my "special order" '07 4R arriving wrong!!!

CNI

New member
Well I just got the call today that my 4R is arriving July 9th...and with the wrong packages!!! I am so ticked!

It might be petty of me to be so ticked once you hear what they got wrong but I want to hear what you guys think.

I got a silver sport 4x4 with the v8. I had to special order because of the side impact air bags. All the packages I wanted on it are correct but two: Daytime running light and the Power Outlet. I desired NO daytime running lights due to me hunting all the time and it came WITH the DRL! I DID desire the 115volt AC power outlet and it DID NOT come with it! The dealership offered to disconnect the DRL and have a local stereo shop install some aftermarket AC plug.

My first reaction is to REAM them for this mistake when I supplied them with a very specific list and I made sure they knew I was very particular. Am I over reacting? Should I ream them anyway and hope they give me a discount? Should I ream them, make them eat that 4R and have them order me a 2008 when I can? Should I ream them and make them do those changes they talked about AND have them put in the alarm I've been wanting ($1000 Viper alarm)? Should I just be happy with what they are offering??? How soon can I order a 2008?

Sorry for all the questions!!!!

Any thought would be helpful.

For those that have the poweroutlet can you please tell me the location of it and how it looks so I can make them match factory as much as possible please? Pictures would help also.

Thanks guys! :(
 
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Yes, I think you are definitely overreacting. I could see if you had some major options missing/added and you were pissed, but the stuff you mentioned is very minor.

First, the dealership can remove the daytime running lights relay and replace it with ease. No big deal. In fact, tell them you want the original relay and you can probably sell it for a few bucks to someone on his forum who wants the daytime running light option.

As for the AC power outlet--it may be a blessing in disguise. If I were you, I\'d make them install a better unit than the stock one. If not, they can easily install the factory unit. No big deal, really.

Now if your 4Runner came in and was 2wd, THAT would be a reason to be pissed.;)
 
Thanks Even Steven for your input! :D

I guess the reason why I'm pissed is that they just casual called me and said oooops. I would like them to not only see them make things right but SHOW they are sorry I guess. Am I wrong for that?

They said they were going to send it out to the local stereo shop to put in this AC plug. Sounds like its not going to be the factory one. I'm most worried about this cause now this stereo shop is going to tear apart my factory installed dash, loose screws, break plastic panels, loosen everything, etc. See where I'm going with this? On top of all this they are running wires to who knows where cause who knows what fire hazards and other wiring problems down the road! I wanted it from the factory so I know it was done right and before all the whole dash was installed.
 
Personally I would just accept the situation unless you are willing to wait another few months just for the outlet and no DRLs. The DRLs can be taken cared of quite easily as Even Steven said - swapping a relay. As for the outlet, that's your call. As long as there is nothing grossly incorrect with your order I would pick it up. I have heard worst stories of custom ordering 4runners - from drive train type (2WD when 4WD was specified) to the incorrect color. Imagine your disdain finding out the 4runner of your dreams was made in Silver when you specified/wanted Shadow. That's a dramatic error on their part that I would not be willing to drive everyday. Imho, the DRL and outlet issue is no big deal and are easily rectified. Just have them compensate you for the small errors on the order.

Edit: I too would be very apprehensive if a third party shop started ripping apart my center console and dash (especially on a brand new vehicle). I share your concerns. I personally would not allow them to do that. You could always carry a small AC generator (albeit cumbersome). I'd rather live without the outlet than some shop monkeys ripping apart my brand new vehicle. Who's to say they'll put it back the same way. "Hey, what's these extra screws for?" - "I don't know, who cares, let go to lunch". And from that moment on, hence the birth of the annoying and unidentifiable dash rattle.
 
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Maybe I'm a bit more anal than the other guy, but I would also be really irritated if that happened to me. Granted, it's not a huge deal like getting an auto instead of a manual transmission, but still, if I'm forking over $30+k into a car (that's a lot of money), I'd want everything perfect. If not, why not get a better deal on a vehicle that's already on the lot?

