Independent Inspections and Buying Out-of-State

[pnwfj]

Are Independent Inspection services worth the $100. Most don't inspect the major mechanical systems. Based on sample reports it looks like it's more about what's on the surface.

Would you buy a 100 series from an out-of-state dealer based on the dealer's reputation, pictures, carfax, and the Land Cruiser reputation for quality? Horror stories?

PNWFJ

[Trunk Monkey]

Find a fellow Cruiserhead where the truck is - prolly free, send them a gift card or something for their time.

[pnwfj]

I arranged to have the local Toyota dealer take a look at it - $85.

[donjuanmiguel]

Depending upon the year, you could call the selling dealer/servicing dealer to get their info. They were very helpful and provided me with records. Also told me where to finde vin numbers on body panels to make sure all matched. I then asked the seller to photograph various areas showing vin#s.

With that said, I was still nervous about sight unseen purchase but the vehicle arrived just as described.

[SwampYankee88]

When I was shopping for a 100 series, I used the service that is linked on eBay for a 100 series vehicle that was listed by a Range Rover dealer that was out of state.

I think I paid $200. They inspected it and did a road test. The biggest benefit was the pictures - they took a ton of them and they were way more detailed (and revealed alot of body damage) that the dealer's photos (which were fairly extensive) did not.

I ended up finding another vehicle locally, so I can't speak to the overall accuracy.