Four Runner

I got this forwarded to me from a friend today, after he went shopping while stationed in the S.F. Bay Area. *I only post and support it because funnily (maybe not so funny, huh) enough, when I was out there, I actually had a different friend, who'd asked I go along with him, to do the test drive, and it's the same ad, months later, same place, etc-etc. I figure that any Newbie researching on a purchase shouldn't have to go through this, causing a bad feeling about a wonderful vehicle. (In other words, Corey, please leave this up, or tell me where to move it to.) The ad isn't even changed!!! (Props to M&M for following through and contacting Craigslist!! Bad ju-ju is due to these schmucks, if you can, protect yourself!! Quote: Originally Posted by MikeMerrell RE: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/339970002.html You really should permanently block Steadfast Motors in Santa Clara, CA from posting anymore ads, they bait and switch buyers!! Went to look at and purchase vehicle, when arrived there, they took forever to bring vehicle around, by which time girlfriend was extremly frustrated. I go out to look at the truck, and it's nothing like the pictures/description. The reason this concerns me, is apparently I'm not the first person to nearly fall for this, and they've apparently "..used this tactic to sell a complete turd, or better yet, another pricier model like they presented us with..." (excerpted from the ToyotaTerriory Bad Sellers/Scam thread, along with a couple other Toyota Forum sites.) I've spoken with the poster(s) of the info in the forums, as well as the site administration, and all have verified the legitimacy of the warning, as one of them himself had this happen with their "Golden Toyota 4Runner". Please, do better to protect the general public, and those that frequent your site from such low-life "Used Car Salesmen" (does sound a bit too cliche, huh) that are pulling this kind of junk. Side note, luckily enough I found a better buy closer to my home, thanks to a copy of another ad I had with me. I really was looking for the type of truck advertised by Steadfast, but, as I look back at it, they're getting what they deserve by my spending the time to go ahead and report this, and spend my hard earned money elsewhere, and warning others of their practices. With Sincerest thanks for addressing these Schmucks, Mike Merrell, San Jose, Ca

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Four Runner

Copied the ad to here for all to see.

Now get this, I ran the vin/plate info, not in their posession, under another title. Maybe using their own car, or stolen pics to pull this? Even better, the truck doesn't even have a Roof Rack as Claimed!!

KevinInSac

Awesome....

Strange how a dealership has got pics of a runner parked in front of an apartment complex.

Oh, and it's listed here: http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...49&car_id=null

Note the other cars in seemingly random places too.

__________________

Turd Ferguson

Never trust a "dealership" that uses bad grammar or has spelling problems in their ads. Unprofessional from the get-go.

__________________

1990 4Runner V6 SR5, "The Porkchop Express"

rammstein428

thanks for posting this, I'm local and thought about checking out some of their 4runners but it seemed fishy from the get go.

Four Runner

Ok, just caught this bit...

Really, now??!





I'm surprised they still have a business license.

Looks like they're using cars on the street to make 'em look like the cars/trucks they're selling. I'm gonna tell Mike to pass the info onto the local police department.

I wonder if they ran the vin/plates who the owners of these "bait vehicles" actually are.

**Isn't it fraudulent to use info/pics on a vehicle that isn't yours?

If I catch them using my vehicle, pics, whatever, I'd go and kick someone's a$$ really quick.

There was a place out in Chappel Hill doing that once, guy caught someone trying to look at his car, take a pic, late in the evening, and, well, somebody ended up getting shot over it.

Must take bals to go up and take a pic like that. I wonder if they offer a "bribe", or flatter the owners to get the pic, not actually telling them what it's for.

I'm glad Mike sent this to me, and you (KevinInSac) found that ad too.
Not to be a wannabe vigilante, or anything, I just think we're calling "..a spade a spade."

If nothing else, does anyone know who else to report this kind of stuff to??

(BAR) Bureau of Automotive Repair??

(?)They could block them from getting any service parts.(?)

Four Runner

Hey, maybe we all should log into their site and apply for a sales job!!

Cripes, even I can make a fake ad...


Hokeypoke Motors
(555)555-1212
Hokepoke, Anytown
12345

Ask for Inigo Montoya, or the Six Fingered Man.



