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Help buying used SR5

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by andkristopher, Aug 21, 2020.

  1. Aug 21, 2020 at 12:57 PM
    #1
    andkristopher

    andkristopher [OP] New Member

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    Hi, guys -- potential boomerang Toyota owner here. I'm in a 2017 F150 sport that may be suspect to a TSB that calls for a complete head replacement. I get white/blue smoke out of the exhaust when I'm sitting in a long idle, and it's indicative of the turbo leaking oil into the cylinder. Could be something smaller, but I've lost all faith in the truck. It's got all the symptoms for it, and I miss the reliability and resale value of the Toyota.

    Anyhow, I found an SR5 4x4 crewmax close to my budget, but it's at an independent dealer. the CarFax looks clean, and I plan on checking it out today or tomorrow, as well as a PPI eventually. Link to truck here.

    I'm just worried about buying from an independent dealer. Have any of you guys purchased independent before? I'm a little leery that I may not be seeing something you all may catch.

    Also....not a fan of the fender flares....but beggars can't be choosers.

    Pic for clicks...
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2020
    DaBoro54 likes this.
  2. Aug 21, 2020 at 7:10 PM
    #2
    CDinSeFl

    CDinSeFl New Member

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    Check the CarFax and listen to your "gut".

    Used car prices are REALLY high right now and I don't know the local market by you at all. I would just remind you that in a couple of weeks this car will be 5 model-years old.
     
  3. Aug 21, 2020 at 8:02 PM
    #3
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Welcome from NY.
     
  4. Aug 21, 2020 at 11:12 PM
    #4
    docsmiles

    docsmiles New Member

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    check car fax
    put it through its paces when test drive on hwy at least 65 mph and pay attention to what it does. let go of steering wheel-does it pull on way or drive true? any steering shimming on hwy? how's trany? check for noises when putting into reverse or into drive. paying attention to little things will tell you lots. pull the oil stick and smell the oil. what color is it? These might be things you already know. Do a very thorough inspection of everything....body, engine, undercarriage, brakes, etc.

    I wouldn't hesitate with independent dealer but if you are concerned take it to your local mechanic and tell them that you are considering buying and if they would check it out.
    Hope this helps...good luck!
     
  5. Aug 22, 2020 at 12:01 AM
    #5
    Lyuluck

    Lyuluck New Member

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    The reasons for blue smoke

    1. Improper use of machine oil

    One of the main reasons is the usage of unqualified engine oil, which will cause the engine to operate under high temperatures for a long time, and the power of the oil pump will be insufficient, which will affect the life of the engine. And it will cause the engine to burn oil.

    2. Poor piston seal

    Another situation is that there are scratches on the cylinder wall, poor piston sealing, and valve wear that cause gaps. These gaps enter the gasoline combustion chamber to participate in combustion, and when the combustion is not full. When it is divided, blue smoke is produced.

    3. Wear of pipes and valves

    When the pipes and valves are worn, the excess oil entering the combustion chamber will cause blue smoke to be produced in the exhaust pipe of the car.


    Tips

    1. Check whether the shaft and radial clearance of the turbocharger are enlarged (whether the compressor blades are rubbing the shell) and whether the seal is good.
    2. If the engine has been used for a long time or has reached the specified overhaul interval mileage, and the engine power is insufficient, the main reason is that the pistons and piston rings are severely worn, the sealing is poor and the oil is leaking, and the overhaul should be carried out.
    3. If the engine power performance is good, the oil pressure should be checked first. If the oil pressure is too high, it should be adjusted; check the oil dipstick , and if the oil level is too high, discharge excess oil.
    4.Find an expert to solve the problem
     
  6. Aug 22, 2020 at 1:59 AM
    #6
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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  7. Aug 22, 2020 at 2:29 AM
    #7
    ionnaeus

    ionnaeus New Member

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    Independent dealers can have good and bad just like anyone. Clean carfax is good but do your own research. Run the vin number and see what you find. Test drive. Use your nose and ears! Also running your fingers on the inside of seams can tell you a lot about prior damage. Lastly, take a beach towel and crawl up under it after the test drive looking for wet spots from leaking seals. Ultimately you have a truck you no longer want or trust. Get the Tundra if it passes your inspection.
     
  8. Aug 22, 2020 at 5:05 AM
    #8
    TNTundra16

    TNTundra16 YOU BIG DUMMY!

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    It doesn't bother me to buy from an independent dealer. Give it a test drive and a thorough inspection before purchasing. Also the fender flares can be removed easily although depending how long they've been on there there could be paint damage
     
  9. Aug 22, 2020 at 5:48 AM
    #9
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    All dealers buy most of the used inventory from an Auction these days anyway so whether a factory or independant dealer the cars likely came from the same place.

    As always the Sales is what makes the difference and there it is just you and the salesman in the end no matter where you go.

