Used 5th gen listing with rodent history

I'm in the market for a used T4R, either late model 4th gens or early model 5th gens. I came across a 2011 model with just around 100,000mi, for a pretty good price (dealership listing).

It had 3 previous owners, and I looked into its Toyota service record history, and found the 2nd owner had issues with rodents, on two different repair jobs (within a few hundred miles of each other):

• CHECK AND REPAIRED RODENT DAMAGE TO WIRING ~|~CUSTOMER STATES CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND 4 WHEEL LOW IS FLASHING-TOWED IN-ADVISE ~|~
• CUSTOMER STATES ~|~CUSTOMER STATES RODENT DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED ON RO#XXXXX BY TECH#XXXXX...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND VEHICLE IS RUNNING ROUGH...CHECK AND ADVISE ~|~ ~|~60008 UPON INSPECTION FOUND RODENT DAMAGE TO 3 FUEL INJECTOR WIRES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. REMOVED MANIFOLD AND REPAIRED ALL DAMAGED WIRES.

Then the vehicle was put up for sale shortly after. (I'm assuming he was afraid of more rodent issues - either undiscovered ones from previous attack, or new attacks).

The 3rd owner drove for 40K miles for 3 years. He apparently never took it in for service at a Toyota dealership - there was no service records after the 2nd owner. So I don't know if the 3rd owner dealt with any lingering rodent issues

This rodent issue is new to me, and I'm researching it (soy wiring, lawsuits, etc). This is a huge downer - I was looking forward to some of the modern conveniences of a 5th gen. But with what my research shows thus far, not only does it put me off of this listing, this might put me off of getting a 5th gen altogether. My thinking is that I'll be paying $5K+ more (over 4th gen) for a car that is much more prone to an issue that:

• I can't control
• Can happen anywhere anytime - ie on the trail.
• The likelihood of it happening is significant over the course of my ownership of it.
• Can take up to $6000 to fix in really bad instances (and there'll be no warranty coverage)

So throwing this out there for more perspective on this. Am I overreacting to this particular listing's history?

 

You're doing your due diligence and found what you were looking for. All be it negative. Set this one aside but don't cut the tree down because a branch snapped.

Patience, persistence and due diligence will get you what you're looking for if you simply hang in there. imo

 

Rodent issues are not any more common on 4Runners than any other vehicle.

 

I've had vehicles the dealer could not fix, one chevy and two jeeps - lost my shirt because they wrote it off as no issue found.. I would walk away from the deal

 

How much is it priced at? If its a smoking deal of a price too good to pass up and you’re willing to take on the unknown risks then go for it. If not, then keep searching.

 

I had rodents chew my injector wires just the other week. I had only not driven it for a day too. Popped off the intake and repaired the wires just as they said they did.

 

Just above $21K. Not bad considering the mileage and my area. But def not "too good to pass up" especially with the rodent history.

 

I too have read about rodent issues, but I wouldn't call it quits based on that. If that's the case, you may as well stop eating at any/all restaurants you frequent - just read their inspection reports. That being said, I wonder if rodent issues are isolated to rural/country areas vs. city/suburban. I've never heard a single neighbor, friend or family member ever have a rodent issue, but I have from those who live in the country/rural areas (3-series BMW to name one of a few). That being said, if the gremlins have been eradicated from this vehicle and you maintain a clean garage and take some preventative measures to thwart rodents, you might be in good shape. I am not saying I am impressed by the service records, but that's why I would 100% pony up for a full 3rd party inspection, mentioning your concerns and its history. When I say pony up, I mean pay for the best package. They have no dog in the fight and are likely to give you the good, bad and ugly.

 

I agree with everyone. I had an ex girlfriend have her Honda Accord wires eaten by rats. She lived in an apartment at the time and her car was parked in a covered area and just next to it was a garbage gondola. I also had a neighbor with a Ford Ranger pickup have squirrels that made a nest in his engine compartment. He was a retired guy and did not drive much so they had plenty of time with truck parked outside. I think just starting it/using it and if possible park in a garage is helpful. I think it can happen with any vehicle.

 

Yes it can happen to any vehicle given the right circumstance. If you are going to write off a vehicle maker due to rodents then you might as well just ride a bike.

 

I spray home depot silicone spray on the engine wires .. I have oak trees on my land .. I kill them all the time ..rodents..