12/21/06: I bought a 98 Toyota T100 from Gray Auto Group (GAG) having read about the truck on cars.com. 1/27/07: I had the truck transported from GAG to me. 1/29-2/11: I communicated with Doug Gray, owner of GAG about problems with the truck including an ongoing oil burning/heavy exhaust smoke problem. During a 2/10 telephone conversation, he revealed to me that the original engine was ruined by the previous owner who drove it mistakenly without engine oil. Doug said that the truck was towed to GAG who replaced the engine with an engine purchased from Kubis Auto Parts (KAP) on 11/22/06. I expressed my disappointment in not being informed of this prior to the purchase. Doug said that he goes through so many vehicles that he can't keep up with what his shop does & that I'd paid a low price for the truck-as if that were an excuse for the condition. Prior the purchase, Doug had only stated that the truck had been owned by a man who fell ill & didn't drive the truck much. 2/12/07: The truck's engine is diagnosed by Toyota of the Black Hills, Rapid City, SD with a collapsed oil ring in cylinder #6 & possibly in need of valve seal work. The repair cost is up to $4039.2/12-13: KAP informs me their 90 day warrantee on the engine will only cover the purchase price ($1800) to GAG. 2/14/07: I requested GAG cover the cost of the repair up to $4039. Doug has not responded but had stated in a 2/11/07 email The sale is As IS as you know. His lack of response/email leads me to believe that he has refused to cover the repair. I filed a complaint with the NY OAG Rochester, NY. Truck status: My truck has been at the dealership in Rapid City, SD (2 hrs drive from me residence) since 2/9/07 where it will remain until repaired. My truck purchase price was $10K. Given the timeframe (within 60 days or 3k mi[1k driven]) & mileage at sale time (42K), I understand this case may be covered by NY's used car lemon law-although I seek repair & not buy-back. I seek $4039 engine repair costs. Given the truck & GAG distance (1.5K mi), this seems to be the best option for resolution. 4: I give up with Gray Auto, decide to marry this truck by replacing the engine with my own money. My stress and time spend far exceeds the value of the truck.
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