Ever bought a high mileage 4runner?

I'm looking at a clean 2016 with 133k miles for $21K. Looks good, but I'm nervous about paying that much for a vehicle with that many miles.
What do you think? If you bought one with over 100k, how did it work out?

This vehicle has had one owner and the Carfax report shows regular maintenance.

The dealership is a couple of hours away, so I had them send some pictures of the frame. There are a couple of rust spots that might be Ann issue.

Thanks.

 

How's the service history?
Did you check it for rust?
Got any pictures of it so we can inspect the condition of the exterior/interior?

 

Agree with Borracho Loco's questions above.

Also - although it has its limitations CarFax will have an entry on the VIN and usually show if it's been in an accident if an insurance claim was filed. It'll also show when service has been performed at a dealership.

The best way to buy any used car/truck is with a deep-dive pre-purchase inspection that checks frame alignment, cylinder compression, rust, brake pads and rotors, etc. You'll spend a couple hundred bucks for a good pre-purchase, but it can save you thousands later. I like buying from individual owners better than dealerships. Dealerships hide everything - like the name of the previous owner on glove box materials. That prevents you from calling the previous owner(s) and asking about the vehicle's history/issues, etc.

FWIW, 130k on a well-maintained Gen 5 4Runner is nothing. 2/3rds of its life (at least) are still ahead. Operative words are well-maintained.

 

The dealer is a couple of hours away, so I had then send some pics of the frame. I added them to the original post. It's one owner with regular service according to Carfax.

Thanks.

 

To me high mileage means 250,000 miles plus.

That frame shows some surface rust just depends where you live.

 

where was the vehicle owned, what state and how bad is the usual 2016 with rust for that state

‘then we have better info to help you in the decision making process

 

From the photos that frame looks fine and only surface rust on the welds. I don’t think the mileage is bad. It averages out to a little over 16,000 miles a year. 15,000 is pretty much the average for most folks. I needed a vehicle in a pinch about a year and a half ago and was looking for something like you found. While I’m happy with my 18 Limited I found with low mileage I did pay double what your dealer is asking for a used 5 year old vehicle but as I said i was in a pinch and needed a vehicle that week after my other car shit the bed and it was at a time when dealers weren’t negotiating. I would have gladly bought a vehicle for $21,000 with 133,000 miles if it checked out. I do agree with a poster above I would prefer a private sale but the dealership thing may be more convenient.

 

I bought a single owner t4r with 217k miles on it for $15k. No pre purchase inspection. It was private party, and the owner said in the 24 hours it was listed, he received over 100 phone calls. These are great rigs.

 

Would not bat an eye if regular service was done. That's not high miles.

 

I bought a 2017 sr5p with 135,000 miles on it for $24k back in early 2023. Probably overpaid but it had one owner and service records at the dealer from new. Has been a solid choice so far. Did a quick rust check and test drive before purchase. Recently ran some numbers at a dealership and they offered $17k for trade, my response was I would’ve bought 2 at $17k!

 

most of the frame looks alright but the rear cross member up above and in front of the spare tire concerns me. Speaking of the spare, I'd be surprised if that drop mechanism works at all.

 

Yeah as non professional I agree with 5thToy check out that rear crossmember. That looks like more than rust around the welds.