2014 4th Gen RAV4 - Red Engine Dust

[paulo57509]

Opinions on this red dust that's covering the front of the engine? I think it's typical of bearing failure from either the alternator, drive belt tensioner or idler pulleys. I also wonder if someone topped off the coolant reservoir?

I have no idea when this photo was taken or uploaded to the online sale listing; pre- or post sale prep. Hopefully, what ever were looking at was remedied.

I have not seen this car in person; an aquanteance just purchased this RAV4 XLE. Overall, it's very clean, 112.5k miles. No Carfax report. I'm not going to say anything to the new owner. I would have if they asked before purchase. I really cannot wait to see it!

 

[GSCJR]

Looks like sunlight through the pink coolant (reservoir) to me.

 

[B1974]

Sun shining through the pink coolant in the reservoir?

 

[21_6.7f450]

Red dust would be Oklahoma dirt roads or Georgia or....a non-issue

 

[clinebarger]

Red dirt road, Add water & it will tint/stain aluminum red & it cannot be removed once it bakes in. I see this often on transmission cases.

They don't call the Red River "Red" at the Texas/Oklahoma border for no reason....It's literally Rust Red.

 

[wag123]

It looks to me like dried Toyota pink antifreeze, like it was sprayed there from somewhere on that side of the engine, perhaps from a burst coolant hose or cracked tank.

 

[hemitom]

Reflection of the coolant in the tank ! look at the lower hose you can see the reflection there as well

 

[We're Metals]

Red Chilli Power for more horsepower

 

[paulo57509]

The coolant reservoir looked empty to me.

I had a few Carfax reports left over on my balance from my car search last year. Curiosity killed the cat.....

This RAV4 spent it's life locally, here in the Central Valley. First sold by Modesto Toyota (same place where I got the Highlander); three owners, regularly maintained at this same dealership across all these owners; one oil change at Speedy; no out of the ordinary repairs; open recall for a fitment issue.

Appears to be good buy of another bullet-proof (so far) Toyota. She just needs to keep her kids away from it. Everything her kids drive, ends up turning to trash in a few years.