Personally, I'd call to cancel the sale and see what they do.
 
I can understand your frustration but I still think you'll be happy with the one they ordered for you. When you order something brand new and are paying that much money for it, it should be perfect.

Like Even Steven said, those are things that the dealer can easily do themselves. The DRL relay is easy enough and they can install the 115V adaptor as well.

I do not have the 115V adaptor on my sport, but the outlet is located in the center console next to the AUX stereo input. The power relay switch for the 115V adaptor is on the dash just in front of the turn signal. They should be able to accomadate that as well.

You might kick yourself if you refuse delivery of that 4R. I would still give 'em hell though. The worst that would come out of that is more free stuff. :biggrin2: The dealer I bought mine from said that the only significant change in the '08 4R will be the price. (Going up slightly of course). I think when you see that 4R and smell that "new car smell" you'll end up a happy camper!
 
More than likely it was not a special order, the dealer found a truck that closely matches what you want and these two options came with it. Very few people have had luck with actually having a truck built to spec and they are in the California market through a dealer that sells tons of 4Runners.

The two options are minor, my dealer will install the 115V adapter onsite and the DRL's are easy to disconnect. Actually, get a good converter and call it a day.

Maybe have them throw in a couple of 'free' oil changes and maybe a 'free' 30K check over?
 
The DRL does sound like a no brainer and easy to fix however the power outlet is another issue. I dont want either tearing apart my center console and dash board to install a $100 part just to have loose dash develop a new squeak that I'll have to deal with. No way! Nobody is touching the dash. My main issue is if I was going to settle why didn't i just do that 3.5 months ago with one on the lot?????? I wanted it the burger king way, that is what makes me so mad.

What do you think about me making them keep this one and have them order me a 2008 one, THE RIGHT WAY, and making them honor the price?? I heard from another dealer that they are 2 weeks away from being able to order 2008's.
 
I wouldn't worry, I think it's minor - but I would try to get $CASH$ for your troubles.

IMHO the outlet that come installed isn't good anyway. It is like 100 Watts max. Enough to run a laptop - but not much else. I agree - I would rather have Toyota people install one than a stereo shop - but if they did a good job - it would be BETTER than Toyotas.

Again, squeeze 'em. squeeze 'em hard, for some $CASH$!

GLT

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
 
I have a couple of observations. You seam pretty intent on reaming them regardless of whether it is justified or not - just so you can get something for nothing. After all, all the choices you mention include reaming them. Doesnt say much for your intentions...
The 2 things you mention are very petty. YES - you are overreacting. Anything added, not requested (the DRL's) can be removed. As for the A/C plug, you are better off putting in an aftermarket unit with a higher wattage capacity than the stock one. They are not expensive and easily purchased. You also will have the flexibility of using it at the rear power outlet or the front or even moving it to another car. I also believe Sac State is right and the 4R is not really a special order as they are next to impossible.
Chill out, take the car and enjoy it. It is a wonderful ride!
 
I already have a cigarette lighter AC converter that is 300 watts. Sounds like it's better than the factory one anyway. Is it?

My prob is I have an aging Jeep that already has cost me $600 to keep it running while waiting for this vehicle. I don't know if I can wait long enough for them to order me a 2008 one! Maybe I should just take this one, make them fix the DRL and make them do something else for me for getting the order wrong. How much do you think this mistake is worth? $500?
 
sbbamafan said:
I have a couple of observations. You seam pretty intent on reaming them regardless of whether it is justified or not - just so you can get something for nothing. After all, all the choices you mention include reaming them. Doesnt say much for your intentions...
The 2 things you mention are very petty. YES - you are overreacting. Anything added, not requested (the DRL's) can be removed. As for the A/C plug, you are better off putting in an aftermarket unit with a higher wattage capacity than the stock one. They are not expensive and easily purchased. You also will have the flexibility of using it at the rear power outlet or the front or even moving it to another car. I also believe Sac State is right and the 4R is not really a special order as they are next to impossible.
Chill out, take the car and enjoy it. It is a wonderful ride!

