Just got hosed on a 1st Gen Tundra (HELP!)

I would Go after the guy simply to save next person. This isn’t his first time.

 

you can most likely pull the title hx and if the title when he bought it reflects anything at or above 150k then you should have a leg to stand on.
sucks you got carfax after sale
I bought an impreza in HS with a known "TMU" on title

 

It doesn’t require an ECM (on the tundras) - mileage is stored in the instrument cluster. Swap in a cluster from a junk yard and done.

I swapped my 2008 out for an optitron (Limited) gage cluster and had to find a place that could flash the correct mileage onto the cluster so that I could keep it square. For the guys that do it, it’s a pretty easy job with the gear they have, but costs about $150 around here.

 

The only bad thing is you are stuck with a truck with a mileage discrepancy - might be harder to sell. I’d at least report the dude so he doesn’t do it again.

 

You have a lot of good documentation there. You may want to contact your local sherriff's office. The DMV also has a dept that handles fraud. From what I'm seeing here, this was intentional but keep in mind people flip titles. Mr. Guzman may have not been the person who sold you this vehicle. For those that don't know, both parties should fill out the transfer of ownership in its entirety before leaving and verify identities. These are mistakes we only make once, don't let it get you down. You lost some money but on the bright side, its a 4.7 Tundra, its still got a lot of life left to give you.

 

Obviously some big red flags here which you acknowledged should have been identified before the purchase in your original post, but it definitely sounds like this guy committed fraud. If you can track him down, and he is actually who he says he is, then you probably have a case. My guess is "Juan" at that address isn't the guy you dealt with and "knows nothing" about the whole thing. Good luck!

 

Yeah - it’s a ROM chip in there that stores the info. The crook here may have just as easily reflashed the ODO himself or had a friend do it.

for sure I’d be exploring options with the DMV and/or sheriff’s office on odometer fraud. Even if you keep the rig, hopefully can keep the shitbag from doing it to someone else.

 

I’ve made contact with Mr Guzman, he’s going to help me with this. He’s not responsible and is a straight shooter. The guy he sold it to is the scumbag who tampered with the odometer. I wouldn’t be surprised at this point if the title I have is fake. I’ll sort it out at the DMV on Monday. And yes absolutely I will report this to make sure “Domingo” Perez is held accountable. I’ll update what happens at the DMV.

 

May want to edit your photos to hide the personal info on the documents. Doxing isn't a good thing.

 

If you find "Domingo", ask if he has any spare cats........and quite frankly I wouldn't trust Juan either. This whole thing is quite shady from the git go. Kali DMV WILL persue blatant fraud. Altered paperwork/misleading info on official State issued documents=jail time and a hefty fine. I hated San Fernando Valley....

 

Maybe I missed it but there is no odometer reading on the title. The DMV probably couldn't care less if you bring information from carfax and a smog shop saying the odometer doesn't match.

You bought a older toyota in california with high resale value, fraud is abundant. Unfortunately you got scammed. This is why you have to be more thorough when buying a vehicle like this. 15 year old truck with 100k less miles than 95% of the other 15 year old Tundras for sale? Pay for the Carfax before handing over money. Study the truck looking for collision damage, body work, and mismatched parts.

I would probably just let the odometer issue go. You have other issues to worry about like title fraud or passing emissions. Have you checked to make sure the VIN on the truck matches the title?

 

Kali Smog Check stations are licensed by the state. They issue official state Smog documents. They must record what they find as in an odometer discrepancy. They could lose their license to operate if they didn't. Of course Kali DMV will be quite interested indeed. I'd persue this in a heartbeat .

 

I completely agree with you on everything.

But, yeah you missed it…or “half assed” read it. Mileage is on the transfer part of the title.

 

Yep, always is. TO HELP PREVENT AGAINST FRAUD...heh...heh

 

That's the odometer reading written for the sale to the OP. I want the odometer reading from when it was sold a month ago (another huge red flag).

Maybe California doesn't list that information on their vehicle titles. In Florida they do.

 

Ahhh.....OP posted the pic of the altered Smog certificate dated.....a month ago....which is submitted with the title as in most states to get your vehicle registered...smh
Every state has a grace period before another smog check is required.

 

Carfax shows entries in past years in the 200k mileage range. The title was transferred on 4/19/21. On 4/20/21 the odometer was read at 270k. Now it's 150k.

OP says the previous owner didn't tamper with the odometer and he says it was the guy before him. Yeah bullshit on that. The previous owner bought it, flipped it in a month, and scammed OP.

 

I think the OP was saying the guy on the title is not who he bought it from. That the guy he sold it to swapped the odometer and then sold it to the OP.

 

Sucks when shit like this happens, but you got to ask yourself... did you get a Tundra that you wanted at a price you were happy with? Sure, if you had known you could have gotten a better deal but... lesson learned, good money after bad yada yada... You still got a nice truck, and if you can find the guy, we'll all swear you were out wheeling with us when you get your 2 pounds of flesh.

 

I read that incorrectly then. If that's true OP should have walked away at that point. If you're not buying from the person listed on the title, walk away. Or let them straighten it out by transferring the title into their name like they were supposed to and then buy it.

I almost got burned that way buying a truck in highschool. Previous owner was dead. Thankfully his family helped me get a valid title.

 

Bottom line: it’s shady, and needs to be reported. It’s shit like this that I rarely buy used, and if I do, I run multiple checks. I was looking at a used car and ran an AutoCheck report that showed no accidents. Carfax showed an accident.

 

Yeah, the guy on the title seems to be in the clear. My bag on that. "Domingo" needs to be found. Not looking too good come to think of it. Gone with the wind comes to mind. Maybe Juan can shed some light.

 

Hehehe. “Domingo” Perez has been canceled on Tundras.com

 

I may be the only one who feels this way, but other than reporting the POS that did this, hopefully nailing him to the wall, the other preventive action you can take is to never buy a vehicle from Craigslist. I truly believe that for every honest person on Craigslist, there are a dozen crooks.

 

Yep. I ordered a Jabba the Hut pizza yesterday afternoon. Carryout. When I went to pick it up.....I lifted the hood of the box to see if what I ordered was what was in the box and matched my receipt before I claimed it. I'm old and have learned from experience. Sucks that the OP had this happen. I'm pretty much easy going but don't cross my ass. I'd be checking back in with "Domingo"....legally of course......

 

Just like used car lot salesmen....ha! All about due diligence no matter who you might be buying anything from.

 

That’s because everyone knows you always get fucked at the drive though

 

My last 2 vehicles have been from craigslist. I made sure I personally inspected them, and had a dealership also inspect them. It cost me a bit more, but they both were good transactions. One thing of note; I always like to deal with a couple rather than just one person. It gives me a better feel for the situation. Also I like to look for that little fish on there car bumper.