Tips for buying used, and lack of CarFax maintenance

Hello all. I am still searching for my first truck. Definitely want a tundra SR5 4x4. I found a quicksand 2017, with 34,000 miles. Clean title and carfax. But there are zero maintence records since purchase in 2017, only a state inspection. Obviously the owner could have done the oil changes themselves or had a small shop do them. But should I be weary? I plan to test drive Monday. But definitely don’t want to buy a truck that went 15,000 miles between oil changes , for example. (Or perhaps even this is not a big deal 1 or 2 times).

In addition to the oil change question, and besides basic acceleration, braking, and high way driving; what should I look at? Perhaps check out the brake pads if I can, the hitch, and underneath. Anything specific I should look for underneath? How about the 4x4?

I understand buying used is always a risk but would appreciate some basic truck inspection tips.

thanks again. Soon enough, I’ll be cruising around in my Tundra

 

I would not be hugely concerned about the lack of maintenance records (as long as the owners can tell you maintenance has been done on it), but I would definitely ask the question about why were they not recorded because I believe a new 2017 should have come with free oil changes from Toyota for up to 25k miles I believe.

I generally like to make sure they drive good, and everything works and functions correctly. put it in 4x4 high and low to make sure it works correctly and there are no weird sounds. Also look under the hook to see if there are any leaks or stops where dirt has been sticking too. Look under the truck to see how everything looks over there.

You generally can get a pretty good feel for how the truck was cared for by talking to the people who are selling it, and with that few of miles I would have to think it would be some what obvious if it has been abused.

 

Great insight. Thank you. This particular truck is being sold from a dealer so I am not sure if they have info on maintenance. Still, who wouldn’t change the oil? I imagine it’s fine... famous last words

 

Can others please chime in on the oil change issue? Should I just assume it was changed regularly?

thanks

 

Have a mechanic (not the dealer) check it out. I am curious as to why a dealer would have a vehicle on their lot that has no service records... the whole thing is suspect.

 

Good idea thanks. How would that work? Would the dealer just let me take it there and I can pay for the inspection ?

 

I would also check the trucks log book. My 2015 ford 350 was in the shop 8 times in four years for repairs, but there was nothing in the carfax showing those repairs, only what I put in the log book.

 

Yes, but if they give you any static - RUN away!
Make sure your mechanic hooks it up to one of those expensive scan tools.

 

Wow that seems like a lot of work. Maybe I should wait to find one with good records. I don’t have all the time in the world and this truck is 80 minutes away. Ugh. Finding a tundra is not easy.

 

Have you enter the VIN number on the Toyota owners website? It may show you more info about the trucks services records then the carfax showed you. I don't have the link to the website, but I'm sure you could find it by googling around.

 

Pull the dipstick and look at the oil..Dark and sticky it’s old clear and slippery it’s new.

 

Well yes but the dealer surely changed it ASAP

 

https://www.toyota.com/owners/my-vehicle/vehicle-specification

Zero info on the carfax is strange for such a new vehicle

 

If it wasn’t changed regularly it will still be fairly dark..even with a fresh change. 34,000 miles and properly maintained the oil should almost like new

 

Is this a Toyota dealership?

 

You’re a genius! I did that and it does show oil changes every 5k. They stopped at 20,000 miles and the truck now has 34,000 but I feel much better.

I can probably never mind this. Thanks again.

 

I didn’t know this. Thanks. I check the dip stick.

No it’s a Ram dealer

 

Pull the dipstick and if it does not look like tar then you can assume it has been changed at least once. Dealer should have updated the maintenance before listing for sale. I had a friend who got his dads Ford sedan when he passed. His dad put 100k on it without changing oil. Oil capacity was reduced by sludge on bottom of pan. He had to pull the pan to change it. Some people don't take vehicles to dealers for even free maintenance and do it themselves. Sometimes I wonder why I did. Like the first time I did my own and the monkeys had over tightened the filter cap.

 

Carfax is not true representation of maintenance. My carfax is off i am at 50 k service carfax showing some 20 k maintenance. If you like it take it for independent evaluation. Check dipstick how the oil looks. Dealers are behind in reporting maintenance.

 

Don't trust the dealer, the scan at your mechanic will take just a few minutes and then you should have enough information to make an informed decision.

 

would you recommend this no matter what? I found maintenance records for this truck through Toyota’s website. So the oil change issue is resolved

 

Thank you. I appreciate that.

 

When a 3-4 year old tundra from a non Toyota dealer, would most everyone here take it to a independent mechanic for a pre purchase inspection? I haven’t done this and was curious if it’s done commonly for a newer truck.

Obviously it’s good insurance but not sure if the dealer would allow that. If they don’t, I should probably run lol.

EDIT: I’m overthinking it, yes I should find a local mechanic. And if the dealer says no, I say bye.

 

I think if it makes you feel more comfortable with the purchase then take it and get it checked out.
Also idk why the dealer would have a problem with you doing this and if they do just tell them you want to drive it for the afternoon and take it to the mechanic.

 

I traded in ny 2019 with 30k on it, I dont want the dealership touching it, unless something breaks and its under warranty. I do all my own maintenance and with 34k on it, thats 3/4 oil changes diy, get under there and take a look to see if skid plate is marred up or there are marks on the filter housing. Plus its under warranty probably

 

just because there is no service records of oil changes doesnt mean anything. i know of alot of people that refuse to take it into a dealer quick change department since they dont trust them. i had the 2yr/25k mile free service and they always seem to forget to re-install minor parts at least once in the free service period. had to go back and have them reinstall the 4 screws holding a cover under a brand new tundra.

carfax is a joke, if you read the fine print it relieves them of liability if anything minor/major is left off the report that isnt reported to the national database. it could have been in a 5k repair but if they had it done without involving insurance, it wouldnt show up on the carfax.\

get an 3rd party independent inspection of the vehicle (really easy if you live in a state inspection sticker state)

 

also forgot to add, check the wear on the gas/brake pedal. excessive could be a sign (brake pad wear could mean left foot brake person and/or gas pedal wear means a lot of stop and go traffic).

 

Just my 2c: I would never buy a used vehicle -- and that's all I buy -- without a good Carfax. If a former owner couldn't maintain it or take it somewhere where that maintenance would show up, I'm not trusting it. Dealers will make anything look shiny and sell it to someone. Regular oil changes are the most important thing, imo.