m4ff3w
m4ff3w GRM+ Memberand UberDork
4/24/19 10:01 p.m.

I just bought a 2001 Land Cruiser.  Lots of service records from the carfax (it was at a small dealer), but not state timing belt.

 

Anyone know how to get the name of the previous owner (it was one owner) based on just the VIN?

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
4/25/19 3:01 a.m.

I'm not sure how to get the info via the Vin of from the bmv but what does the Carfax say? 

Maybe it says that the car was once serviced at Jack Wadd Toyota.  Now, call up Jack Wadd Toyotas service Dept.  Tell them you think the truck was once serviced there and read them the Vin.  Then, make nice with the person on the phone (or in person if reasonably possible) and see if that Jack Wadd will tell you more than they should like the name/details of the previous owner. 

Hungary Bill
Hungary Bill GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
4/25/19 3:50 a.m.

Nuke it from orbit.  It's the only way to be sure.

 

If in doubt, change it out wink

MrChaos
MrChaos GRM+ Memberand Dork
4/25/19 5:05 a.m.
m4ff3w said:

I just bought a 2001 Land Cruiser.  Lots of service records from the carfax (it was at a small dealer), but not state timing belt.

 

Anyone know how to get the name of the previous owner (it was one owner) based on just the VIN?

Id honestly just go ahead and do the t belt/waterpump and the starter while you are in there.

poopshovel again
poopshovel again MegaDork
4/25/19 5:33 a.m.

In reply to m4ff3w :

Just call the service dept and ask if it’s been done. I had to do this with my FIL’s truck when he died.

Klayfish
Klayfish PowerDork
4/25/19 5:45 a.m.

Ask Alexa.

Other than that, the ideas suggested are probably your best bet.  You're not likely to have someone volunteer personal info on the last owner...privacy laws and all that.

pimpm3
pimpm3 SuperDork
4/25/19 5:56 a.m.

It should be on the title from before the vehicle was transferred into your name.  Ask the small dealer for a copy of it "for your records".

They have to keep a copy of it, at least here in Florida.  Whether they give it to you is another thing...

mcs5280
mcs5280 New Reader
4/25/19 8:39 a.m.

Make an account on the Toyota Owners website and add the vehicle by Vin. It will give you details on any previous service visit to a Toyota dealership. You have to click around a bit but usually the info is pretty detailed.

It won't tell you the previous owner but you might see the tbelt change

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
4/25/19 9:00 a.m.

Just because you get the name of the previous owner, it might not solve your problem.  

I bought a 200k Montero and got ahold of the previous owner.  That contact was helpful on some things but not so much on others.  I would classify the previous owner and attentive but not capable.  He told me he had just spent $2k because it was leaking.  Great.  I followed up with, "what was it leaking?"  The answer I got was, "I don't know but it doesn't leak any more."  

He just had the work done that his mechanic told him he needed done. Great.  I could have but never bothered to follow up with the independent shop that did his work.  

Brett_Murphy
Brett_Murphy GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
4/25/19 11:27 a.m.

How many miles are on it? 

If it was done, they may have put a sticker saying when it was done somewhere in the engine compartment.

Vigo
Vigo UltimaDork
4/25/19 1:06 p.m.

I think the timing belt history on that engine is accessed with a 10mm socket. devil

Ok, i'll see myself out now...

93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo SuperDork
4/25/19 1:09 p.m.

Congrats on the LC and welcome to the club.  

As far as the T belt is concerned, I would just change it for peace of mind at your earliest convenience.  Its not expensive or particularly hard and then you are 100% on it.

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