Engine Replacement Fraud? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

qafzeh74 · 01-24-2008, 01:34 PM

I am the original owner of a 2000 Celica GT. I'm not terribly knowledgeable about cars myself. The engine locked up last year (somehow all the oil leaked out through the engine within 500 miles of an oil change, I saw no warning, not a single spot of oil under the car, ever). Mechanic at a dealership said I needed a new short block. I took it to a local garage and they said they'd replace the entire engine. I had them replace the engine (was supposed to be replaced anyway) with a used engine from Japan (they provided it). The garage is in IL, but I moved to NC while the car was in the garage. The same day I picked up the car, I hopped on the interstate and drove to NC. In less than 500 miles, all the oil was gone, but I noticed before the engine locked up so it still runs (provided I dump massive quantities of oil into the car). Back bumper is black (supposed to be silver...), oily residue spits out the tailpipe. The garage that provided and installed the engine provided a 1 yr/12,000 mi warranty on parts and labor. No specific warranty terms were ever provided, but they verbally told me that if there was a problem when I got to NC, they would make sure it got fixed locally (in NC). When first contacted the garage said they won't help me unless I can bring the car back to them in IL, which I don't agree with, and now the garage won't return my calls at all. I'm beginning to wonder if they actually replaced the engine at all. Is it possible they got the engine working, but didn't fix the problem, and put the original engine back in? How can I tell? I had a garage here investigate and they said that there is definitely no external leak, it is internal to the engine and all the oil is going through the engine to the exhaust. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

RichieRichJP · 01-24-2008, 01:50 PM

Hire a lawyer

liplip · 01-25-2008, 03:11 AM

Hire a lawyer and go to Better Business Bureau?

Rick89GTS · 01-26-2008, 01:57 PM

One way you can tell is look for the serial # or vehicle identification # on your engine. If it's the same as the original on your papers, then of course you'll know they didn't change the motor. It's usually stamped on the block somewhere in an inconspicuous place. And yeah, you may need legal help or at least a small claims threat to get some settlement, that's bullshit.

P.S.: After you gather your facts and have your plan of attack ready, consider going ahead and filing a small claims action; you can always withdraw it if they come to the table with an offer to settle. Sounds like you're going to be in for a dirty fight. Good luck.

PSS: Learn more about your car and do your own oil changes. They're easy and you'll know it was done right - your oil shouldn't be leaking out after 500 miles.