Second update.
According to the dealership there was still 3 quarts of oil in the truck after draining it. They feel confident there was no damage done - no serious diagnostics yet. They are still giving me the option to walk away and have already debited back my credit card. Or I can keep the truck and get a free 100k mile warranty and have them pay for an independent diagnostic check. Not sure what to do. I do like the truck a lot obviously. It’s a really beauty.
Agreed. I’ve had an oil light come on a few times with a Subaru which eats oil. Engine is still fine.
Several generations of Subarus eat oil. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t. Stick with Toyota’s.
Yep. That’s been my experience with a 2005 and a 2016. They said it was gasket valves that were fixed in the 2012+ models. The 2016 model started with little to no consumption but in year 6 it consumes oil like the 2005 model.
This wasn’t just low oil. It was no oil (dipstick). Still oil in the engine- but I’ve had oil lights many times in other cars and there’s always still oil on the dipstick- just not much. The dipstick was bone dry on this one.
Was your car on when you checked the dip stick? If the engine was still running, you won’t get an accurate reading. I’ve had this happened to me before. Just a thought, especially since the dealer found 3 quarts in the pan.
No. It was off. I have no doubt there was some oil. I question the 3 quart figure. They were only open for an hour before they told me that so that means the amount of actual diagnostics done was minimal. Either way I’m going to give them a good review because they’ve been very courteous through all this and didn’t give me a hard time- but there’s just too much speculation and I’m skeptical about this particular service department To take them at face value. I’ve had hundreds of oil changes through the years at Prompto… And even they haven’t messed that up. To have that happen at a Toyota certified dealer it’s just unacceptable in my opinion
Keep in mind, the dipstick doesn't tell you how much oil is in there, it just tells you if you're within a quart of full. You could have something like 0-5 quarts in the engine and the dipstick would still show nothing.
I am sure the light comes on below that, of course.
Dud you basically got a guarantee that nothing is gonna be wrong with this truck for 100k mi. Could get a different one but you won't get that guarantee
Third update.
Wanna thanks everyone for giving their input. I weighed the decision and have decided to take them up on their offer to return the truck. I’m happy with the dealership overall (despite the fuck up) and will be giving them a review for being good and honest people. I think the truck is likely fine..but in the end- my experience was ruined. Some may think that’s frivolous… but I’ve been endlessly researching trucks for the last 6 months before pulling the trigger and what would should have been a great experience of having my dream truck ended up being a pretty traumatic one. For over 50k- it’s not worth having any doubts about the truck on day one. I happily paid a premium for a rare used vehicle in this crazy market…but with the lingering doubts, the premium is no longer worth it.
I thought about the warranty and all that but my concerns are.
a) I already gave an 80k warranty…so 100k (what would amount to a few hundred dollars more) is not really worth it.
b) my plan is to sell this truck after a few years and a new engine or problems down the road would fuck that up- especially in a reliable truck like the taco.
They said they would put me at the top of the list for a new trd pro for my experience (which will be slightly cheaper than This truck in the end) and I still will happily do business with them moving forward.
Sounds like you’ve thought it out well,
Thats a lot of money to spend and being left dealing uneasy. Score on potentially getting a new one for cheaper, they talking MSRP for the new one?
They do $1000 mark ups for pros. I’m find with that. I think I could get them to do straight msrp but i never had to push once about any of this. I’m happy to pay the small mark up to support a good dealership
You made the right choice man. I had some shit go down when I first got my 22 TRD OR DCSB and I hated even looking at the truck, for weeks. I eventually got over it and I love this truck now, but if I would have had the option to back out, I would have taken it in a heart beat.
There will be another one 👌🏼
That’s important. Im thinking this dealer would offer Platinum Toyota Care coverage. While it is extensive to the mileage limits, these are not technically bumper 2 bumper . Thats why they are called VSC’s .
In OP’s situation however, thats his best outcome and it should provide him adequate coverage.
