Hi Scotty and friends,
I recently checked out two toyotas, here is what I noted and I hope you can help me with the decision.
Highlander A limited, 3.3L V6 4WD:
2005
160,000 Miles
5 owners, took it for a per-purchase inspection.
- AC doesn't work, the dealer shrugged it off as a recharge, been sitting for a while. mechanic wasn't too sure what is wrong, said try recharging the AC and drive it a bit might need a compressor change 1200$ approx
- Power Steering fluid needs a flush
- front pinion needs a minor repair - 100 - 150 $ estimate from the mechanic
- maintenance done regularly, as per carfax
- water pump, drive belt replaced 5 years ago
- transmission fluid and differential fluid changed 4 years ago
- crankshaft oil seal replaced
- sparkplugs not replaced recently
- the mechanic at meineke quoted 4900$ for total repairs
Highlander B limited, 3.3L V6 AWD:
2005
140,000 Miles
1 owner, test drove
- dealer says the water pump and drive belt were replaced outside the carfax report
- the shocks feel better, the interiors feel better
- spark plugs and valve cover gasket replaced recently
- will be taking it for a pre-purchase inspection next working day
the price difference between the two is about 3k.
wanted to know which is a better deal,
given that both would need a tire replacement within 1 year or so.
Thanks,
Edwin.
Option B. The first one had 5 different owners and I would stay away from something like that.
Have a mechanic look it over.
Thank you @kesterpaul62, I had it checked out at meineke the car didn't show signs of the underside rusting. The only issue noticed, is the AC isn't working which I am including as an immediate cost post purchase.
Do you live in the north? Because of so, you could live with it temporarily until you plan on replacing because it's cold up north.
yes, northwest.
You could live with it then. I used to live in the Northeast and had no issues.
@kesterpaul62 thanks!!!
Option B, but is the mileage on both vehicles, genuine?
Deduct the cost of the forecasted AC repair from your offer. Or use it as your bargaining chip to get 4 new tyres.
@inThrustWeTrust both ODO readings were reported to CARFAX. Should I also try another method ?
@inThrustWeTrust Sorry, I mistyped the mileage as 16000K and 14000K. It is 160,000 and 140,000 miles respectively.
I’ll edit the question, accordingly.
@inThrustWeTrust many thanks!
On B, When he says Timing belt replaced outside of Carfax, does he have a reciept to prove it was done, like by the owner himself??? That needs to be proven or you could be looking at a new engine should the old belt be in there and eventually fail. Also the water pump replaced.
@Porkchophill there is a sticker from the garage where he got it done for the pump (Aisin). No, these fixes were done by the dealer and not the owner.
Sorry, I mistyped the mileage as 16000K and 14000K. It is 160,000 and 140,000 miles respectively.