Should I buy this Taco from Carmax?

I’d really appreciate some help making a decision whether or not to buy this taco - $37k.

As yous might imagine, it’s been hard to find a 3rd gen remotely in our price range. I ended up having one shipped from KC to our local Carmax.

I went to look at it and it took a while to start - Carmax sent it to reputable local mechanic and it got new spark plugs and valve cover cleaned. All sorted now apparently ‍♂️

My concern is that I know little about the truck’s history. The AutoCheck and Carfax don’t reveal much and Carmax doesn’t pass on maintenance history from previous owners.

What do you all think? It has 44k miles, spark plugs should be changed at 60k, might the previous owner drive it into the ground and neglect to maintain it?

Thanks so much for any perspectives!

 

Seems like a lot to me.
No real history of service records. So all you can do is hope the previous owner did the maintenance on time.
And weird how it was sold at an auction? Unless it was fleet vehicle before going to auction?

 

When in doubt, don't! This works for both trucks and women.

 

"Carmax sent if to a reputable mechanic" - maybe. Get a qualified mechanic to look it all over and give you a written report on it, then you can make an informed decision.

 

Hard to start at 44k is concerning. Was it just a battery issue or did changing the plugs actually fix it?

I feel like that price is kinda high for a 21?? , but could just be me..

Yeah, a see them a lot cheaper near me (Utah). Must be just more expensive wherever you are.

 

What does "took a while to start" mean?

 

Keep looking. Not enough history/documentation. Could have had very hard 44K miles. Perhaps a delivery vehicle?

 

will they offer a warranty?

 

Given used prices it's the cost isn't out of line.

For reference that's close to what I paid out the door for my 2021 AC Cab / V6 / 4WD brand new.
If possible to find, I'd pony up a few dollars more and buy a 2023.

Carfax is useless.

If you do pull the trigger, demand a qualified person take a real hard look at it first.

 

I would have a look see at a new 24 in a trim you like, and then make your decision.

 

4runner

 

The 4 runners are nice. I just bought '23 TRD OR for the wife...I steal it every chance I get lol

 

I think I'd have to pass not having a good history of it, especially with a hard start issue with that low of miles as well.

 

Hard pass for two reasons. My first rule of thumb is if it’s on the lot and there’s something wrong with it that’s a bad omen.
Secondly, Carmax will buy anything. It’s like a dumping ground for cars with issues. I know of three people that sold their car/truck to Carmax because of issues. Two of them were eco boost Fords that were using coolant.
Go cold start it again, and pay a reputable dealer to look it over.

 

I'm a service advisor at an Acura dealer. We get more people who bought cars from CarMax that have all kinds of trouble with them. I personally wouldn't buy anything from them.

 

As someone who has bought and sold to CarMax multiple times, if there is any doubt, no need to jump, another (better or equal) example will usually pop up shortly if you wait. And it's often worth their shipping fees if you wanna get one sent over.

 

I would stay away, this one shows Fleet/Rental use...

 

I would not buy it even it was $27k, or $37k, and with 44k miles, can buy brand new Tacoma. With or without truck history, it’s all BS, you can get “burned!”

 

Good info. But like I replied previous post, if OP willing to spend the money, I would buy brand new 4th Gen with extended warranty, extended service plan.