ALTAHLC
New member
I purchased my "06 Sport Edition as a lease return "Certified" from the local Toyota dealer. I was really pleased with the fact that the truck wasn't brought in from an auction, but was in fact returned to the original place of purchase.
I think this allowed me to lower my guard during the purchase when going through the details of what services they performed under the "certified" umbrella. What I have since learned is that "certified" means safety for the dealer and not complete service as the buyer would expect - at least I did.
In my experience "certified" means verifying all lights are operable, brakes meet spec and/or are changed and new rubber. Yeah, they'll throw in an oil change, but this is what's confusing. (I don't what to suggest any dishonesty on behalf of the dealer).
What is doesn't include is what is important - regular interval changes of spark plugs and the front and rear diff oil change (the tranny is sealed so that's not an issue). Critical stuff if left unnoticed.
I would suggest part of the due diligence in the purchasing process is to ask what the major service intervals demand (30K, 60K...) and match that to the service records of the truck. As I recall, the value of these services were about $350 (plugs and diff oils) and perhaps this may a negotiable item when purchasing.
Hope this helps any prospective buyers.
I think this allowed me to lower my guard during the purchase when going through the details of what services they performed under the "certified" umbrella. What I have since learned is that "certified" means safety for the dealer and not complete service as the buyer would expect - at least I did.
In my experience "certified" means verifying all lights are operable, brakes meet spec and/or are changed and new rubber. Yeah, they'll throw in an oil change, but this is what's confusing. (I don't what to suggest any dishonesty on behalf of the dealer).
What is doesn't include is what is important - regular interval changes of spark plugs and the front and rear diff oil change (the tranny is sealed so that's not an issue). Critical stuff if left unnoticed.
I would suggest part of the due diligence in the purchasing process is to ask what the major service intervals demand (30K, 60K...) and match that to the service records of the truck. As I recall, the value of these services were about $350 (plugs and diff oils) and perhaps this may a negotiable item when purchasing.
Hope this helps any prospective buyers.
. So Pre-certified is "relative" to me. The warranty certainly is attractive, but as far as the dealer "putting it to spec", well, I take that with a grain of salt............