My intention was reaming them because I put so much effort into this purchase and they are taking the approach of being casual about it. That is what pisses me off. Yeah they are petty but I ordered it my way for a reason. If I would have wanted to settle for petty things I would have bought one off the lot 3.5 months ago, right? I waited all that time for the perfect vehicle for me.

They did tell me the vehicle is in freight right now from Japan. There was no silver sport v8 with side impact air bags anywhere in the country. I had several dealerships from all over confirm that. Now did they just modify or make me settle for one that was close coming off the assembly line....it's possible.
 
If they gave you the sticker price for the outlet - they would lose.

That said - it's what YOU can get - for YOUR trouble. May depend on how good a deal you had in the first place.

Good Luck - you're gonna love that ride - don't let this little stuff mess that up.

Good Luck,

GLT
 
GLT said:
If they gave you the sticker price for the outlet - they would lose.

That said - it's what YOU can get - for YOUR trouble. May depend on how good a deal you had in the first place.

Good Luck - you're gonna love that ride - don't let this little stuff mess that up.

Good Luck,

GLT

Yeah I should look at the whole picture there, I am getting almost everything. I got a steal on the deal. From what I heard on here I think it was a better deal (% over supposed invoice) than most.
 
Sac State said:
More than likely it was not a special order, the dealer found a truck that closely matches what you want and these two options came with it. Very few people have had luck with actually having a truck built to spec and they are in the California market through a dealer that sells tons of 4Runners.

I was skeptical that special orders actually occur- but I was able to order what I believe is a unique vehicle through my dealership in MA. I could not find any region that configured a 4WD Sport V8 with a sunroof and no spoiler, in Shadow Mica.

Thats exactly how I ordered it- I said I didnt want any other options, but would take what I could get as long as my criteria above were met. I did this because dealerships and Toyota Motor Sales USA dont actually place a special order- they can only place a request with the factory for a certain vehicle. There is no guarantee that the factory will grant the request. I figured that any option combination (beyond my basic wants) that allowed the factory to align a truck with their scheduled production gave me the best chance of getting what I wanted.

I think I lucked out- my truck came in almost exactly as I wanted it, but with a few extra options (DRL's, side impact airbags, floormats). The price I had negotiated beforehand didnt reflect these options, so they were basically freebies.

If your important requests were met, I would be happy with that. Like others have said, the discrepancies were relatively minor. Your dealership did a pretty good job of getting you your truck.

That being said, if you paid any more than invoice for the truck, the dealership has some wiggle room. Since you were missing one option, they should give you something for it. Thats just reasonable.
 
CNI said:
I already have a cigarette lighter AC converter that is 300 watts. Sounds like it's better than the factory one anyway. Is it?
The stock power adapter/cigarette lighter have a combined capacity of 120W. Your 300W unit will blow the fuse.
 
My only concern would be price. It's my understaning that there is not as much leverage on price when "special ordering". If the price you got is good, I wouldn't sweat it.
 
The DRL doesn't matter since it can be disabled. It really depends on how important to you is having that outlet. I have not used the outlet at all, and I think a power inverter would be better anyways. At this point, if the rest of the options are correct I would push for a better deal since they screwed up. I don't recall, but is this the second "special order" since the first came in wrong as well? If this is the second order, I wouldn't wait for the '08, most likely the dealer is pulling a configuration that is the closest to your request from a regional allocation and calling it a special order. Are you in a region with vehicles distributed by South East Toyota? I've heard that SET doesn't allow special orders.

The outlet is a two prong outlet with a flip down cover in the center console next to Aux input. Member Luxury has a picture of the outlet here. If you need pics, I'll can try and get you some shots of mine tomorrow.
 
I have 2 thoughts:
1. Have the dealer address the DRL issue as part of acceptance because they can fix it right for little effort, and
2. As others have said, accept the lack of A/C power with a credit for it - because we don't want unknown folks ripping up the truck to put one in. Deal with it after market to get a quality AC power setup installed under a situation which you have control over and understand...

Lou
 

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