Approximately two years ago my 1997 T-100 overheated and I had it towed to Koons Annapolis Toyota to do the repairs, conviced that a certified mechanic would be better suited to handle the situation (I was pretty sure the head gasket blew). Suspisions being correct that it was a head gasket and because I shut down the motor quickly, I was told by the mechanic that no damage had been done by the overheating. I was given an estimate of around the high two thousands and given that the truck had only 100 k miles, I thought it to be a worthwhile repair given that I was expecting to be able to put another 100 k on it. With the repairs completed I was informed that the total amount would be $3800. (Significantly more that the original estimate). The reasons given to me by the service manager was the additional parts and labor that need to be taken care of while repairing the head gaskets. Feeling extremely taken advantage of, but feeling I had no recourse, I paid the bill and picked up my greasy handprint covered truck and vowed never to return to Koons Toyota, or any other dealer again...
A few weeks later, while researching the internet, I discovered that certaing model Toyotas including some T-100s w / the same engine had been recalled by Toyota Motors for head gasket failure. Unfortunately (I'm not sure why) my VIN was not included in the recall. Koons Toyota Annapolis never mentioned this to me or anything else eluding to the fact that this was an issue with a lot of these motors. (Of course I assume they didn't want me to pursue Toyota to pay for the repairs. Maybe they just ignorant of the issue, but I highly doubt it). Even so, I was content that the repairs were made competently and I would enjoy a couple more years in my truck.
One year and eight months later while driving to Virginia, my truck overheated again. I the same exact fashion as before (Loss of oil pressure followed by overheating and signs of oil contaminated coolant). I immediately call the service manager at Koons Annapolis and explained to him the situation. His immediate response was that the repairs were made over a year prior and that their warranty was only for a year. Long story short, Koons Annapolis "couldn't find the cause of the overheating" and recommended replacing the thermostat (As if that had anything to do with the drop in oil pressure). Upon telling them that I was not going to pay for any repairs, their mechanic stated that "If it were his truck, he would get rid of it". Thanks for nothing Koons Annapolis. Thanks for leaving me with a truck that is now relatively worthless.
I plan on persuing the issue with Toyota Motor and with the BBB, however I am quite certain that I will be wasting my time. Thus, this letter is a warning to all customers of Koons Toyota. Stay away!
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