[Mugsey]

Hey:

I hope this is posted in the right location. Please don't flame too hard if I'm totally out of line for this query.

I will be buying a FJ in the coming weeks. I was not in the market for a tricked-out model but a local dealer has a used 07 TRD on the lot. He is asking mid-high twenties (a few grand less than the new ones I was considering). It is high milage - mid twenties. It has no obvious damage or windshield cracks. I will test drive it Monday.

Any-how: anything I should look out for when inspecting and driving it? Have the 07s TRD had any problems. I know that new the TRD was not the best buy ever, but is this price change the situation? Am I just better off buying a 08 and enjoying my warranty?

Any help or warnings are welcome. You guys have a great community here and I'm pleased to be a new member. Thanks.

Mugsey

 

[TinCan]

Hey:

I hope this is posted in the right location. Please don't flame too hard if I'm totally out of line for this query.

I will be buying a FJ in the coming weeks. I was not in the market for a tricked-out model but a local dealer has a used 07 TRD on the lot. He is asking mid-high twenties (a few grand less than the new ones I was considering). It is high milage - mid twenties. It has no obvious damage or windshield cracks. I will test drive it Monday.

Any-how: anything I should look out for when inspecting and driving it? Have the 07s TRD had any problems. I know that new the TRD was not the best buy ever, but is this price change the situation? Am I just better off buying a 08 and enjoying my warranty?

Any help or warnings are welcome. You guys have a great community here and I'm pleased to be a new member. Thanks.

Mugsey

There are NO dumb questions only dumb anwser!!!

I'll sell you my FJ 10K miles VD $24k :clap: upgrades!! TRD rims and stuff!

 

[VooDude]

look at it from underneath... wear a ratty sweatshirt and some jeans, and get underneath it... what you're looking for is evidence that it's been "beat on" on the trail. Look for dents and deep scratches in the metal. Specifically the lower control arms, trailing links, and rear diff and axle housing.

Test drive it, making sure to drive it at speed... If the dealer will let you, this is a great "alignment check":
1. Floor it to get up to about 70 mph on an empty road.
2. Loosely hold the wheel (in case something goes wrong--don't just let go, but basically this is what you want to do). Make sure you've centered the wheel.
3. Slam on the brakes (you don't have to lock them, but push them hard).
4. Look for a shimmy or pull to one direction. That's a sure sign, something is up.

Another thing, probably not an issue for such a young car, but get there earlier than expected one day, and be there for the first cold start. Listen to the engine. Some used car dealers always have the car warmed up when you get there, so that the engine always purrs.

So, if you find any issues (scratches, dings, dents, a shimmy) use it as your reason to try to get them down on the price...

Drive away proud to own the best vehicle on earth...

 

[Crotalus]

Here's my take. I purchased my brand new no-frills 2007 FJ for $23,400 - this was about before trade-in and down payment. If you have to finance, you will also get a much better deal buying a new one vs. a used one. You have stated that you are not looking for a frilly one. So, unless you can get a seriously better deal on a used one, it would appear to me that the one you are looking at might not be worth it.

Howdy and welcome to the forum! :wave: Good luck on your FJ quest!

 

[Mugsey]

Thanks for the info gang. I'll she how it drives and what they are willing to deal. I may very well just get a 08 with fewer whistles. I'll be back with more questions or a cool ride.

Thanks again!

Mugsey