Searching for 4Runner

I have been looking at modestly used 4Runners for several months. Roughly 2016-2021 with <75k miles in very good to excellent condition. Trim level not too important. Had a bead on a 2018 TRD OR, private party that fell through. Anyway, virtually all I am finding within 200 miles of SF are previous rentals. Some are CPO, most are not. Am I crazy for being naturally suspicious of ex rental vehicles?

FWIW, prices appear to be coming down by a bit. Slowly.

 

I don't think you're crazy for having some apprehension with ex rental 4R's but I wouldn't totally say no to one.

#1: Most rental miles are going to be highway miles so the worry about it being abused off road is lessened.
#2: Rental agencies are going to keep up with maintenance since they don't want to send you out in a car and have it break down on you.
#3: If you find one you like make sure you can take it to a trusted mechanic to give it a good once over before purchasing.

Good luck in your search.

 

Is seer clear of rentals. I guess the most important this to look for is good service records and no rust.

Cpo atleast will have service records and a 7yr 100k Powertrain warranty.

 

There is an old saying... "Nothing handles like a rental car".

That being said, I've always treated rental cars very well.

 

With good maintenance a 4Runner should be fine at under 100K miles. Rentals are usually well maintained=after all, the lose money when it breaks down (They have to get you a replacement, maybe a room, tow the old one back, and fix it= all $$$$$$$$)
We got ours the morning it came out on the lot (We were there as soon as I saw it posted). 2019 SR5 Premium (I like LESS bells and whistles to go wrong) 17K+ miles for $42K about 2 years ago.

Auto Trader has at least 1/2 dozen I would consider looking at, for example:

Used 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 for sale in San Rafael, CA 94901: Sport Utility Details - 690557017 - Autotrader

 

I too am in the less bells and whistles camp. I’m about to retire and want a reliable daily driver that can be taken off road. I like that 4Runners aren’t overly tech heavy...yet. I am seeing vehicles at dealers and, as I said, most were rentals. Some are brought in from out of state so I assume these are purchased at auctions or directly from rental agencies. Definitely check for rust.

 

Or was involved in a flood….

 

I was taking a course in animal capture using tranquilizers and the Colorado "Fish and Game" officers were down the road. The Platte River overflowed and trashed all the computers in their fleet!

 

When I retired, both of our Nissans were just starting to give us problems. I tried to "resto-mod" an FJ40 but that didn't work out. We wanted cars that (1) we could pay for outright, so we would have no payments. and (2) were super-reliable. Past experiences eliminated all but Toyotas We bought our '19 SR5 Premium (17K miles) and a '13 RAV 4 (22K miles). Best retirement decision we ever made! They should outlast us!

 

Maintenance on a rental car will depend on who is in charge of the fleet. Some companies care about their rental cars and some just do the bare minimum to maximize profits. Also, because rental car companies don't use insurance for accident repairs, they will never show up on a Carfax or similar report.

 

Maybe check on-line to see what rental firms have the best reviews?

 

Thank you for the suggestions.

 

Honestly, with the ridiculous prices of used 4Runners, I would just buy a new one. There are dealers out there that are selling at invoice, you just have to travel to get it.