We are selling a 1997 Toyota 4 Runner with an 4 Speed Automatic Transmission, 3.4l 6 Cylinder Engine. The truck is in excellent running condition and has been maintained well. The 4 Runner drives very solid. The engine and transmission are in great shape. The 6 cylinder makes very good power, quiet and very smooth. There is no hesitation, smoking or any other issues with the engine. The transmission is a 4 Speed Automatic with an overdrive. All of the shift very smooth and there is no slipping in any gear The tires are in great shape mounted on Factory Alloy Wheels. The Exterior is in great shape. The paint is very glossy, there are no major dents, dings or scratches. The interior is very nice as well. The seats are in great shape. The Leather interior looks very nice, there are no cracks, rips or tears on the interior of the 4 Runner. The carpets look great as the rest of the truck. The Toyota has a Clean Title and has been SMOGGED for the next owner. TRADE-INS ARE WELCOME. FINANCING IS AVAILABLE (O.A.C.)


Better yet, how about a Lambo??


..or a bridge, cheap!!


This s#!t would be actually funny if it wasn't so wrong.







.....

91TPU

dealers advertise cars they dont have anymore all the time just to get you to come in...but this, these dont even look like they are their vehicles but more or less just vehicles off the street, they didnt even blurr out the tags

__________________
87' 4runner...22re...31" Bridgestone Dueler AT-New project rig and winter dd.
91' 3vze...190k...31" BFG All Terrain's...K&N FIPK-SOLD
07' Civic Si-The Daily Driver.

Four Runner

Yeah, and this vehicle in particular was never theirs, just got an email, Mike said the P.D. ran owners reports on the vehicles in their ads!!

So, I really wonder now, if the vehicle(s) (that aren't even theirs) photographed have a "Clean title, etc-etc" is how they're dodging the law??

So, any bids on the Lambo or the New Jersey Bridge??

91TPU

ill give you everythiing in my pocket for that bridge














that consists of 25cents, some metal shavings, some lint, and a pack of trident...

__________________
87' 4runner...22re...31" Bridgestone Dueler AT-New project rig and winter dd.
91' 3vze...190k...31" BFG All Terrain's...K&N FIPK-SOLD
07' Civic Si-The Daily Driver.

Four Runner

Sweet, I'll start drawing up the paperwork right now!!

OK, so you'll need to send that all to my friend, but first, I'll need to send you a check for the bridge.
(Buddy won a lot of money, and I gotta clear the bridge funds so I can sell it.) I'm in Nigeria...long story.

Deposit the check, then keep $100 for your troubles. Send me a check for the deducted amount, plus the $ .25..

I'll send you a UPS call tag for the metal shavings, lint, and pack of trident.

I'll call you to confirm receival once I log-in and UPS shows you've signed.





**BTW, my bad, Sorry to start joking in this thread.
~I wanna know that everyone will get where this is coming from.

ocdropzone

This sounds almost the same guy that there is a thread on ttora that was selling a 4Runner using pictures of a built 4runner (i would post it but ttora.com's servers are down after an 'upgrade')...Craigslist kept removing the add and it kept popping up..
Great job warning folks about the dealership...bait and switch..hmmmm..oxygen thieves are everywhere..

__________________
~Robb
'81 Trekker The B4Runner Build
TREKKER Forum
Mini FAQ/Misc Ideas Thread

bouncytig1

First off let me tell you guys that you truly need to go buy lives, not cars. You say you contacted someone about the vins, and them not being registered to steadfast, "Now get this, I ran the vin/plate info, not in their posession, under another title. Maybe using their own car, or stolen pics to pull this?" how could you possibly know whos possession those cars are in? you don't and thats why i felt the need to comment on your lame ass back and forth comments. I happen to know exactly which auction houses all these vehicles came from. i happen to know that these cars arent just pictures of other peoples cars because i pick them up and drive them from the auctions, and take them to get photographed you bunch of pea brains! if you really want to "look up" try actually looking into if the person who supposedly has possession of the car whos vin you looked up actually still ownes the car, or if they have gotten rid of it!! dont any of you guys have anything better to do in life other than sit here and make up bull stories!?

ozziesironmanoffroad

oh wow, arent you just so big and bad?

__________________
The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back.

1988 Toyota P/U 4x4
22re, 1200 miles on the rebuild
engine builder .268 cam
pioneer CD deck
31x10.50x15 BFG A/T
BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper
KC Daylighters 100W
rancho rs5000
MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB!
If not living life to the fullest, why live it?



my trucks official buildup thread

bouncytig1

Not half as bad as your big bad ass truck!!!! (so my friend here says!)

Mr.Dabadina

Bouncytig do you work for steadfast motors then?

__________________
'96 4Runner SR5

TJM-15
Hella 500
Silverstars
Tundra Brake Upgrade

DeathCougar

Well hot damn! Im going right out to buy a 4Runner from them!

Explain the "mint" interior and the "leather" on the 4Runner then? Typo? Miskey? Incorrect info? I have heard all the excuses. And if you try to blame it on the "webmaster" you better go have a talk with him and figure out why he is posting incorrect information about your vehicles.

