Something looks odd - Signs of collision repair?

Hi

Just took possession of 4Runner I've been chasing a while. Low mile, late year sport V8 4WD.

As I look the car over some things look off. Beside the bug shield -that's gotta go- the wheel wells are not uniform and there is a plastic panel on one side of car that's not on other. I'm not sure what it is but it's bugging me. I figure I could take it to Carmax those guys are experts and have them do a estimate or a Toyota dealer but I thought I'd ask somebody here Car drives s little mushy too. Do 4WD DRIVE a little softer than AWD 2X?

Thanks. Hoping I did not get hosed. Bought car from dlr out of state who seems very above board. It's hard to explain but it's almost like undercarriage is to clean for 9 yr old car.

 

Often used car dealers will paint the underside of the car black to help cover the years of dirt. Wheel wells, frame etc...

 

I agree that used car dealer want to clean the underside to make it present better for one but what side is that plastic piece? If it is the drivers rear then it is most likely just a cover they put on to protect the gas lines from the fill point. My 16 has a plastic shield that looks just like that when i clean it up really good after off roading. Look from the bottom of the rear and look up and you will most likely see the gas tank filler lines running behind it. Good luck

 

Hi Jerry

First off thanks for taking the time to read and reply. I did some investigating and came to same conclusion.

Buying a used vehicle is risky enough when you can see it in person. Buying from out of state at high blue book is another level. I would not do it agsin but I was so hell bent on finding a clean late model 4th gen Sport 4WD V8 in Gray sub 100k that I bought the only one I could find.

At the end of the day I got exactly what I wanted as my research proved I couldn't find any in the United States under 100 K for sale. Not one.

Thanks. Happy driving.

Steve

 

take it to carmax to get an appraisal, like you said. It takes maybe 15 minutes and they will run the VIN and find out if its been in any REPORTED accidents. Thats the most surefire way if you are really worried about it and its free.