Looking for 160-point check clarification

[zerowkul98]

Hey guys,

Bought a Certified Used '08 SE V8 a couple weeks ago. Bought it at a dealership thats a good 2.5 hours away from me, as the V8 4th gen's are rare to find so i went down, checked it out, eventually bought it. Gotta good deal too.

When i was sitting down with the salesperson, i brought up my concern that there was NO service history on the vehicle. It only showed when it was accepted by the dealer with 9 miles on it, and when it was traded in around 42k miles. I told him how i service my Toyotas RELIGIOUSLY as theyre supposed to be maintained. I was reassured that all fluids were checked in the 160 point check. Today ive come to find out that this just wasnt the case.


Today its at my local dealership to get a hood-water leak looked at and i asked them to check the quality of the fluids. They told me:
-the power steering fluid was very dirty (i noticed this too) and needed to be flushed
-the front and rear differential fluid had never ben changed as it should have been at 30k and needs doing
-the battery failed the cold crank test for amps

How do you guys think i should handle this?

 

[Zuke]

Here is a link to what the 160 inspection entails.
160 Point Inspection

I am guessing with the fluid they only care if its filled to correct level. The battery should have been replaced.

I would call the sales manager and see what they can do for you. If that doesn't work call general manager and then Toyota corporate.

 

[mdrudy]

The link below will take you to the 160 point checklist. Toyota also REQUIRES that the completed checklist be kept with the vehicle file or it will void the certification. You should be able to request (and more importantly receive) a copy of the inspection form. You purchased the car based partly on the fact that it was certified and you should be able to rely on the information. You should be able to use the checklist and the newly discovered information form the new dealer to get it all straightened out. Or if you'd like to just get out of the situation, then you may be able to do that as well (rescind the contract based on being provided inaccurate info)

Unfortunately it sounds like many Toyota dealers are cutting a lot of corners. You'd figure that in the current economic climate that people would really be trying to earn business and do the right thing but it certainly appears that that is just NOT the case.

I am also dealing with the same sort of situation right now. (I'm also an attorney but I do not do much consumer protection work).

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/shopping/cpo/images/toyota-inspection.pdf

 

[zerowkul98]

Thanks to the both of you. This is what went down, and i'll keep it short....

- The 160 point inspection form was in my paperwork, and it reads, "Differential fluid levels checked"....not replaced...leveled and topped off if necessary.

- The head tech at the Toyota Dealership that has earned my trust showed me the oil sample vs. a clean sample, and mine was def. contaminated.

- The dealership that i bought the car from called me and said they'd pay for the battery and the PCV valve, but the oil jobs on the 2 differentials and transfer case.

Thanks to the both of you again for the reply.