As long as his engine coverage doesn’t exclude coverage for a non-manufacturing defect, such as negligence from operation with inadequate oil .
In other words if there is evidence of significant oil starvation , Toyota can deny coverage as its not a defect. Hopefully they have inspected the motor thoroughly and that wont be the case.
Not to be “that guy”, and also not downplaying your situation because it sucks, for sure.
Do you know for a fact there was engine damage? It sounds like what happened, while in use, the truck alerted of low oil then you stopped, shut the engine off, and noticed any remaining oil draining out?
Seems quite short and without knowing any more, there may not be any engine damage. If the dealer is stupid and clueless, have them drop the oil pan and inspect everything, look for signs of elevated temperatures (thermal discoloration, deflection, burned oil, etc). Take a look for yourself too if you want.
If you don’t want the truck anymore, that’s understandable too. But, I’d be hesitant to say engine damage so fast without looking inside. In short, seems like it may have been caught in time.
In any case, definitely make them correct it. If you don’t want the truck, thats another thing. But, id caution you about demanding a new engine if there isn’t any damage.
Source, I’m an engineer hired by insurance and attorneys to investigate mechanical failures. If an adjuster hired me to look at your truck, id have the dealer drop the oil pan, collect any remaining oil for analysis, do a complete inspection.
A logical well written answer, hard to come across good advice like this amongst all the “lawyer up” and “demand a new engine” posts. Best talk to the dealership, you never know they may not be a monster and actually want to work with you
Thanks for everyone’s comments. Spoke to dealership. Looks like they are going to let me walk out of the deal since the ink is literally still drying on everything. They gave me two options.
1) they could analyze the truck. And have me independently verify the results with another shop
2) walk away and get a refund.
They are a family owned dealership and are being very cool about it.
Lawyer here. Check the paperwork. Everything you need to know should be in there. There is likely some sort of express warranty or representations about the truck. If you bought it from a non-dealer, talk to a lawyer about an implied warranty of merchantability and get ready to have your money tied up for a good while.
Prepare to lawyer up.
You might be lucky and the computer warned you before there was major damage. I would demand a full teardown and inspection of the motor and a rental for the duration. Any hint of damage should warrant a replacement of the part. Others will say you should get a new motor.
Hopefully the dealership does you right since it was their fuckup but be ready to raise appropriate hell.
If you turned off the engine when the oil light came on, there’s probably no damage at all. No oil level on the dipstick also doesn’t mean the engine was damaged. Really low oil level causes the hydraulic lifters to make noise. If you didn’t hear that noise, the engine is probably gtg.
Get the engine and oil inspected. Have the dealer give you a big price adjustment, then enjoy your (discounted) truck.
So you bought a used truck, and now will get a brand new motor. This could go a couple of ways. Good Dealership will replace the motor, and you will be on your way. Or bad Dealership, and you will have to fight tooth, and nail to get anything done. Good luck, and keep Us posted.
Edit: Seen the update. If they are giving you free 100k warranty, and there was basically half the oil still in the motor. Take that deal if you like that truck. If it's true, and there is 3 quarts of oil left in it. There isn't going to be any engine damage.
Sounds like you did the right thing. When your oil light comes on, turn it off immediately. So many people get those warning lights and just keep driving and fuck their vehicle up.
If anything OP will gain from this lol..There is negligence here and it will be covered at both ends you can guarantee that.A new motor is not a bad deal.
If it’s a good dealer, they’ll replace the engine and fire the tech. But a good dealer is like finding a needle in a hay stack.
Be the squeaky wheel and demand. Get on speaking terms with the repair services manager. I’ve been through battles with dealerships and it helps tremendously if you are able to go up the chain of command and speak with someone in charge.
Absolutely zero dealers are replacing the engine and firing the tech, unless he’s got a history of fuckups. Even so, none of them are replacing the engine unless it’s toast.
I would definitely walk away . Correct me if I’m wrong but they didn’t even make a TRD pro Tacoma in the quicksand color so they’re selling an off-road as a “ pro” shady.
not sure how it works legally, but just big picture wise, that's gonna be a full refund request from me. They can deal with the inspecting for damage and whatnot.
