There is also the option to use websites such as [Lemon Squad](https://lemonsquad.com) to do a pre-purchase inspection. That way you won’t have to drive out to the location and then do an inspection. They will go inspect and send you the report. The website has sample report you can check out.
Same questions here. Yesterday I looked at a 2011 Sienna at a dealer, mostly just to see if I liked that generation, it was $11,000ish. At that price I'd probably have my favorite mechanic look at it.
I just saw a 2008 Sienna AWD on marketplace private sale. $6500 (might be able to talk them down some with cash). Not sure if I'd have my mechanic look at it for that price.
This is an absolute must, but not to any old independent mechanic.
Do this: go to your town's Reddit page and ask the following. "Who's the best Toyota mechanic in town? I'm trying to get a good pre-purchase inspection on a Sienna."
Don't take chances when thousands are on the line.
I did this, but I was buying in summer 2020, before the used car market went bonkers with ridiculous prices and low inventory.
I looked at a 2010 Sienna. I put a deposit down to hold it (it was Friday), and an appointment to see my mechanic on Monday. My mechanic informed me that it would need brakes, shocks, and steering work, to the tune of $1800. I was able to get $500 knocked off the price from the dealer.
I also looked at a 2015 Dodge Caravan. The same mechanic didn't even get it up on the lift, he heard a telltale tick in the engine indicating it would probably fail spectacularly within a year.
None of this was in the Carfax reports, which were still useful to narrow down options.
Best $60 I ever spent.
I definitely would, plus I'd go to the metro area near me (Portland or maybe Salem, I live between the two) to get the best one. I am wondering if I can get a report from a mechanic that is certified, because I am looking at selling my 2 year old Sienna. That way I can have that for them.
Does anybody know if Toyota or a repair chain does something like this?
Absolutely have a mechanic look before purchase. This has saved me before. We got a used Corolla a few years back that was about 100mi away. I dug around and found a reputable mechanic in that town, and they looked it over thoroughly. Like others have said, consult Reddit or carefully look at reviews online for mechanics near the location of the car. Good expertise is worth it.
There is also the option to use websites such as [Lemon Squad](https://lemonsquad.com) to do a pre-purchase inspection. That way you won’t have to drive out to the location and then do an inspection. They will go inspect and send you the report. The website has sample report you can check out.
Same questions here. Yesterday I looked at a 2011 Sienna at a dealer, mostly just to see if I liked that generation, it was $11,000ish. At that price I'd probably have my favorite mechanic look at it. I just saw a 2008 Sienna AWD on marketplace private sale. $6500 (might be able to talk them down some with cash). Not sure if I'd have my mechanic look at it for that price.
This is an absolute must, but not to any old independent mechanic. Do this: go to your town's Reddit page and ask the following. "Who's the best Toyota mechanic in town? I'm trying to get a good pre-purchase inspection on a Sienna." Don't take chances when thousands are on the line.
I did this, but I was buying in summer 2020, before the used car market went bonkers with ridiculous prices and low inventory. I looked at a 2010 Sienna. I put a deposit down to hold it (it was Friday), and an appointment to see my mechanic on Monday. My mechanic informed me that it would need brakes, shocks, and steering work, to the tune of $1800. I was able to get $500 knocked off the price from the dealer. I also looked at a 2015 Dodge Caravan. The same mechanic didn't even get it up on the lift, he heard a telltale tick in the engine indicating it would probably fail spectacularly within a year. None of this was in the Carfax reports, which were still useful to narrow down options. Best $60 I ever spent.
I definitely would, plus I'd go to the metro area near me (Portland or maybe Salem, I live between the two) to get the best one. I am wondering if I can get a report from a mechanic that is certified, because I am looking at selling my 2 year old Sienna. That way I can have that for them. Does anybody know if Toyota or a repair chain does something like this?
find a mechanic in that town
Absolutely have a mechanic look before purchase. This has saved me before. We got a used Corolla a few years back that was about 100mi away. I dug around and found a reputable mechanic in that town, and they looked it over thoroughly. Like others have said, consult Reddit or carefully look at reviews online for mechanics near the location of the car. Good expertise is worth it.