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marinedad

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Apr 26, 2012
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Just backed my LX450 off the transport truck. I searched for months to find the "right" Cruiser. Purchased from Kentucky through internet, ( i'm in Texas). Dealer said had Diff Loc option (photo of switch in ad). Said they "clicked", and light blinked on dash, but didn't think they engaged. After unloading I looked under truck....no Diff Loc axles. Called Dealer and he said he "thought it had optional Diff Loc". I told him switch was in dash, but not hooked up. He had no explanation for clicking and light blinking on dash. Said he must have been "mistaken". He then told me I should have no problem selling vehicle in Texas. BEWARE! If you buy vehicle sight unseen, don't assume anything. Have local surveyor or reputable third party look at truck. I thought I could repair non functioning lockers after reading treads, but really didn't really plan on changing the AXLES.:o::doh:
 
That's dirty! If you have it in writing that you asked about the diff locks and they said it had them, you may be able to get them to void the contract and take the truck back as it was not as represented, or at least refund a portion of your money to make up for it.
 
Someone has some splaining to do

Splaining To Do.webp

I would think you could get them for saying the lights come on??? I am by no means an expert, that sucks...
Splaining To Do.webp
 
In Florida you're allowed to "take back" a deal within a few days... I think it's 3?

Not sure about inter-state deals, however...
 
Ouch! I've done a few long distance purchases but always either send someone or find a way to go see it myself. Too much risk and too many idiots out there trying to make a quick buck.
 
Was this from a Toyota dealership or a small used car lot??
 
Does the vehicle have the K294 code on the door indicating locked axles? I wonder if somebody used this as a donor for an axle swap?
 
Who ever thought of buying anything used - sight unseen - unless it was 100 bucks??
 
Wow man, sorry, that's horrible. I would think reporting "clicking" and "lights turning on" (which would be literally impossible for a switch that goes nowhere) would qualify as fraudulent misrepresentation. Best of luck!
 
Dealers have a Dealer Bond for just this kind of stuff. Tell him you want to be compensated for the cost of the axles and the install off the amount you paid or you'll file a claim on his Dealer Bond Insurance. Its like malpractice insurance for a doctor that the dealer carries by law in most states to have their dealer licence.

The State Motor Vehicle Department should have a record of who the Dealer is insured through.

Most any Dealer with a brain would not want to risk having a claim on his Bond.

Just a thought.
 
marinedad said:
Just backed my LX450 off the transport truck. I searched for months to find the "right" Cruiser. Purchased from Kentucky through internet, ( i'm in Texas). Dealer said had Diff Loc option (photo of switch in ad). Said they "clicked", and light blinked on dash, but didn't think they engaged. After unloading I looked under truck....no Diff Loc axles. Called Dealer and he said he "thought it had optional Diff Loc". I told him switch was in dash, but not hooked up. He had no explanation for clicking and light blinking on dash. Said he must have been "mistaken". He then told me I should have no problem selling vehicle in Texas. BEWARE! If you buy vehicle sight unseen, don't assume anything. Have local surveyor or reputable third party look at truck. I thought I could repair non functioning lockers after reading treads, but really didn't really plan on changing the AXLES.:o::doh:
Click to expand...

Obvious fraud/misrepresentation. Should be able to get refund if you stick to your guns. Might even be able to get them to pay your lawyer's fees. I'd talk to a lawyer that you trust, if that's possible.:rolleyes: They're hard to find, though.
 
Offroads4x4 said:
Dealers have a Dealer Bond for just this kind of stuff. Tell him you want to be compensated for the cost of the axles and the install off the amount you paid or you'll file a claim on his Dealer Bond Insurance. Its like malpractice insurance for a doctor that the dealer carries by law in most states to have their dealer licence.

The State Motor Vehicle Department should have a record of who the Dealer is insured through.

Most any Dealer with a brain would not want to risk having a claim on his Bond.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...

X2, it's there for situations like this, and any dealer that plans on staying in business doesn't want a claim on that bond. You'd want to find out the proper wording before throwing around claims though, I know in Alberta it's called an AMVIC bond (Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council), so odds are it's a state-by-state thing, and not federal.

Edit: found this

"Texas MVD Dealer Surety Bond
A $25,000 dealership bond is required auto, motorcycle and wholesale auction dealers in Texas. This bond must run for the term of the license period. Franchised dealers and trailer dealer are exempted from this bond in Texas."

http://www.bryantsuretybonds.com/Surety_Bonds/Commercial_Surety_Bonds/MVD_Bonds/Texas.html

and this:

http://www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/titles/bonded.htm
 
Last edited:
marinedad said:
Dealer said had Diff Loc option (photo of switch in ad). Said they "clicked", and light blinked on dash, but didn't think they engaged. After unloading I looked under truck....no Diff Loc axles. Called Dealer and he said he "thought it had optional Diff Loc". I told him switch was in dash, but not hooked up.
Click to expand...

Does beg the technical question of what would happen if somebody took the locked axles off a K294 (factory locked) truck and left all the rest. I suppose you'd still get the click from the dash relay and the lights would blink forever since they'd never hear back from the lockers?

Not defending the dealer at all, just trying to figure out what on earth happened to your truck.
 
Toyota dealership or used car dealer? Or did you send a private sale car to the toyota dealership for a pre purchase inspection?

Hate to hear about burn jobs like this, but there are ways to back out of a sale.

IMO all long distance toyota vehicle purchases should have a pre purchase inspection done at a local (to the car) Toyota dealership. Then fly in to drive the car yourself before buying. You can then either drive it home, or arrange transport depending on costs and time constraints.
 
marinedad said:
Just backed my LX450 off the transport truck. I searched for months to find the "right" Cruiser. Purchased from Kentucky through internet, ( i'm in Texas). Dealer said had Diff Loc option (photo of switch in ad). Said they "clicked", and light blinked on dash, but didn't think they engaged. After unloading I looked under truck....no Diff Loc axles. Called Dealer and he said he "thought it had optional Diff Loc". I told him switch was in dash, but not hooked up. He had no explanation for clicking and light blinking on dash. Said he must have been "mistaken". He then told me I should have no problem selling vehicle in Texas. BEWARE! If you buy vehicle sight unseen, don't assume anything. Have local surveyor or reputable third party look at truck. I thought I could repair non functioning lockers after reading treads, but really didn't really plan on changing the AXLES.:o::doh:
Click to expand...

:idea:An election is sort of an advanced auction on stolen goods. H.L. Menkin
 
I was warned about such a thing prior to buy my LC. I crawled under the truck and looked for the tell tail signs on the diff. It seems to be a popular deception in the used market.
 
Considering the desirability and increased value of a factory locked 80, more and more shady sellers must be catching on and pulling this crap.
 
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