2011 Toyota Sienna Rampvan XLE
This an has only 17,298 miles on it. It is being sold at an estate auction. The vehicle has not been used much as it was owner was disabled and the only owner and driver. The only issue so far is that the battery has gone dead twice in two years.
I am concerned about the extremely low mileage and what that has done to this car sitting for long periods of time. It has been serviced twice in 24 months at the dealership for regular maintenance. Given the market place for used cars the auction house is looking for $20,000. Current bid is only $12,000. I need to know what to look for with this extremely low usage over the past 12 years. Transmission, pistons, what???
The problem with auction cars is that usually you are unable to assess them before buying.
Auctions are designed to drive up prices. I wouldn't.
The price of this vehicle is not terrible given that it hasn't reached 20k miles yet. See if the vehicle fires up. If it runs ok, test drive it and make sure everything runs smoothly. Also check the oil, transmission fluid and make sure that the battery is fully charged.
Agree with the prior post - definitely mechanically inspect it. I'd also do some serious inspection of the wiring as you mentioned the prior owner didn't drive it and it's most likely been sitting for quite some time - long enough for mice / rats to chew away at the wiring. I'd bring something to boost the battery, and before you fire it up check that engine oil to make sure it's not too sludgy.
