Absolute Ridiculousness from Toyota Parts Dept.

G'day Tacoma World forumers!

I'm a new member here though I've been a Tacoma owner for awhile. I have a bit of an issue and I'd love some input..:

I've got an '06 TRD Sport DC with a centre console/armrest between the two front seats. The push button opener has seen some use over the years and the plastic hook tabs must've worn because they were nearly non-existent when it fell off. Upon further examination, all other components are fine and I was able to find the spring under the seat (it was more of a "pop off" than a "fall off" and it happened while speed testing new rims and tires). I figured this would be and easy enough fix as it should be a reasonably common problem. I closed the now open armrest and jammed a rag in-between it and my seat to prevent it from flying open again, then ripped down to the closest dealership. I explained the issue to the parts department, showed them the button/tab, took them to my truck (they asked to see it), and they told me you can't order the one piece I need... I have to order the ENTIRE armrest console... For $551.

I laughed and told him that was the most ridiculous thing I've heard all summer.

I laughed harder when he told me it was a fairly common problem and a lot of people get angry when they hear "the solution".

So..
Besides hitting bodyshops and wreckers... Any suggestions?

I'd appreciate ANY input!

Thanks!

P.S. I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada if this makes a difference.

 

junk yard

 

^^^

 

http://www.rockdamage.com/center console/center console.htm

Give this a shot. Haven't read it completely, but... worth a try?

 

^^^there you go.

 

Here's the TW writeup without pictures, but more detailed

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/65554-center-compartment-latch-repair.html

 

ToMoCo works like this...you can usually only order assemblies for a lot of the parts, because the assemblies are what is sold to ToMoCo by the parts manufacturer...you may be able to track down the parts manufacturer and get more specific parts from them, but that can be a PITA.

 

I needed the plastic cup holder in the manual trans taco, tacoma parts said $255. Even the parts guy was laughing, once again ebay came through for me. Took 2 months to find it though $50.

 

what they said! and welcome!

 

Why would the dealership sell a $5 part when they can get away with a $551 screwing?

 

Had the same problem, and got the same answer. It takes longer to find the parts and tools then to do the actual work. That said it works great and the solution should prevent you from having the problem again.

 

Good ol Stealership! Welcome!

 

I got one I'd be willing to sell. I picked it up thinking I would put it in my regular cab but it doesn't fit right. I bought the whole center console for 30$ I will sell it to you for that price

 

Thanks a lot guys!
I like it here already!!

Ahahaha.. XP .

 

what!? are you serious?

dealers charge crazy rates and rip people off?

 

Maybe there is no "easier factory" fix? Perhaps lack of individual part that can be ordered...

BUT....Either way I say BS

A. Tell them to fuck off in all honesty. Obviously you as an individual were aware that they were trying to give you a run. And yet they still maintained an attitude of trying to take advantage of you...for a small simple part.

B. CALL another dealership(Save gas). Speak ill of the previous interaction. Explain Situation, they might be able to help you, in lieu of hooking a potential customer from a competitive stealership.

C. Profit?