1999 toyota sienna with 365000 miles?

Question

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

Answer 1

Examine the car yourself using an inspection checklist.  You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.

    

Test drive the car under varied road conditions - on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

    

Ask for the car's maintenance record.  If the owner doesn't have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done.  They may share their files with you.

    

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car's history.

    

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.



You can find out a used car's history, which is a must if you're buying a used car that is not certified, by logging on to www.carfax.com.

Answer 2

Depending on how it was taken care of. It's not even broken in yet. I'v seen these cars go a 1/2 million miles.