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We have a new Toyota Hilux ute, purchased in October 2010.

At a recent scheduled service we pointed out some minor oil spots on the road grime. We were surprised to be told that because we were towing a light trailer (around 6-700kg), we would have to retrofit a $600.00 auto transmission cooler at our expense.

We were told Toyota would not honour the new car warranty if we did not have the cooler fitted.

All our towing is on flat sealed roads at 80-90kph max.

I would have thought that this towing weight would be well inside the 2.5tonne rating for this vehicle?

Are we being treated unfairly?

Richard

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 1 April 2011

I find Toyota’s comments very hard to support.

If Toyota NZ believed this was so critical, then they should fit the transmission cooler as standard equipment or they should have recommended it be fitted at time of purchase.

They Dealer concerned should be talking to their customers about the rules around new vehicle warranty and towing as part of the sales hand-over process.

Very few (if any) Hilux owners do not tow at some stage; that’s why they buy them!

If you purchased the Hilux from the same Dealer who is now telling you it needs a transmission cooler, then I would be asking for a meeting with the Dealer principal or business owner to express your disappointment.

I would almost be asking for a letter from Toyota NZ on the need to fit an oil cooler for the loads you tow. What you have been told by the Dealer may not be totally correct.

If you go ahead and have the cooler fitted, the dealer should at least be offering a healthy discount as a gesture of goodwill.