I know this is an old subject. I spoke to the dealer where I bought my then new 95 4Runner and they ran my vin# but told me no dice. They would be happy to fix the head gasket for $2,300 if there is head work the price increases. I have 156K miles on it I am the original owner and have, I thought taken very good care of a very good vehicle. Is that the last avenue for me should I roll up my sleaves and jump in or has anyone been down this road before? Please advise. Side note I really am thankful for finding this fourm it is a great information source.
95 4Runner Head Gasket
- Thread starter jebb1
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mikes4runner
New member
jebb1 said:
What does "no dice" mean? did it have the head gaskets replaced under the recall? If they have, it would be cheaper to replace the whole engine at a shop then pay $2300 or more to have the dealer just replace the head gaskets.
If the head gaskets have not been replaced under the recall then you should talk to the service manager or call Corp. Toyota.
Mike
Thanks for the response maybe I should be a little more clear. I have not had any work done as it relates to the head gasket prior to this date. I spoke to a rep. at Toyota and to the service manage at the dealer. They both began by getting my VIN #, then both told me my 4Runner did not have any outstanding service pending. I asked for both to explain why my 3.0 L V-6 3 VZ-E engine was not covered. Toyota said the VIN # is what they go by, but what angered me was the reprasentative said "if you had built a relationship with the dealer for example had ALL my maint. done there they might be more willing". The dealer also said my VIN # was not covered, she also said something about Canadian vs. Japanese built Toyota's that mine is from Japan and therefore does not have the head gasket problem.
Hey jebb1
We must have gone to the same dealership because I was told the exact same thing by a dealer in the Toronto area. They must be following a standard response/form letter. I was quote $1200 if no machining required, $2000 if they had to send it out. Sounds like your quote is a bit high, I would suggest shopping around.
My problem was resolved quite easily. Found out about the head gasket leak Friday 15th, ordered a new 2005 Sport on Saturday 16th. Figured between the head gasket, tailgate, brake work, it was time to trade-up.
joyride...
We must have gone to the same dealership because I was told the exact same thing by a dealer in the Toronto area. They must be following a standard response/form letter. I was quote $1200 if no machining required, $2000 if they had to send it out. Sounds like your quote is a bit high, I would suggest shopping around.
My problem was resolved quite easily. Found out about the head gasket leak Friday 15th, ordered a new 2005 Sport on Saturday 16th. Figured between the head gasket, tailgate, brake work, it was time to trade-up.
joyride...
mikes4runner
New member
jebb1 said:
Ha Ha what a joke...mine was built in Japan too and they replaced mine at around 60K.
They are feeding you line, the truck has a recall for the factory installed head gaskets, meaning there was a defect has nothing to do with your maint. and who or where it was done.
They just don't want to take the hit for fixing your truck if I was you I would take the next step and call corp. Toyota and rasise hell.
Update
I have sent a certified letter to Toyota, no reply thus far. I also posted on National and local (Texas) Department of Transportation Board's websites. I have accumulated quite a file in conducting my research on this matter, many have questions that have gone unanswered. I hope to get at the very least a satisfactory reason as to why Toyota seems to pick an choose which defects they will correct and which ones they will not. Plans are in the works for futher action if this is not resolved. Will keep you posted.
I have sent a certified letter to Toyota, no reply thus far. I also posted on National and local (Texas) Department of Transportation Board's websites. I have accumulated quite a file in conducting my research on this matter, many have questions that have gone unanswered. I hope to get at the very least a satisfactory reason as to why Toyota seems to pick an choose which defects they will correct and which ones they will not. Plans are in the works for futher action if this is not resolved. Will keep you posted.
