Considering a 2018 SR5. Inspection tips for long-distance evaluation?

I've always been a GM guy as far as trucks go. My current truck is a 2004 GMC Z71 with a few issues. I want to replace it with something newer and just as capable. After much research, I've found that the Tundras are some of the best trucks out there. Gonna look at a 2018 SR5 with the 5.7 V8, 103K miles. What should I look for when performing an inspection? The truck is about five hours away from me so I really don't want to waste a trip. I know you can only see so much from the posted pictures and it looks, from what I can see, really good. Asking price is around $27K. Thanks!

 

What part of the country are you located?

 

Middle Tennessee.

 

Rusty frame. Just in case it came from up north. Oil leaks, cam towers leak sometimes. Hell, at 100k it isn't broke in yet.

 

Thanks!

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Sold the Camaro last summer after owning it for 18 years. It was fun but very costly fuel-wise. I did everything to it except the paint. Love the Z. I guess the Tundra I'm looking at may not be a TRD Pro. Trying to find time to drive four hours to get it. They'll deliver it but that will cost $500. I have not heard a bad word against these trucks except maybe the 2018 model is a bit dated tech wise. Heck, my truck is 20 years old! I'll be crazy happy with something 14 years newer.

 

This one is closer to me. 2017 TRD Pro, 160K, 6.5' bed length, leather interior, $24K asking. Problem is, it has a rebuilt title due to being a theft recovery. Also, the carfax report reveals a minor damage event to the front end. Owner seems to be respectable. He has offered his phone number and gave me the VIN. What do you all think?

 

That isn't a TRD Pro, it's an SR5 with a TRD offroad option.
That means 'upgraded(?)' shocks and a few cosmetic things.
Being it is lifted, it may not even have those OEM TRD shocks.

Don't let them base this sale on it being a TRD Pro, it isn't..

Pros have a different grille, color matched grille surround, bumper ends, and mirror caps
Different shocks than the TRD offroad with a 2" front lift, blacked-out headlights, and TRD Pro stamped into the bedside.

 

Wherever the vehicle your interested is located; look for a certified pre inspection mechanic. You’ll only be out sub 200$ if it turns out to be a dud, you can also use anything found to haggle the price down.
I did this when I found a 4R in Sandy Ego before I flew out to buy and drive it home.

 

Thanks for the info. I do have a lift in my shop so I would be able to inspect a vehicle myself. I am just concerned with the "rebuilt title". I really don't care if it is a genuine TRD PRO or just an SR5. I just want to know if the price is in line. Thanks!

 

Check the frame carefully for corrosion especially the cross members under the bed as they retain salt/grime. Look at the cam towers for leaks - slight ooze is common and not worrisome. Check fluids. Tranny is closed and has procedure to check level when in temp range specified. Front diff has Allen wrench plugs that strip. Best to replace with Lexus style plugs. TC is picky about which oil - use Ravenol 75W or OEM. Check TC for 4HI and 4LO function on straight stretch of road. Check breathers on front and rear diff. If towing a boat add breather relocation to left taillight housing. Rear breather also tends to plug up if off road or dusty conditions. See it it is free and spins. If not replace. Clogged breather will cause axle seals to fail. Check front CV joints for torn boots, grease slinging or damaged at inboard insertion to diff. PAX side needle bearings common failure if 4 wheeling a lot - grinding noise in 2WD that subsides in 4WD. Look at 4WD solenoids and neutral safety switch for excess corrosion or water damage. Look for any damage under frame and around body. Look for evidence of botched wiring from mods PO may have made. That’s most of th big stuff.

 

Nothing wrong with a branded title. Having said that. Run the vin number past your insurance agent, to see if they will insure it at full value.