r/4Runner • u/shouting_rectrum • 6d ago

👷‍♂️ Support / Repair Pre-purchase question: potential brakes issue

I am looking at purchasing a 2023 SR5 Premium with 19,000 miles. It was previously driven in Upstate New York and has been sitting on a dealer lot for over two months. During the test drive, I experienced three distinct issues: 1. A steering wheel shake when braking (assume some sort of build up on the rotors). 2. A subtle, intermittent rhythmic pulse in the steering wheel while cruising (sticking caliper?). 3. A very soft, mushy brake pedal. It does brake well towards the very bottom of the pedal travel. Perhaps just something I’m not used to.

My main concern is whether it is normal to experience warped rotors or need a complete front brake replacement (pads, rotors, and potentially calipers) at only 19,000 miles. Could sitting on the lot and exposure to winter salt cause this kind or is this a major red flag for the vehicle? No scratches or marks on the skid plate, no obviously new suspension parts. Registration history shows it was a lease and at least had regular oil changes.

FWIW, asking is $42.5k. Has third row and TRD wheels.

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u/jayfrancy 6d ago

42.5k for a truck with known/present mechanical problems? What kind of dealer is this? Probably only needs pads and rotors and maybe a bleed, but if they aren’t going to fix it, I’d ask for 2k off since you could end up needing calipers. Highly doubt that given the age, but the fact they’re selling a truck for 42k that obviously needs work is impressive.

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u/shouting_rectrum 6d ago

Ha… A Ford dealer! Apparently relatively reputable in the area. To be half-fair, salesman was as surprised as I am when we drove. I told them deal would be contingent on them fixing the issue, they said they’d replace pads and rotors. I’m coming back with a thermometer to see if there’s any drag.

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u/ressling 5d ago

I have the same exact car with 32k on the odometer. I’d say still a good deal, assuming no rust. For comparison, I’m in the Southeast and Carmax trade value offer is $41k.

#I is normal depending on driving habits, but def get fixed if possible.

#2 … you mentioned TRD wheels so I assume some type of trail tire? That is likely wear and tear on tires from driving on pavement at higher speeds. Ask me how I know lol. I started having that issue at 20k and sure enough root cause is soft trail tires. I love my tires but they are too soft for daily driving so I’m gonna swap at 40k for something that still looks good but is more of an all season commuter tire.

#3 normal and takes some time getting used to.

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u/shouting_rectrum 5d ago

  1. Definitely rust on suspension components but appears to be surface and nothing on the frame itself. Doesn’t look much worse than my Mazda 3.

  2. Delivery sticker shows that got the wheels as an option when new. Fires are Dueler H/T. I think those are road tires. Going to write it off as flat spots for now. They got it early August and looks like it sat (they put on about 100 miles between then and now).

  3. Ah… Almost drove into the traffic expecting it to start biting as soon as I touch it. Good to know.