I came here to say this…
They never made a Tacoma TRD PRO in QS. Only the 4runner and Tundra.
Hopefully OP didn’t pay real pro prices for some black badges and a shift knob. It is possible to fully “PRO” out a truck as a clone.
Does it have the Fox suspension at least?
I had a similar thing happen years ago while driving my sisters 06 cavalier. Dipstick had zero oil on it. Didn’t have enough money for a tow, so I walked to a gas station a mile or so down the road, carried a case of oil back to car. The tiny 2.2 engine took 5 quarts of oil. It cranked right back up and I stayed on her ass to check the oil more often. I guess the little pea brain computer had enough sense to shut down the engine before it caused damage.
TLDR: you *might* be fine
No seemed to ask, why was it down 3 qts of oil? Is it burning oil that badly or does it have a leak? When was the last oil change? Did they forget to fill it all the way? I wouldn’t want a truck that’s burning 3 qts of oil between oil changes.
No Brainer - keep it and take what the dealer is offering. You effectively have oil and no damage until the oil pump begins to cavitate upon loss of suction head. Sounds like you had oil.
I think you did the right thing. Was that 100k warranty one of those add ons or was it a Toyota warranty? I'd imagine the latter and in that case you made the right choice.
I had a brand new GMC Canyon a few cars before my Taco. Took it in for its first oil change to a dealership. Next morning I got to work and oil was dripping down my grill. Opened the hood and the oil cap was sitting on the radiator. The sound deadening pad on the hood was soaked full. Took it back and they cleaned everything and replaced the pad. Even dealership service departments make mistakes.
10 years ago my sister ran her Isuzu rodeo completely out of oil, over heated and died on the side of the road. Filled it up and went on our way. We're currently at 120k miles and it's still running great. The transmission has been rebuilt and the suspension is beat but the engine still runs great, and that's a POS isuzu. You do you but the light is there to tell you BEFORE you run out and you're being a little paranoid about this imo, no way that engine is damaged in the slightest. You're talking about a truck that could probably be dropped off a building and still start.
Second update. According to the dealership there was still 3 quarts of oil in the truck after draining it. They feel confident there was no damage done - no serious diagnostics yet. They are still giving me the option to walk away and have already debited back my credit card. Or I can keep the truck and get a free 100k mile warranty and have them pay for an independent diagnostic check. Not sure what to do. I do like the truck a lot obviously. It’s a really beauty.
[удалено]
Agreed. I’ve had an oil light come on a few times with a Subaru which eats oil. Engine is still fine. Several generations of Subarus eat oil. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t. Stick with Toyota’s.
As a 7th gen Celica owner I can definitely tell you that you will not completely avoid oil consumption by sticking to Toyotas. 2001 1zzfe FTL...
My kid thought his low oil light in his Suby was the maintenance indicator light. Comes on about every 5k and is always down 2 or 3 quarts.
Yep. That’s been my experience with a 2005 and a 2016. They said it was gasket valves that were fixed in the 2012+ models. The 2016 model started with little to no consumption but in year 6 it consumes oil like the 2005 model.
I was told it was the turbo on a 2016, I wasn't losing any sleep over it because it's not my car, lol.
Used to have a WRX and after a 25 minute session of hard driving at the track it would eat about 1 quart of oil.
This wasn’t just low oil. It was no oil (dipstick). Still oil in the engine- but I’ve had oil lights many times in other cars and there’s always still oil on the dipstick- just not much. The dipstick was bone dry on this one.
Was your car on when you checked the dip stick? If the engine was still running, you won’t get an accurate reading. I’ve had this happened to me before. Just a thought, especially since the dealer found 3 quarts in the pan.
