Above Venza is being offered for $10500. The sway bar was replaced at 75000 miles and the steering column/shaft a few months later. When I test drove the car it was slightly out of alignment. I the noticed that the steering wheel was installed off center/asymmetrical. I assume it took a hit to the suspension at some point. Will this car be prone to suspension issues? Otherwise, it was well taken care of. It has records of brake system and transmission flushes.
If I check out a car, and it has things that are obviously wrong with it - that tells me that the person who owned it doesn't take care of his/her car.
If they don't take care of their car(s) well enough to fix the obvious things, how good have they been at taking care of the things that AREN'T obvious - like oil changes, timing belt replacement, ATF changes, etc.?
Maybe it's just me, but since there are millions of used cars for sale, I wait until I find one where I have confidence in the car, AND the previous owner.
@Glen_stet pretty much summed up my feelings. If a vehicle is being sold with existing issues, it does make me wonder how it was maintained. Especially if it just needs an alignment.
As @InThrustWeTrust said, be cautious and DEFINITELY have it checked out by a front end shop. I would pass on the deal myself but if you really like THAT car, take every precaution you can to make sure it is an ok purchase before you hand over any money.
Only a reputed front end shop will be able to answer that, depending on what all components are out of alignment.
Have it thoroughly checked by a professional mechanic, before you buy it. Since you already suspect it was wrecked before, I would tread very cautiously and only go ahead with the deal if you were 100% satisfied that there’s no hidden damage, which will bite you later.
Should the transmission fluid really be flushed?? I don't think so. Since there are existing issues, and the price is frankly too much, I'd pass. I also don't think it was maintained properly from this fact.
