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wcmack · #18 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 01:01 PM

Charles,

The problem you are having seems clearly to be outside the dealer's capability to diagnose and fix.

I suggest you take this upline to Toyota district or regional technical staff. Toyota as the manufacturer would have the biggest dog in any lemon law fight, and thus they will have the most interest is solving your problem (not to mention their concern if this is a more widespread defect that might lead to a recall). If you succeed with a lemon law claim, Toyota (not the dealer) will be forced to give you all your money back (including taxes) and may be liable for legal fees.

Call your dealer and ask for the name and number of the district technical field rep. You should not let them avoid giving you this. Call the rep and tell him your story. If he has heard it, ask for his/her boss. Keep moving up the food chain until someone with authority over the next steps is on the line.

Say you love the car, but this is a serious problem and while you don't want to consider taking further action, it may come to that if the problem is not resolved quickly. I am sure you know the drill; don't be confrontational or angry, just unshakeably firm in your resolve to get the problem fixed ASAP. Set an appointment to meet the district/regional tech reps at the dealer (or another one if you have lost faith in your current dealer). Ask for a loaner for sure...

You should also consult a lawyer NOW. You will need to offer Toyota a last chance to repair in writing, and this is best handled by a lawyer. Also, they can advise you of what you need to do with Toyota even before the situation deteriorates further into a lemon law claim.

But overall, I feel terrible for you. I wish it were simpler, but you need to protect your interests ASAP. Who knows, if you still trust Toyota after winning your case, you'll have the scratch for the XLE V-6!!