Charlene
VIenna,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sun, August 25, 2002
Katherine, thank you for sharing your story with us. Are you aware that your vehicle is among those with the potential sludge in the engine problem? If you had any repairs due to oil gelation, you need to contact the customer service number at Toyota and ask for reimbursement. Do a google.com search for the information under "Toyota sludge." It is scary to think that your vehicle is being resold "as is." This is also what is happening with the recycled sludgemobiles at Toyota. Toyota Financial Services actually posted an "Engine Sludge Policy" on its web site but it has since been removed. Apparently, it was not meant for public viewing because less than two days after the Toyota Owners Network posted it on-line, it was removed from the TFS site. This policy stated what the arbitration rules would be if the sludge was found in the vehicles at auction. This was perhaps one of the first indications that Toyota KNEW about the problem before any public information became available. Owners need to file FORMAL complaints to the local, state, and federal consumer agencies to report such occurrences as yours. Too much is being hidden from the public. Who gets hurt in all this? The consumers who purchase these unfit vehicles! Recently, I have been hearing horror stories from new purchasers of previously-owned Toyota CERTIFIED vehicles. Coincidentally, my sister-in-law purchased a used 2000 Camry privately. The V6 engine vehicles bear watching for the build up of engine sludge. Also, the 4-cylinder Camry falls within this group, too. I am appalled when I read that an engine seizes just days after purchase!! We have been watching these lovely Toyota commercials which indicate how GREAT a used Toyota can be. Is this hype, or worse, misleading advertisement? Why are so many low mileage Toyotas sludging up? Why are so many having pulling problems with premature tire wear? Why is the power steering and transmission troublesome on so many Siennas? The owners would like to know the answers to these questions. Don't forget to notify the NHTSA, FTC, and CAS about your major automotive failures. Without formal documentation, Toyota (and any other automaker) can harp on the numbers of formal complaints and erroneously lead others to believe that this is the incidence rate for the noted failures. You must do your part to document.
The Great Thorn
Scottsdale,#3Consumer Suggestion
Sun, August 25, 2002
Katherine, The Great Thorn has to respond your your Rip Off Report. I am not personaly able to say I feel your pain that this toyota dealer has caused you. But what I am able to do is provide you a clear cut way to upset this dealer's apple cart. Katherine keep this in mine. Car dealers in the past have always been able to keep thier scams and unhappy car buyers under the big rug. Not anymore. The Rip Off Report has a Very BIG following. Like CEOs at Ford, GM, Toyota and many other car makers big shots. If any big shot CEO at any car make does not know of the Rip Off Report, They soon will. I, The Great Thorn will see to it. The days of dirty car deals being thrown under the big rug are now over. Please take note that your Rip Off Report will NEVER be deleted. This is a way for you to always be a thorn in their butt. Now, here is what I would do if I were you. Step # 1 I would fax a copy of your Rip Off report to your state AG's Office. Here is their contact info California State Offices Patrick Dorais, Acting Chief Bureau of Automotive Repair California Department of Consumer Affairs 10240 Systems Parkway Sacramento, CA 95827 916-255-4300 Toll free in CA: 800-952-5210 TDD: 916-255-1369 Web site: www.autorepair.ca.gov Step # 2 Print off a "Printer Friendly Version" of your Rip Off Report and Fax it to every Toyota Fax number I have posted. To push the Thorn deep, Type up a very nice cover sheet and and in big bold letters type " FREE CLOSING TOOL FOR ALL LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS, GUARANTEED TO INCREASE YOUR CLOSINGS" This will get the attention real fast of the dirty car dealer that bent you over. Just think how this will feel. I say go deep, It feels better. This faxing might cost you 3 or 4 bucks, but it is money well spent, Trust me. Fremont Toyota Fax: (510) 445-5378 Toyota Of Palo Alto Fax: (650) 843-1179 Piercey Toyota Fax: (408) 436-2943 Hayward Toyota Fax: (510) 889-8148 Fremont Toyota Fax: (510) 445-5378 Toyota Of Palo Alto Fax: (650) 843-1179 Piercey Toyota Fax: (408) 436-2943 Hayward Toyota Fax: (510) 889-8148 Katherine I would like you to go to www.google.com and click the "advanced search" buttom on the top right and in the "exact Phrase" box type in Toyota Rip Off. and hit search. You and EVERYBODY else that sees this will see that The Rip Off Report is EVERYWHERE. The bad businesses will be expose for all to see. Unlike the Better Business Bureau, bad business bureau does not take money from people or businesses that are being watched. I feel that the car dealer that you bought your Un certified Toyota from should sell you a NEW TOYOTA CAMERY for $6000 under cost. and hand you a FREE extended warranty at NO COST TO YOU. Step # 3 If I were you I also would send a copy of your complete Rip Off Report to Toyota Motor Corp. I just so happend to have their contact info at MY finger tips. And here it is Just for you. Make sure that you fax a copy of you Rip Off report to the Toyota Fax number below. Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. Customer Assistance Center Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. Department H200 19001 S. Western Avenue Torrance, CA 90509 310-468-4000 Toll free: 1-800-331-4331 TDD toll free: 1-800-443-4999 Fax: Fax: 310-468-7800 Web site: www.toyota.com The Great Thorn believes if you want to take advantage of the power of a thorn, you MUST PUSH IT DEEP. Foot note to all car buyers. Please read the Rip Off Report before you do business with any business that you think might be a Rip Off. Signed,