NEVER Buy a Toyota Like THIS ONE! Hint : It's not The Sequoia!

Today I share with you a very sad story of a car purchase that really went south for the new owner of this Toyota Sequoia. And why you should never rush or make excuses when buying a used Toyota assuming it's a reliable car and skipping over many red flags.
In this video we do an inspection on a 2001 Toyota Sequoia that initially checks all the right boxes but as the inspection goes through, more and more red flags appear that I wish everyone would be aware of.
Buying a car is a stressful endeavor even for those that know about cars. That's why it's essential that you spend the most time truly checking a car out.
I truly wish this video helps folks out there not make the mistakes that were made when purchasing this particular car regardless of how inexpensive the car was.
TCCN Automotive Inc.
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#thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #toyota #lexus #mechanic
0:00 Intro
1:12 Initial Inspection Exterior\Interior
7:21 Why This Car is in The Shop
8:50 Under The Hood Inspection
12:44 Under The Car Inspection
21:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[@derekwhite1462]

This man is a blessing. Honestly, integrity, hard work, caring, and a platform to influence the next generation of mechanics (and everyone else). Congratulations on your well deserved success.

[@univenpecalipre]

Too opinionated...

[@DillonAuto]

I agree. I love Scotty Kilmer's channel, but his technical explanations are sometimes wrong. This is actually better.

[@Melicoy]

I'm not 5 years old wow. repeat repeat talk down. I'll pass

[@univenpecalipre]

@@Melicoy yeah he has a cliche storytelling mode

[@needeep6]

Absolutely!

[@cpscps2679]

Sitting in my 06 Sequoia now. 224k miles. Still excellent condition. Best vehicle I have owned. I am the warranty. Update 8/20/23- Just finished 7086.4 mile drive around the country. Zero significant problems.

[@AdamWild572]

Lol, I am the warranty. That was amazing.

[@HingerBinger]

Skyler, I am the warranty.

[@gosman949]

My 2000 Suburban with 113,000 miles here in rust free Texas, is still doing well!

[@adamk9652]

One of my childhood friends had their base model 04 Sequoia up to 300k when it started having electrical problems. Traded it in for a rogue 🤣. Now I wish them good luck with said rogue Our 03 land Cruiser lasted 306k before we threw in the towel.

[@AtomicNexus]

​@@HingerBinger I AM THE ONE WHO WARRANTS.

[@classicgames9947]

I have a 2004 with 535k 3- timing belt,water pump. Original engine and transmission. No leaks and still runs strong.

[@lyaoyas75]

You're doing awesome. I have an 2002 Sequoia with 310,000 miles. 2 timing belt, radiator, alternator, rear main seal, and valve cover gaskets so far. Original motor and trans.

[@ianscreamsvideo]

What’s it cost for a timing belt replacement on the 4.7?

[@scooterman1965]

I have one coming up, curious myself.@@ianscreamsvideo

[@matts_.4494]

This video may have saved me from a disaster. I was getting ready to replace the steering rack on my ‘99 4Runner. I had just watched this video and decided I should inspect the vehicle very closely. I knew my frame was getting rusty but I kept telling myself that it wasn’t that bad. Well, a proper inspection revealed that the inside of the passenger side frame rail was completely rusted through along the bottom edge. This is where the lower control arm bracket for the rear axle is attached to the frame. I decided immediately that the vehicle was no longer fit for service. I can’t thank you enough for inspiring me to do the right thing.

[@emiliog.4432]

What a great technician this man is. Total professional.

[@hankyhank1652]

Yes indeed, The Car Care Nut is so professional, CALM and peaceful, like Kwai Chang Caine aka Grasshopper of Kung Fu. ☯

[@mococaboy17]

dont look like it

[@limosine]

Imagine being the owner of this car and watching your mechanic highlight all the defects of your car, and lack of buying savvy on KZbin. The shame would be insurmountable 😂

[@wc7920]

​@@hankyhank1652😅😊😅😅😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😮😅😅😅😅

[@craigbosko2229]

Not just total professional but also TOTAL HONEST!!! IT'S HARD TO FIND A 100% TOTALLY HONEST MECHANIC.

[@redalert206]

The gas lever and trunk lever are bearable. I would've walked away after seeing the shifter completely broke off. The rust just sent it over the hill. Sorry for whoever bought, the cheap price should've been the biggest red flag.

[@yeahman1756]

the body rust should be the first dead give away to walk away.. unless they want to buy that sequoia Just to part out all of the other cosmetic interiors and exteriors that is salvageable.

[@tonymontana897]

It's shame on the person who had the nerve to even offer that death trap for sale in the first place. He should refund the money to that poor, unsuspecting buyer.

[@damiangrouse4564]

I didn’t listen closely enough…how cheap was it?

[@garyziegler7710]

A cheap price for that era Seqouia? Definitely walk, no run, away.

[@redalert206]

@@damiangrouse4564 he didn't actually give the price of what was paid but if it was more then $500 then it was high way robbery and a death sentence driving that thing. Previous owner should've just parted it out smh.

[@CR500R]

I had a 2003 Tacoma that had a rotted frame. In 2013, when I bought it, Toyota still was doing the free frame recalls. It was quite an ordeal, I've never seen a whole frame swap until that point. I was amazed. In 2 days, the technicians had a brand new frame, lower control arms, entire brake system, fuel lines, rear suspension, spare tire carrier, etc... installed. It was almost $15k in parts and labor that was free due to the recall. It was a wonder truck after all that was fixed. I wish I still had it. But a couple years later, I was too tempted by a full-size crew cab Chevy 4x4. Looking back, I wish I had kept the Tacoma.

[@77.88.]

Toyota stands behind their products where many others DON"T?

[@nichon1951]

you swapped it for a 4x4 chevy . Man, what were you thinking?

[@niightmaregaming]

Especially since its probably going for more now than when you bought it in 2013 LOL

[@CR500R]

@nichon1951 I wasn't thinking. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I had to move across the country for work in two days when the Tacoma failed me. I had to cut and run. I wish the timing were better... but sadly, I simply had to report to my next duty station in a few days.

