New Tundra came with Optional Furry Feature

I am the proud owner of a 2020 beautiful Calvary Blue LTD Tundra. I brought her home one week ago today. I've owned nothing but Tundras since the first year they came out; this is my fourth and I'm super stoked.

However. Shortly after getting home from the dealer on purchase day, my wife heard something under the hood and popped it open only to see a rat scurry off into the motor somewhere. WTF! We opened the hood lit it up with lights and hoped he'd run off in the night.

Next day we called the dealer and they weren't able to look at it until Saturday...ugh. Saturday, I dropped it off and they had it all day, replacing some wires that were damaged. They _thought_ they chased it off, but couldn't be sure so I took it home. They did advise me to set a trap (just to be sure), which I did in the garage.

No sign of it the next day so we drove 150 miles to go fishing-no incident. Next morning, Memorial Day, I woke up, went out to the garage, flipped the light on and the little rat bastard is SITTING IN THE CAB ON THE DASHBOARD! I felt like he was giving me the finger-"I'm still here!!" OMG I was mad. Called the dealer-gave him an earful and told him I was gonna set more traps and I was NOT happy.

So, went to town (in wife's car of course) and bought more traps, setting them up in the cab. I managed to trap him in the cab later that night finally. After he was caught I was able to go over the cab to inspect damage: All the floorboards had been chewed on, the driver's seat and the rear seat head rest were also damaged. Oh, and my sunglasses too.

Currently the truck is at the dealers awaiting new parts and a thorough cleaning. They are owning responsibility and promise to make it "right", so I can't complain too much. I am concerned that there is damage under the dash, or where ever that I can't see so I am going to see if they will give me some sort of warranty to protect against that sort of thing down the road. My co-workers say I should demand a new truck....

I am ready for this to be behind me and start enjoying the truck!

 

Yeah... I'd want a new truck too.

 

I'd settle for nothing less than a new truck, and certainly you went above and beyond to catch it for them...

 

Wow that's crazy. I would want a new truck also!

 

Check the cabin filter!

If there is any evidence of rat, you need to get a new truck.

 

I thought you were talking about a different kind of furry... I need to stay off the internet.

 

That is what he is saying, and the dealer doesn't seem to be fighting that position. I'm sure it is possible the Rat hitched on the way home, more likely it's been living in the truck while sitting outside at the dealers.

 

Technically, it is possible that I drove home and in less than an hour, in broad daylight, the rat hopped up into the truck. I've never had a rat/rodent issue in any of my cars at home before. So, yes, it's my contention that the rat was in the truck at the lot- not for long though, as they didn't find "a lot" of nesting material in motor compartment.

 

I’d say have them swap out for a new one.

Take it home and put in some screens in the cowl openings to prevent anything from getting into the cab, in the future.

There’s several examples on here where some have attached with screws or zip ties.
I finally did this mod last month. After a thorough cleaning, I attached mine with gorilla tape. Although I’ve never had any rodent problems, it’s worth the peace of mind.

 

Amazing! You might have the most negotiating leverage on a car dealer anyone has ever had!

 

NEW TRUCK! No doubt. That’s a hell of a lot of money to spend to worry about what else it chewed up you will never see. If the dealer doesn’t comply directly contact Toyota. If that don’t work call a lawyer.

 

I’d guess it was at the dealership and hitched a ride. Covid has affected their regular hangouts so they are on the move. We never had a rodent problem until about a month ago. So far I have killed 7 in my garage and 2 in the house. No telling how many with the poison I put out. Shot one with a pellet gun hanging around my burn pile tonight.

 

Ya I wouldn't stop with that dealer until I had a new truck or possibly a lifetime warranty with a large number of aftermarket parts on the house!

 

WOW easy to say give me a new truck. But it doesn't work that way. You are lucky the dealership is doing what they are for you. Just remember you have already signed the bank paperwork on the truck. Don't make a stink with the dealership. If worse comes to worse file a claim with your insurance company. Those are your only choices.

-Jason

 

Lol I change my vote to this post. Doubtful they could or would give you a new truck, but that's what you have insurance for if something major does happen. But I would still push for a free extended warranty or something along those lines.

 

Welcome from NY.

Sorry to hear about the rodent issues. Hopefully they get everything squared away and give you a free warranty.

 

Howdy from DFW and













But the Tundra you speak of, this...

 

Where exactly on the truck are you covering up?

 

OP here. This is really the way it is. This is a small-ish town. I've been a customer of this dealer (the only Toyota dealer in town) for 20+ years. They've been solid and I don't want them as an enemy. It sucks, but in the grand scheme of things, it could be a lot worse.

 

Wow, you are way nicer then I am.

I just financed my biggest purchase ever for $27k, my 2014 Tundra.

$40k+? for a rodent infestation, and unknown problems in the future, on a brand new anything?

Not on my watch buddy.
The wife would shit a brick (a rat, are you kidding me?) and demand the truck be returned, and replaced.
20 year relationship means you don't do that to me, we are like family, you make it right, without me even asking.

Swap that truck out, and don't hassle me about it, deal with the bank loan and your own insurance dealership.

Or if my 20 year business means nothing, talk to the state AG I will call, the local news, and the social media reviews about your rat dealership.

Sorry, money is to hard to come by, and I didn't buy rats with it, I bought a brand new flawless truck.

Your money, your call though friend, do what you feel is right

Again, not on my watch.....