Tube Steps - Dealer put aftermarket on my new Tacoma?

First, let me say thanks to everyone on here. Unbeknownst to you, you were great as I was looking for information before I just bought my new truck a week ago. I'm pretty excited about it - 2013 Double Cab, V6 4x4, Magnetic Gray Metallic. I am a complete newbie here, but I look forward to sharing some pics and being part of the forum.

So here's my first "real" post. When I bought the truck, I knew that I needed the tube steps so my kids could easily get in and out. "No problem" says the dealer. They weren't on the truck that he had on the lot, but they would be able to put them on in a week, included in the price of the truck. It got scheduled, I took my Taco in, then delayed by a day because they didn't have the brackets yet for the install, then I finally got my Tacoma back. The new tube steps look nice - a black powder coat that I think looks great with the MGM. But then I notice that they don't look exactly like the ones on the Toyota website under Tacoma accessories. They have "Westin" right across the step pads. Instead of new OEM parts on this new Tacoma, the dealer installed aftermarket parts. Am I crazy to think this is a little odd? Shouldn't the Toyota dealer that is selling me a brand spanking new truck put new Toyota accessories on it? And I guess the follow up question is, will there be much of a difference? Has anyone had both and likes one of the other? So far, I just preferred the OEM tube steps because they don't have "Westin" written across them, but I don't know anything about how either will hold up over time.

 

Since the dealer was throwing in the tube steps for free, I'm sure they went the most cost effective route.

Not to be rude, but in my experience with dealers, it's always best to be specific and never assume.

 

I would have bought a set of takeoffs from Craigs List for $100 or less bucks.

I have a OEM set from my 2012 waiting to be picked up as I replaced them with rock sliders, which are going on tomorrow..

 

Congrats on your new truck. Very nice!

You've just learned a little about the dealership that you bought from. If you're not 100% happy with the Westin steps, you can ask the dealership to install Toyota steps. Never know what they'll do if you don't ask.

S1000RR said it very well; "be specific and never assume".

Good luck.

 

You can complain but it seems most the time once you're out the door, if it wasn't in writing when you signed for the truck, they don't usually care.

If you're truly disappointed and they wont work with you, I guarantee a quick talk to the general manager will fix your issue.

 

I had my dealer install tube steps and did ask them about Toyota vs non Toyota tubes. They have an aftermarket wholesaler who can get them things like that which they will install at a lower cost. I don't remember the exact prices but I got a set of westins as well and they were significantly cheaper then the Toyota version. They look good, were dealer installed and have a longer warranty than my truck.

Seemed like a good deal to me. Didn't care if it said Toyota or not.

 

A lot of dealer added accessories are not OEM, they dress up the vehicles and can put a lower price tag on the truck. That being said, I only have limited experience with Westin myself, but they are pretty cheap quality. The grill guards rattle no matter how well they put in, and this is not just my experience; its because most of their parts are bolted together (not talking to the truck) instead of welded.

 

Thanks guys. I realize the dealer is going to do things the cheapest way he can. I was just not expecting it on a new truck. It seems a little like a bait and switch. The Westin tube steps seem like they will be okay, so I probably won't ask them to do anything about it, but I may still bring it up with them just because I think it's a shady thing to do.
By the way, this is my first Tacoma, first truck, and first time buying a new vehicle from a dealer, so my expectations are probably high. When I am shelling out that kind of money, though, I am pretty particular about it. I could be a little too picky maybe.

 

Interesting considering most of the Westin full front guards are one-piece welded ..

 

i kinda doubt toyota makes any of the add ons they sell as factory parts

 

I had them on my old 99. The only problem I had is they iced up pretty easy. I stepped on them after driving in freezing rain It didn't end well for me.

 

Welcome to the forum and if I were you I would at least mention it to the manager and see what they have to say.