Tacoma Engine Toast - help w/concerns

Let them know also that your in contact with some lawyers on this issue, that will sometimes get their attention, and make it right.

 

This is what you do...i've done it to lemon a vehicle with dodge ( not easy )

Write out a professional letter stating the situation and that it needs to be resolved immediatley as you are in contact with legal assistance. Sign it and send it overnight signature mail directly to toyota corporate. Send copies of all important documentation etc. State the very important fact that a lift has NOTHING to do with a hose clamp on your engine. I dont know how it is in canada but in the u.s. under the magnuson act that would NEVER fly. Deal with toyota corporate directly. And have it all documented. Be professional and stern and not emotional. You can even state that you are a devoted buyer of toyota vehicles and that you are even a member of several toyota forums.....TRUST me...car manufacturers have lurkers that frequent forums as its probaly the most undiluted feedback they can get.

 

i think that sounds awesome. worth a shot.

 

Ditto on the lawyer. There is no reason why something as simple as a hose clamp should've been missing.

 

So they sneaked in a extended warranty? What a bunch of crooks.

 

Yeah but them sneaking it in to get some extra money will probably save his ass with a new engine (hopefully)

 

Nope, that won't cover it, either.

 

Why exactly will your insurance not cover it?

 

we have a windshield washer fluid sensor? I didn't see anything when my truck ran out if ww fluid...??

 

Coolant sensors don't work unless they are surrounded by liquid. No coolant - no reading.

 

i bought my truck with 50 000km on it and it still has warranty to 100 000 i believe. harsh way to start out your tacoma experience, hope it gets better..but look at the bright side if you have to do an engine swap maybe that lexus v8 could be in the question?

 

You have no chance with Toyota - the truck did not leave the factory, without that clamp. no manufacturer defect there. As far as the temp gauge not working, prove it.

As far as going after the dealer, same thing. How far did you drive this from the time you bought it before the clamp went missing???

Best of luck, but be prepared to stroke a check.

 

Jackel - I fear you're correct.

They said the gauge worked fine when they tested it. I watched it as this was happening and it never moved up or down anywhere near enough to get my attention.

I'm buying a junker car for a few grand, then saving up for an engine swap. I'll do the whole BBB/media thing, but I doubt anything will come of it.

 

do a v8 swap! then you'll be better off than u were when u bought the truck

 

in defense of the dealership. They probably owned the truck for 1 week. A customer owned it for 2 years before that. Is it there job to find this hose clamp issue????
If the clamp was on the hose, but loose, it could have been very easy to miss.
Did the dealer do a coolant flush when they had it? if they did, you might have some leverage.

 

insurance will only pay out for collision, theft, or vandalism. Damage due to maintenance (or lack there of) would not be a covered peril; unless you lie to them - but if you go this route, be prepared to pay out a lot more money in fines than if you were to just buy an engine.

 

Don't lie to them, it's never worth it to. But it may be worth checking into. You may also call the lending institution and advise them of the situation to see if they can help you too. After all, it's their money you borrowed and if you can't pay the note they will want the truck back and if they can't get their money out of it then it's worth nothing to them. Don't just assume that the insurance and bank wont cover it, make sure.

 

My thoughts exactly. If this incident occured right after you drove it off the lot then you might have a shot but after 3k miles I'm thinking you might be SOL.

 

1. Call the dealership and see if they'll do the work for FREE if you'll pay the dealership price for the new engine. If that doesn't work...

2. Tell the dealership that you feel taken advantage of due to (your neglegence) them getting you to agree to a $1600 sucker fee. If that doesn't work...

3. Notify them that your next phone call will be to retain an attorney to sue them for the engine AND a refund on your sucker fee if they don't revisit #1 and/or #2.

You really have to understand how money adds up when you buy a vehicle. Take the vehicle price and add simple interest. How can you miss $1600??? That's a ton of cash.

Sorry for your situation.