Aaaargh! Pre-purchase inspection... (1 Viewer)

[e9999]

We brought the newly-found truck over to the local Toyota dealer for a "pre-purchase" inspection.
They had quoted us $90 or so for the inspection.
Had a look at the truck myself and found a few items I wondered about: bit of oil on the rear diff, "rough" trans shifting in Lo, maybe slight grabbing/vibration in brakes, paint marks on the driveshaft, slight squeaking/hissing sound when applying brakes.
So I mention these to be sure they would be covered in the inspection. Figure without a full miking of the rotors should be no more than 5/10 mins to see if there is something off. Basic stuff.
Guy comes back with $150 estimate. After I remark on this, says none of this is covered by their "inspection", it's all extra work etc etc.
I was seriously ticked off, but the wife was there and I did not want to kill the guy yet in case we need him for warranty work in the near future. Also wanted an "official" Toyota report in case we want to return the truck. We'll see what kind of report we get. It'd better have a full rotor report....

Anyway, what a great way to tee off a new customer on the first visit. Does not look good as far as local dealer service. Fortunately, there is a good independent guy nearby from what I can tell...

sheesh....

Eric

 

[Junk]

No offense dude, but maybe you should have asked ahead of time. :

Is this truck from a private purchase, a non-Toy dealer or a Toy dealer?

What year are you talking 'bout?

 

[e9999]

Toy dealer, '00
OK, so you think these questions I raised would not be part of a "normal" inspection? They don't look for oil leaks? The guy also told me that on the brakes they only look at pad thickness normally, not warpage. I was surprised given that this is a "problem" item on the LCs.
Guess I'm not used to dealing with dealers, maybe...
thanks
Eric

 

[Junk]

Depends on WHERE they look for leaks. If you are buying this from a dealer, then why are you paying for this? It should be part of their certified check (which the precheck sucks worse than yo momma btw).

Warped rotors are not problematic. What is problematic is the di#%weeds overtorque the darn lugs which can lead to that.

Hey man, all I'm saying is that if you request specific things be checked, then be ready to pay for it.

 

[woody]

Dealers will vary....I refuse to take anything to my local one after I had my new 95 pickup in there for some warranty work...they forgot to even tighten the nuts for the hubs. Never went back.

IMO, if the dealer is a schmo, make friends with a local shop, or check the Cruiserheads around your area for who they recommend.

 

[IdahoDoug]

As a long time owner of 4WD machines, I can agree in principle with the dealer's extra charge. Just like ads reading "$100 for most vehicles", your 80 does not qualify for the cheap stuff. It's got a lot more components to look at vs a typical car. You have 6 brakes, 3 differentials, 2 driveshafts, birfields, rear wheel bearings, etc. Sounds like someone looked at an "inspection price" sheet and gave you the price on the phone they'll look over a Ford Escort for.

$90 to inspect a car SHOULD buy you at least 1.5 hours of inspecting and truthfully they should be able to get through all fluids, measure the brakes and pads, etc. Inspections are a ripoff in general if you know little about cars. It's kinda like saying "Hey, person who takes my money for repairs - what do I need to repair here?" Fox guarding the henhouse and all that sorta rot.... Caveat Emptor

Doug

 

[e9999]

well, just heard back, seems like rotors are warped -don't know yet how much- so may have been worth it to pay the extra $70 ...
more on a separate thread...
Eric

 

[scottm]

When I went looking for 80s I brought coveralls, inspection mirror, flashlight, a few tools, and cellphone to pester my brother while looking at it. I'd think warped rotors would show up on a test ride? How neglected can a '00 be? If it was a 4-yr old 80 I'd only worry about flood damage or very hard use, but this is a 100.

 

[e9999]

well, I did check the underside, did go for test ride etc, which is why I came up with these items I wanted them to check. Mostly I wanted it in writing from a Toyota dealer. Got that. May help. Had them write on there the runouts, that the rotors had to be changed, that there was severe pulsation etc...
The warpage did indeed show up when I test drove it. There was some vibration in steering.
Service guy says warpage happens eventually on all these, and more frequently so on the 80s than the 100s.
E

 

[e9999]

Actually, in retrospect, the inspection was really worthwhile having done. And I think they did look at things seriously. These guys were allright if expensive.
Eric