Seeking Advice on Vehicle Purchase: Maintenance History Gap - Should I Be Concerned?

Since my account has to be 30 days old to post in the buy sell trade section, I thought I would try it here...

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some feedback from this community on a vehicle's maintenance history that I'm considering purchasing.

Here's the Carfax report for reference: https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=SOG_0&vin=3TMLU4EN4DM115037

The vehicle seems to have been well-maintained, except for a gap between April 2018 and August 2020. I understand that Carfax doesn't capture every service, especially if the owner switched shops or did the work themselves. Before and after this period, everything looks great.

My main concern is whether this gap is a red flag. Would you still consider buying this vehicle, or does this make you hesitate? Could this gap be due to something like DIY maintenance during COVID? I'm trying to reach out to the owner for more details, but I'd love to hear your thoughts in the meantime. I will be getting an inspection as well

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

I wouldnt be...serviced at a dealer for a long while, for just a couple years, no biggie. Make sure you check the frame for rust, as thats what will kill it for you

 

I got it inspected any everything. Everything looks and is in great shape. I changed some of the fluids out and balanced the tires, and that's about it. Frame is in great condition as it's lived its life in CO. Thanks for your reply!

I was more concerned about lack of oil changes if anything.

 

I would not call this a red flag.. there are tons of service centers around the country that do not report to carfax-my local dealer being one of them. from what I gather on this carfax report, the truck has had regular, documented service

 

thank you for all the replies. I thought I was going crazy for a little bit. Really appreciate it. Here’s a picture for y'all's viewing pleasure!

 

50 posts. Not 30 days.

These are legit Qs that you have, but not sure where you feel the BST forum fits?

You got it just right being in this one

 

Okay great, I thought maybe since I was debating on the purchase on it, maybe it would go there.

 

if you want to actually know the truth about a vehicle, you should bring a compression gauge, a bore scope, scanner and some other tools when you go to look at it... I have seen numerous shops not actually change the oil and or filter, but charge for it. Those paper records mean nothing to me. Look and listen to the vehicle, it will tell you the truth.

 

The in person inspection

I’m not letting some yahoo from Craig’s list anywhere near my truck with tools.

 

People sell cars on Craigs List ? I thought that website was for

 

We've all heard the stories of some dealers not actually performing the work specified (fluid changes, etc.) So I'm not sure a dealer maintained vehicle is really a big plus.

I perform my own oil changes (engine, transmission, differentials) because I'm more meticulous and vested in my $$$ truck. When my truck eventually ends up on a dealers used car lot the records will look like the truck hasn't been maintained since the first dealer oil change.

 

Yes, when people search, they search everything.

 

I don't put a lot of stock in carfax. It sounded like a scam when it first came out but it appears to have gained some traction. I have a brother who does paint and body work. He doesn't advertise, just pretty much word of mouth, does great work. Has never and will never report anything to carfax.
I too, do all of my own service work. There'd be no carfax history and my 2014 is one of the cleanest, well maintained, you would find.

 

Do you think it would be worth it to do a compression test? The PPI used a scanner and the following is the results:



they suspected the codes were from the very old battery which I’ll likely be replacing soon.

There is also 36000 miles of a Powertrain Warranty from Fidelity on it atm: https://www.fidelitywarrantyservices.com/products/vehicle-protection

 

I do most of my service as well...Therefore no carfax records...However, I keep my own written record of all service procedures I do myself...

 

OP asks about a vehicle
provides no information

mentions carfax
which is as useful as invisible toilet paper

very nice

 

If you follow the link in his original post, all the information required for this conversation is right there…

 

See if you can get a dealer to run a history using the VIN. Take it there for a oil change and ask while you are waiting. It might fill in a lot of blanks. It should show any service performed at any Toyota dealer and give a lot of other info like warranty status, when it was built, and where it was delivered to. General history on things like frame status and inspections. You can also open an account on the Toyota Owners site, which may also fill in additional info.

Good luck and Welcome to TacomaWorld.