I was out this weekend with a group of friends driving along a sand track, I was in the middle of the group but those in front of me were out of sight when I encountered a rather large hump in the track that caused the front end of my car to become airborne, Oh not a good feeling, however I continued on having been shaken around a bit inside the car and finished the day with the group. Back on the bitumen I realised something was amiss when the steering wheel was not aligned and the anti sway warning light stayed on on the dashboard. I was also aware of a rubbing sound when braking and turning the wheels. I had approximately 120kms to drive to get home and did this without any problems. I took the car to the Toyota dealership where I bought the car and I am now advised that they cannot identify one specific issue with the car but it appears multiple "factors" (suspension, track rods, sensors etc.) are causing the problem. The multiple "factors" add up to a $4,500 bill. Before taking the car to the dealer I took the front wheels off the car and could see nothing visible was bent and this was confirmed by the dealer. I am also told by the dealership these "factors" are not claimable under warranty.
Obviously I am disappointed that I have broken my car but even more disappointed that this is not covered by warranty, the car is 18 months old. This car is sold on the premise of being a 4WD and virtually indestructible, it’s a Toyota and at the time of purchasing my Fortuner I was told the undercarriage is identical to the Hi Lux except for the rear suspension. I have seen many videos and adverts for Hi Lux where the car has left the ground and the television programme Top Gear claimed the Hi Lux was indestructible after trying to demolish it but it survived, maybe my Fortuner is not a real 4WD as Toyota claim. Maybe Toyota should amend their sales pitch for the Fortuner otherwise they are selling a product under false pretences as I believe I was driving this car in a manner it was designed to do and capable of achieving and therefore should be investigated further.
Fortunately, my insurance covers me for the repair but I am annoyed my car is not capable of a bit of rough and tumble as I thought it would be. I should have bought a puddle jumper and saved my money.
Obviously I am disappointed that I have broken my car but even more disappointed that this is not covered by warranty, the car is 18 months old. This car is sold on the premise of being a 4WD and virtually indestructible, it’s a Toyota and at the time of purchasing my Fortuner I was told the undercarriage is identical to the Hi Lux except for the rear suspension. I have seen many videos and adverts for Hi Lux where the car has left the ground and the television programme Top Gear claimed the Hi Lux was indestructible after trying to demolish it but it survived, maybe my Fortuner is not a real 4WD as Toyota claim. Maybe Toyota should amend their sales pitch for the Fortuner otherwise they are selling a product under false pretences as I believe I was driving this car in a manner it was designed to do and capable of achieving and therefore should be investigated further.
Fortunately, my insurance covers me for the repair but I am annoyed my car is not capable of a bit of rough and tumble as I thought it would be. I should have bought a puddle jumper and saved my money.
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