[@CR500R]

@niightmaregaming It probably is worth more now!

[@auggyboy284]

I’ve asked so many dealers and private sellers to send me photos of the frame of “clean” Toyotas. They rarely will agree to that because they know the frames are bad. Thanks so much for doing what you do🙏🏼

[@gds6381]

I bought a '19 4Runner with 24k miles. It's a Toyota "Certified" used car. I made them put it up on the lift (after educating myself HERE with the Car Care Nut. The car is blissful to drive. i love it! Nicest, sweetest car I've ever driven or owned.

[@jacksonlever1585]

Hmm I just bought a 2006 Sequoia with 171K. The 3rd party mechanic I use put it on a lift and said hes never seen a frame so rust free. Saw it for myself. Literally not even a hint of rust or drips. Car was in FL most of it's life. Extremely clean underneath. Bought the car the same day.

[@mediocreman2]

That's the biggest factor that keeps smart people away from Toyotas. Like how have they not figured out how to galvanize yet? Some Audi/VW/Porsche figured that out 40 years ago. I guess you swap rust for less reliability. 😄

[@yianni2809]

His casual and calm "no big deal" attitude and sarcasm has me on the edge of my seat! 😂 Thank you @CCN

[@johngreydanus2033]

We can only hope the previous owner watches this video at some point in time.

[@adroitus]

Thank you for this video. We always hear “check for rust” when talking about used cars, but actually seeing a bad one is super helpful to those of us who don’t get under a different car every day and see the spectrum of what can happen.

[@Wen6543]

Even when you can´t see rust be careful, my car´s floor was rooting like nuts but the rust protection under was flawless, i realized when i pushed a bubble and my finger just went through everything, the damage was to extended by then and unworthy of repairing.

[@HossLUK]

When i was looking for a car last year i found a 2014 acura rlx for 17k and when i drove it, it felt great and it looked great. So i decided to take it to a mechanic to have it inspected. Good thing i did, because he found numerous permanent codes, a hole in the oil pan, oil filter leaks, numerous permanent codes for the rear wheel steering, the power steering/electric steering (i forget which one this car had) even had some very concerning codes. He told me it's not worth it. So i listened to him, i took the car back to the used car lot, showed the guys what the mechanic showed me, told them i would buy it for 12k at most because of everything I'd have to do to it. They laughed at me and didn't even bother counter offering. Even tried to go into a whole speech about "maybe i should rethink what class of car i should be looking at." Lol. But i was respectful (even though i wish i would've said something) and just moved on about my day. Not kidding, the next day i found a 2014 lexus is250 at a Beaman Toyota for 17k. I went to go look at it, drove it around and instantly fell in love. Had it inspected, everything was great. The car had a very, very extensive service history, all at lexus dealers. 2 owners. So, i offered 12k for it, and we ended up on 14k before all the extra fees. It had 134k miles on it, I'm now up to 145k, and it is just the smoothest and most comfortable car I've ever been in. Could not be happier with my choice.

[@jeremyvoght9062]

Great video. As a Toyota Master Tech I've seen tons of frames replaced under warranty. Mostly a northern issue due to salted roads. But also here in Florida is the tow a boat to the ocean. Salt water reak havoc on those frames. Always look underneath these vehicles

[@matthewlester2907]

I live in northern Ohio. I take my car through a car wash with good undercarriage sprayers after every snow melt or not long after I know the salt is gone for a while and I pressure wash underneath every spring. I've never had a rust issue doing it this way.

[@herrba]

@@matthewlester2907I was thinking something like that would help wash off the salt and other grime off,

[@harrypaez2796]

We purchased a brand new 2003 Sequoia. Turned 20 years old. NEVER had a problem. NEVER been to the dealer. I maintain it myself. Will keep until the day I die. This is a excellent vehicle.

[@ricmagik]

Put that sequoia on a lift and look under

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

@@ricmagik 👍😂👍I agree! Specially living in Illinois!!

[@harrypaez2796]

I live in CA. The undercarriage is spotless.

[@RS-of1om]

Have a 05 Sequoia 55k on it. Solid as a rock. Drive it sparingly.

[@robmalcolm8042]

@@harrypaez2796 that’s crazy how it snowed out there that time. That’s how you know the weather is getting erratic.

[@apoc341]

Did the guy who brought that car even bother looking anywhere but the painted outside of it? Crazy purchase.

[@icosthop9998]

😢 I did that once 😭

[@Sashazur]

@@icosthop9998 Once is *almost* excusable. More than once you deserve what you get!

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

I bought a crappy framed 4Runner once.. not nearly this bad, but still, not very good. I was young and inexperienced. Now I do my research about common issues of yr/make/model and a thorough inspection.

[@simbatortie9684]

The car is now SALVAGE !!!!!!!

[@simbatortie9684]

Luckily the seller didn't think about duct taping all those rust, LOL!!!

[@barrybarry5305]

You captivated me with this video! FIRST TIME I’VE WATCHED THE ENTIRETY. Extremely informative and well laid out.

[@simoncorporation3]

This man just saved a lot of people's lives in particular those who aren't aware of dangerous structural deficiencies, I remember years ago being almost ripped off looking for work vans every vehicle I checked out had a rotten frame, the dealer was unscrupulous.

[@paradoxicalcat7173]

There should be a way to report these people. They are knowingly selling vehicles that could kill.

[@samgrieg2542]

So glad I found your channel. No yelling, no time wasted. Just clear and concise information in every video. This was an Instant subscribe. THANK YOU.

[@jdawg414]

No crazy music over him talking. Love this channel.

[@Njderig]

@@jdawg414 agreed! There are too many automotive channels that get ruined by gimmicks, loud music, annoying sound effects, and jump cuts.

[@vladimirtugin8533]

In Russia we usually look at the condition of the frame first of all. That is all because the factory code is written on the frame, and if it is unreadable, it is almost impossible to get the car registered. Thank you for the video.

[@Zacharias3]

Thank you for this video and showing how a buyer can ignore problems. Almost talking themselves into buying that they should run away from. Great video!