    A Factory dealer might be able to better stand behind any problems but this is in no way a sure thing either.
     
  10. Aug 22, 2020 at 6:28 AM
    #10
    CaptainGrumpus

    CaptainGrumpus The Mailman

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  11. Aug 22, 2020 at 7:01 AM
    #11
    Justin Case

    Justin Case New Member

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    Have you priced new ones?
     
    sotex likes this.
  12. Aug 22, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #12
    ForceV4

    ForceV4 Pull my finger

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    This may not be the ray of sunshine that you want to hear, but I just hate it when people get screwed.

    The location of that place makes me suspect. The places on El Camino near the freeway and the ones on Fulton near the freeway are...suspect in my opinion. I know people that have been boned high and hard by those places.

    Nobody traded that Tundra in at that place for a new car as they don't sell new cars. So, it likely either came from a dealer that didn't want it (why?) or the auction. Either way, they paid nothing for it and jacked up the price.

    A good friend of mine was talked by them into a BMW last year and raked him over the coals. He overpaid by almost 10 grand and they sucked him into their own financing and their own warranty. The car has been in the shop with a dropped valve and they're playing games with him.

    Keep in mind, none of the above is my personal first hand experience. They're my opinions based on past shop experience and of family and friends.
     
  13. Aug 22, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #13
    glowblue

    glowblue From time to time

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    Man that’s a lot of $$$ for a used truck with 57k miles! You can get a brand new one for less!
     
  14. Aug 22, 2020 at 11:32 AM
    #14
    Dmas

    Dmas New Member

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    Way too much money for that mileage, check your local Toyota dealers, you can get a 2017 Platinum 2WD Crewmax with 32K miles for that money here at Lipton Toyota of Fort Lauderdale
     
  15. Aug 22, 2020 at 1:21 PM
    #15
    2planker

    2planker New Member

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    Agree that price seems way too high. For reference i picked up a 14 4*4 double cab w80k for 22 (24,5 out the door), back in April. If my price range was upper 30's i wouldve probably bought new and taken advantage of low dealer financing. I bought from independent and took it to my mechanic for an inspection before signing.
     
  16. Aug 22, 2020 at 1:28 PM
    #16
    Predator Tundra

    Predator Tundra New Member

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  17. Aug 22, 2020 at 1:41 PM
    #17
    sotex

    sotex Sic 'em Bears!

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    It’s not a 4x4 and it’s a double cab, but my brand new 2020 SR5 SX upgrade was less than $32,500 and was $35,500 out the door. I normally buy used, but this is a weird market. I’d shop new asking for purchase sheets with best price. You might be surprised how far below MSRP you can get.
     
  18. Aug 22, 2020 at 5:28 PM
    #18
    Predator Tundra

    Predator Tundra New Member

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    I really think you can’t beat a CPO vehicle. If you decide to come over to Reno to buy let me know. I just bought my 2020 platinum so I’m well aware what they had brand new marked down to. You could use that to negotiate the used ones down. Both Dolan and carson had platinums at 49100 new. So I’m sure the used ones they are crazy low balling. Shit, if you really consider coming over I’ll go have them appraise mine for a trade in with 4000 miles so you can get an idea of how low they are offering people lol.
     
  19. Sep 1, 2020 at 12:29 PM
    #19
    andkristopher

    andkristopher [OP] New Member

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    Hey all -- thanks for all the replies. @ForceV4 -- thanks for the tips on those dealerships. I had the same kind of hunch, and didn't feel comfortable with any of the answers to the question: "Why would this dealer have gotten this at auction?" I feel better not having picked that one up, and I'm continuing my search for a CM 4x4. I'm seeing a handful in the area around this price point, but it's also relatively close to the price of a new CM 4x4.

    @Lyuluck the problem is absolutely #2. 2017 F150s with the 2x7 TT engine build between April 2016 and Jan. 2017 have a massive TSB on them. If htey throw blue smoke at idle, in park, or a handful of other conditions, it's indicative of bad seals. Ford calls for the replacement of cylinder heads. Seeing as how my current F150 is already at ~85k miles, I'm not willing to pay the $6k in cost for that repair. I'm thinking the best course is to trade this in and put a little cash down for a Tundra. I'm still so pissed about it.

    @Predator Tundra I'm not far enough from Reno or Carson to make a trip if need be. I've seen a couple 2014s and 2016s pop up over there. And it's a nicer drive than heading into hte Bay Area. I also qualify for H-Plan pricing from my work, so I'm doing LOTS of hunting for CM 4x4s. I don't mind what trim, and outside a couple of colors I dislike, I really only want 4-wheel-drive and the big backseat for my kids and dog.
     
  20. Sep 1, 2020 at 12:56 PM
    #20
    smayne

    smayne New Member

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    Welcome from Georgia
     

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