Used Cars: used truck buying, lemon busters, carfax

Question
Hi Danny,

My question is in regards to buying a used 2006 Toyota Tacoma.  I have been looking for one now for about 4 weeks and came across an '06 Tacoma with 71K miles being sold by a dealership.  My concern is that there have been two previous owners.  The first owner leased it for 3 years and put around 56K miles on it.  Then in 2009, the lease was up I suppose and it was sold at an auto auction.  The second owner had it for 7 months, put 14K miles on it and then traded it to a dealership.  Carfax looks clean right now.  No apparent wrecks, mechanical problems, etc.  Should I be suspicious at all about this?  The truck looks great (means very little I know), and the dealership said it has gone through a 120 point inspection with no problems found.  How can I really know if this is a sound purchase?  What further questions should I ask?  Thanks so much, Danny.  I appreciate your help.

Grady Maddox

Answer
Hello Grady
  Sounds like nothing to worry about, The fact that your buying it from a dealer keeps someone liable if you find something out further down the road. I always tell people no matter who you buy from, always take the time to have the vehicle inspected by a second set of eyes, there are several services that will go and inspect the vehicle (lemon busters and others) or take it to a reputable garage and have it inspected. I think that would make you feel a lot better. Good luck.