Arbitration didn't go well..........

It's a 2wd PreRunner

 

I think its a 2WD prerunner. Sounds like its not the tranny, wheels, tires, or driveshaft. Maybe in the rear and/or pinion angle??

 

We haven't started litigation yet. The arbitration was joke, all the rep from Toyota had to say was "it's a characteristic of the truck" . This was based on a report completed by the area field tech John Holton. On our service order provided by the dealer, John tested our with a NVH analyzer and one other new truck on the lot, he stated the reading were similar on both truck so it appears to be a characteristic. We are currently trying to obtain a copy of that report.

So, test 2 trucks out of thousands produced every year, and if 2 trucks built at the same plant, the same month have the same issue.. it's a characteristic of the whole line?

 

My mistake, I think I have you mixed up with the guy who traded in on an Xterra. I wouldn't have thought a 2wd would be so hard to sort out. I usually go straight to a differential backlash problem or rear axle alignment in that case. If it is int he diff it would be making noises so you might try putting one of your cameras there.

 

Not that I'm an expert but is it a good idea to keep naming everyone involved by first and last name? Couldn't the tone of your comments be turned against you somehow? If you end up losing suit couldn't you end up liable for a more than court fee's...

Just a thought. I know you're probably trying to hang these guys up to dry but I hope it doesn't end up hurting you. I never name anyone specific when I'm asking questions, making statements, or naming names online. It stays online forever and maybe that's not to your benefit.

 

No problem, It was Keith you were thinking of, nice guy, glad things worked out for him. I just reviewed the video, gopro 3 was much better quality.. easier to see and was less sensitive to light changes. There is really nothing spectacular going on under the truck, no driveshaft wobble etc. I am going to get a couple more mounts tomorrow and position a gopro at the front of the vehicle and another at the rear. This way we can see what's going on at all four wheels and F/R suspension.

 

I've given that some thought as well.. But as long as I'm not lying about anything, there is no cause for a slander suit, no malicious intent towards that person or persons. I'm just stating the facts.

 

What about taking it up to the vibration speed on a dyno? It could eliminate wind resistance as a problem.

 

besides wind issues, could eliminate front end problems.

 

I havent read through all 17 pages, but why not just try to sell it privately. It's value should still be decent.

As for the vibration, I've had 2 tacomas. One a 2011 access cab off road, and now a 13 dclb sport. Both have/had a vibration at highway speed. I only really noticed it because the passenger seat would shake.

But you mentioned drinks spilling from such a bad vibration. Mine isn't that bad, or even close. You also said you test drove another tacoma from that dealer that had near the same vibrations. Enough to spill drinks? That's a bad vibration.

You need to go to a different dealership and test drive a similar model tacoma. A dealership that doesn't know your situation. When you find a tacoma that doesn't vibrate bad enough to spill drinks, and you will, have that dealerships service department test drive your truck. Compare the 2 and they will see the difference.

As long as your description of vibration is completely true, you will find a dealer that will help you.

 

Or maybe bent axle??

 

The vibration from the other Tacomas was close, mine seemed to be the worst of the bunch. I'm not saying the vehicle bounced all over the road. It did vibrate enough to spill my wife's ice water w/o lid. As far as going to other dealers, I think it's a complete waste of time. I have already contacted one. Both individuals I spoke to were very pleasant enough, but stated if anything was to be done by a dealer, the dealer that sold it to us would/should be the one to work things out with the least amount of financial loss to us.

 

Not that I can tell.

 

We have reached out to over 30 local attorneys, none of which will touch LL cases. Good for the manufacturer, shitty for the consumer. Seems TN is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to consumer protection, especially from the automotive industry.So, we have enlisted the aide of an online firm that is based in Illinois. the fifteen page report was sent to them today, hopefully we won't be left handing in the wind.

I am really surprised be how many attorneys offices have failed to even return a phone call.. The receptionist takes our number and says somebody will call us back by the end of the day.. nuthin. I even called an attorney our office manager recommended, they're church buddies.. and I stated that in the VM, no call back! WTF?? Guess TN has too many auto maunf located here to f' with.

 

just out of curiosity, is it that much more of a loss to just trade it and get rid of the headache than hire a lawyer and hope it gets bought back?

 

I asked this too. Personally I'd of dumped this truck for a Frontier or left it parked on the garage until the Colorado is available over pursuing a legal action that may or may not get me anywhere.

If good lawyers aren't taking lemon law cases there may be a reason for that. OP, is there anyway to find the success rate on lemon law cases in your state? Maybe it's not even worth the effort to feel like you've won if your probability of winning is super low.

 

Well, lets do the math.. we've paid close to $4k, so far. plus a huge hit for our trade.. The best (so far) trade offer is $23K, payoff is damn close to $30K. Not counting what I've spent trying to fix this POS, we're looking at $11K. So, if we end up going to trial and winning, I should have little or nothing more to pay out. If we lose.. no more out of pocket for me. But, I'm back where I started. The representative from the firm I spoke to was very positive about the case and stated all the manufactures use that classic line "it's normal" or "it's a characteristic."

Yeah, I can think of lotta ways to spend that money, none of which include giving to the company trying to take advantage of us.. I'm trying to be PC.

I looked on CL for Tacomas in our area, there are many late models for sale (?).. the prices are not great. I'm not going eat this so T can keep doing business as usual.

 

Can you get video of driving at highway speed with fluid in a cup. I'm curious to see how bad the vibration is.

 

Trucks don't drive perfect. Domestics are way worse.

I'd like to drive yours and see what's different compared to my brand new taco.

 

You put 4K into a new truck with warranty trying fix a vibration . No offence, but that seems absurd to try that hard rather than eat 4-6 K on a trade.

Law firms that deal in civil law are always optimistic. If they weren't would you of used them? I wish you the best but I also fear this will simply cost you more of your hard earned time and money. Did you find out what the success rate in court of the firm your working with is? I'm just curious.