I’ve been looking for a Camry TRD and found one at a dealership. But when I got there, I noticed it had a quad-tip exhaust (which TRDs don’t come with). They tried to convince me it was stock, saying the car was “gold-certified.” Upon inspection, it had no resonator or muffler, and it was extremely loud during the test drive.
To make things worse, they gave me a CARFAX report that didn’t match the one online. The one they handed me didn’t mention an accident the car had.
I’ve heard contacting a factory rep can get dealerships in trouble. How do I start that process? I don’t want someone else getting scammed by this.
You can call Toyota Motor Sales USA (if you’re in the US) or Toyota Canada Inc. for Canada. Just remember, Toyota doesn’t own the dealership—the auto group or the dealership owner does.
Nile said:
You can call Toyota Motor Sales USA (if you’re in the US) or Toyota Canada Inc. for Canada. Just remember, Toyota doesn’t own the dealership—the auto group or the dealership owner does.
Everything falls under Toyota North America in Plano, TX. I’d definitely recommend contacting corporate.
beky said:
It’s a used car, so calling a factory rep might not help much. Gold-certified means different things at different dealerships.
That’s not accurate. Toyota’s Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) program is standardized nationwide. If this car is being falsely represented as certified, the dealership could face consequences.
@Madden
As long as it meets the basic 160-point checklist, it qualifies. Gold certification only requires specific criteria, so it might still pass despite modifications.
beky said: @Madden
As long as it meets the basic 160-point checklist, it qualifies. Gold certification only requires specific criteria, so it might still pass despite modifications.
The checklist includes emissions and exhaust requirements. If they’re giving out outdated or falsified CARFAX reports, they’re violating TCUV standards.
Sparrow said:
That’s definitely shady, but since it’s used, Toyota corporate might not get involved. Does your state have an agency that oversees vehicle sales?
If it’s being advertised as certified, it shouldn’t have passed with that exhaust. Toyota Brand Engagement would be a good starting point—Google their contact info.
Zadie said:
Getting someone fired over this seems extreme. Salespeople can be clueless, but this sounds more like typical dealership nonsense than outright fraud.
It’s not extreme. If someone lies to sell a car, they should face the consequences.
Zadie said: @Sunny
I see your point. But the buyer still has a responsibility to do their research. Dealerships pull this stuff all the time, unfortunately.
Sure, buyers should be informed, but that doesn’t excuse a dealership from being dishonest. If they’re skirting Toyota’s policies, they need to be held accountable.
Zadie said: @Sunny
I see your point. But the buyer still has a responsibility to do their research. Dealerships pull this stuff all the time, unfortunately.
If you’re selling something that expensive and don’t know your product—or worse, lie about it—you shouldn’t be in that job.