Tire wear on "new" certified pre-owned truck

Hi TW, new Tacoma owner and first time poster here.

I purchased a 2017 certified pre-owned 2 weeks ago. In the first week I owned it I made arrangements to have a well reviewed reputable independent shop look it over. I didn't suspect any issues just wanted to use an abundance of caution with a new purchase.

The mechanic gave my truck a clean bill of health, other than the tires.

Independent mechanic says rear tires measure 4/32, front measure 3/32. Recommended replacing all four.

Given that it was purchased CPO from a Toyota dealership I didn't think I should have to buy new tires right away so I returned to the dealer. The dealer said their certified mechanic wasn't in but they'd give me a loaner and have him look at it the next day.

Next day I call up to see if they have looked at it yet and they told me "we are going to send you some pictures soon." A little while later I get a txt with pictures showing the tires measuring around 4/32 where the dealer measured. Since then they haven't replied to my calls or emails but it was late in the day.

My question is what would you do? Is it unreasonable to demand new tires or at least a smoking deal on new tires?

The dealership is telling me their policy is to measure the center vs averaging sides and center of the tread and that 5/32 is acceptable on a CPO. Does that seem right?

Screenshots are from independent mechanic. Pics of gauge are txts from dealership.

 

Since you already purchased with bald tires, you don't have much of an upper hand here. Bite the bullet and spring for some new tires. You can't really "demand" anything. IMO, that tread pattern is pretty poor, and should have warranted discussion about some new rubber DURING the selling process, not 2 weeks later.

 

Hi MasTacosMa. Since you asked... I'd say that the tires are a wear item and shouldn't factor in too much for the purchase price of a used vehicle. That's just my opinion.

 

True I guess, I don't have much leverage other than to complain and be vocal. Ultimately part of the reason I bought CPO is because I'm not an expert and I thought it gave me some assurance that it had been looked over for the basics.

I feel dumb because I should have and could have noticed the tires but I let my guard down assuming a Toyota Dealership would be a little more legit/reputable.

 

Don't feel dumb, it's a learning experience! You're now armed with more knowledge going into another transaction. We've literally all been there.

 

They just want to make their money, of course. You will probably have to fight them if the idea is that the tires are substandard and their price didn't reflect that fact. I recently paid full (fair) market price for a 2015 and the tires were undersized replacements. I had to go get new ones just to make it right. I didn't consider it a fault of the dealer. They took it that way on a trade in.

 

And yeah, like he said. Don't feel dumb. It's just business.

 

Nice mutt

 

Sadly dealerships are filled so much politics you'd think it's the federal government or something. You have underpaid techs doing side work after hours to get by when they are technically not allowed, you have service writers and sales guys trying to climb the ladder. Everyone does shit to please the guys running the show so they can be in good standing. The guys running the show just care about profits because they get bonuses from it, and techs might write up things like low tread tires but then you get some guy coming back saying he doest think the tires bald, so the tech might switch that 4/32s to a 5/32s so it's passable on the inspection because he wants to keep doing side work. If you havn't put too many miles on it I would take it back and complain, you're really at the mercy of the dealership and how they want to handle it. It's really easy for them to say that you drove the car x miles and that it wore down, and they might offer to give you a discount on an already over priced set of tires and install. Hopefully it works out for you, but I've personally seen too much shit which is why I eventually got out of the dealership business. Good luck.

 

Thanks!

 

Can get wildpeaks just over a 100 in 245

 

You own it and now have no bargining power.
Go buys some tires and use this as a lesson.

 

CPO should have standards. It may just be the that the standard here is ‘checked tires’ vs tires have ‘X’ tread left.

 

Has nothing to do with being legit or reputable... it's just business.

 

Maybe I'm not understanding this correctly. The truck was used, right? Used vehicles rarely have new tires. Did you look at the tires when you bought it and notice they were worn? That should have factored into your decision to buy and at what price. Personally, as long as the tires weren't to the wear bars, they are safe enough to be sold as is. Has nothing to do with the dealership being reputable. Used vehicles have used tires. And to answer your question, it is unreasonable to demand they do something about the used tires on your used vehicle, especially after you bought it that way.
Another example of why I don't do retail.

 

OP, your independent mechanic sucks too.
You need need new brake pads in near future.

 

Low brake fluid is typically indicative of brake pad life left. If it is low, either your rears or your fronts are ready to go. Top off is not required as the fluid which has been "consumed" is in the system and is being used to keep the brake calipers out at the level they need to be to be able to provide proper pressure when you step on your low in life brake pads.

5/32 is passable on a CPO. It doesn't make it right, no, but I really don't think you have a leg to stand on here, however, if the dealer values you as a customer, has the art of foresight (more rare then you think after the sale has been made) and wants you to come back for future visits no matter how big or small in $$ spent, then it is in their better interest to hook you up with a good deal on tires.

 

CPO simply implies that the vehicles has been deemed to be not a lemon & therefore Toyota is willing to attach an extended warranty to it; that you undoubtedly agreed to pay for. Get your ass & your taco out of the stealership & find yourself a decent set of shoes at a reasonable price.

 

Front and rear brake pads are measuring 6mm. Like I said I'm no expert but my mechanic did measure them and said it was acceptable. You can always count on the internet for a rough welcome eh?

Toyotas CPO requirements say min 5/32 thread on the tires. And my mechanic says they are at 3/32 and 4/32 within 500 miles of purchase... Is it actually possible to have worn them that much that quick?

My belief is that the vehicle was sold to me at levels that didnt meet the clearly set out standards toyota advertises, lucky it is just worn tires but I don't think I'm out of line to be upset.

 

How many miles are on the truck ? Since you drove it 500 miles I think it's to late now .