What to look out for in a used 2011 with 194k miles?

Hey I am looking to purchase a used 2011 Toyota 4Runner with about 194k mileages on it. I was wondering if there are any issues I should look out for.

 

Welcome.

 

welcome

 

Rust

 

Things to inspect/check for:

1) Rust!
2) Leaks - Check for any leaks from the engine, transmission, radiator, rear end, fuel tank.
3) Find out when the service belt was last changed.
4) Find out how old the battery is.
5) Find out when all fluids were last flushed/changed.
6) Inspect all filters. Air, Fuel, Oil.
7) If it has a sunroof, check for signs of it leaking. Check the passenger side front seat footwell. When they do leak, this is where the water goes.
8) Drive it and see if it needs an alignments, brakes or new suspension components.

 

Rust depending on your location. Maintenance history, oil leaks, car fax history or take it in for a pre purchase inspection. I would rather spend a couple hundred on a pre purchase inspection than thousands on repair.

 

Steering rack leak
Timing cover leak
Rust - key areas:
Frame crossmember under radiator
Main frame rails facing the catalytic converters
Tow hitch crossmember hiding under plastic bumper cover

The above are the big ticket items. Expect to spend another $2-3k replacing rusted or worn out parts by virtue of it being 13 years old. For example, you may find a fuel tank strap broken or rear bump stop detached due to rust. The "stainless" muffler and tailpipe often turns out to be not so stainless and may be rusted.