Dreaded Puddle of Oil!!

[bjowett]

There is a bypass valve for the oil cooler, my best guess(?) is that this jammed shut, and/or the oil cooler has become restricted for some reason. This valve looks and operates just like the bypass valve for the oil pump. It is very easy to access as it is on the bottom of the oil filter housing, right by the the oil filter cap. FWIW.

 

[Daneshavis]

Ok, so that just happened. I just spoke with the broker and the Toyota Master tech (at the dealer) said, it is screwed. Best guess is the crank case is pushing the seal out and they are talking an $18k lower block replacement? They cannot find anything else that could be wrong and causing the seal to push out. Unbelievable, I think I might go buy a Land Rover as I just happen to live in the car world of Opposite Town which means a LR would probably provide me with 400k miles of uninterrupted service, ha.

The bright spot in this whole deal has been the broker. He is asking me if I would be open to swapping the vehicle if he can run down another Cruiser with similar specs and will let me continue to drive the loaner vehicle while he searches. I am absolutely amazed with how much this guy has gone out of his way to "do the right thing" which makes me want to work with him even more to get this right. There is no way this guy doesn't take a massive bath on this deal, yet he continues to step up to the plate. I don't necessarily want to give money away but I am a huge fan of win/win negotiations so I am sure I will be taking a hit also but it doesn't hurt quite as bad as it could have.

If everything works out you can bet I will recommend this guy to every person I know, just maybe not a Land Cruiser, ha just kidding.

 

[onemanarmy]

By 'broker' do you mean used car dealer?

 

[Daneshavis]

The broker I have does have some inventory but basically, you tell him what you want and he goes and gets the vehicle and handles your trade, to give to other clients. No car lot, or anything like that but basically does the same thing, only more capabilities than what is "on the lot".

 

[SWUtah]

Ok, so that just happened. I just spoke with the broker and the Toyota Master tech (at the dealer) said, it is screwed. Best guess is the crank case is pushing the seal out and they are talking an $18k lower block replacement? They cannot find anything else that could be wrong and causing the seal to push out. Unbelievable, I think I might go buy a Land Rover as I just happen to live in the car world of Opposite Town which means a LR would probably provide me with 400k miles of uninterrupted service, ha.

The bright spot in this whole deal has been the broker. He is asking me if I would be open to swapping the vehicle if he can run down another Cruiser with similar specs and will let me continue to drive the loaner vehicle while he searches. I am absolutely amazed with how much this guy has gone out of his way to "do the right thing" which makes me want to work with him even more to get this right. There is no way this guy doesn't take a massive bath on this deal, yet he continues to step up to the plate. I don't necessarily want to give money away but I am a huge fan of win/win negotiations so I am sure I will be taking a hit also but it doesn't hurt quite as bad as it could have.

If everything works out you can bet I will recommend this guy to every person I know, just maybe not a Land Cruiser, ha just kidding.

Use the warranty and have the broker put in a new engine or like he said allow him to transfer the $$$ you have in this deal into another LC he finds for you. If he works like most restaurants I've eaten at when you send that first steak back the new one comes our bigger and better. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[hbomb]

Daneshavis,

any updates? I have asked a broker here (DFW) to see what 2008-2009 he can find (anywhere in the US). per this broker, very few are hitting the auctions. so far (2 weeks now) the prices he has quoted are nearly identical to the stealership prices.

if yours is placed back into the market, do you mind sharing the VIN, as that is clearly one to avoid.

 

[Daneshavis]

Long story short. I lost my ass, the scumbag (formally known as broker) turned once the engine swap was the solution and I learned a costly lesson. Even if it is in writing it must have my signature and broker. My lawyer basically said to cut my losses and get out. I guess often times dealers explain a warranty and if it is something minor, cover it without issue. However, when it comes to catastrophic failures, this allows them to "get out of it". Lesson learned.

It did sell at auction. I do not have the VIN on me but just look at the 2009 Black/Grey carfax and you will see a second owner with 3 months (December to March) and that is her. I followed a large dealer here in CO that purchased it and requested information, however it seems to not have passed their inspection and it has not turned up since.

The Bad - I no longer own a 200 (Amazing machine)
The Ugly - It was crazy how the helpful scumbag turned on me. I am no spring chicken when it comes to business practices however, this one still surprised me.
The Good - I am now the proud owner of a 2004 100 and while it is certainly not a 200, I do not have the same reservations about getting it dirty. In the brief time with the 200 I felt it becoming a garage queen, which is not why I bought a LC.

I appreciate all the feedback.

Cheers,

 

[Footwork]

Wow. Sorry to hear that.

 

[hbomb]

agreed....that sucks. On the bright side, I bet the 100 will be good for more than a few smiles.

 

[THEROK]

100 is a siq ride. Tons of aftermarket support and way more owners to feed the frenzy. Enjoy!