Bait and switch is illegal.

__________________
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Need that hard to find part? Nix99 Used Toyota and Lexus parts!

bouncytig1

if you go back and look at the whole ad, not just the one pic. ad, that statement about leather interior is no where to be found. i am sub contracted out to do their driving part time. (whenever they go to the auctions) are ya sure your looking at the correct ads there and not just popping in pics from below with other car pics thinking its the same thing? cuz we have i dont know how many 4 runners!!

AxleIke

SPAM!!!!!

__________________
1987 Mutant 4runner|Slightly Modified|Lacking general build direction

-Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail.

-Internet Nice Guy

CyMoN

as for the pics most are taken in front of the same house

__________________
my rigs
89 4runner
1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed

86 pickup
1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed

a sad day for the 4runner
"One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

Belize Off Road Team

i bet they just drove down some roads in town, looked for a really nice, old SUV and found that 4Runner, and waited till the owner came out and asked if they could take a pic of the inside. Show me a 1st/2nd gen toyota that has no rust underneath or on the body. there is always rust visible underneath.

__________________
-Phyl
1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 200,000kms l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Air Filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l Optima Blue Top l 12" JBL Subs l Alpine Type R l 80/100W Hella H4 l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l ARB Bull Bar l

AxleIke

I want to know where I can buy a life.

I also want to thank the subcontracted employee of the above mentioned company for coming to this site and insulting us. Good, quality customer service there.

I didn't know that they paid car delivery boys enough to care about the reputation of the company they deliver for. Especially sub contracted ones. Learn something new every day.

I don't know about the rest of you, but when I deal with a company, I love it when they treat me like crap. Really makes me want to come back.

I couldn't care less about the cars, as this post is over 6mos old, the OP has been banned, and aside from the OP and the delivery boy, no one else cares about this company..

__________________
1987 Mutant 4runner|Slightly Modified|Lacking general build direction

-Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail.

-Internet Nice Guy

DeathCougar

Scroll back up to post #4. You will see the info you require.

And how the hell is that an "Excellent interior" condition? Even leaving the leather portion out, that interior is used up. The carpet is stained bad, and the seats are tattered.

Sorry man, but saying "Must be the wrong pics" just wont cut it. i dont trust any car lot in the first place, but you guys give them all a really bad name.

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Need that hard to find part? Nix99 Used Toyota and Lexus parts!

skunkheap

I am local to this business and can tell you a few details:

1. The cars pictured are actually theirs. They do not go around snapping pics of random cars and SUV's. A Carfax will not reveal this because Dealerships never actually "own" a vehicle. They are technically just "holding" it while in transit between registered owners.

2. They have been accused a number of times on Craigslist and elsewhere for shady practices. Bait and switch and specifically running adds for cars which are no longer in their inventory and then trying to shuffle them into another one.

3. They sell a lot of cars and get sloppy in their descriptions, re-using old listings form similar vehicles, sometimes without correcting for differentiating details (ie leather/cloth, auto/manual etc)

4. A personal story from an acquaintance that happened about three weeks ago: he had seen an add of theirs for a 1998 BMW 740il, loaded with navigation etc etc. Very nice photos and description. He calls the guys and they say it's nice, has 136k miles and it sounds good. SO he drives about 2 hours to see this thing and the guys at first "cant find it". Then they finally do and they cant get it started.....after about an hour the car is finally running...takes a look under the hood...low fluids....coolant almost empty, etc. Lord knows why, but for some reason he decides to go ahead with the sale (I guess the price was haggled down). He is all set to sign the papers, has the title for his truck on the counter as a trade-in and asks the actuall odometer reading for the paperwork......it was 189K MILES! (they NEVER list the miles in the listings unless they are low!). So, upon discovering that the sales guy was blowing smoke up his ass about the miles, he promptly calls his wife, swipes his truck title back from the counter and returns the two hours home. 6 hours wasted and nothing to show for it. He was one pissed puppy!

5. Be careful.....

sprtsgirl

I am currently having a head gasket issue with my Toyota 92 4Runner. That I coincidently purchased from SteadFast motors 8/07, so I have had it a little over 1year. I did my research on the vehicle blue booked it checked the Vin#. I saw that other 4Runner there that had the discusting interior which they tried to sell to me. They had just brought out the other truck (which I purchased) a white clean toyota 92 4Runner. If I had read the forum here about buying from them, I may not be in the predicament I am now! But I wanted to say thanks though a year + later for posting your comment. I will definately go some where else next time. I am sure they new there was a headgasket problem it just took a year for it to crumble!