Hey guys..I need some help please...I work in a gas station and dont really have a whole lot of money..dont have a car either...my boss said I could have his 1999 Toyota Sienna minivan for 500 bucks if I wanted it. But it has 365000 miles...He got the van brand new in 1999 and has been a single owner and used it only for getting groceries for the store from atlanta (2 hours away..we're in alabama)...Hence its all highway miles but he said theres some problem with oil problem and some shaking and stuff. he doesnt know much about cars and i havent seen it yet..he parked it in atlanta and we are going tomorrow to get it here..please let me know what you guys think about it.. I dont have a whole lot of money..and don't want it to break down after i buy it...i need to drive it to dallas too...please help...is it worth it if i put a better used engine with lower miles? the rest of the car still would have 365000 miles
spammer2008-01-31T19:19:07Z
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That is a $500 gamble. You seems like desperate for a set of wheels. It might need some balancing or replacement of warped rotors. The main concern is the big stuff, like the engine and such. I will like to give it a shot, but is a gamble! The engine is pretty used up and the oil problem that he say could be worn piston rings and/or valve guides.
I need to see it though, is too border line just to advice online.
i would say NO if the car's primary miles were city but since it is highway... It seems like he maintained the car (hence 365000 miles on it) and probably never raced it. Just check for any oil leaks. Test drive it and feel the tranny shift and how the engine works (if the engine makes any improper noise then it will need a new engine). If it is in good order, buy it, it will last probably for another 25-30000 miles if driven VERY carefully and maintain properly. But usually at this great of a mileage most vehicles served their use and are ready for an engine transplant or a last ride or tow to the junkyard... on the other hand its toyota. Good Luck bro
I think I would save my money and buy a bus ticket to Dallas. 365,000 miles!!! Wow!!! I'll say, that's impressive. Any car that can last that long is amazing. However, an engine would cost you more than the car and like you said, the rest of the car (especially the transmission, tie rods, wheel hubs and bearings) will still have 365,000 miles on it. This car is on life support now and it's fading fast. I know what it's like to be desperate for transportation, but I'm afraid you'll end up being out $500 and still in need of a car very soon if you buy this one.
Does he have a maintience record or receipts?? The "oil problem" could be a lot of things, the shaking could be tires out of balance all the way up to more expensive repairs. Get the vehicles history! Toyotas are amazing cars, and I have seen more than one with over 600,000 miles if well maintained. Worst case scenerio, if the body is in good shape, it alone could be worth the $500 to resell.
I work for a toyota dealership, ive seen vehicles come in with over 400,000 miles and still going on the same engine and transmission. As long as the oil was changed every 5000 miles and it was serviced right, that would be a good deal. If it shakes when you press the brakes its probably your rotors. It depends on when and how it shakes, i would have a mechanic check it out before you definitely bought it though.