Just bought 2018 SR5, having issues, what to do?

Been an interesting read so far. Sorry that you've had all these problems, this one really does sound like a nightmare. North Georgia Toyota seems to be a dishonest shop.

 

Maybe get them to replace the engine at this point?

 

OP, I feel bad for you. This is a real bummer.

I am not the kind of person who jumps immediately to a lawyer. Most business issues can be resolved -- assuming both parties are reasonable people and want to avoid the time and expense that litigation entails. There is another thread here with a nice person who had a truck sold out from under her ... everyone was screaming call a lawyer and sue. I, and many others, advised her to give the dealer a chance. In this case, she was dealing with a good dealer (network owned by Berkshire Hathaway) and it all worked out. She got a great deal and they made good on it.

In this case, you are dealing with people who have ill intent. Clearly. And as a result you have to change course. Be sure to document everything. In terms of the current dealer, speak to the GM, let them know that clearly the dealer has committed fraud and that you will be seeking legal recourse unless they resolve the situation immediately. Don't threaten. Let them know and then go do it.

Separately, blast them on the various Web site. That's only fair. Get the truck to another dealer and ask them to take it apart under warranty and fix everything -- if that is even possible. This car could have run out of oil, could be a lemon, or was in a wreck not picked up by Car Fax (which happens). Ask the new dealer to put a Toyota Master Mechanic on it ... and have them fix the car ... every last inch of it all under warranty, which it is.

Separately, inform Toyota you are suing the dealer and ask them what they intend to do about it.

I hate to say it but in your case, you have to move forward aggressively. Unless the GM says something that makes you feel there is a remedy in sight.

I feel bad for you ... these things happen ... and they are never pleasant ... but don't give up yet ... you may be able to remedy the situation. Best of luck to you. I am rooting for you ...

 

Update: took to Toyota dealership here in Chattanooga. explained my situation and they looked over the service records, and seemed as surprised as I did, and told me they would take the truck back park it and stay there till they gave me a refund. They told me to bring the truck back tomorrow and they will go over the entire truck, and see what they find. I also told them if it does in fact need axles that I want them to do all the work, I don't want the other dealer touching it. The dealer I bought it from has got the parts in for the axles, from what I understand I can still get the Chattanooga dealer to do the work though if it needs it. Should I contact Toyota corporate again, and tell them what I'm doing, that I don't want the dealer I bought it from doing the work?

 

They turned the drums on one service record for complaint of shuttering while braking, then the next service record he had the same problem and says could not duplicate. Then he complained of engine noise, and the tech made the comment, that it was one of the trucks they tore apart because they didnt know the noise was normal. Now I am afraid something is actually wrong with the engine, don't have faith after seeing the oil leak. No oil on the ground, its on the inside of the passenger head so its just pooling up below it slowly, but the corners have small seeps to, not sure if its burning oil they just did a oil change, and I've only had the truck a week, but the dipstick looks good.

 

damn dude you need to return it before it spins anymore out of control.

get your money stop posting here! get refund offer in writing.

 

I've tried to be as nice and polite and give them the benefit of the doubt, so maybe they would want to help me. But explaining the situation to them they act surprised that I would want to return it, when "they can just fix the issues". I don't want them to "fix the issues" when they should have been fixed before they sold it to me, or at least disclosed the service records before sale. Instead of flashing me a carfax with no details on why it was serviced, and making the comment, " the owner took good care of it, he serviced it a lot. The chatt dealership is looking over it tomorrow, and I will see what they say. They seemed as surprised as I did when looking at the service records. Thanks for all the advice, everyone has been super helpful.

 

Realistically there shouldn't be 'issues to fix' on this newer model with 20K on the clock. Not fair for you to have to experience this. Bought my 17 new, and only experiences outside normal maintenance and tires were bad body mount (repaired under warranty), axle recall (no seepage), and blower motor recall (worked fine but they replaced). Dealer contacted me concerning recalls before I even knew of them. These trucks I feel are solid, don't let this experience turn you away from another Tacoma. Seems like previous owner beat this truck and then dumped it, my opinion. However, this doesn't make the dealership's actions right. Hang in there, continue to call corporate. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Good luck.

 

If you decide to keep the truck, see how much they would charge you for a certified inspection kind of diagnostic. They meaning the new dealer. The one thing on your side is the truck is under warranty to it is now between you, the new dealer and Toyota.

