Buying a 2013 -- Need some quick feedback (Seats and pre-inspection)

[majorrush]

Morning all,

I am reaching out to see if the forum has any recommendation for a pre-purchase inspector in Nashville. I am looking at a clean looking 2013, but am shopping from out of town and would like a bit more assurance before buying without seeing. Is it worth bothering if the carfax and service history @ Toyota seems to check out favorably?

Also, thoughts on the condition of these seats? They look pretty beat for a '13 with 104k on it. I can't figure if the wear seems excessive or if for the decent price on the vehicle I should just worry about reconditioning/repair/replacement down the road.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TLC2013]

I purchased my 2013 with 80k a few years ago and the seats were in like new condition. Looks like this one’s seats never received a proper cleaning and conditioning. I’d pass unless the deal is a good and you plan on adding seat covers.

 

[Cincodemustache]

No affiliation to anyone in Nashville, sorry. Give those seats a good cleaning/detailing and you would be amazed. I think they are just a little dirty from life. The leather tear is strange but the wear above it looks normal for a 100k mile truck.

 

[Sandroad]

Yup, seats are pretty beat for the miles. Except for the hole (which can be patched) they are probably salvageable. My concern would be if the lack of seat care indicates general lack of care. Good to check that out.

 

[majorrush]

Yup, seats are pretty beat for the miles. Except for the hole (which can be patched) they are probably salvageable. My concern would be if the lack of seat care indicates general lack of care. Good to check that out.

Yeah -- Seats as a proxy for how the car was cared for is a big concern for me. I tend to be a perfectionist, but realize in this market that is definitely not in my favor. I am pretty desperate for a new car as my Subaru with 190K needs to be parked and towed. I don't like driving my 4 kids around in anything that isn't perfectly safe and operable.

 

[majorrush]

I purchased my 2013 with 80k a few years ago and the seats were in like new condition. Looks like this one’s seats never received a proper cleaning and conditioning. I’d pass unless the deal is a good and you plan on adding seat covers.

2013 w/ 104K miles @ $42K

 

[Otapnam]

Yeah. My 2013 with 120k miles, 3 previous owners looked quite a bit better than this.

I don't know what re-upholdstering costs but If the rest of the car checks out you could try negotiating

 

[majorrush]

Yeah. My 2013 with 120k miles, 3 previous owners looked quite a bit better than this.

I don't know what re-upholdstering costs but If the rest of the car checks out you could try negotiating

A very quick glance and phone call indicates I can gets seats rebuilt/reupholstered -- first and second rows -- for around $2500. Didn't look any farther than that. I just wanted a quick idea.

 

[Sandroad]

One more quick thought. I wonder how it smells inside?

 

[linuxgod]

The tear is surprising at that mileage but otherwise the condition is pretty normal. I'd almost wonder if the PO snagged something on the seat getting in or out.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

The amount of dirt caked into the seats and the surrounding plastics (on side of driver's seat, 2nd row seat handle, etc.) indicates this vehicle had probably never been cleaned prior to being listed by the dealer. I'm with @Sandroad in that this vehicle likely received bottom of the barrel level of care, if that.

Interiors are important for me: that's where I spend 99% of the time, and it needs to be a pleasant experience. Potential lack of maintenance aside, based on interior alone, this vehicle would be a hard pass for me.

 

[Supra Turbo]

No affiliation to anyone in Nashville, sorry. Give those seats a good cleaning/detailing and you would be amazed. I think they are just a little dirty from life. The leather tear is strange but the wear above it looks normal for a 100k mile truck.

On the photos it it looks like pretty average wear and tear for 100k mile 2013 truck. OP, if you're concerned buying sight unseen - I would get a PPI to check the rest of the vehicle including specifically how pliable is the leather.

I'm a hobbyist vehicle detailer and think with a bit of steam, leather cleaner/conditioner these could look significantly better (90%). I don't yet see a need to reupholster as long as you're ok with it being a bit imperfect. My $0.02.

 

[lx200inAR]

The leather does not appear to have a rip. There appears to be separation of the dye/paint from the leather. That being said, it is pretty dirty, but I bet it cleans up okay. You won't be able to "clean" up all that cracking which there is a well above average amount of, but a good rinse will go a long way. Since there doesn't appear to be any rips, i suspect a good upholstery shop could get them back to looking near new. I'd have same concerns over maintenance as well though based on interior cleanliness.

My 2010 LX had pretty rough interior as well at 100k when I purchased it, but probably only about 80% as bad as the cracking on this LC. I paid considerably less for my LX. Although, it was about 13 months ago, and the market has changed quite a bit in that time.

 

[2014TeeLC]

The amount of dirt caked into the seats and the surrounding plastics (on side of driver's seat, 2nd row seat handle, etc.) indicates this vehicle had probably never been cleaned prior to being listed by the dealer. I'm with @Sandroad in that this vehicle likely received bottom of the barrel level of care, if that.

Interiors are important for me: that's where I spend 99% of the time, and it needs to be a pleasant experience. Potential lack of maintenance aside, based on interior alone, this vehicle would be a hard pass for me.

Agree with eatSleepWoof - Hard pass.

It looks like it has been in mom-service with a few dogs in tow. Someone above me wondered what it smells like inside. If I had to guess I would say a strong mix of cleaner and funk. Funk is hard to get out especially on hot summer days. And something else to think about. If it was in mom duty, the mileage may be comprised of a bunch of short trips. I would consider that a strike against it due to potential sludge build-up in the engine.

 

[majorrush]

I really appreciate everyones input. I am taking all of your feedback under consideration. I don't like feeling like I am between a rock and a hard place when it comes to making a decision like this, but time is against me in terms of needing a new family car that fits all the kids and is ready and able in winter.

Here's an exterior pic of the vehicle for anyone wondering.

 

[majorrush]

And the link...

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[mceagle555]

I'm in Nashville area. I'll send you a PM.

 

[Leaky2014]

Looks fine, they are just gonna get farted on, they don’t need to be showroom condition.

 

[Sandroad]

TPMS light is on. Might be spare?

 

[Sandroad]

I really appreciate everyones input. I am taking all of your feedback under consideration. I don't like feeling like I am between a rock and a hard place when it comes to making a decision like this, but time is against me in terms of needing a new family car that fits all the kids and is ready and able in winter.

Here's an exterior pic of the vehicle for anyone wondering.

View attachment 2890074

Hmmmm…….don’t do too much cleanup on the seats if you have kids