I bought a 2002 Toyota 7 months ago. The car runs fine but it gets lousy gas mileage, about 18-20mpg for mostly city driving. The dealer gave me a six month warranty and I took it back to them twice complaining about the mileage. The first time they cleaned the throttle plate and used some fuel injector cleaner. The second time they said they were baffled but to bring it in again if anything more happened. Meanwhile the warranty expired and now the check engine light came on. I had a local parts store check the trouble codes for me and it read a solenoid malfunction in the automatic transmission. The parts store guy said this was the transmission torque control and yes, it would hurt the mileage a lot.
I know next to nothing about cars, but even I know that transmission repairs are complicated and expensive. Am I SOL because the warranty is over or do I stand a chance of getting the dealer to fix it because I complained during the warranty period? I’ve only put 1600 miles on the car since I’ve had it if that makes a difference.
It can’t hurt to ask. Be businesslike about it, not demanding or aggressive, and prepare to negotiate with them if they won’t just cover it. You might at least get a cost reduction or something. There are reasonable business folk out there - with luck, this dealership is one. Good luck.
My advice also. If the relationship with the dealer has been cordial so far, approach them reasonably, they may surprise you. If indeed it is a solenoid malfunction, you could get lucky in that it could be something that does not require complete disassembly, and they might cut you a deal.
I worked for a large Harley Davidson and Honda dealer as Service Manager for a long time, and the reasonable approach is always best.
If that doesn’t work, you have learned a lesson about used vehicle warranties.
First off about the gas mileage, the largest single thing thing that effects gas mileage is located between the gas pedal and the seat. IOW you. It is quite possible that there was nothing wrong with the car when you brought it in. Also you did not say which model Toyota we are discussing. 18-20 in town is quite reasonable for many model Toyotas.
Now about the Check engine light. Yes, you can ask, and as other have said, be nice about it. However do not be surprised if the answer is no. They will probably say the check engine light was not on during the warranty period, and it is a five almost six model year old car. Sorry, but you own it.
YMMV, I am a warranty admin, and so I can try and help you a little, though I am not in any way connected to your dealer or toyota in any way(I do two wheel warranties). Generally, when a warranty issue pops up, the first instance of the symptom is considered the start of the problem. So if you can prove the solenoid was the fault causing the low mileage, then the first complaint of bad mileage would be the start of that warranty claim.
I admit, this all gets harder especially when your dealing with a vehicle that is out of warranty to start with (Im not exactly counting the dealer provided warranty).
Now, some vehicles have a longer powertrain warranty, that continues for some years after the regular bumper to bumper warranty expires. For example, my 06 legacy comes with a 3 year 36k mile bumper to bumper warranty, but also has a 5 year 60k miles powertrain warranty. If I were you I would check into this. Though, considering it is a 2002 model, it was most likely bought in 2001.
Fry
Today I took the car to the mechanic that has taken care of my last car. The minute he turned it on the check engine light went off! I told him the car must be scared of him and knew it had better behave when he was around. He drove the car and said it seemed fine, but if it was only the solenoid that needed replacing it would cost around $250. I can manage that if necessary.
My relations with the two brothers who own the dealership have been very cordial and friendly so far. I have every reason to think they are good businessmen and nice guys. I’m pretty sure they will cut me some kind of deal if repairs are needed. My best friend, however, is a total cynic and is equally sure that they stalled on repairs until the warranty expired. We’ll see.
I’m going to call them and ask about the malfunction code, like I’m just asking their advice, and see what they say. Meanwhile, I may take my friend’s advice and start looking for another car. I had to buy this car in a hurry and I’ve never really warmed up to it. I guess I was spoiled by my last car, a Honda CRX that I had for 14 years. Nothing ever broke on that car. Things wore out and needed to be replaced, but nothing ever malfunctioned.