I would tell the current dealer you are going to resolve the issue with Toyota and that they will hear from your attorney. No sense further engaging. See how they respond to that. My note would be something to the effect of ... "I have tried to resolve this amicably, however, you appear unwilling to do so. As a result, I am taking my case to Toyota and having it reviewed by an attorney, which you will hear from. Your dealership keeps saying you can fix the problem ... but I have no confidence in your ability to do so given that I have a stack of service papers confirming you have had the chance and failed."

Only work with the new dealer ... and Toyota at this point ...

It sucks but that seems your best path forward.

 

Damn what a shady ass dealership.

definitely lesson learned to check the service records/carfax history. And at 20k miles and 2 years if it’s not CPO something is wrong.

 

Agreed!

 

I've called toyota a couple times now , there main number on their website, they are saying there is nothing they can do, all they can do is get me in contact with the dealers public relations manager, which she didn't help and no one can seem to get me in contact with the gm. Toyota said they can't get me in contact with gm, all they are able to do is send me to public relations of the dealership. Anyone anyone have experience with Toyota corporate, is there a different number I can call to escalate the case. Seems I am getting the run around from everybody.

 

The oil leak is most likely the valve cover gasket that the original dealer installed improperly when doing whatever work to the engine. Is it leaking at the corners? Some cars require RTV at the edges of the cover to get a good seal and this is neglected. A large enough leak would also cause the noise (since you would be losing crankcase pressure), although I think you would get a CEL for emissions.

Just a guess from older cars I’ve worked on. Whatever the issues are, I’m sure the new dealer will find them.

 

Personally I wouldn't let the tennessee dealer fix a single thing. Let them diagnose it, that can give you some legal ammo. But don't let them fix it.


If it were me I'd take that diagnostic and attach it to an email along with the service history and the purchase paperwork, address it to the GM and CC both toyota and the state AGs office. Summarize the history in a factual, neutral manner, and state that you have evidence that shows the dealer knowingly sold a car with severe defects to the point that it is unsafe, and chose not to disclose those defects at the time of sale.

Of course, I'd also consult with a private attorney first, but you really need to let these guys know that you aren't going away with this issue.

 

On the dealer's website click the about tab, on the dropdown menu click meet our staff. Not only GM info, but the principal/owner's contact info all there.

 

When I had issues with my ISP, I made a complaint on the BBB and FCC website. Corporate called back within an hour with a resolution. Maybe there’s a similar body you could go through?

 

Update: finally got a hold of the gm. He said he was totally blind sided by this and no one had told him about me. He seemed willing to help to make this right, and said he understands why I wouldn't want or trust to keep the truck. He offered a extended warranty or if I would like to just return the truck for a refund, he agreed I shouldn't have to be in and out for repairs after just purchasing the truck. I told him I would like to return the truck for a refund. He is going to contact the bank that financed and said he will give me a call back. Seems like all this could have been avoided if he was aware of the situation from the start. Seems like a couple of salesman and people over the service department are the shady ones. GM honestly seemed like a good guy. Hopefully I will be returning the truck soon and all this will come to an end.

Update: he just gave me a call back, he said to bring the truck in and they will pay off the loan and give me a check for the positive equity amount on my trade in.
Thank god!
I followed the advice of sending email to toyota and the gm, and he got back with me instantly. Can't thank this forum enough for all the help and advice. Honestly don't know if I would have pushed this far. Now it's time to find me another Tacoma.

 

I could not be happier for you !

I always want to know this -- am I dealing with good people who made a mistake and will fix it or am I dealing with jerks who have the intent to work in bad faith.

Given this new news, I would seriously ask the GM if he can find you another truck. See if he wants to follow up and put a good deal on the table that is in your best interest. It may be worth this discussion ... "hey, I appreciate you doing me a solid here ... given that you have stepped up ... and I know you are in business to make money too, is there a way that you and I can work on rolling that check into a new truck?" See what he says ... I think it may be worth asking and he may step up and help you. If not, you can always take your truck and walk and get something else.

So glad it worked out. Please post back when you are sitting in a shiny new Tacoma !

 

thats great news, hopefully you can find another soon and take it for a really long ass test drive!!!

 

The perfect outcome! Nice!