[@HARRUMPH-SAL]

Honesty is the best policy. Period. Best, informative video I’ve seen in a loooong time.

[@laura-ann.0726]

Thank you, Ahmed. This was maybe the most valuable KZbin video I'll watch this year. Living in California as I do, vehicles aren't exposed to road salt like they are in New England and the upper midwest, but we do have 1,000 miles of coastline on the Pacific, and millions of vehicles that spend most of their lives within 50 miles of the ocean. Lots of older cars in San Francisco end up with extensive rust by the time they're 15 years old, and not just rust, but lots of electrical faults from salt water corrosion in the wiring harness connectors. For most of us, who have no way to lift a vehicle other than maybe a set of ramps, there's no easy way to do a thorough inspection of the frame and underbody. Having an inspection done by a trained mechanic, in a shop where the vehicle can be raised on a lift, is worth every penny.

[@laurat1129]

From one Laura to another, I agree w/everything you wrote. Years ago, a friend moved from Boston to LA in his Explorer, so salty the mechanics there thought he'd been off-roading on the beach. On the other hand, I moved from LA to Boston in a 17 yr-old CA Saab, and a few mechanics here were reluctant at first, then happy when they saw that despite the work it needed, it was looked almost factory-new underneath. As you said, I can't see it. So I ask my mechanic to lift in his nice well-lit garage and let me video front-to-back like this. To paraphrase Ahmed: May the good car lord/s (mechanics & me) bless and keep this car going.

[@9ZERO6]

Man those rusted out West Coast cars are everywhere. Except anywhere I have ever been there. Lol.

[@kaafromoz]

OMG how did someone even put new tyres on that rust bucket, ty for bringing this to your channel. I bet you can not wait to get that out of your shop. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘💖💖💖💖

[@davidthomson7815]

Another great video. Every buyer of an older car needs to watch this. My opinion is if you can't keep your car in good repair and service you endanger your self and others. Thanks again.

[@shaun8550]

What a great channel, very smart, professional and articulate with no " good ol boy" mentality. You are respectable, thank you

[@KD-fu8ob]

With respect to whomever bought it, there was about 30 things in the original superficial check that should have made them run vs looking the other way.

[@michael8209]

I'm sorry but if someone sees that shofter in that condition and proceeds with purchasing the car is just bananas

[@persistence4752]

I wonder how much they paid for it

[@simbatortie9684]

@@persistence4752 Probably a donation car.

[@persistence4752]

@@simbatortie9684 I agree, Stevie Wonder could have seen this lemon 🍋

[@ToyotaAristo]

Toyota owners will tell you is fine even after spending Range Rover money. Same with the 2GR and 2AZ issues.

[@kingmo4653]

i’ve driven my new 2002 sequoia for about 16 years with the cracked manifold sound, the yaw sensor broken, rear hatch broken, and many MANY more problems. but the one thing i absolutely loved in those 16 years was that the sequoia NEVER once left me stranded or died. always started right up. 16 years!! which is why i now have a 2018 sequoia platinum.

[@tndeere2]

I have the same Sequoia with same problems. But we still drive it everywhere runs and drives great.

[@TP-zt3gp]

I hope I have the same reliability with my new 2023 sequoia capstone.

[@michaelminetta2167]

Haha have the same 2002 with 266k all the same issue and a 2003 tundra with 333k will have it till it's falls apart or I do

[@karlschauff7989]

The powertrains in Toyotas sold in the last decade are far inferior compared to the powertrain in you 02 Sequoia. The engines back then were simple which is why they were rock solid reliable. I hope people aren't assuming that because their early 2000's Toyota was reliable that they are going to get the same reliability out of a new Toyota of the same model. A lot of us assumed that the 3rd gen Tacoma was going to have the same legendary Toyota QDR that the previous Tacos had but the 3rd gen has been a turd gen for a lot of us.

[@jasono2139]

That's most cars you dummy! 🤣 It blows me away how easily pleased Toyota owners are so long as the engine rolls over and the car will move. 🤦 My Passat has over 100k miles on it, and it ALSO has never left me stranded anywhere... and it doesn't have a laundry list of broken parts on it.

[@DriftWood40]

I’ve learned so much from this man over time it’s just incredible. This guy and the car wizard are the reason my house has a 4Runner in the garage and had a Tundra until I needed 3/4 ton unfortunately. I have a 09 Camry I use for a work horse commuter and I learned from the car care nut the engine in my Camry is prone to piston scoring the cylinder without careful maintenance. Great channel.

[@JoseCastillo-eh4hr]

Bad ass dude. Honesty always gets you more business. Keep up the good work.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Wow the shifter is shocking. That's not just a hammer hand owner, that's a sledgehammer hand owner. How can you damage so much on your vehicle? I would buy one owner vehicles if I could because a car doesn't make it to 200k miles with such an owner from the start. Edit: THIS IS A ONE OWNER VEHICLE?!

[@tharais]

Maybe it was stolen and that's how the thief managed to get it drivable? Several late model Chargers and Challengers have been stolen in my area lately. And it was reported in every case that the thieves broke into the cars, hammered the shifter into neutral breaking the parking locks and were able to get away with them. I can't fathom how that could work or how the steering lock was overcome but, evidently it does work. Break it and take it.

[@slalomking]

Ha ha, drive it like you stole it !!!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@slalomking wow maybe Literally in that case

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@tharais yeah that sounds like it, I also assumed it was stolen when he showed the window switch wasn't working, then I saw it was for the left rear window so that's wasn't it, but the hammered shifter could be it, and if you already smashed the shifter off maybe you can get to the steering rack and defeat the lock or something

[@simbatortie9684]

The car is now SALVAGE !!!!!!!

[@MagicBrownMan]

take a shot every time AMD says its ok, and also realize that everytime he says ok he really is just being nice.. it is not ok. lol

[@Desertfox92308]

A nice way of saying it's a POS! Stay away! Lol

[@zeroelus]

I was having fun until he showed the hole in the frame near the front of the car and said words to the effect of "but ok, no big deal, now lets move on to something worse". He mentioned him and his crew were nervous under that car and heck, I was anxious just sitting here and I was fairly confident everything had turned out all right. What a lack of decency to sell a car like this and NOT mention these critical issues.

