500 miles. Motor getting pulled

Hello. I needs some advice. (Sorry long post. Good read)

Recently bought a 2018 TRD Off-road. Notice a smell coming from engine and let the dealership know. They told me it is probably the anti corrosion burning off the engine. They told me to stop by some time just to verify.

I bring it in, smell is there, and the service writer guy sees a little smoke coming from under the hood. He immediately takes my keys and pulls it inside to a bay. Says this is not right. As he pulls it in, a service tech is walking text to the truck and comments on the smell as well. “Man that smells”.

They look at it, come back, and tell me it is leaking oil from the cam tower onto the exhaust. Going to be a few days to get parts. It’s a big job and they are pulling the motor to access the timing chain cover easier.

Yada yada yada. They give me a rental and I’m on my way.

Keep in mind this truck has 500 miles on it. Bought it brand new right off the lot.

I call Toyota directly (not the dealership) and they assign me to a case manager. She calls and I voice my concerns with the truck. She says they will repair the truck obviously, but will not buy the truck back and get me in a new one. If I want something like this to happen (full replacement), I need to take that up with the dealership.

They have had the truck since June 27th. I told them that I’m on vacation next week and to take their time. I will pick it up, July 9th.

I have been very very very calm, cool, and collected this whole time while interacting with the dealership and Toyota directly. I have not lost my *poop* with anybody. Yet.

I plan on talking to the GM of the dealership that Monday I pick it up. I bought a NEW truck. Not a ‘new’, ‘newly repaired’ Vehicle.

How would you handle this? Demand a new truck? Or just sit back and take every inch of the shaft I am currently being given?

 

Some dealerships in my area have been bragging about a 10-15 day trial period type thing where if you don't like it you can give it back minus depreciation (kind of a bum deal but whatever). Does yours have this? Make them eat the depreciation since the vehicle is a bum.

I wouldn't want to own a newly repaired vehicle after 500 miles. This may only be the start of your problems....

 

Sucks it happened but this exactly why new vehicles come with warranties

 

There is a thread - New 2018 Problems - probably on the second page. A TW member has been going through a similar thing. You might want to read through his thread. He is still in a battle with Toyota.

 

Not sure if the dealer has it or not. I totally agree with you. The only thing the dealership has mentioned to me me, is getting me an extended warranty.

 

This is damn near word for word that the Toyota case manager told me.

 

Why would you demand a new truck? For all you know, you'll get another truck with a different issue that is annoying but they can't solve. I'd just have them fix this issue, extend your warranty and be happy. In my mind, you are having another set of eyes comb through the details of the motor for free. I'd guess it will be better than most of the trucks off the assembly line.

 

I feel your pain man. Bought mine brand new about 6 weeks ago with only 10 miles on it when I got it. CEL after week one and it's going on it's second week in the shop this week. From what I hear, you did the right thing in calling Toyota directly because they would rather deal with you than a lawyer. If you are considering lemon law, be sure you look up the requirements. In FL, we have to give them three repair attempts with 15 days of repair work. If it's still not fixed, then you have to fill out paperwork with the state, send a certified letter to Toyota, and then figure out some arbitration dates. They also recommend you hiring a lawyer to represent. Best outcome is they pay out or swap your ride but you are out lawyer fees unless you show that the whole arbitration was un-necessary and sue for those too. So you can see how it's in yours (and Toyota's) best interested to deal with them directly.

I haven't gone that far yet. Supposedly they are having the Southeast master technician from corporate check through the system. They think the port might have tapped into the wrong lines when they added my LED underlighting. I should find out on Friday (I hope).

 

This is totally true, and one way to view it. It’s just a hard pill to swallow. Ya know?

 

Yea, I get it. I wouldn't fret. Sounds like they are handling it the way they should. They'll get it running perfect and you'll enjoy that truck for a decade or more.

 

This is true. I’m not questioning the dealerships repair ability. They have been great to deal with so far.

 

Looks like the dealership has been quick and responsive in helping you out. Sucks to have something go wrong so quick into ownership, but things like this happen and you have a warranty and what seems like a good dealership to get things fixed.

 

Everything, EVERYTHING is bound to have a problem at one point or another. No quality system or engineering design goes without a defect 100% of the time.

They have a warranty for this exact reason. Enjoy your still new truck, and don't worry about it being "repaired". Just because you had one problem doesn't mean the entire truck is going to be riddled with problems all of the sudden. They're not fixing it with duct tape and zip ties, it's a Toyota dealer using Toyota parts and Toyota knowledge to fix a Toyota. You have nothing to worry about.

 

Get an extended warranty. Shit happens. Unless this causes more problems in the near future a repair is a repair whether it happens at 500 or 50000 miles.

 

Dealership has been very quick. My feet were not on the ground 60sec before it was pulled into the repair bay getting looked at.

 

I would also push for some covered freebies (oil changes, rotations, etc...) I have a 2016 and had to have new rotors at 35,000. I bought mine used at 27,000 miles so who knows how rough the guy before me was.

 

I can push for some extras when I talk to them this coming Monday.

I wanted to be a prick and ask for new exhaust for all my troubles.

 

Why would you ask for free accessories? Seems a bit entitled. Shit happens, they fixed your truck under warranty and I bet Toyota extended it as well, if not talk to the case manager and they likely will, they did for my 16 and the rear diff. But I didn't go in there demanding the dealer and Toyota comp me accessories when they fixed my truck under warranty. Sucks but maybe reassess your perspective. IDK.

 

start off by always being nice and kind when dealing with anyone. I have gotten more in life by approaching people with kindness than going at them screaming and yelling, that will just make it worse, if after the initial attempts fail, then more serious consequences and actions need to come, and I think you are on the right path anyhow...yelling and getting mad never helps any situation, but I don't need to tell you anything, but it has helped me over the years, just saying...

 

It’s documented and fixed? I’d request an extended warranty and be done with it. Sometimes gaskets leak as long as theres no damage to the casting you’ll be all set.
If it comes back just be persistent and lemon law it. But I doubt ot will... grab an extended warranty and enjoy your truck