Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









Search Auto Parts

2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping


  Email This Post



graze
New User

Mar 18, 2015, 7:19 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1885 views)
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping Sign In

Hi everyone, looks like a great forum here. I was hoping I might be able to get a little advice on a used vehicle we're looking to purchase: 2005 Toyota Highlander (Limited), V6, 3.3L with 97,000 miles. I do understand there is always going to be some degree of risk in the used car market and no one is going to be able to tell me with absolute certainty that "everything will be ok" Smile just trying to make the best decision I can...

This Highlander is in very good condition and drives well, we've taken it on 2 test drives, and really like it. We're at a reputable dealer, at least I've found dozens of positive reviews on them online, and in general we get a good feeling about the place from talking with people there. The dealer kept the vehicle a few days longer before we could purchase it so they could do some maintenance work they'd already planned to do: new timing belt, drive belt, replace water pump, wiper blades, change oil.

We went to pick up the vehicle last night and I noticed a louder-than-usual tapping / clicking noise coming from the engine. I don't think it was making the noise a few days ago when we first looked, but it's possible I missed it. The noise gets faster as RPMs increase.

They had their service director come talk to me, and he explained that it sounds like "valve tapping" and would get it fixed before we finalized the purchase. He explained they would need a couple days because they have to take some pretty precise measurements so the right size shims/spacers could be ordered. He further explained these shims would raise the top part of the engine slightly, and the tapping would stop.

I know I'm not using the right terminology for the "top part" of the engine - my personal car maintenance experience is very basic - I've changed an alternator, battery, brakes, thermostat...but really don't know much about engine internals. he was trying to explain to me about rocker arms and valves and I was losing track of what he was saying a little bit.

What has me concerned is that I've started googling "valve tapping issues" and it looks like this can be a minor issue or a major issue...and solutions I'm finding so far do NOT involve ordering shims. (I know googling this stuff must drive some mechanics crazy as we try to "self-diagnose" Tongue)

So I'm curious if they might be trying to put in a "quick fix" to get me down the road a few hundred miles, then it starts up again, or if what he's talking about makes sense to some other mechanics out there?

Appreciate any advice. let me know if more info is needed, or if there are some good questions I coule be asking them about this to help determine if they're "really fixing it"




Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 18, 2015, 7:50 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1868 views)
Re: 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping Sign In

Quite the read and will quote part of your post below. 1st I'd skip this vehicle now as you haven't purchased it yet and already a problem plus IMO you just were bullshatted about it's nothing but XYZ nonsense! Can't you smell this fish already? They'll fix it and it will raise the engine comment for a valve noise! Fine but smacks that person doesn't have a clue yet what's wrong or what the fix would be and the biz might take care of it. I don't like that it didn't do this when you first were checking it out and now after supped prep to sell it that it does - something's wrong with the whole picture.


Quote from your post">>The dealer kept the vehicle a few days longer before we could purchase it so they could do some maintenance work they'd already planned to do: new timing belt, drive belt, replace water pump, wiper blades, change oil.

We went to pick up the vehicle last night and I noticed a louder-than-usual tapping / clicking noise coming from the engine. I don't think it was making the noise a few days ago when we first looked, but it's possible I missed it. The noise gets faster as RPMs increase.

They had their service director come talk to me, and he explained that it sounds like "valve tapping" and would get it fixed before we finalized the purchase. He explained they would need a couple days because they have to take some pretty precise measurements so the right size shims/spacers could be ordered. He further explained these shims would raise the top part of the engine slightly, and the tapping would stop. <<"


****************************
Now, my suggestion is stop this sale where you are and start over even if with the same one. Take it to another shop at your expense and have it checked out completely including any accident history.


Dealer may have top shelf reviews and really take care of it but let them do that BEFORE you proceed and still have some warranty period especially on that one if you stay with that one. No clue what you are hearing and doubt they know either right now.


Used is used of course and things happen to new vehicles too. This one either pass on or check out more prior to purchasing is my final suggestion,


T



graze
New User

Mar 18, 2015, 8:22 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1860 views)
Re: 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping Sign In

yeah sorry for the story book i probably could have condensed that a bit.

do appreciate the advice, that's pretty much what I was leaning towards...just shutting this deal down and starting over, or, making it contingent upon a thourough inspection by a 3rd party mechanic.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 18, 2015, 8:44 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1851 views)
Re: 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping Sign In

You seem right on the ball - make everything contingent upon YOU liking the 3rd party inspection - no $$ in escrow type thing or deposits YOU aren't sure you get back or cancel.


YOU hold all the cards and sellers don't like that in general never mind the car biz. I smell the fish* about them spending any money or time on a used car except a real nice clean up to show well or basic and obvious something anyone would walk away from first then promise the world AFTER you sign something and put some bucks down. Negotiating is DONE once you sign and pay something down without VERY clear writing that it's contingent upon YOU being happy with another inspection. In short, keep holding all the cards as long as possible.


* What I think happened is THEY noticed the noise AFTER you test drove it and it surprised THEM was the delay! I'm not saying they are a bad dealer at all just don't know of now a 10 year old car getting any work till an agreement is made in selling it.


New is all different as dealer has their butt covered by the maker. Used it's their gamble or game and actually more possible profit from used than new in most cases so are motivated to only have good vehicles (dealers) as best they can but still only buy them (trades or purchased) at rock bottom costs to cover surprises or make more if real good at it.


Good luck. You are doing your homework just don't buy the bullcrap - there will always be another vehicle to check out at the same place or another so stay in control of the deal,


T



graze
New User

Mar 19, 2015, 12:46 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1808 views)
Re: 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping Sign In

Hey T,

thanks again for the advice. I made a big mistake in this case and signed off on the loan with my Credit Union before I was really satisfied with the deal, not knowing the dealer would draft the funds immediately. My first time to arrange financing on my own.

to the dealer's credit, they've now completely VOIDED the transaction, the funds are going back to my bank, and we can start over on this deal, or move on to another. I did find a local mechanic (Christian Bros.) that I think I'll take it to if we decide to try again on this deal. no way I'm going to sign again without that third party inspection..

I'd say you can lock this thread. learning a lot this week...


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 19, 2015, 1:09 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1798 views)
Re: 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited (V6) Valve Tapping Sign In

WOW! You said this dealer had a good reputation! That is rare IMO and would just look for another just like it if you wish at the same place as you can guess they lost a sale they could have stuck with and still let you be in control.


Your homework probably paid off! Bet they will wholesale out that one (they all play around) to an auction is what dealers do with vehicles below spec (when known if known) for their range of available used cars.


Thumbs up and keep looking now. Some dealers will seek out exactly what you want and no harm in asking but same game, check it out FIRST.


Good luck,


Tom







  Email This Post
 
 


Feed Button




Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap