I need a hybrid specialist in Fort Myers/Pubta Gorda area who can do a pre-Sales inspection before Thursday. I am buying car out of state and organizing this remotely. Who do you recommend, and who should I avoid? Thank you!
Yes. The person I'm buying the car forms from Fort Myers, he's picking me up from the airport in Punta Gorda, Tampa would be too far for me to ask him to bring the car. Thanks though
If no one has personal recommendations, I would get an appointment with a Toyota dealer. - I would also get the vin and pay for a Carfax report ahead of time. Before you travel. - One Priuschat member warned against Buy Rite Auto Inc Google suggests: Top Toyota repair options in the Fort Myers area include: 1. AutoNation Toyota Fort Myers: The official dealership service center for OEM repairs, warranty work, and scheduled maintenance. (239) 266-2863. 2. Terry Wynter Auto Service Center: A highly-rated local independent shop (4.5 stars on Yelp). 3811 Fowler St 3. South Trail Tire & Auto Repair: Provides general maintenance, tire service, and auto repair for all Toyota models. 5751 Youngquist Rd 4. Jordan's Automotive: Located at 6241 Metro Plantation Rd, specializing in Asian vehicle repairs.
I have the maintenance records for the past few years (it's been regularly maintained), and the last maintenance was June, where they did oil change and ran checks on the battery and systems. It doesn't say what the percentage is, but it says everything checked out fine. Transmission has also been flushed, and the brake fluid flushed in the past year. Toyota will do the buyer inspection, but it won't tell me the percentage of the battery so I'm not sure it's worth $259 to have them look at it when I have a piece of paper from June saying that it checked out fine. What do you think? from the maintenance records, it looks like the guy's wife went in religiously every 5000 miles, and did every maintenance that was suggested by Toyota
For the money you are spending I would have it inspected. No one can give you an accurate hybrid battery percent of life. At least run the carfax.
So... I just got lucky (I think) I spoke with a service advisor at the Toyota where this car was serviced. She read me every service done since they've had it. At 39000 (Nov 2020) there was rodent damage. A squirrel chewed through carpet, seat pads, and main wire harness. This is what was replaced: -main interior wire harness -floor carpet -passenger seat bottom cover -rear seat cushion pad -seat track cover -amplifier cover A bit before 39000, a relay in the door malfunctioned and Toyota found moisture. Toyota could not determine if was user error (water spilled) or moisture somehow got in. Relay was replaced. The rodent issue is concerning for 2 reasons, 1- Once a rodent enters she told me they leave a scent that can bring return rodents 2- Today, the seller/owner told me that the radio is not working (he just noticed since he doesn't use the vehicle - it's his wife's) and he is taking it to an audio place tomorrow to have it checked out. Knowing there was an issue with squirrel in 2020, is it concerning? The Toyota advisor says the radio is 4k The brakes are original brakes. They tested fine last service in June, but typically she said you change them at 50K the car is at 63K Other than that, she said they've taken very good care of the vehicle. What are your thoughts?
Even more reason to do a comprehensive pre purchase check. Sure, the radio could be a result of rodent damage. I doubt the radio itself is bad. It just has a bunch of connectors on the back panel.Most likely the car would not run after the damage and they got it running and were happy. Did they specifically say squirrel or rodent as in mouse? I would think a squirrel would be too big to get in. Otherwise its your call.
