I found a great 03 4runner SR5 4x4 on a Toyota lot....but after a CARFAX report, it showed the previous owner as a rental agency. The rest of the report is spotless. My buddies advise me against buying ANY ex-rental, but this one is Toyota Certified and looks showroom condition,
The mileage is a little high for an 03 (21,000) but the price is great.
I always take my buddies' advise on brands of beer, but I would appreciate any comments from you experienced Yota guys. Thanks in advance for any comments.
Is it unwise to buy an ex-rental? Don't some rental agencies buy some vehicles for "long term " lease instead of the per day or weekly renters?

 

Never, ever, buy an ex-rental car. Too many horror stories to list. My 2¢.

 

I agree with BT17R, it probably have been through 21000 hard miles. But if you still like it take it to a mechanic you trust and have it looked over, or try a new 4x4 SR5 and compare.
C

 

I agree, it's VERY risky to buy an ex-rental car ... unless it is your ONLY choice, I would advise against it. 21,000 miles on a rental car ... hmm ... I really think you can find a better overall deal by passing this one up ...

 

Certified is a good thing. They also have an extended factory warranty that is good for 100,000 or 7 years that covers more than the certified warranty will. I got mine for 900.00. You might be able to coax them into giving that extra factory warranty to you, since it was a rental.

 

if you can get it certified, and waranteid for 100,000 miles and your saving like $2-3k from anohter comparable 03 then get it. If not .. keep looking

 

Does it have the V8 and whats the OH so excellent price

 

My dad had an ex-rental from Hertz. The warranty was killer. I think the tranny went out at like 70K miles and was replaced at not charge. Keep in mind, the rentals that usually get tortured are the cheap under powered ones. You don't get as many punks getting expensive rentals.