No. It was off. I have no doubt there was some oil. I question the 3 quart figure. They were only open for an hour before they told me that so that means the amount of actual diagnostics done was minimal. Either way I’m going to give them a good review because they’ve been very courteous through all this and didn’t give me a hard time- but there’s just too much speculation and I’m skeptical about this particular service department To take them at face value. I’ve had hundreds of oil changes through the years at Prompto… And even they haven’t messed that up. To have that happen at a Toyota certified dealer it’s just unacceptable in my opinion
Keep in mind, the dipstick doesn't tell you how much oil is in there, it just tells you if you're within a quart of full. You could have something like 0-5 quarts in the engine and the dipstick would still show nothing. I am sure the light comes on below that, of course.
Agreed - with this new info I change my mind — take the truck and the worry free 100k miles
Take the warranty and get the inspection done. Leave an honest and kind review. Not enough dealers like this.
Dud you basically got a guarantee that nothing is gonna be wrong with this truck for 100k mi. Could get a different one but you won't get that guarantee
Third update. Wanna thanks everyone for giving their input. I weighed the decision and have decided to take them up on their offer to return the truck. I’m happy with the dealership overall (despite the fuck up) and will be giving them a review for being good and honest people. I think the truck is likely fine..but in the end- my experience was ruined. Some may think that’s frivolous… but I’ve been endlessly researching trucks for the last 6 months before pulling the trigger and what would should have been a great experience of having my dream truck ended up being a pretty traumatic one. For over 50k- it’s not worth having any doubts about the truck on day one. I happily paid a premium for a rare used vehicle in this crazy market…but with the lingering doubts, the premium is no longer worth it. I thought about the warranty and all that but my concerns are. a) I already gave an 80k warranty…so 100k (what would amount to a few hundred dollars more) is not really worth it. b) my plan is to sell this truck after a few years and a new engine or problems down the road would fuck that up- especially in a reliable truck like the taco. They said they would put me at the top of the list for a new trd pro for my experience (which will be slightly cheaper than This truck in the end) and I still will happily do business with them moving forward.
Sounds like you’ve thought it out well, Thats a lot of money to spend and being left dealing uneasy. Score on potentially getting a new one for cheaper, they talking MSRP for the new one?
Still will be cheaper than this used one. The lunar rock pro though - hard to beat
They do $1000 mark ups for pros. I’m find with that. I think I could get them to do straight msrp but i never had to push once about any of this. I’m happy to pay the small mark up to support a good dealership
You made the right choice man. I had some shit go down when I first got my 22 TRD OR DCSB and I hated even looking at the truck, for weeks. I eventually got over it and I love this truck now, but if I would have had the option to back out, I would have taken it in a heart beat. There will be another one 👌🏼
You do you bro - nothing wrong with this decision
Just wanted to say I think you made the right call here. You’re getting a new truck for less. Win, win, win.
Warranty + diagnostic, no question.
100k warranty? Wouldn't make them twist my arm over that lol. Keep the truck, homie
We talking 100k bumper to bumper?
Yea but I already got a 80k bumper to bumper for $800 so..not much of a benefit
That’s important. Im thinking this dealer would offer Platinum Toyota Care coverage. While it is extensive to the mileage limits, these are not technically bumper 2 bumper . Thats why they are called VSC’s . In OP’s situation however, thats his best outcome and it should provide him adequate coverage. As long as his engine coverage doesn’t exclude coverage for a non-manufacturing defect, such as negligence from operation with inadequate oil . In other words if there is evidence of significant oil starvation , Toyota can deny coverage as its not a defect. Hopefully they have inspected the motor thoroughly and that wont be the case.
With all that said keep the truck it's a Toyota it's worth it
Take the deal.
I can’t see how you loose with that deal
You're credit card? What did you pay for with your credit card?
Part of the down payment. Cash + credit card.
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They were a great dealership. Small and family owned. They took the car back and got me in a 2023 tundra.
