Good Idea or Bad Idea?

I am currently in the process of buying a used Tundra. I found one that I like but it is too far for me to drive there and check it out. It is a 2017 tundra and has less than 10,000 miles. It is being sold at a different dealership (not Toyota). I called Toyota and verified that it would still have the factory warranty for 3yrs/36,000 miles from in service date, and the powertrain for 5yr/60,000 miles. Am I crazy for considering buying a Tundra unseen? The pics look great and I don't see any damage or dings, and it is a 1 owner from carfax. Thanks for any input.

 

How far away? If it's a good deal do it. I wouldn't buy over the phone. But I'd have them hold it for you while you go there with an agreed amount that was agreed upon over the phone. Check it out and if legit buy it.

 

It's roughly 10+ hrs away. I would be driving an entire weekend just to check it out. I've bought a vehicle online before but it was from the manufacturer of the vehicle and it was certified. I bought it and had it shipped and still drive that vehicle. I kind of feel comfortable that it has such low miles, but still on the fence.

 

Were is it located? Maybe 1 of US can look at it if it's near us. Also there are people that you can pay to inspect it for you.

 

Yeah I thought that too...my wife was not excited about that plan. I would definitely do it if I was single. Lol

 

Never thought of that. It is in Missouri.

 

Put down a refundable deposit and go look at it.

 

I just looked and found a reputable company there with great reviews. I am glad this forum is here. I didn't even think about hiring another company. I had it in my head that I had to check it out myself, or just buy it and pray that the truck was good. Thats the route I am going to take. If it checks out, I will be catching a plane and apologize to my wife later. Lol
I appreciate everyone's input!

 

How does the price compare to a new vehicle? My wife’s Subaru, with financing deals and incentives, a new 2019 was actually less than a used 2018 with 5k miles.

 

I think you're nuts.

If this was a rare or very limited vehicle, yeah, I might consider buying remotely and having it shipped to me. I especially wouldn't do this through a dealer.

Too many times we've read about a `done` deal over the phone/fax/email etc only to find out that the dealership wants to bend you over once you get there. After driving 10 hours or flying in, you've invested a lot of time and money just to get there. It's too easy for the dealer to start playing games.

The Tundra certainly isn't rare so unless there is something specific to this vehicle that would be difficult to replicate, I vote to pass.

 

I’ll just add that at less than 10k miles, it’s likely to be completely fine. Mine is a 17 with almost 30k, and is still in pretty much new condition.

 

I did pretty much what you're considering, two previous owner's. Only pictures. I rode a Greyhound out to Missouri, the bus reeked of weed.

 

It would be somewhat of a concern to me - why did someone trade a truck with only 10k miles in? Maybe there is nothing behind it; maybe it was just more vehicle than they needed or gas mileage killed them, life situation changed etc, OR, maybe something is wrong with the vehicle and owner just wanted to get rid of it. Hopefully an independent inspection will eliminate that concern.

 

Go to a local Toyota dealership with the VIN number and have the service dept run a warranty claim and service report which will tell you if any/all recalls addressed . See how many times it has been back to a dealership for service.

 

I live in Missouri, whereabouts? I might be able to look at it for you.

 

I would never buy a vehicle without driving it first. As Borerseun says, it could have problems the pictures don't show. Around here, no one sells a vehicle unless there's nothing left of it, especially a truck.

 

If its too good to be true....

 

I wouldn't ever buy a vehicle without seeing it first.

 

In my previous experience with dealers and Carmax for distant purchases, EVERY vehicle I was interested in (3) were misrepresented in various ways. Do your homework, confirm and reconfirm. Ask to see pictures of everything, including the complete dealer invoice.

I have friends who have purchased long distance from Carmax and are very happy. Maybe they just settled....? Had I gone through with my purchase without having someone physically inspect the vehicle via FaceTime with me, I would of been very upset.

Good luck.

 

The deal was in the works, and I told the Manager that I wanted to get a 3rd party inspection. He stated that you can certainly get an inspection but, my guys changed the oil and everything checked out fine. I asked him about the miles to confirm how many were on the truck and he stated that he had been driving it the last week for a total of 150 miles or so. So I asked for the out the door price and I replied is that with everything i.e. doc fees and all paperwork?...then crickets. He sold that truck at an online auction later that day that he quoted me the out the door price. I know this because I looked at the carfax the next morning to confirm owners, etc... and the carfax said sold at auction, lol. I am glad that it didn't work out, and I have located another Tundra within driving distance to see tomorrow.

 

Check for the dreaded Cam Tower Seal leak!!!

 

Great Idea....