Bought a taco lemon... looking for advice!

Hey guys,

I've been trying not to complain about this online hoping that Toyota would make things right but I'm wanting to check to see if anyone else has experience with a situation like this.

TLDR: I bought a brand new 2019 Sport 4d LB, drove 200 miles home from the dealer, check engine came on. Toyota towed the truck back, found metal in the Oil and said the engine needed to be replaced. One month later Toyota has called it a lemon. Now I'm fighting to have them make things right.

So a month ago I bought a brand new Taco and I couldn't have been happier.

I drove the truck home from the dealership, had a few friends over to show it off. The following day my wife takes the truck to work in town and the check engine light came on.

Napa was closed as it was a Sunday so I waited until the next day assuming I was looking at a simple emissions issue, the next day I went in plugged the computer in and got a much worse code than expected. I called the dealer and they had the truck towed to the nearest dealership.

That was nearly a month ago. Since then I have been going through bureaucratic hell trying to get a new truck that works.

First they told me they wanted to rebuild the engine, but there was no way I was going to accept a rebuilt truck when I just payed for a brand new truck with a clean title.

Then they wanted to try and order a new engine and swap it out, to this I had the same response. I want a new truck! After this Toyota went on Radio Silence for nearly 2 weeks.

During this time I already had a trip to Oregon planned to grab furniture and other family possessions to bring back to Montana for a house I purchased and will move into this month. I also had guy lined up in Oregon to Rhino line my bed but obviously had to cancel that service. The customer service up to this point from Toyota could not have been worse. They have never provided updates when available, instead I've always had to call in and ask through a hotline and even then they never give me any news other than "Toyota is looking into it".

Finally Friday, I was sent an email that my truck is officially in the Lemon Law process through Montana.

So now that I'm done complaining here's where I ask for advice. I've never been through the lemon process, I understand that I will be given the choice of a replacement vehicle or a buy back.

I have asked Toyota to offer me the identical replacement truck, the dealer had 2 when I bought mine and it's still on the lot. I'm also wanting to ask for the following to make this situation right:

• Extended warranty
• Predator side steps
• Tonneau cover

Does this seem reasonable? Does anyone have experience going through the Lemon Law process?

 

Why would you rhino line the bed, it won't stick right.

Also if they give you a new truck because you bought a lemon I'd say that's making it right.

 

I would start with them footing the bill for the loaner vehicle through the entire replacement process. I'm not sure how I feel about the extra free shit, to be honest.

 

everyone knows you put limes LIMES on a taco. geez.

glad it worked out for ya.

 

You can ask for those things but I wouldn't expect them. They are making a situation right for you by giving you a new truck, and are not really obligated to thrown in >3k more $.

 

Why are you asking for Predator tube steps and a tonneau cover? Is it an incentive for going through a crappy process?

If your getting a new truck, I think it’s more reasonable to ask for an extension on the 2 yr/24,000 scheduled maintenance. I got my dealer to give me a 4 yr/48,000 scheduled maintenance after some haggling.

 

Ask for an identical 2020 model with an extended warranty. Toyota makes a lemon now and then. Best of luck!

 

Be happy they are offering a replacement truck. My guess is the lemon law is in affect as they can not repair your current truck in a timely fashion hence the lemon law. Seen it before.

 

Welcome to Montana OP. What part of the state are you in? I’m in Helena.
Most states have their own Lemon Law rules. Research Montana’s Lemon Law. I had a similar issue back in the day. I hired a lawyer for a few hundred dollars. They took care of the legal letters to Toyota. Best money I’ve ever spent. Having an attorney puts Toyota on notice that your not going away. In the end, it all worked out. Looks like you’re going to end up with a 2020 model Tacoma. Best wishes.

 

I would think they should have gave you a free rental till they get this straight . Maybe they are doing you a huge favor with the lemon law . They could have said take rebuild or new motor or pound sand .

 

Like ICU stated Lemon Laws vary from state to state so take any suggestions here with that in mind unless someone happens to know the Montana law.

That aside, seems to me that while they are obligated to the terms of the state law, you are undoubtedly owed some love from Toyota for your hassle. An extended warranty isn't out of the question. The steps and bed cover might be asking for a bit much, but all they can say is no. You could probably get the dealer to cover those.

 

I think it's totally reasonable to *ask* for all these things. You paid them money and they didn't live up to their end. You have incurred stress, have been seriously inconvenienced, and on top of it all, you have paid for the privilege. A new truck is the least they can do, and maybe that's all you'll get... But you won't get anything extra for your trouble unless you ask, so ask!

 

Take the buy back and go to another dealer, then test drive the shit out of it. Go through everything. Time is on your side depending on how bad you need a vehicle.

 

You might get an extended warranty at most or 1 month's payment on Toyota. Forget about the other options you just asked for.

 

I think installing a brand new motor is reasonable.

Why would you think giving you an extended warranty, Predator side steps and a Tonneau cover is being reasonable? I'm guessing they're dragging their feet because they feel like YOU'RE now being unreasonable.

You wouldn't buy a new house, have an appliance crap out and then try to renegotiate with the builder for a bunch of upgrades...they'd tell you to "pound sand!"

Ed

 

I feel like extreme premature camshaft wear on lobes is the equivalent of your roof falling in. (Assuming it is camshaft position sensor issue and we’re still doing house metaphors)

edit: there was a TSB or recall for this or a similar issue. Unsure because 3rd gen issues.

 

Sorry to hear about your experiences.

As the saying goes: “Third’s a charm!” —although you won’t find that anywhere written on the Lemmon Law.

FWIW, I’d have taken the buy back the 2nd time around.

 

After reading all this and recent posts about composite bed mount failure I was compelled to KISS MY GEN1s TAILGATE so I gave her a BIG WET SLOPPY ONE ON HER BACKSIDE !!! Even though the frame failed inspection shortly after the 15 year extended warranty. You asked for it you got it TOYOTA.

 

Welcome to tacomaWorld

 

Their obligation is to make you whole again not enrich you...expect your out of pocket expense back and nothing more.