Hi Scotty,
I am looking to buy a used 2003-2006 4runner. Most of these are with high mileage and very expensive which make me need a mechanic to check them before I throw any money. The problem is most of the owners(Dealers and Private) don't want me to take the car to any mechanic and non of the mechanics want to come with me to the owners' place to check it either even after I offered extra money to the owners' and the mechanics for their time but they don't want to.
What should I do?
You might try something like lemonsquad.com or similar outfit. I believe they do on-site vehicle inspections.
I used these folks for my last car purchase. They specifically said they were not mechanics, would not test drive or scan the car. Took some pictures, but no better than the seller took.
Basically useless IMHO. I will never use them again and don’t think you should either.
Good to know. I'd heard of them but don't know anyone who has actually used them. There may be other similar outfits around who will do a better job.
If the sellers won't allow a pre-purchase inspection, then walk away. You have the right to know what you're buying. Caveat Emptor!
Watch some of Scotty's videos and get a ground knowledge on how he checks cars out. Since you are willing to spend extra money maybe get some tools to help you out with that.