[@MojaveHardware]

Thank you for delivering such useful and practical information. Very well said and illustrated! I couldn’t have watched this at a better time since I have been on the market for a Toyota and have been frothing at all the low priced rigs… 🤔

[@marktwo3160]

Excellent video! Priceless information for those people who know nothing about used vehicles. These problems are truly extreme safety issues. I hope the owner follows your advice and has it towed to the nearest salvage yard.

[@maxospreys2964]

Couple of things that I know about First Gen Sequoias, 1). Rear Tail Gate Latch usually break, make sure you replace with OEM one, don't buy cheap after market won't work. 2). Make sure that the Timing Belt is replaced.

[@JC4130BMX]

The metal replacement handle is boss

[@robmalcolm8042]

I wouldn’t even get a timing belt engine honestly. My first car hyundai Elantra 05 had a timing belt it was a great car and reliable but thankfully a small accident got me away from it since I know chain engines are usually better. but my prius 07 has a timing chain. The only issue is it requires synthetic for the hybrid engine so a bit more expensive but a timing chain.

[@joshuadejong7115]

​@@robmalcolm8042chain engines aren't neccesarily better. Most chain engines are interference which is a problem. While a lot of timing belt engines are non interference. Inspection and replacement on a belt is easier and cheaper. My buddy literally had to pull a whole motor since ford put 2 timing chains on, one behind the front cover, one in front of the firewall. On top of that, that's because the chain guides were plastic. They have pros and cons but if you maintain either setup, they will usually last a long time.

[@robmalcolm8042]

@@joshuadejong7115 after some time yes most engines became interference but that goes for timing belt ones as well. I know most known non-interference engines before were mostly chain driven.

[@robmalcolm8042]

@@joshuadejong7115 yeah they both do but despite that it can depend on the engine design of the said brand as well. Some have a better design where plastic guides aren’t a issue but yes that is a very common problem how the timing chain location and design is. Personally though I feel if you take care of a timing chain engine with oil changes and it isn’t designed like crap as the ford one you mentioned then it can be a better design in the long run. Some chains go a very very much longer time than a belt before it actually is done for.

[@silenthill1035]

Thank you so much for this video. It basically taught me how to do pre-purchase car inspection myself before even deciding to take the car to a mechanic for a pre-purchase car inspection. I have been trying to learn car inspections myself but now in newer cars, there are covers on engine which makes it so difficult for people like me to inspect cars on our own. I made a mistake in my recent used car purchase because it was a Lexus so neither I paid too much attention nor the mechanic who did pre-purchase used car inspection.

[@lucidbarrier]

I looked over this 04 Avalon about 2 years ago. Checked the fluids, checked the body and insides. The oil looked clean. The oil light was kind of flickering at stop lights but seemed to drive ok and it felt like it needed an alignment. A lot of people wanted the car, so I decided to buy it. I got home and immediately changed the engine oil, the engine just looked too clean to me. The oil on the dipstick looked pristine. The oil that came out was completely black and sludgy. The engine was full of sludge and after I removed the valve covers, I found the worst caked on black sludge I have ever seen. One of the camshafts hadn't had oil for so long that it scored the bearings until they were paper thin and they looked completely burnt. After I cleaned the heads, the engine developed a rod knock. I really liked the car, it was smooth, the interior was roomy and the trunk is huge. I wish I would have listened more closely to my intuition. While I was looking at the cars he had available, I noticed he had a lot of problem years for cars because I looked up the complaints online.

[@brandonmcdaniel930]

So glad I found you!!! You have so much knowledge that is just how I think about vehicles. I have a 1 owner 12 Platinum Tundra that I bought back in 2019 from a Dr. That took care of it. I did so much research on trucks before buying a Toyota. I had 12 f150 with the ecoboost and after I had the rattle at start up and replaced all the timing chains and all the time it took to me to do the repair I said to myself never again. Thank you again Sir!!

[@YTC518]

Love your videos! Love the the attention to detail and the time you take to explain everything. Your advice is outstanding and honest. Thank you so much for the great videos. 👍👍🙏🙏

[@captnmike597]

I particularly appreciate that he started and ended the argument by getting into the mindset of a car buyer. Except for the shifter arm, I too might have fallen for this car thinking I could get a few years service from a car with "cosmetic" problems. Of course, the lesson here is to ALWAYS put a car on a lift BEFORE BUYING and that that includes Toyotas and Hondas. Thanks for a great lesson.

[@RobS123]

I felt the same thing, a bunch of nickle and dime issues. But I had a feeling I knew when we looked underneath, it would be the reason for his warning. I was seriously looking at 1st Gen tundras 13 years ago, until I crawled under one that lived close to the beach. It was shocking!

[@elliottbrown5151]

I love your unbiased honesty on the condition of the car over the brand. I learn so much from your videos and I look forward to each one that you put out! Thank you Car Care Nut!

[@PJH4101]

You are the ONLY KZbinr who at the end of your video’s blesses the viewer with the Aaronic blessing. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@tommc49]

I really like this guy's presentation skills. I wish I had someone this knowledgeable to check a used car before buying one.

[@dgurevich1]

I had the exact opposite experience buying a 2009 lexus RX450h with 160000 miles. It had a bunch of cosmetic issues with the bumpers and scratches because it lived on tight city streets. The inside was perfectly clean and whole. There were zero things broken anywhere. In 4 years I owned it I only replaced wear items in the suspension, regular service, and recently had to fix the hybrid battery. I'll take that any day.

[@colchronic]

Wife has a RX350 we got it very cheap but it had lots of problems All the problems I've been fixed but now it's looking oil but it has 265,000 mi and is loyal as hell starts every time transmission works perfectly have not had any major issues

[@murasakii1996]

That’s how my daily driver taco is. Peeling clear coat, dent in the bumper from previous owner. But the frame is spotless, interior is very clean, and I’ve taken good care of it for the last couple years i’ve owned it.

