Timing Cover Leak - fix it or leave it?

You can start this one up to 9 model years old.

 

Only at the time of signing for the vehicle purchase.

 

Normally, yes, but they are willing to let me buy it now based on the circumstances.

 

I would do it then.

 

That’s what I’m curious about- how can dealer offer a an actual Toyota warranty outside of their requirements? Maybe they can sway that, but I’m skeptical. I’d guess it’s aftermarket, and the dealer is trying to make more money, under a guise of “help”.


And, if the dealer is attempting to help, aren’t they indirectly admitting there’s an issue?

just where my mind goes.

 

They admitted they missed the oil seep when they got the vehicle, just aren’t going to great lengths to rectify it.

As far as the warranty, the requirement is get it “at the time of purchase.” I was told Toyota doesn’t strictly define this and they can still sell them up to a couple weeks past the sale of a vehicle. Obviously a money maker for them, so they have incentive to stretch it a couple weeks.

 

Not only did they sell you a vehicle with a “worthless warranty for 90 days” that they “thoroughly inspected” now they are trying to sell you something else on top… wake up. This is strike 3

 

Not necessarily sometimes things arise even after inspection, even with new vehicles.simmer down

 

Keep in mind, this Toyota warranty started from day one and mile one.

They are trying to bend you over. Be darn careful with this dealer, they are pulling some shady crap with you. Like borderline fraud and deceit

 

I have asked a follow up question on the time frame to be sure. But I am pretty sure when you buy the warranty as part of a used vehicle purchase, it begins on the date of your purchase.


The truck I bought is soon to be 8 years old, so if it were true that the 5 warranty would begin on day 1 of the trucks life, I wouldn’t even be able to purchase it. I think the timeframes you mentioned are correct if I bought the vehicle brand new and was extending it from there…..buying the platinum warranty as part of a used purchase is available up to 9 model years old.


Still contemplating whether I will do it though….

 

Here is the fine print directly from Toyota financial site for a used vehicle plan:

1. Time and mileage coverage periods for Used Vehicle Plans are measured from Agreement Application Date and Agreement Application Mileage. Coverage expires upon reaching the maximum time or mileage of the coverage period selected, whichever occurs first. Deductible applies to each eligible repair visit. See your Agreement for complete terms, conditions and restrictions. Program is not available in all states.Coverage is subject to exclusions and limitations set forth in the Vehicle Service Agreement.Note: VSAs are optional, cancellable (see terms of Agreement) and not required to obtain credit. The benefits and covered operations stated here are subject to change or may vary slightly based upon the purchase date of the Agreement. In certain states, Toyota Motor Services Company administers Vehicle Service Agreements. Agreements are not available in select states.
2. 
   2. Time and mileage coverage periods for new vehicle plans are measured from date vehicle was first put into service as a new vehicle and zero miles. Time and mileage coverage periods for used vehicle plans are measured from the agreement application date and agreement application mileage. Coverage expires upon reaching the maximum-time or mileage of the coverage period selected, whichever occurs first. Deductible applies to each eligible repair visit. See your agreement for complete terms, conditions, and restrictions

 

did you also check the coolant crossover pipe behind the engine?
crawl under behind passenger front wheel and shine light up behind the engine. if you see pink corrosion build up then that needs to be replaced also. should be easy since in most cases to fix the leak the engine has to be removed.

 

I did look for that. I didn’t see any pink corrosion, so that seems good for now.

 

This dealer is doing some awfully weird shit. Seems they’re coming up with stuff that I’ve never heard of before. Maybe they’re able to get some kind of a waiver with the warranty, I would make damn sure I got that all those terms in writing.

 

Update:

I just sent the sales manager an email saying I am declining the warranty. I have never bought a warranty and always keep an emergency fund and I will continue that practice. Even at the discount, it would cost me almost $2000 to get it and I think I will be better served by keeping that in the bank. I also have read numerous posts where people have had to fight with the warranty to get it the cover certain things, and I just don’t wanna deal with that or be beholden to them. Time will tell how this turns out.

I appreciate all the feedback, and yes, I should’ve gotten a pre-purchase inspection before I bought the vehicle. I put too much trust in the dealers reputation, obviously. I won’t make that mistake again.

Besides the oil seep, it really is a good find for the year. There is not a scratch on it and the frame is in beautiful condition.

I will keep a close eye on the oil seep, and if it gets worse and I have to fix it later, so be it. we will see how it goes.

 

dealer should buy the warranty for you

 

I tried this route many times and was denied. I think they are making so much money. They just don’t worry about satisfying customers as much.

 

If it is any consolation I think this problem is more widespread than people realize. This has evidently been a problem on multiple engines both Toyota and Lexus and for years. I think most people don’t notice it because it is hard to find unless it is leaking bad. If it is seeping you really have to look for it. Luckily, it is not necessarily something that needs to be fixed unless you are losing a ton of oil but that should be rare because it is a non/low pressurized part of the engine. I cleaned the area on mine and will decide next summer if I want the dealer to fix it, since it will still be under warranty.

It’s such a major repair that you have to roll the dice whether the risk is worth it. If I decide to have a dealer do it, I will definitely be vetting the local dealers to see how many of these they do and who is the best. It’s a shame that Toyota refuses to address this since it’s been happening for so long. I bet if I went to a dealer and looked at 5 used Tacomas on the lot I would probably find at least one leaking/seeping in this area.

 

In all fairness it’s been an issue since 2005 with the gr engines in tacomas. What’s strange is the 2nd gen had a tsb issued regrading the timing cover leak and the 3rd gen never got the tsb issuesd. Makes me this the 3rd gen sold in higher volume over the 2nd gen might not be as common as people make it out to be

 

I agree. My father has been a mechanic over the last 40 years and I grew up working on cars with him. I looked at that truck for a long time and didn’t see it. I had my dad look at it while was visiting for Thanksgiving recently, and he told me where it was he probably would not have noticed it. That made me feel a little better. he also advised me to let it ride for a while.

I think when it warms up, I may try the permatex fix.