Hey Scotty, love your videos.
I was wondering about a used 2005 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility with 120,000 miles on it. I am buying it from a private party (a friend of mine, whom I trust.). It was in a wreck, but checked by a mechanic and nothing major was affected. Regularly maintained. Leak in the AC, but that was fixed.
Anyways, I always hear that Highlanders are reliable. Should I trust this 16yr old car to make the long drive (600miles) to college for the next four years?
Please respond! I trust your feedback.
- Wanna-Be-Informed CarBuyer (Andrew)
I don't think it is a good idea. Find another one.
Was the wreck major ?
Which side was hit?
What were the damages ?
Buying a used car especially when the car is in accidents even if it is a toyota or Honda I don't recommend it
Since your going to college you gotta worry about your studies not car problems. Now a days in modern cars even the wreck is minor it cause alot of problems in cars and since it is old and has miles on it I am gonna say no
But since he is your friend and you trust him I say take car for a test drive and on a high way also for 1 hour see how it runs
All of what Carl asked. Most Carfax reports will tell you the severity of the damage sustained. Check that first. Also, if it was a frontal impact, I would just walk away. Too many things in the engine bay could sustain unseen damage that could haunt you later. May not have looked damaged to a casual observer, but engines are just so complex and the slightest jarring of this or that in the wrong direction poses some risk (even a 5mph impact with a 3,000lb object is going to pass some decent energy). My .02.
