2014 5th gen 4Runner purchase inspection

So I’m looking to buy a 2014 5th gen 4wd for 26k (62k miles) and just had the purchase inspection done and they said the timing cover has a very small leak and a rear shock has a small leak as well. Nothing else. Otherwise they said even with those things it’s tip too shape and suggested the buy. Said the timing cover leak is suggested after hitting 100k miles ($2400 repair?). So they said not to worry. I plan on lifting the runner anyways so I’ll probly end up replacing the shocks so I’m not too concerned about that. Just wanted to get some sound advice from the forum. Is this accurate? Should this small leak be a concern for me? I’m looking to buy it tomorrow so any feedback is appreciated!

 

Without knowing what trim.

A Limited would be about $26k but thats without the issues.

I would say $20k or they fix the issues first. Of course we also dont have any pics especially don't know where you are from so assuming rust free?

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! $2400?! Is it a leak on the timing cover, or a tune - up on a Lamborghini ? Sounds a bit steep. Price..... unsure without Pics.

 

@jrod3030, you probably gathered from the first two replies, but we need more details - location, model, any rust, etc. Photos would help immensely.

 

If I'm not mistaken its all labor to get to it. I don't think $2400 worth but I'm not sure.

 

If you really want the vehicle, I would use the leak as a bargaining chip. Just make sure it is not leaving oil on the pavement.

 

Sorry, 2014 sr5 premium originally purchased 62k miles and kept in southern ca. No sign of rust. The $2400 was said to be because mainly of the labor cost. Consistent maintenance at the dealership. Clean title and CARFAX. I don’t have photos but big tire and the Toyota dealer said it’s a small leak on the left side of the engine, “low impact and to monitor”. Said it is usually replaced after 100k miles. Neither said they consider it a concern.

 

$2400 is still alot of labor, I have a bunch of respect in what dealership mechanics go through, but not $2400 worth, this is the part where I buy a Chilton manual for the vehicle, and get to the problem on my own, there have been more than 1 instance where I had no clue what I was trying to fix, but Chilton manuals walked me through it. I would tell the seller you have to get the leak fixed or some kind of deduction in price of the vehicle, start gathering up some tools if you don't already have them. I'm sorry if this sounds "harsh", I don't mean it that way, what I mean is.........You can do it!

 

I did a little research on this and from what I read, it is a very labor intensive job. I have read that some places are charging twice that.

 

That's crazy, isn't it? This is where I get real "innovative", buy a repair manual, and slowly tear into it myself, providing a place to work on it is available(garage), if not I guess I would find a mechanic who would do it more reasonably. Merry Christmas.

 

You’ll find that opinions here vary wildly for what a used 4R is worth. On the surface, I’d say that’s not a bad deal, but you need to dig deeper.

First of all, they need to include the timing cover fix in the 26k. You shouldn't have to buy a car and immediately sink $3grand into maintenance. The “monitor” thing is kind of a joke... that just means they want you to bring it back to them more often than usual, which is what most people would have to do for peace of mind (myself included). If you really like the truck then maybe it’s not a “do it or I walk” kinda thing, but you should at least start with that approach.

Second, why does a 2014 only have 62k miles on it? In SoCal? Sure that sounds like low miles, but not if it was 62k miles of towing a boat or something like that. Most people put twice that much mileage on a car in that amount of time.

Other than those two things, it sounds like it’s in the same kind of shape as my 2012 Limited, which had over 140k miles on it when I paid $20,000.