Going to Test Drive - What to look for?

Hey Everyone,

This is my first post here. I was fairly active over on tacomaworld for a while when I had my 3rd gen Tacoma. I'll save the details for my post in new members but I wanted to go ahead and get this one going.

I am going to test drive a 21 TRD Off Road premium tomorrow. It has a little over 40k miles. Is there anything specific (problems, features some have and some dont, etc) that you would recommend looking for or asking about?

thanks

 

Make sure you get at least 28 smiles per gallon while driving it. If you don't, then don't buy it. Other than that, because it's only got 40k on the clock, check for basic stuff. Make sure recent servicing was done. Check how long the tires have left. If you're in the rust belt area, check the frame.

 

Check the frame even if you're not in the rust belt, dealers move these things around. Aside from that, normal used car stuff.

 

Make sure the steering wheel shakes at 60???? haha!!! Good luck hope it works out for you!

 

Take it on the highway and if it sways, vibrates or hums, you ve got yourself a keeper.

 

make sure 4x4 works, it has to be used every month for at least 10 miles to keep it lubricated. It might fail if previous owner never used it.

 

Normal used car stuff.

-Maintenance records check out.
-Look for excessive corrosion.
-Check carfax for reported accidents.
-Oil looks good on the dipstick. No metal shavings. No milkshake looking substance.
-Check the 4x4 system (4Hi and 4Lo). Be mindful of turning very tightly on a paved surface whilst in 4WD. That should be avoided.

It's a 4Runner. All that will likely be fine. They're not indestructible but they are definitely hard to kill.


There are some mobile mechanics or third party services that can do an in depth inspection if that's worth it to you. They should:
-Check fluids
-Check the electrical system
-Scan the car's computer for any fault codes
-Check suspension bushings and wheel bearings
-Evidence of prior unreported collisions/ accidents

 

I bought it! I wound up test driving yesterday afternoon. It's been raining a ton so I haven't had a chance to take my own pictures yet. This is from the dealer site. 21 TRD Off Road Premium (Toyota Certified Pre Owned) with 44.9k miles on it. Really happy with it.

 

Congrats! Love the color

 

Congratulations, enjoy

 

Congrats! Silver is the best

 

Congrats on the new rig and welcome to the group

TimG

 

My '13 was Silver, that color easily hides dirt the best. Congrats.

 

Make sure you are not paying a cent over $30k, 2024s are going for $46k

 

Welcome

 

Congrats!

At that mileage, make sure the Front/Rear diff fluids were serviced. Also, get out there and enjoy the vehicle before the "mod-bug" bites. Haha.