Buying Ex Mine Vehicles – 3 Warning Signs

Buying ex-mine vehicles can save you thousands, but some vehicle components can be subject to corrosion, as shown with this 2015 Toyota Hilux Dual Cab.

The Toyota Hilux ex-mine vehicle for sale at the time from a Brisbane dealer showed that it got parked next to the boss’s donger (transportable cabin) and occasionally went down to the mine pit. The buyer chose to get a comprehensive car inspection by BPC Auto Inspect to understand its condition better.

Buying Ex-Mine Vehicle – 3 Obvious Tell-Tale Signs

Before getting down on your hands and knees. Here are some obvious telltale signs as to whether you’re buying an ex-mine vehicle that has been used for its intended purpose and is subject to abuse, or if you’re buying one that has been the boss’s pride and joy, like below.

From the first appearance, ask yourself, “Is the condition consistent with the age and kilometres?”.

3 Tell-Tale Signs

1. Holes on the roof or other areas where amber beacon lights have been fitted
2. Reflective sticker work
3. Red dust in the A/C vents

This 2015 Toyota Hilux (KUN26R) SR5 4-door utility has done only 27,608 km, didn’t show any of the obvious signs of any real ex-mine use until getting underneath to inspect the vehicle using a fine-tooth comb, look what I discovered.

Toyota Hilux Inspection Shows Components Subject To Corrosion

So, Is Buying an Ex-Mine Vehicle a Good Idea?

A final reminder, even though this Toyota Hilux was just over 12 months old and done only low kilometres, don’t just assume no damage has been done; you still must get underneath and inspect it. If the vehicle you’re interested in buying is located in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, consider booking a mobile pre-purchase inspection.