What issues to look for when buying a used 4runner

Been shopping for a year. Finally ready to pull the trigger and found a 2018 SR5 Premium 4wd with 60k miles for $30k. Seems to be a good deal. The dealership is 3+ hours away. Going over to look at it Monday. When inspecting the truck, what should I pay special attention to? Any pointers on what to look for on these?

 

I wouldn’t be too worried about it. Just make sure you see the Carfax to verify it hasn’t been in any reportable crash or incident. Drive it and make sure everything works and 4wd engages smoothly. Check under the vehicle to see what the underbody looks like. You’re looking for rust which you will probably see some surface rust on the frame which is typical in climates where salt is used. You just want to steer clear from any rot.

I’d verify the vehicle has had all fluids changed, air filters, brake pads changed and tires are new. Make sure you get the service ticket to verify they did it. Usually done when a trade in is received. Not sure Toyota still does the certified program but I think for an extra $500 it is totally worth it to extend the warranty to 100k miles.

My $.02

 

My one suggestion would be to drive the crap out of it. Take it on the highways, in the city, find a curb or rock to climb so 1. you can look underneath easier, and 2. to see if anything bad happens when it gets a little twisted. Accelerate hard, brake hard, try the 4x4 and low range (going straight if it's dry outside of course). Just give it a good workout to see if anything doesn't seem right. It's probably the only real chance to find things before you potentially buy it, so take your time (hopefully without the sales shark watching over your shoulder) and look at everything closely. Others can chime in with specifics. Welcome!

 

Thanks. The truck has a clean carfax. One owner and was originally bought and now being sold in the south, so hopefully the frame rust thing won't be an issue.

 

Any thoughts on the deal? I can't find another 2018 SR5 premium 4wd with 60k for any less than $32k. Most are going for $34-$35. This one is $30. KBB has it for a $33-$37 range in my area. Considering that prices are still on the rise right now, it seems like a good deal... Thoughts?

 

Looks like a really good deal to me. It probably won’t last long.

 

Just for comparison, I bought a 2018 SR5 for $36,300 with 17k on the OD a week ago. The only "upgrade" it has is the syntech(?) heated seats. No moon roof.
Wis. truck. Was the best value (I felt) given the low miles on it. Was owned by an older couple. Probably hasn't even seen a dirt road. Truck was bought and all maintenance was done at the dealership I got it from. I looked for 3 weeks on Car Guru's.

 

are you in California ?
some forum members go to other states and they save a few thousand dollars ...

 

Headed to the dealership tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be returning with the truck and my year long quest for a 4runner will be over! Wish me luck.

 

Good luck!

 

Well the truck and the deal we're legit! I'm the proud owner of a 2018 SR5 premium 4wd! Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

Love when that happens! Congrats man, looks like you did really well!

 

Congrats! Post some pics so we can see your new rig!