Buy high mileage or lower mileage

I am stuck. 2019 SR5. Two choices 1 has 72,000 miles and no service history. Or one nearing 200k miles and impeccable service record. Oil changed every 4k miles, diff fluids changed every 15k miles with red line synthetic. Transfer case also at 15 with red line. Any parts that touched the car are OEM. Transmission fluid changed every 60k again with OEM. This guy has every receipt and service record. He did it all. Power Steering flushes brake fluid flush. I can’t find one thing wrong with it. If a bolt touched that car he added a journal entry. Everything is logged with the receipt dating back to 2019. I’m actually amazed and I am leaning towards the 200k mile rig. It was his baby. He is only getting rid of it because he bought the 2024. which would you pick? Both have no rust and paint is super on both.

 

What's the price difference between the two? That would also be a big factor for me. Personally I wouldn't worry that much about the 72k mile one not having any documentation. Take it to a local mechanic, or if you're mechanically inclined....give it a good once over and analyze it. It may be the better buy.

 

Price being the same, I'd buy the one with 72,000 miles. No amount of flawless maintenence is going to knock off over 100,000 miles.

 

PRICE is key! Is the HIGHER mileage one half the price? Are they both the same year...your post is un-clear.

 

The oil change and differential changes will have little affect on longevity. Wasting money does not equate to longer service life.
Pull the dipstick and look at how clean the oil is. In a neglected engine the oil will turn black in the first few miles immediately after an oil change.

I don't see the differential fluid changes being necessary!

I would go for the lower mileage vehicle if the oil is still clean when you check it.

 

WOW....not sure what planet you are from. Fluid changes are key to any vehicles life.

 

Changing fluids more often than necessary only wastes money.

Your planet is Fantasyland.

You have obviously been drinking the Kool-Aid from the oil change industry. As far as a differential changes, once every hundred thousand miles should be plenty.

 

Ya okay. Dream on. You are clueless. No need to wash your car either.....look at all the water you waste.
Larry the cable guy got it right...........................

 

lol washing cars.. because they have feelings

 

I've probably forgotten more about vehicle maintenance and you've ever learned.

Changing the differential fluid every 15,000 mi is ridiculous. Changing the oil every 4000 miles just plain wasteful as well as environmentally irresponsible unless the vehicle is subjected to constant stop and go driving or short distance driving, letting it idle while you're going to the store etc, etc.

You're right you can't fix stupid and I would like to add to the sucker is born every minute.

You're right you can't fix stupid, and a sucker is born every minute!

Go ahead and waste your money.

I'm speaking from over 40 years experience working in skilled trades maintenance. Where'd you get your experience, the internet?

 

^Toyota's maintenance booklet actually requires changing the diff oil every 15k if you tow... which may be a factor for @morfdq to consider - 200k miles of towing would be hard on the powertrain.

 

Uh huh. That's why he's on disregard.

 

That would be a huge red flag to me.

 

What is the asking price of each Runner?

 

While the one with no service history would require caution one can get a pretty good idea of how a vehicle was maintained. When I did my own maintenance, the only records I kept wre in my head.

Check the oil after a significant test drive. If oil changes were neglected, the oil will turn dark after only a few miles driving. Check the air filter. If that was neglected chances are other thing were too.

The high mileage unit with a service record indicating severe duty (high percentage of towing mileage) should be eliminated as a choice.IMO