My 2015 Sienna XLE AWD has a tiny coolant leak, and I need your advice before I buy it!

[BEERMAN]

Hi! Consider purchasing this 2015 Toyota Sienna AWD from the dealership; it has one owner, approximately 100,000 kilometres on the odometer, a perfect history of maintenance, and a clean carfax.
During the mechanical inspection, a small coolant leak was discovered inside the v-bank, and the vehicle is being sold by a Lexus dealership. According to the mechanic, it's not a big deal because these V6 engines typically have some small seepage there and continue to last indefinitely. According to his observations, there is no active seepage, no coolant pooling or dripping, and the area is dry. To him, it was just a dry, coloured spot.
According to the mechanic, this is a common issue with most Toyota and Lexus V6s.
I have heard nothing but bad things about this coolant in the V-bank, but this dealership seems legit.
Is anyone able to shed light on this? Rest assured, the floor is completely free of any pooling or dripping coolant.
Before I commit to purchasing this Sienna, I would greatly value your opinion. Much obliged.

[BEERMAN]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Carfax&tag=vs-pl-toyotanation-com-20&ascsubtag=v1-e9bc44-1822300-9667f94421-k&rel=nofollow&linkCode=gg3&creatorsDisableRedirect=true&ar_su=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fascsubtag%3Dv1-e9bc44-1822300-9667f94421-k%26rel%3Dnofollow%26k%3DCarfax%26tag%3Dvs

[cumblechook22]

I agree, it's not good, particularly if the repair in the valley involves more than just a gasket.
Repairing it, of course, will not be an issue for the dealer mechanic.
It might be helpful to seek the opinion of a third-party mechanic.
If you can't afford to fix it, then just take off that amount.

[BEERMAN]

Much obliged. On Monday, I will get in touch with our independent mechanic. When he speaks, I will inform you.

[keithmerc220]

A leak lets air in while the engine is cooling but coolant out while it's running, which might sound alarming. The coolant that ought to be drawn from the reservoir is instead displaced by that air. Like me, you can keep a valley plate leak under control by checking the coolant under the pressure cap weekly. There may not be enough coolant in the engine if you only check the reservoir level twice a year. You won't be able to tell when there's a more serious issue with the cooling system because of the odour of coolant caused by the seepage. A job of that magnitude would easily cost $1500 USD, and it would require about 10 hours of actual work. They might as well change the gaskets on the valve covers while they're at it.

[SkippyTom]

At the 6:30 mark of this video, The Car Care Nut discusses the head gasket leak.

[SkippyTom]

 

[BEERMAN]

It is greatly appreciated that you have shared all this information.

[BEERMAN]

😍

[Rashman4u]

in the event of a coolant leak, proceed. which indicates that it is either a pia or $$$$$