving like a 23 yr old about these V8's.

I should leave well enough alone but now I'm even trying to justify trading in my 07 Pilot or 99 Pathfinder so I can keep BOTH T4R's....... but I truly have no reason to do either.

I think my wife is right, I should spend less time on this forum and take up knitting.

 

[daddygriz]

Taking it for a test drive will do a lot for your peace of mind. Run the vin on toyota.com, get a carfax. Not all used 4Runners are equal. The dealer isn't as important as being comfortable with the purchase. Buy the warranty if you are that worried.Good luck.

 

[Sungod]

I would run as far and fast as I could. You are asking for trouble getting something that has had the wiring hacked. There is no way of knowing what has been cut and what to expect once it is wired back together. They probably got it from and auction for cheap because no one dealer would take a chance on it. They will probably get it wired back to get it running, but long term unless you are an electrical engineer you could be out a lot of time and money.

 

[JohnnyT]

I would run as far and fast as I could. You are asking for trouble getting something that has had the wiring hacked. There is no way of knowing what has been cut and what to expect once it is wired back together. They probably got it from and auction for cheap because no one dealer would take a chance on it. They will probably get it wired back to get it running, but long term unless you are an electrical engineer you could be out a lot of time and money.

You are right. It is scary when u see all the guts hanging out beneath the steering wheel. I'm calling them tomorrow to tell them that every action taken needs to be well documented for me to consider it and if I think it's worth pursuing after I drive it they still need to heavily warranty anything electrical in nature. If they want the sale, they'll need to meet my demands. Ifbthey don't, Another truck will always come along. We'll see what transpires later this week.

 

[TSO]

Test drive it to a Toyota dealership, and have them inspect it. Well worth the $100... it will either point you in the direction of buying it, or walking away.

:twocents:

 

[Burt]

I bought my '03 SR5 V8 from a tiny used car dealership in the ghetto, haha. I saw it listed on cars.com, decided it can't hurt to take a look, it was very clean, running great, low mileage, good price, so I bought it. I also bought the aftermarket warranty. That was in July 2011, and today, the warranty is expired and never needed it, regular maintenance is done and no mechanical problems. Actually, buying at a Toyota dealer is not always the best way to go. They do tend to price them higher and they do not check them as you would think. I test drove a couple 4Runners from different dealers and those trucks seemed to have quite a few problems. Whether buying at a Toyota dealership or not, always get the truck checked out professionally and also inspect it yourself thoroughly.

X2... Got my 4Runner from a broker for $5500 les than what I could find at a dealer. It came back from a one year corporate lease in mint condition.