|
Service records will make or break the deal IMO.
These cars have been out long enough, that most things there are to know at this point, are known which is a plus. Bad news is, they've been out long enough that a lot of them have been abused.
You run a certain risk buying or owning a modified car in that you're running all the hardware closer to their limits and things will happen.
That being said, those mods wouldn't scare me if it's from a responsible owner.
Green flags:
All gaskets done (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil pan)
Water pump / tstat done
No wastegate rattle
Index 11 or 12 injectors
Red flags:
Sold by an idiot
Sold on FB marketplace
Any claims of maintenance being done without proof
Any lights on the dash without proof of the codes causing them
Good luck! These cars are nothing to be afraid of if you're a responsible, working adult. That said, don't expect Toyota reliability. These make more sense for a toy than an A to B car but that's not to say you can't do both with it. Just don't look at every dime you put into it as an investment, because it's not. You'll have a blast with it if you get it.
|