[@kens97sto171]

I would much rather some cosmetic issues on a used car... I dont care about scratches.. I want to see good service records and good maint.. some scratches and dents will not put you on the side of the road.

[@Steverz32]

I bought a 2005 rx330 with a 180K on the clock & it’s the best car we have ever owned! When it goes to the wrecking yard in the sky, we will buy a newer 1. Just had timing belt done & all fluids and belts done😊 Toyota sure can build a good car!

[@colchronic]

@@Steverz32 honestly I think that those are more reliable than the 2gr however they need timing belts

[@judithvilla6026]

Love your videos. Great detail as always! Perfect timing as many are looking at used vehicles with todays supply chain issues.

[@gds6381]

I want to thank you for all of your incredible advice. I bought a Certified pre-owned 2019 4Runner with 24k miles. I had the dealership put it up on the lift so that I could check the undercarriage and especially look for those trouble areas known to rust on the 4 Runner. I'm very EXTREMELY grateful that YOU educated me on what to look for and that i did my due diligence in making sure I knew what to look for. I could have bought a car with more bells and whistles like lane change and other sensors but in the end, I had a real hankering for the 4Runner. I read too many issues with the Highlander and even the Honda Pilot and Passport (my runners-up). i would've loved to have had the money to go with a Sequoia but I'm happy enough with my 4Runner thanks to the Car Care Nut!

[@Buasop]

I was armed with your knowledge when I bought my Lexas RX300 6 months ago and I thank you. I bought a clean one but looked at several. The frame was the first thing I inspected. Thanks for your calm explanations and for never yelling like others do on their videos

[@jeffreytodaro5269]

Thank you for showing us the problems and honest mechanic is hard to come by these days!! Peace and love brother

[@stevenbaker5099]

Thank you Car Care Nut. Honest, straight to the point and showing proof.

[@leifnilsen6107]

Thank you so much for bringing this to everyone's attention. This is not just Toyota. Other vehicles as well in the salt belt state experience this.

[@robertlogeah]

Great vid, definitely a calmer version of Billy Mayes "but wait there's more!" I can't believe how much kept going wrong when I thought it was bad 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@bert7196]

Thank you once again for enlightening our brains. Love the way you deliver your information with clarity and care. Wishing you continued success !

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, I hereby promise, before 714,000 witnesses, to NEVER buy a TOYOTA like this one!!!😉As a Salt Belt dweller I take 3 very serious lessons from this video : a) Rustproof your car! b) Rustproof your car!! c) Rustproof your car!!! Why would you spend so much money on such a high quality vehicle and then just watch it rot? 🤨 RUST = NEGLECT

[@riceburner4747]

Amen, Amen, Amen! I got my 2019 Prius undercoated after junking my used 97 Camry. I wash, painted, u name it, and STILL rusted out. Got 20yrs out of it total, ran like a top, but I KNEW it was done.

[@dattape2828]

Not really. All you have to do is spray down the underside in the spring after winter. And use POR15 and a steel brush for minor rust spots.

[@on-site4094]

Fluid film every fall does wonders

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@@dattape2828 yeah These people are too dumb to realize you actually have the clean the salt OFF regularly rather than keep spraying more oil on it. Big facade with people up north in the salt belt

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@on-site4094 Later this year my car will be taken to Krown Rustproofing for its annual application for the 19th time. I gave it a thorough cleaning on Saturday and after 18 very salty Ontario winters, it remains rust free. In the Salt Belt, rustproofing is just basic preventative maintenance. 😉

[@sfitz-rp4du]

I love the - "but wait, there's more" on this poor Sequoia. Great video on what to look out for on salty winter road regions.. Perhaps the safety glasses help keep the rust and muck out of your eyes? I love your thoroughness and early warning signs of trouble lurking.

[@pyramidion5911]

Thats ok we can fix that... but then we look over here 😂😂😂

[@estuardo2985]

I keep hearing the car wizard's voice in my head "but wait! there's more!" in this video.

[@sfitz-rp4du]

@@estuardo2985 Yeah, I like Car Wizard too. Amd mentioned him once in a video.

[@dimamoscow]

Great video, thanks for putting great effort into educating inexperienced buyers!

[@MatthewTheCCMA]

I was wheezing once I saw Scotty. 😂😂 The care care nut, The car Wizard & Scotty Kilmer are my top 3 mechanic go to’s! I’ve been watching Scotty since the very beginning and car wizard and your channel are the newer but very much loved additions! I feel like it’s the buyers responsibility to ensure they are buying a good quality used car. Toyota lays the foundation and the owner maintains the “house”. Some foundation layers “cough cough GM” can’t seem to get the foundation right. My family growing up owned everything from a Chevrolet Lumina, Ford Aerostar, a few ford explores, a few Chrysler products I can tell you my mental health is much better driving my toyota 😂

[@bobsapp807]

The three wise men

[@kens97sto171]

Don't Forget South Main Auto... Also excellent repair and diagnostic work... Scotty is more entertainment mixed with some info... but he is ABSOLUTELY wrong on many things he says. Some things he is very correct on. Car Wizard is also great.. but does not do much actual repairing on video.. but does talk about the issues which is great too... what not to buy etc. If you want to see actual customer cars in the rust belt being fixed.. South Main Auto.. Pine Hollow is also pretty good for diagnostic stuff..

[@MatthewTheCCMA]

⁠@@kens97sto171 I’ll take a look! I actually haven’t heard of them!

[@GT-gt4bf]

Scotty is unwatchable.

[@montestu5502]

@@kens97sto171 - Two excellent choices. Watch Wes Work is also very good.

[@WEATHERSCRUZCRUZLIFE]

I'm the original owner of a 2002 Toyota Sequoia it has 355k miles. Very good truck. The handle to the rear hatch did break and the shifter lever did get stuck and needed to be replaced.

[@McDzy]

wish i was as knowledgeable as you! thank you for giving us this kind of info on the daily!

