Picked up a 2011 (1 Viewer)

[tirewater]

Seems we have a rash of 200 series purchases lately. Count me in as well. 2011 with 58k miles for sale locally. I had been keeping an eye on the dealership watching for price drops until it became more reasonably priced. I ended up paying $43k. Unfortunately I was under a time constraint (needed a tow vehicle for the eclipse...), and didn't want to end up with a Ford Expedition - so I gave up some negotiation power. I had seen a similar model, but silver, sell for $39k in LA the week before...

Since we can't leave well enough alone...already on ramps...(condensation on hood)

I've started some "baselining". The car has a decent maintenance history with documented maintenance every 5k miles.

I do have some sleuthing to do. There were rat droppings on the in cabin filter when I changed it. The filter was last changed 7 months ago in February. I don't know if they're from sitting in the dealer or the last week in my driveway...

So, how do rats get into the ventilation system?

The only way that I can tell is to hop on the skid plates, then crawl up to the windshield and sneak in around the cowl where the hood hinge is...anyone have some ideas before I pull the cowl up?

The first maintenance of the car is right after it was purchased new. The windshield was replaced due to a crack in it. Perhaps a clue?

 

[SWUtah]

Never had a mouse problem and don't want one. Put sticky traps and other types of mouse traps around my garage and you should never keep any type of pet food in your garage.

 

[cary]

Congragulations. I have been watching that one. As far as the rats, you will know if you have them, as you will see them outside, running along walls and darting in the evening. Also, they usually don't nest in vehicles, but will chew up rubber lines.

Your neighbor in Lafayette.

 

[tirewater]

I have been watching that one. As far as the rats, you will know if you have them, as you will see them outside, running along walls and darting in the evening. Also, they usually don't nest in vehicles, but will chew up rubber lines.

You neighbor in Lafayette.

Oh, there are plenty of rats around here. They like the fruit trees. I just don't want them making a nest on my cabin air filter, lol. I haven't seen any evidence of damage, but will pull the cowl regardless to inspect. So many clips.

The other one I was looking at was the black 2013 in San Francisco. I sent the guy an offer, but never heard back. I imagine it could be bought for close to what I paid for the 2011.

 

[Rex9802]

welcome aboard!

 

[cary]

Oh, there are plenty of rats around here. They like the fruit trees. I just don't want them making a nest on my cabin air filter, lol. I haven't seen any evidence of damage, but will pull the cowl regardless to inspect. So many clips.

The other one I was looking at was the black 2013 in San Francisco. I sent the guy an offer, but never heard back. I imagine it could be bought for close to what I paid for the 2011.

Yea, but it is black. I am not picky about color as long as it is white.

 

[Yossarian]

So, how do rats get into the ventilation system?

The only way that I can tell is to hop on the skid plates, then crawl up to the windshield and sneak in around the cowl where the hood hinge is...anyone have some ideas before I pull the cowl up?

I think someone said to leave the ventilation on recirc when parked, to eliminate a way into the vehicle?

 

[tirewater]

I went ahead and removed the cowl. Good news, nothing but some dust. There are some small holes in the plastic cowl that could let in droppings if rodents were to hide out on top of the cowl itself.

I ended up buying the Chiltondiy access for the 200 series. It's $30 for a year. Chilton has licensed the Toyota FSM and reprints them online as part of their DIY service. While I'd rather have the books, Chilton allows printing of the manual pages.

 

[Chocolate]

I went ahead and removed the cowl. Good news, nothing but some dust. There are some small holes in the plastic cowl that could let in droppings if rodents were to hide out on top of the cowl itself.

That would be a serious f-ing problem.

 

[tirewater]

That would be a serious f-ing problem.

Likely just drain holes so water doesn't pool on the plastic cover. They're not directly above the cabin filter.

 

[sPaulp]

Congrats on the purchase. We all know 2011 is the best year to own Glad to hear you don't have a rodent problem.