I'm currently looking for a used 2010-11 Toyota 4Runner, under 35k miles, and under $31k, with certain options.

I found one that fits that description, but according to the carfax, was a personal lease vehicle.

I know y'all say to not go by the carfax, so what should I be looking for? Carfax shows maintenance at 5k and 30k. How could I get the rest of the maintenance history?

And most importantly, would you even look at a personal lease vehicle?

VIN: JTEZU5JR5A5012277

Carfax: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=JTEZU5JR5A5012277&partner=COO_0

Sure

Means it was 1 owner and (most of the time) maintained.

Honestly, what's the difference in a personal leased vehicle and a personally owned vehicle on the used market? If anything, I would think a lease would be a bit safer due to the fact that the lessor didn't own the vehicle, so modifying, racing, maintenance negligence, etc would be less likely due to the fact they have to turn it back into someone and incur a penalty if they did anything they weren't supposed to with it. If they owned it, they could have done whatever they wanted to it and took it back to stock before selling. I doubt that's the case with a 4Runner, but who knows.

I bored/forged my LS2 out in my leased (at the time) TBSS, after putting every bolt-on and tuned ECM/TCM that you could put on it plus a racing trans with a badass tq converter.


I eventually bought the lease out, and a few months later got rid of it for what I bought it out for.

But, not a single F was given to that point about the money I was dropping into it. It was all for my personal satisfaction. It was well-maintained though throughout its life with me. It now is a few hours north in Minn/St. Paul, still running strong. Built it for boost and spray, together.

As for what the OP's looking at, the worst environments it probably saw were mall parking lots.

I would. Just track down all the maintenance records you can.

Has the dealer said if they have these or not?

Would. People generally take care of lease cars because despite the "it's not mine" feeling, you can pay some pretty steep penalties for having destroyed the thing.

It depends on the vehicle. For a 4Runner, I would say yes. For something that could have been a work vehicle, no.

We lease our work trucks for 2 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. At the end of the lease period, we either trade them in on new trucks or buy them out of the lease. The trucks that get traded in on mileage have lived a rough 100,000 mile life. If we get to 2 years on a truck and less than 80,000 miles, we'll buy the truck out of lease.

The dealer doesn't have maintenance records, but from what y'all are saying, I'm less worried about it.

Thanks for the help.

Now I just gotta worry about getting good value for my trade...

I wouldn't sweat it either. It has likely been maintained, and not abused like a rental/program car. Just get an independent inspection before you purchase, and be happy.

I bought an '04 BMW last year that was a one-owner lease, which was then purchased as a CPO and driven until the CPO warranty was up and traded. I got a great deal on it and it is a great car.

I recently bought a previously leased 2010 Lexus RX 350 with 21k miles from a wholesale dealer in Dallas. The only problem I had was that it was from New York, meaning there was very light surface rust underneath the car, brake rotors were a little warped and tires were a little worn. Still had a year and a half warranty left on it too.

Took it to dealer and they wanted $300 to resurface rotors and change pads. I just replaced with new rotors and pads at home for like $110.

Still drives fantastic and was in great shape inside and out (very light scratches in some areas).

I would say buy based on a thorough check of the vehicle.

Many certified pre-owned vehicles are former leases. I bought my car this way. No hesitations at all.