[@turtleh]

Original owner had anger management issues.

[@jdmoffat7680]

The loyal following those sequoias have is something else. I purchased a 2003 Limited from an auction a while back my $1500 purchase ended up costing me over $5000. I was lucky to get my money out of it. From stuck liftgate to timing belt I covered it all. Great video.

[@walkingjustice3703]

From auction, and you're complaining? Mine turned out 16yr and runs like a horse. Can go anywhere with it. Get a sequoia out of a dealership n you will love toyota.

[@riteshdhawan8383]

This guy is amazing. Calm, composed, coherent, provided amazing advice about what we need to look for when looking to buy a used car. I never bought a new car in my life. I buy used. This is gospel truth to me.

[@robertbehan9186]

So informative without a lot of fluff. Subscribed!

[@michaelreilly569]

Thanks, This was a great video, and very helpful to us who don't know much about cars.

[@jaimeaguirre8213]

Thanks so much for this show man!. It makes so much sense. So educational for people like me that does know much about cars

[@macdisciple]

In 1985 I bought a rusted out 78 Honda with a new coat of paint. Could not even put it on a lift for inspection. I drove it for a month before the front struts popped up through the wheel wells. Learned a lesson.

[@johnmccallum8512]

Last time I saw that happen was in the '60s I heard a bang and looked around and saw a car with both front struts poking through the wings. The ammount of rust on this car it wouldn't get through our MOT examination infact I doubt if the tester would allow it to be driven out of the testing shop. Goodluck to the owner.

[@davevolz6138]

They make em from our old beer cans. It shows

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@@SkeletalMisunderstanding not if you rinse the salt off regularly. Also depends if your buying an old 80’s car or a 2010’s car

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

​@@SkeletalMisunderstanding If Toyota would use aluminum for the body and frame they would last forever.

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

​@@davevolz6138 If they did they wouldn't rust.

[@pujato52]

Thank you for this informative video. Great advice for anyone looking to buy a used vehicle simply on looks and the brand's reputation without giving consideration to the operating area, maintenance records and a per-purchase inspection which is money well spent that could save you in the end..The safety aspect is the most important of all when driving a potentially catastrophic vehicle.

[@MartyMotoring]

Spot on. I've owned a 2002 and now a 2005 Sequoia Limited 4x4 and frame was always the first thing I've checked because they can get really unsafe like this! I've replaced a bunch of stuff on mine, and it is solid now, but rust is always an issue in Pennsylvania. Mine has 315,000 miles on it and I just did the timing belt myself. Thanks for the informative video! -Marty

[@cwmoser]

Wow, as nice as that Sequoia looked at the beginning I would never have thought all those things were wrong with it. I've bought a lot of cars, mostly used, never run into that. Boy am I lucky. Certainly opened my eyes. Thanks for posting that video.

[@paperman9708]

You don't check under every car you buy?

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

It's Scrap

[@CU08]

Yep. After wrenching on cars for a few years, I'm VERY apprehensive to buy a used Honda or Toyota. Not because they're bad cars, but because owners go into them saying, "Eh, it's a Honda/Toyota, it'll last forever" and scoff on doing even basic maintenance. I saw so many of these cars that would come in at almost double the recommended oil change intervals, which are already a bit too long IMO. With how good their resale value is, I just would never be able to justify paying a premium to potentially have a car that was abused for 3+ years.

[@keithbellair9508]

Honda toyota drivers are tight as a frogs ass… always trying to save a penny.. they skip oil changes to save a dollar.

[@manujadesilva22]

The 2 Japanese used cars that I've bought (Nissan and Honda) both failed within 6 months. The 3 German cars that I've bought have served me for years without any major issues.

[@jasono2139]

How long is "too long" for an oil change?? Most cars (and oils) can easily do 10k miles (unless it burns oil like a Subaru) between changes.

[@manujadesilva22]

@@jasono2139 10,000 miles is too long in my opinion. I think oil changes every 5000 miles (that’s what I do) will keep your car running for a long time.

[@jasono2139]

@@manujadesilva22 that's not what the manufacturers recommend, nor is that what the motor oils say either. Granted, that's not ALL CARS... But most modern cars say 8k to 10k.

[@tarustrader]

Loved this video. I agree with everything you said. Not enough videos like this exist. Well done.

[@CountryFarmBoyUSA]

The Car Care Nut, The Car Wizard and Wrenching with Kenny are three of my favorite channels!

[@fitrockx]

ohh wow, how could someone take a car into those conditions 😱 I bet the people who dislikes this video are the ones who sells "great deals" ripoffs like those. Thank you for your great content and dedication. Love your vídeos!

[@oliverrojas3185]

Greatly appreciate first portion of this very honest and scrupulous hypothetical review of a vehicle prior to purchase, which instills fatith in listening to premonitions based on visible signs of potential misuse and abuse. The second part was an excellent description and reptitous display of serious signs of exposure to wear and tear to the vehicle's frame rendering it a safety hazard.

[@ranwen2133]

Great videos, thank you for the information and explanations. I appreciate your knowledge

[@dolamyte]

Hood latch being the only working latch is my biggest red flag next to all the rust, it means either only mechanics worked under the hood, or more likely it didn’t get worked on much at all

[@wernerdanler2742]

I was thinking when he pulled that lever and it was not broken that the owner never opened the hood.

[@ohiofarmer5918]

Lol

[@vince9four]

Great advice - I was young once and made these mistakes. I had limited cash and needed a vehicle so I ignored the redflags and ended up buying it. Turned out to be a complete money pit! I was able to do some of the minor maintenance myself but so many things started to go all at once, it just wasn't worth it. Lessons learned!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Been there, done that 😭

[@ryanb8736]

These were fine when sold for a few hundred dollars as a beater. Problem these days is the overhype that makes them worth 10k used. Old full frame vehicles rot. Everywhere. This is why unibody vehicles became popular.

[@jdbrown3695]

Great video AMD. I was sitting at my desk cringing at each subsequent bad thing you found. You are right.... it should not be on the road!

