My first 4Runner - bitter sweet

I would be nervous about giving him to much of a heads up or that you know he screwed you. Instead ask him prodding questions to confirm stuff, then you have a sound argument against him. Did you pay check/cash and when? I would just be nervous about giving him too big of a heads up all he has to do is turn off his phone and ignore you. Keep a paper trail and copy of everything from documentation to texts. Good luck and sorry that you got shammed, the plus side is you found this website and we have some pretty awesome rigs frequently sell depending on this current matter goes.

Good Luck!
 
I know its kinda hard to tell at first glance but based on these pics alone how would you all rate the amount of rust based one what you've seen in the past or your own vehicles? Does it look really bad? Like I said my buddy who works for Toyota said there's no holes in the frame but there is a lot of rust.

Any input is appreciated!
 
The way this is is done is by replacing the PCM with a used PCM from a vehicle with lower miles. programming it to the "new" vehicle and swapping out the cluster from the old vehicle to the "new" vehicle. it is a fairly common practice in the used car industry (unfortunately). On Toyotas the vehicle mileage is stored in the PCM and cluster. so by just swapping one you will not achieve the same thing. I have had to do this on some vehicle of all makes but done correctly by programming in the same mileage on the new parts. Sorry this happened to you, and I hope it all works out for you.
 
Meeting with the attorney tomorrow, will keep you folks in the loop. Hopefully some good will come of it.
 
Frame rust repair shop ............... hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Not sure if this is an option for ya:

https://www.autorust.com/about/

What these folks do (I'm sure there are others in the country) is repair rust on the frame. I just skimmed over the website, but if I had some cash, I'd get my "frame restored". My frame is rusty, maybe a few notches less than yours, but still, I know the oxidation will eventually kill it. This could be a viable option. BTW, you rigs looks really nice and in good shape. I would say it was worth it IF of course the frame rust isn't severe.

Has anyone had any experience with a shop/service like this?
 
Not only do you have a great civil fraud case, what the seller did constitutes one or more criminal acts. If you need to put pressure on this guy to refund your money, you may want to speak to your local district attorney's office to find out which state/federal authorities you should file a criminal report with.
 
I am very happy to say Justice Prevails :usa2:.

To make another long story short, I met with a lawyer Monday. We went over the entire transaction and he informed me that, as many of you have stated, odometer tampering is a crime. Class 1 Misdemeanor to be exact, which could lead to 12 months in jail and up to 10,000 in fines.

My lawyer made contact with the seller and informed him of these consequences. The seller made claims that he had no idea what was going on but once we presented proof and he couldn't back it up, he made the right choice and returned my money.

I did get a full refund of my money and also paid me back for my lawyer and registration.

Now I am on the hunt for another 4Runner.

Thanks for all the support and tips, I really appreciate it fellas!
 
This happened to me when I was 18.. The ******* gave me printed carfax. I was too young and stupid at the time... I ate it and couldn't afford a lawyer. Swore it will never happen to me again, and took it as a life lesson.

Sometimes ones better judgement get the best of you when you really want something.


Im very glad this was turned into your favor. It is a nice looking truck. I may have swung it back to him and pay 5k for the truck having him refund me half.

But you may not want that bad stigma.. Thanks for the update.
 
waq28 said:
I am very happy to say Justice Prevails :usa2:.

<snip>

Now I am on the hunt for another 4Runner.
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Congratulations and good luck on your search for a different 4Runner. Experience is a great teacher so use your experience when checking out the next potential buy!
 
bpowa said:
This happened to me when I was 18.. The ******* gave me printed carfax. I was too young and stupid at the time... I ate it and couldn't afford a lawyer. Swore it will never happen to me again, and took it as a life lesson.

Sometimes ones better judgement get the best of you when you really want something.


Im very glad this was turned into your favor. It is a nice looking truck. I may have swung it back to him and pay 5k for the truck having him refund me half.

But you may not want that bad stigma.. Thanks for the update.
Click to expand...

I definitely considered taking the difference of the value of the truck but I feel like its been a bad omen on me and just wanted to get rid of it and start over.
 
waq28 said:
I definitely considered taking the difference of the value of the truck but I feel like its been a bad omen on me and just wanted to get rid of it and start over.
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I think you did the right thing. Better to start over.








On a completely unrelated topic, did anyone else see that sick black 4runner that just popped up on Northern VA Craigslist? Best thing about it is that it only has 90,000 miles on it! And they guy seems like he's willing to deal on the price, too. What a find! :hungry:
 
waq28 said:
I am very happy to say Justice Prevails :usa2:.

To make another long story short, I met with a lawyer Monday. We went over the entire transaction and he informed me that, as many of you have stated, odometer tampering is a crime. Class 1 Misdemeanor to be exact, which could lead to 12 months in jail and up to 10,000 in fines.

My lawyer made contact with the seller and informed him of these consequences. The seller made claims that he had no idea what was going on but once we presented proof and he couldn't back it up, he made the right choice and returned my money.

I did get a full refund of my money and also paid me back for my lawyer and registration.

Now I am on the hunt for another 4Runner.

Thanks for all the support and tips, I really appreciate it fellas!
Click to expand...

If you don't mind me asking. How much were your lawyer fees? Just curious.
 
ben550 said:
If you don't mind me asking. How much were your lawyer fees? Just curious.
Click to expand...

Initially he quoted me $1000. That would have been the case if we had to go all the way to court. After he made the phone call to the seller and shook him up a bit, which gave us the result we wanted, he only charged me $250. Needless to say I was happy about that.
 
....and what about criminal action?

Ill bet it was sure easy to pay you off considering how much money this guys makes
breaking the law selling cars !
 
Martinjmpr said:
On a completely unrelated topic, did anyone else see that sick black 4runner that just popped up on Northern VA Craigslist? Best thing about it is that it only has 90,000 miles on it! And they guy seems like he's willing to deal on the price, too. What a find! :hungry:
Click to expand...

It's a super nice one too! LINK :pout:

But seriously...that's awful of the seller to keep trying to sell it with those miles. I'm sure someone else will come along and think it's a great t4r.
 
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