False advertising?

B

buck_sez

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I have been searching for a 4Runner (my first Toyota ever) to take place of a Honda Odyssey and that search finally led to a purchase. You have probably heard by now of the infamous Honda transmission woes, and I needed a good reliable towing vehicle. I found a 2004 Limited V8 that I believe is in about as good of shape as you could get. One owner, well maintained, etc. I am thankful for that.

Here is my situation...The dealership advertised the 4Runner as having a trailer hitch and the photos also show the hitch installed. The vehicle was placed online a couple months ago. Within the time span of being originally advertised and my purchase, the trailer hitch was removed for whatever reason but the dealer's ad was never updated to reflect that. I never thought to look for a hitch, I assumed it was on there and made the purchase. Drove home from the dealer and discovered it was no longer part of the vehicle. Called the dealer and they explain I am S.O.L. but that they will provide me with a new hitch, eat half of the cost of parts and installation-$637-so I would have to shell out some $318! It would cost me less than $175 to buy one and install it myself. This is humiliating and this is really a challenge to me because I am not one to go to battle with a car dealer. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

AJ
 
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I work for a dealership if the hitch was visible in the pictures then they have to provide you the hitch. If you have problems ask to speak to the gm I am sure they would help you out. You should not have to pay anything because the runner was advertized with the hitch and probably this was one of your buying decisions.
 
Was it a Toyota Certified Used vehicle?

If so, was the hitch on the 160 point inspection?
 
"trailer towing hitch" is clearly advertised. What would stop them from taking out the cd player and installing a tape deck?
Good luck!
 
Yep, it lists "Trailer Towing Hitch" right there... I looked over the 160 point inspection on line and it doesn't seem to note the hitch, but does it say anything about it on the one you received with the vehicle?

Either way, I would do battle with the dealership. I don't think it's any more reasonable to remove the hitch than I do a headlight or the passenger seat.

Just out of curiosity, what was their response when you approached them about this?
 
buck_sez said:
It was sold to me Certified...here's the ad-

http://www.rohrman.com/inventory/usedcars/fwtoy/JTEBT17R840042167
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Read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page. The dealership has a loop hole.

I definitely woulld make a stink about this. However, I would go to the Toyota Customer Relations person (every dealership has one) and make a complaint. They will investigate it and more than likely give you the hitch for free. They are supposed to act as a go-between the dealership and Toyota Corporate.

If that doesn't work go to the General Manager.

If need be, make a complaint with the BBB.
 
R.A. said:
Read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page. The dealership has a loop hole.

I definitely woulld make a stink about this. However, I would go to the Toyota Customer Relations person (every dealership has one) and make a complaint. They will investigate it and more than likely give you the hitch for free. They are supposed to act as a go-between the dealership and Toyota Corporate.

If that doesn't work go to the General Manager.

If need be, make a complaint with the BBB.
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Ya but you can clearly see the hitch in the picture, so the "third party" information is correct in this case. Take it up with dealer and see what happens.
 
Will_4R said:
Ya but you can clearly see the hitch in the picture, so the "third party" information is correct in this case. Take it up with dealer and see what happens.
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I definitely agree. In fact, as another poster pointed out, what about the HU in the vehicle?

If I was buying a car I definitely would be using the photos/write up as proof of what's supposed to be on/in the vehicle. And I would demand satisfaction.

Looks like they stole parts from it for another sale...
 
Make sure you save a copy of the ad/web page showing the hitch before the dealer takes it down now that the vehicle is sold.

-Brent
 
Just my 2 cents, find a local consumer protection lawyer and have him/her fax a simple letter saying they need to provide you with a new hitch at no cost to you or nullify the deal and return your traded vehicle. One letter from a lawyer and they'll fold. I did it a few years ago for a similar dealership issue and the lawyer did it for free. He faxed it in and I got a call from the stealership a couple hours later. The lawyer may charge you a few bucks but it beats $300+.
 
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Towing hitch problem resolved

I contacted the Toyota customer relations specialist yesterday at the dealership's HQ in another city and recieved a phone call from the dealership today, more specifically the sales manager, and was informed I would be provided a trailer hitch at no cost. It was a hassle, none the less, but persistence pays off. Thank you every one that posted advice, especially the suggestion of contacting the customer relations specialist, it was encouraging and helpful!
 
buck_sez said:
I contacted the Toyota customer relations specialist yesterday at the dealership's HQ in another city and recieved a phone call from the dealership today, more specifically the sales manager, and was informed I would be provided a trailer hitch at no cost. It was a hassle, none the less, but persistence pays off. Thank you every one that posted advice, especially the suggestion of contacting the customer relations specialist, it was encouraging and helpful!
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That is good news no one should be given the cheat deal. You have to stand up and be willing to fight. Sometimes it works many times it won't, but the fight must go on.
Many people running dealerships think the buying public is stupid, you have let these people know your not one of them.
 
riverider said:
That is good news no one should be given the cheat deal. You have to stand up and be willing to fight. Sometimes it works many times it won't, but the fight must go on.
Many people running dealerships think the buying public is stupid, you have let these people know your not one of them.
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What he said!

Glad you got what was rightfully yours. :bravo:
 
thats close to what happened to my dad when he purchased his t4r in 06. it was advertised as an 03 sr5 all gold no plastic, alloy wheels, and a sunroof. even had the pics to back it up. he drives 175 miles or so to the dealer and there was no sunroof, no alloy wheels and plastic cladding on the vehicle. so he was able to a couple g's off.
 
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