[@deemarcelo3529]

Thank you for the info boss, leaned a lot from you. God bless and more power. ❤

[@jordan-c-bay]

"Purchase Inspection" videos are so incredibly helpful for people like me, a shade tree mechanic who *can* fix things but isn't aware of some of the minutiae. Although this truck would have set off some alarm bells, I have learned many things the hard way when buying used cars. Thank you so much.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Thank you AMD. You are doing everybody a great service by informing and educating people on the mechanicals of cars and their problems whether they are design defects or something horrible happened to them.

[@pj8624]

Cars in the 60's 70's 80's were bad for rotting out!!! I'm shocked that it's still happening!!! Back in 1974 I had a 1965 pontiac that was only 9 years old and the frame was shot and had to scrap it!! Awesome information!!! Love all of your videos!!! :)

[@we-got-the-juice2052]

Thanks for helping people understand what to look for and not get scammed!

[@matthewlibanio8227]

Love these videos. Always so informative. I used to own Toyota's and rust is a severe problem. I now have a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche with 472,000 kms now and it's absolutely relentless and perfectly reliable all these years. But I did a thorough inspection. It's all about your safety!

[@HermannTheGreat]

472k miles, had tens of thousands in repairs over that time.

[@matthewlibanio8227]

@@HermannTheGreat if you say so.

[@HermannTheGreat]

@@matthewlibanio8227 I do

[@markbober9709]

This is a very good video to pay heed to. I just got burned on a Toyota Highlander with rusted subframes that was a similar situation as this. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS check out the underside of ANY Toyota you ever buy.

[@cenccenc946]

I worked in a body shop for a while. I always start by looking under car, because it is extremely hard to hide the history there. Was it off-roaded? was it in accident? is everything leaking? so on, and so forth. Most everything else can be given a cosmetic once over, but the bottom of the car is extremely expensive and time consuming to for example paint, replace the rusted bolts, etc, without completely disassembling the vehicle.

[@jamesflint3057]

I purchased a used 2020 Toyota Highlander recently from a Toyota dealer and made inquiry whether or not it should be undercoated due to minor surface rust on underside of the vehicle. Dealer advised not to undercoat for fear the undercoating would clog the weep holes in the doors and other panels. Should I ignore this advise. I reside in northern Michigan.

[@bch5513]

@@jamesflint3057 fluid film... don't undercoat and trap moisture

[@jamesflint3057]

@@bch5513 I thought "fluid film" and "POR15" were undercoating products?

[@anthonypuozah1519]

Thanks for the professional advice. I used to inspect only the exterior and interior quality.

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Best education I have about the value of a car and how to inspect. Thank you so much, sir.

[@tomdrummy4984]

I would have guessed by the 5:00 mark with the rust around back door and the wavy cargo mat, that it was backed into the water at a boat ramp

[@joegrahe3958]

Yeah as soon as I saw that cargo mat I thought "flood damage"

[@laurat1129]

I think you have the answer right here that really tells all we need to know. How nice of the seller to not disclose this. It'd be interesting to look up the VIN and at least see in what state this Sequoia has been.

[@soundman447]

This kind of stuff makes me glad that i live in the south and we don't have these rust issues

[@tharais]

Ditto for CA. Although, cars from other locales showing up in the used car fleet here are not unknown. Particularly after serious flooding in far away states and the insurance companies have paid out and sold the flood damaged vehicles into the wholesale markets. Somehow, some of them get washed titles and shipped to dealers in California who peddle them off on the unsuspecting public.

[@marlenfras5490]

I bought a 2021 4 Runner sr5 and got it rust proofed because of your excellent guidance. Thank you.

[@shahn9916]

I learned to take a flashlight to see dark areas on vehicles when looking for a new one. Another good spot to check is under door panel where water collects and rust forms. Great advise on this video as always. Thank you

[@THEH2OMAN]

As a valuable service to the community both you and Scotty preach the benefits of paying a mechanic like yourselves to thoroughly inspect a used vehicle BEFORE buying it - thank you. Like you, I start by inspecting the foundation (frame) first, then I move on to the engine, transmission and so on. The buyer of this rust bucket ignored countless highly visible red flags, and the person that sold this rust bucket should take the vehicle back and return the money to the buyer.

[@chinnana583]

Sorry, I have to disagree. I can't put AMD and Scotty even in same sentence. AMD is nothing like Scotty shouting, AMD goes in detail, clear instructions, explanations etc. Most of the times what scotty shouts about does not even make sense. There you go, I put them in same sentence anyways. :)

[@tharais]

Lot's of people preach the pre-purchase inspection. What I want to know is, in this age where virtually all used cars are being sold through dealerships, how are they getting them? I've never known a dealership that would let a potential buyer take a used car off the lot for a pre purchase inspection by their preferred mechanic.

[@Currentsituation-nj9nw]

Scotty is a complete hack. Clickbait for the less informed

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@THEH2OMAN]

@@chinnana583 And yet both of them preach the same message to the community in different ways... they share valid information using different methods, and I thank both of them for their contributions.

[@randyduncan795]

"GM style problems." That's a thing. I bought an old Chevy for $600 when I was 15. It had about 60K miles. I learned all about oil leaks, changing every pump on the car, diagnosing and replacing blown head gaskets, pulling a tranny to have it rebuilt, brakes, electrical, and so on. To be fair I kept that car way too long and gave it away to someone in need with about 200K on it. That old 305 was still going strong and the car taught me a lot about shadetreeing.

[@zeroelus]

Agree 100% and there's some GM style problems you can get away with if the car is meant to do only a few things, and or some are so basic there's few things to go wrong with them in the first place. Dad has a beater 99 Silverado 2500, we're outside the US so it's a single cab, short bed with the 5.7L vortec V8 that in the US was used in a bunch of vans, airbags, AC, a 4 speed manual, disk brakes, but NO ABS (some panic stops with an empty bed are character building) and it came with an AM radio. Those leaks and random part failures sometimes happen but it's a work mule, it's scratched and dinged but rust is not a problem here, if it can haul the load needed and fixed enough to not be leaking all over the place, that's all we need from it, and seeing the price of new trucks today, we'll probably keep it until it can no longer be repaired by us or for cheap.