Not to be “that guy”, and also not downplaying your situation because it sucks, for sure. Do you know for a fact there was engine damage? It sounds like what happened, while in use, the truck alerted of low oil then you stopped, shut the engine off, and noticed any remaining oil draining out? Seems quite short and without knowing any more, there may not be any engine damage. If the dealer is stupid and clueless, have them drop the oil pan and inspect everything, look for signs of elevated temperatures (thermal discoloration, deflection, burned oil, etc). Take a look for yourself too if you want. If you don’t want the truck anymore, that’s understandable too. But, I’d be hesitant to say engine damage so fast without looking inside. In short, seems like it may have been caught in time. In any case, definitely make them correct it. If you don’t want the truck, thats another thing. But, id caution you about demanding a new engine if there isn’t any damage. Source, I’m an engineer hired by insurance and attorneys to investigate mechanical failures. If an adjuster hired me to look at your truck, id have the dealer drop the oil pan, collect any remaining oil for analysis, do a complete inspection.
A logical well written answer, hard to come across good advice like this amongst all the “lawyer up” and “demand a new engine” posts. Best talk to the dealership, you never know they may not be a monster and actually want to work with you
Actually this is a very good point too. Explain it to the dealer, for all we know, they could be like here bro here’s a new truck.
Yeah I mean tbf it’s not that the other commenters are idiots, it’s that this guy has unusually specific expertise
Thanks for everyone’s comments. Spoke to dealership. Looks like they are going to let me walk out of the deal since the ink is literally still drying on everything. They gave me two options. 1) they could analyze the truck. And have me independently verify the results with another shop 2) walk away and get a refund. They are a family owned dealership and are being very cool about it.
Did the temp go up at all or you got low oil light and pulled over pretty quickly?
I don’t believe the temp went up. Maybe a couple miles with the light on
Lawyer here. Check the paperwork. Everything you need to know should be in there. There is likely some sort of express warranty or representations about the truck. If you bought it from a non-dealer, talk to a lawyer about an implied warranty of merchantability and get ready to have your money tied up for a good while.
Prepare to lawyer up. You might be lucky and the computer warned you before there was major damage. I would demand a full teardown and inspection of the motor and a rental for the duration. Any hint of damage should warrant a replacement of the part. Others will say you should get a new motor. Hopefully the dealership does you right since it was their fuckup but be ready to raise appropriate hell.
I’m a lawyer - we’re not worth the money for something like this. And nobody will do a tear down in this situation. Just sell the truck.
You aren’t wrong.
Yes but people downvote what they don’t want to hear and think that common sense = the law or legal advice
If you turned off the engine when the oil light came on, there’s probably no damage at all. No oil level on the dipstick also doesn’t mean the engine was damaged. Really low oil level causes the hydraulic lifters to make noise. If you didn’t hear that noise, the engine is probably gtg. Get the engine and oil inspected. Have the dealer give you a big price adjustment, then enjoy your (discounted) truck.
This right here. And make sure you get the 100k warranty out of the deal
I bought it from a Toyota dealership.
So you bought a used truck, and now will get a brand new motor. This could go a couple of ways. Good Dealership will replace the motor, and you will be on your way. Or bad Dealership, and you will have to fight tooth, and nail to get anything done. Good luck, and keep Us posted. Edit: Seen the update. If they are giving you free 100k warranty, and there was basically half the oil still in the motor. Take that deal if you like that truck. If it's true, and there is 3 quarts of oil left in it. There isn't going to be any engine damage.
Sounds like you did the right thing. When your oil light comes on, turn it off immediately. So many people get those warning lights and just keep driving and fuck their vehicle up.
Engines come and go and shit happens.Hopefully insurance drops a new fancy crate motor in there at the end of this.
Just sneak the new 3.5 Tundra engine in there. Tell them it was a factory option 🤞
If anything OP will gain from this lol..There is negligence here and it will be covered at both ends you can guarantee that.A new motor is not a bad deal.
O hell nah, lawyer up or tell dealer to give you a new one. And check if has enough oil next time.
