Would you contact the original owner?

[Houmack]

So I bought a 2003 Unlimited V8 from a guy who didn't really know the history of the 4R. Car has 120K miles on it (198K KM to be exact). After doing a CarProof, noticed that the guy bought it from an Auction 8 month earlier. His reason for selling was "made an impulse buy and didn't need it". Long story short, I bought it becuase it was great value and it run and looks amazing, inside and out.

I'm going to get all the fluids done, but the biggest concern i have is the timing belt and when it was last done. I looked inside the glove box and noticed the Warranty book has the information (including phone number) of the original buyer (female owner, yay!).

Would it be appropriate to call her up and ask her a couple of questions to get a sense of the history? Or is that weird? Should I start with the dealership she bought it from? (it's very local to my area).

Thoughts?

PS - are timing belts a big job on the V8's?

Thanks.

H

 

[pauls4runner]

if the timing was done and at an authorized toyota dealership, if you will PM me with the vin, I will run a check for any service done through toyota and also check if their may be any recalls available

 

[Houmack]

if the timing was done and at an authorized toyota dealership, if you will PM me with the vin, I will run a check for any service done through toyota and also check if their may be any recalls available

again - thanks for trying.

Anyone work at a Toyoa dealer in Canada? :roadkill:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I bought my Jeep Wrangler used when it was 10 years old. I found paper work from both of the previous owners and called them. They were actually thrilled to talk about that Jeep and I got a lot of infromation. Give them a call.

 

[jetboy1975]

You can go to any Toyota dealer with the VIN# and the can tell you what's been done as long as it was dealer maintained. I do this before buying any used vehicle. They're not supposed to give the info out anymore (copies etc) but they can tell you what services it's had.

If all else fails, call the previous owners. I've done this in the past too but not everyone is receptive to the call. Doesn't hurt to try.

If the timing belt was done it will usually have a sticker in the engine bay somewhere. Usually on the fan shrowd or close by. Had mine done here in London for $1100 including the water pump.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

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If all else fails, call the previous owners. I've done this in the past too but not everyone is receptive to the call. Doesn't hurt to try.



I think Jeep Wrangler owners would be more open to talking about the Jeep they owned as they are more like a small fraternity. I would miss not getting the Jeep wave from all the other Wranglers, kind of like Harley owners waving at each other (Grand Cherokee not included as they are mall cruisers also). I think a lot of former 4runner owners were more the soccer mom type and would be to stuck up to talk to you about some old car they had. They might call the cops because you are harrasing them.

 

[Houmack]

i'll start at the dealer and move onto the first owner if needed. will keep this thread updated

thanks.

 

[KidVermicious]

i'll start at the dealer and move onto the first owner if needed. will keep this thread updated

thanks.

If there's a contact method besides phone, I'd try that. It'll be less intrusive. And be sure to ask her if she'd like you to "lose" that contact info, she's probably not aware that her name and number are floating around out there. A woman's world is much different than a guy's...

 

[TRDCal]

Yes a women's mind is very different so tread with caution. But having said that, I had to contact the previous owners of my 95 Corolla because I bought it from a the back yard of the dealer. I had to contact them because the registration was only signed by 1 of 2 owners so I had to get both to sign.

They were a bit concerned becuase the car was in rough shape when I bought and they thought I'd have to be crazy to want it. With $1000 in repairs I drove that car for 3 years, so whos crazy now lol.

Bottom line, I would contact.

 

[jirehn]

Yes I will definitely call the owner of the car.

 

[96743runner]

Like others have said, it can't hurt to try contacting the PO, but I agree with doing it through email or any other non-intrusive way.