What to Look for When Shopping for a Used Toyota or Lexus
Checking for these things can save you a ton of time and headaches when buying a used Toyota or Lexus vehicle.
As most everyone – enthusiast or no – is already well aware, Toyota generally makes an incredibly reliable vehicle that one can count on for many years of service, whether it be wearing the automaker’s badge or one from its luxury division, Lexus. However, as is the case with any used vehicle, there are some issues and models that buyers should be aware of before plunking down their hard-earned money for one. Luckily for us, David Long – or the Car Wizard, as he’s known on YouTube – recently put together a list highlighting these specific things one might want to look out for when shopping for a used Toyota or Lexus vehicle.
The first concern Long points out is cracked dashes, which are more of a cosmetic issue that one can cover up if desired. A more serious problem to look out for pertains to power accessories like windows, door locks, seats, heating/ventilation, the radio, and even USB ports to make sure that everything is working properly. While you’re inside, it’s a good idea to inspect the rest of the interior for damage, and check to see if the floor mats are present – after all, buying new ones can cost $100 or more, depending on what kind you go with.
On the outside, it’s a good idea to not only look for dents and scratches, but also things like mismatched panels and gaps, or even missing badges, which could indicate that the vehicle was in an accident. New wheels could indicate that the tire pressure monitoring system no longer works, which could throw off the speedometer if the car wasn’t recalibrated. Mismatched tires and tire tread are another thing to look out for, while certain models – like the Tacoma – also tend to have rusty frames, which is something certainly worth crawling on the ground and checking out up close.
Moving on to maintenance items, it’s important to ensure that timing belt-equipped cars have been serviced properly, which could mean asking to see a receipt for its replacement, or looking for a sticker indicating when it was replaced. Valve cover gasket leaks are also common in many Toyota models, as is seepage from the timing covers and cam solenoids. Newer models utilize plastic oil filter housings that require a special tool to remove, meaning that many wind up getting damaged – replacements can cost around $300, too, so this is an important place to look.
Aside from those things, regular service is key, as is the case with any used vehicle, so you’ll want to look for maintenance records showing regular oil changes and other service items, including brake flushes, new pads, as well as hose and belt replacements – old ones are fairly easy to spot, thanks to cracking, dry rotting, and/or leaks. From there, it’s all about the test drive – when you can listen to the car to make sure that it’s running smoothly with no funny noises, as well as check to ensure that it accelerates, corners, and brakes as it should.
Many of these tips apply to any used vehicle, but they’re still incredibly helpful for anyone looking to buy a used Toyota in the near future. While these cars are tremendously reliable, neglectful or abusive ownership can be hard on any car, meaning that you can potentially save a ton of money – and headaches – by doing your due diligence first.
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