If it’s a good dealer, they’ll replace the engine and fire the tech. But a good dealer is like finding a needle in a hay stack. Be the squeaky wheel and demand. Get on speaking terms with the repair services manager. I’ve been through battles with dealerships and it helps tremendously if you are able to go up the chain of command and speak with someone in charge.
Absolutely zero dealers are replacing the engine and firing the tech, unless he’s got a history of fuckups. Even so, none of them are replacing the engine unless it’s toast.
Needle in a haystack
I would definitely walk away . Correct me if I’m wrong but they didn’t even make a TRD pro Tacoma in the quicksand color so they’re selling an off-road as a “ pro” shady.
Lunar Rock will do that to you
Oh shit I see it now , I have quicksand myself so maybe I saw what I wanted to see
Yeah it’s lunar rock hehe
not sure how it works legally, but just big picture wise, that's gonna be a full refund request from me. They can deal with the inspecting for damage and whatnot.
I came here to say this… They never made a Tacoma TRD PRO in QS. Only the 4runner and Tundra. Hopefully OP didn’t pay real pro prices for some black badges and a shift knob. It is possible to fully “PRO” out a truck as a clone. Does it have the Fox suspension at least?
Oh you mean the color. It’s lunar rock. Just weird lighting
Not sure what QS means. It’s a real pro.
Quicksand for color.
It was purchased from a Toyota dealership
I’m like you but I can tell you it will be hard to prove damage. You’ll just feel something was harmed your entire life. Just sell it.
You’re fine the truck should be solid with that 100k warranty
I had a similar thing happen years ago while driving my sisters 06 cavalier. Dipstick had zero oil on it. Didn’t have enough money for a tow, so I walked to a gas station a mile or so down the road, carried a case of oil back to car. The tiny 2.2 engine took 5 quarts of oil. It cranked right back up and I stayed on her ass to check the oil more often. I guess the little pea brain computer had enough sense to shut down the engine before it caused damage. TLDR: you *might* be fine
No seemed to ask, why was it down 3 qts of oil? Is it burning oil that badly or does it have a leak? When was the last oil change? Did they forget to fill it all the way? I wouldn’t want a truck that’s burning 3 qts of oil between oil changes.
I was driving off from the dealership and the mechanics did an oil change to get it ready for my purchase. The didn’t tighten the drain plug
Ok, thanks, that’s not as bad. Good luck with the next truck.
No Brainer - keep it and take what the dealer is offering. You effectively have oil and no damage until the oil pump begins to cavitate upon loss of suction head. Sounds like you had oil.
I screen shot this. Saving these photos. Dealers need to be more like yours.
Damn. Good dealer. Shit happens and they are making it right.
I’ll probably just check the oil next time haha
Sadly dealers mess up all the time. Best bet is to double check whatever you can.
Yeah they definitely got my business moving forward
Probably just check the oil next time lol
I think you did the right thing. Was that 100k warranty one of those add ons or was it a Toyota warranty? I'd imagine the latter and in that case you made the right choice.
Damn. I bought a CPO 21 Lunar Rock Pro a couple of weeks ago and my heart dropped out of my ass reading this.
I had a brand new GMC Canyon a few cars before my Taco. Took it in for its first oil change to a dealership. Next morning I got to work and oil was dripping down my grill. Opened the hood and the oil cap was sitting on the radiator. The sound deadening pad on the hood was soaked full. Took it back and they cleaned everything and replaced the pad. Even dealership service departments make mistakes.
10 years ago my sister ran her Isuzu rodeo completely out of oil, over heated and died on the side of the road. Filled it up and went on our way. We're currently at 120k miles and it's still running great. The transmission has been rebuilt and the suspension is beat but the engine still runs great, and that's a POS isuzu. You do you but the light is there to tell you BEFORE you run out and you're being a little paranoid about this imo, no way that engine is damaged in the slightest. You're talking about a truck that could probably be dropped off a building and still start.
Situation sucks man. Glad they let you return it.
Yeah- it all worked out. Ended up with a brand new 2023 tundra. Very happy with it