Calling all used truck lawyers

In Texas no warranty is implied when a used car is sold. Unless you have something in writing you will have a hard time getting anything if they are not willing to play ball.

 

Have a dealer “we owe you” letter stating that “safety inspection will be complete and cats will be fixed”

 

$2200?

 

*points higher

 

you may be screwed because fixed is a broad term! You should have had the pur replaced on the we owe bill, if it doesn’t say that I think you will be out of luck since the fixed is very unspecific.
-t

 

In what definition does a monitored emissions system get “fixed” and then immediately throws a CEL saying it’s broken?

 

I’ll actually go a step further and say that “replaced” would be detrimental. You can pay me to put in a means of accessible egress from your home and I “replace” the wall with a window. Doesn’t solve your problem.

Just like replacing a busted cat that throws a CEL and prevents registry with another busted cat that throws a CEL and prevents registry. But a fixed emissions system can only mean one thing, and that’s a consistent O2 level and no funny lights on the dash.

 

You still have not disclosed the name of the dealership that screwed you. Why not?

 

I’m communicating with them and they haven’t blown me off yet. I’m told response will be provided on Monday. Figure give them a chance to make things right first. If you’re going to be directly affected you can PM and I’ll let you know.

 

No, not directly affected, but it's good to know who to avoid locally, that's all. Looking forward to see how they take care of you or not.

 

I don’t expect they will throw a 2022 Tundra platinum DC my way in exchange for a signed non-disclosure agreement so I would say you’re guaranteed to know both the name and the outcome. However, if Toyota corporate is out here listening I do want to confirm that my silence and credibility can 100% be bought so come holla at me.

 

Preacher35. I'm looking into Texas safety inspections and I have a question about something I found. Everything I'm reading says that Texas yearly safety inspection includes a functional brake test from ~20mph to 0mph in an allotted distance. Is that accurate? If you had faulty brakes significantly warped rotors would the car pass?

 

You basically made my point for me, which was that unless you specified what needed to be fixed, the dealership will win in court. If your due bill only shows "fix catalytic converter" and not specifically what they were to fix, you may not get anywhere. I am no lawyer, but just my opinion.

You would be better off trying to get them to fix whatever it is and if they don't then make it known that they suck, use all the websites available; Google, dealer rater, Yelp, Facebook, etc. Call Toyota corporate too if they are a Toyota dealership. Squeaky wheel gets the oil, and it's a lot cheaper then a lawyer or court.

Make sure ALL COMMUNICATION with this dealership is in writing.

-T

 

I'm going to again fall back on the fact that an emissions system cannot be "fixed" and throw a CEL for performance below spec.

I get what you're saying regarding being noisy. Waiting for the call back.

 

And THIS is why I ultimately went for a certified used 2018. Even if it meant taking out a loan to pay for the beast.

Good luck, @Assforkr . I've had to deal with this kind of crap before... which factored into my going for a much newer (and more expensive) truck that I'd wanted in the first place.

 

Dealer will make good on it. this isn't that big of deal.
“safety inspection will be complete and cats will be fixed”

You have a slam dunk case in small claims court which is only $129 to file and one page form. If they dont want to fix have it professionally repaired by a Toyota dealer. send letter of demand. then go to court, which it will never ever get that far.

 

Yes, when the person, whom is inspecting your vehicle, gets behind the wheel, he/she tests the braking. It is VERY NON-SCIENTIFIC. They simply give it gas and apply the brakes. I doubt it is even 20 feet. Remember, all of these "inspectors" are independent and are just going through the motions. All they give a shit about is that your brakes stop the vehicle. Not sure what exactly you mean by "faulty brakes". Warped rotors will make no difference on whether or not your rig passes. Now, if your rig throws a code..... it's an issue.

 

Imagine the shaking and vibration you'd feel if you found yourself driving 30 on a rear tire where only half the lugs were installed and even then only halfway. That's the rear end shake during braking. That's how warped the rotors are.

 

I would also recommend contacting your Attorney General . I recently had to contact them for my company my issue was resolved very quickly!

 

Why didn't your company pull your plate off it first?

 

Funny story when I had my 1984 BMW motorcycle inspected this summer I went in, paid the $, and they came out and slapped a sticker on the fork leg.

SPP

 

bolts were stuck and the car plate couldn't be used on a truck it was to be cut off before leaving the premises. Exactly stated in the paperwork they provied.

 

Well, I hate to ask the obvious, but why not just purchase a new rotor and be done with it?

 

I have a set of rotors sitting in the box. Rotors aren’t the issue. Question is in reference to the IOU note from the dealer promising it’ll pass safety. Can the truck clear safety inspection in Texas with the ass end bucking like a bronco?

Every time I change the rotors or do pads I do a nice slow ride down the block to make sure nothing sounds or feels off. Did their tech not do that? How did the truck “pass safety”?

 

I’m looking at this service slip they gave me a copy of and it says they did a cabin filter too. I’m so impressed by these guys that first thing tomorrow I’m going to check it and see if it’s wrapped in plastic. Will report back.

 

Well the nightly update is that they’re trying to contact the dealer that did the diagnostics to “come up with a solution,” but they want to know if returning the truck is an option.

So basically paying me a refund of 1100 for the shipping and telling me to go screw is still cheaper than a combined total of the parts cost and labor. Which btw only come out to 3600 combined if the parts are purchased through sparks.

Bananas.

More at 11.

 

It's an 04. Those were the bastards year version. I got one myself. There is nothing wrong with the emission system. It's just extremely sensitive to exhaust issues. Any exhaust leak will throw those codes.

 

It's a 14 and the Toyota dealer that wrote up the diagnostic explaining the fact that what is currently on the truck is hoopajooped disagrees with your assessment.

 

Update: Dealer is buying back the truck. At least the paperwork has been sent over and now it's a matter of waiting and hopefully minimal back and forth.

As it turns out, Cat theft is so rampant that the good people of Toyota aren't able to keep up with demand. I spoke to several dealers and reached out to Sparks and per calls, there is a nationwide backorder. I'd either be the 272nd person in line waiting for the parts to arrive in the states or 722nd. I forget the number but seeing as the truck is basically currently "unrepairable," it doesn't really matter.

I don't have another opportunity to travel down south unless the sellers try and screw me again, in which case I'll make the time. So looks like I'll have to start looking for a certified Tundra up around here in New England. Trouble I'm coming up against is typical for any New England Toyota owner (1st gen Taco is my daily) and that is rust.

Basically, how long can a Tundra stay on these salt roads without being treated with fluidfilm or coated in oil and still be clean?

 

Oh, do I ever feel your pain. I gave up looking for a Gen 2 and bit the bullet on a 2018 lease return. It's very clean underneath - and I'm STILL taking it to my friend's garage to get it undercoated after April. I want to keep this thing for at least a decade. So... 3 years that I know of.

BTW, Heritage Toyota in South Burlington VT has treated me very well, so that's a recommendation I'm OK with making. I'd avoid Handy Toyota in St. Albans unless they're willing to certify or guarantee whatever it is that they're selling you.

Where in NE are you, BTW?