[@livetoinspireall2755]

Thank you again for more information as I continue my search for a decent Toyota. I have already been under a couple of these type in which the owner said minimal rust. Just walked away. There needs to be either inspections to repercussions for those who sell vehicles in this condition.

[@macksalesky6798]

Thank you I thoroughly enjoyed the video I appreciate everything that you've taught me everything you've brought up I appreciate the fact that you're you doing what you do thank you very much👍

[@AB-jk7tw]

A great reminder to always do a pre-purchase inspection - even on Toyotas!

[@re8746]

We picked up a 2013 Sequoia about six years ago. It had 55k miles on it and we paid $35k out the door. Its an awesome ride and we could not be happier. It has just over 100k on it today.

[@Krakondack]

I have the same year - picked it up in 2020 during the lockdown, at 98K miles. Only 111K or so, now, but it does the long trips with everyone loaded up, not suburban commuting where fuel economy matters. It's great for the highway, but interior quality is definitely sub-par. On balance, very happy with it.

[@cristobalargeniscruz]

from dominican republic i like a lot all recomendations you give to all your viewer about sequoia. Thanks for all security recomendatios about keep our family safe.

[@joshuameldru4004]

This brings back so many memories. All my dad drove was junk, I grew up in in high mile rusted out clunkers. All of my dad’s junk growing up as a kid has taught now as a 44 year old man to be able to fix just about anything. I’m also fantastic at spotting the tied from a mile away. Thanks Dad!!!

[@18_rabbit]

very cool. Tide, u mean?

[@carolcarola9719]

As a long time Toyota owner, I truly appreciate your videos and narrative provided. Of particular interest was the sequoia video and the problems you identified.I am the current owner of a 2003 sequoia purchased new and maintained as well as possible. The miles are 141K but the vehicle has been troubled with problems since new. We live in Pennsylvania where road salt is used liberally. There was a recall for the rusting but Toyota sprayed the frame with something black that falls off in sheets and is of minimal value. Last year the rear differential developed pin holes and oil was spraying out the back. My local shop wanted to trash the vehicle but I was able to purchase another rear from a California source. This was installed at considerable cost but my sequoia is running normal. I hope to get another 100 K , the rest of the vehicle is in good condition. Again, thanks for your videos.

[@karlschauff7989]

Toyota told dealers to spray undercoating on frames if they saw rust during inspections. They were trying to hide the rust from being visible but it doesn't stop the rust from worsening. Some of us actually suspect that spraying wax or rubber undercoating on Toyota frame rust actually makes the problem get worse faster. Your reliability experience isn't uncommon. There are a LOT of people that buy in to the idea that Toyota is the brand of vehicle that never has issues, you just drive them 500k miles while just getting oil changes and new tires. I had a 2010 Tundra that I bought brand new and it had tons of problems like frame rust, tailgate and bed rust, a blower motor in the dash went bad, it kept have stalling or no-start issues related to an outrageously overpriced smog pump that failed multiple times, starters failing prematurely, engine oil leaks that were serious, rear axle leaks, premature wheel bearing failures, etc. We have had some Toyotas that were excellent, but we have also had some Toyotas that were bad enough to change my opinion of them and not for the best.

[@eddy67]

I see vehicles like this all over Ohio. No state inspections and loads of road salt every year. Lots of broken down heaps on the side of the highway

[@restlessmind5770]

This is a great video. So much valuable information for viewers. Thank you sir.

[@isaackabibble2098]

Toyota has a quiet recall on rusty frames. I had a 2002 Tacoma 4x4 that has its frame replaced for free by Toyota in 2008 /2009. I not surprised that the previous owner didn't take advantage of this given the maintenance history of the vehicle.

[@mattb9664]

Makes me wonder about my 2011 that I traded- I didn't want to go into the gray area of the recall where, if the dealer ends up damaging rusty parts mounted to the frame, who pays? Like mine needed the $80 transmission fluid lines, which would have been probably a $600 repair.

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

How hard do you have to work to destroy a Sequoia? this is insane

[@Mr.President.2028]

Salt: It is not that hard

[@lotsoftorque3632]

It is very easy, the tinest bit of salt will make them melt through. Like buying an Atlantic City hooker flowers.

[@thnksno]

I had a 2002 Sequoia. It was looking pretty rough underneath when I traded it 5 years later. The salt and chemicals they put on the roads might as well be acid. I have a 2020 Tundra now. It doesn't get driven at all in the winter if the roads are wet. It is the ladder frame that is the problem. There are nooks and crannies everywhere that hold salty slush. Then there's all the hangers and equipment bolted to them. They get packed in and freeze, then hold even more salty chemicals. The best thing for wintery roads and resistance to rust is a unibody car. They're smoother underneath, so they don't hold the slush. But it's a good idea to make sure the wheel wells are cleared and rinsed throughout the winter.

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

​@@thnksno Move to the south, I have a 1998 Nissan Sentra I bought last month....has no rust, and this is a car notorious for rusting.....because it has spent its whole life in Georgia. I paid more than I should have but there is the "manual transmission tax" nowadays sadly on anything, and I refuse to drive automatics.

[@thnksno]

@@fortheloveofnoise9298 We've looked into moving down South. Unfortunately, we're just too Midwestern and don't feel like we fit in down there. We like the rural farm, lake, and tavern life, cooler weather. Winter, though, is definitely tough on the equipment, especially vehicles. I've learned to live with it, like not driving a body on frame vehicle when it's wet and chemically outside. I hear they use beet juice in some places, I don't think they do around here. Then there's some weird pre-ice stuff they spray on the bridges, I don't know what's in that. I've tried keeping vehicles many times throughout the years, but it never works. We currently have a 2012 Civic in the family. But the big kid ran off to Florida with it a few months ago for work. It was our 5sp manual 3rd car. For all the winter years, it has been through, rust isn't an issue because it's a unibody.