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Post by james on Dec 22, 2016 23:20:49 GMT -5
We've been looking to buy a Toyota 4x4 pickup truck for quite a while. Finally located one in Medellin that was exactly what we wanted: 4x4, doble-cabina, gasolina y gas, solo dueno, etc. Met the seller, bargained the price, and made a deal. When it came time to close ... i.e $$$, the seller showed up with the truck, but it had a different set of tires. I asked why he had changed the tires, and he denied that he did. I showed him the pics I took when we first looked at the truck. It had black sidewall tires, but the tires it had at delivery were raised white letter, and pretty much worn out. I think he shit his pants when he saw that I had pictures, but finally admitted that he sold the other (new) tires to a friend. I guess he thought we wouldn't notice. So we made him reduce the price to cover a new set of tires, and got him to agree to pay for the truck's title transfer fees (1 500 000 pesos.) If he hadn't really needed the money, he would have told us to walk, but because we caught him trying to screw us we ended up 3 milliones to the better. It pays to never trust ANYONE here. Just a heads-up to everyone on the forum. - james Attachments:
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Post by barrumundi on Dec 23, 2016 0:44:23 GMT -5
jajajajaja ......they have no shame!
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Post by scumbuster on Dec 23, 2016 5:47:45 GMT -5
Looks like a nice ride. And you get a new set of tires too. LOL I would say "unbelievable" but it it totally believable..
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2016 7:20:05 GMT -5
We've been looking to buy a Toyota 4x4 pickup truck for quite a while. Finally located one in Medellin that was exactly what we wanted: 4x4, doble-cabina, gasolina y gas, solo dueno, etc. Met the seller, bargained the price, and made a deal. When it came time to close ... i.e $$$, the seller showed up with the truck, but it had a different set of tires. I asked why he had changed the tires, and he denied that he did. I showed him the pics I took when we first looked at the truck. It had black sidewall tires, but the tires it had at delivery were raised white letter, and pretty much worn out. I think he shit his pants when he saw that I had pictures, but finally admitted that he sold the other (new) tires to a friend. I guess he thought we wouldn't notice. So we made him reduce the price to cover a new set of tires, and got him to agree to pay for the truck's title transfer fees (1 500 000 pesos.) If he hadn't really needed the money, he would have told us to walk, but because we caught him trying to screw us we ended up 3 milliones to the better. It pays to never trust ANYONE here. Just a heads-up to everyone on the forum. Good luck, hopefully the car has all its parts and is not super glued together. And I sure hope the guy hasn't screwed too many people because your now driving around in his old truck and tags. But it does look like a nice ride. - james
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Post by dandl93 on Dec 23, 2016 7:33:32 GMT -5
Nice looking truck I would be lost with out my pickup.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2016 8:10:27 GMT -5
Bait and switch is very common down here. I bought a late model Nissan from Dinissan in Envigado two years ago. Overall, the car was (and still is) in excellent shape. However, the tires were well-worn past the 40,000 km indicated on the odometer. The dealer had no problem giving me a 1,000,000 peso discount off the price of the car because of the tires. Good job holding onto your papaya.
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Post by coolcoil on Dec 23, 2016 8:38:19 GMT -5
We've been looking to buy a Toyota 4x4 pickup truck for quite a while. Finally located one in Medellin that was exactly what we wanted: 4x4, doble-cabina, gasolina y gas,.. I'm curious about the gasolina y gas. Are you planning to use gas? If so, what's driving that? Is it natural gas or propane? I don't mean to be nosy, but I thought about this back when there were a lot fewer gas stations around here, and I'm still curious about it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2016 8:45:34 GMT -5
Bait and switch is very common down here. I bought a late model Nissan from Dinissan in Envigado two years ago. Overall, the car was (and still is) in excellent shape. However, the tires were well-worn past the 40,000 km indicated on the odometer. The dealer had no problem giving me a 1,000,000 peso discount off the price of the car because of the tires. Good job holding onto your papaya. My wife has taken our car back to the dealer numerous times when she thought something was wrong or heard a noise etc.(she is an auto hypochondriac), I have been impressed with their honesty-they have never ever told us we need a new johnson rod or anything else. They have been very nice in explaining that everything is ok. This has been a much better experience than I have experienced in the US.
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Post by sedelen on Dec 23, 2016 9:42:45 GMT -5
We've been looking to buy a Toyota 4x4 pickup truck for quite a while. Finally located one in Medellin that was exactly what we wanted: 4x4, doble-cabina, gasolina y gas, solo dueno, etc. Met the seller, bargained the price, and made a deal. When it came time to close ... i.e $$$, the seller showed up with the truck, but it had a different set of tires. I asked why he had changed the tires, and he denied that he did. I showed him the pics I took when we first looked at the truck. It had black sidewall tires, but the tires it had at delivery were raised white letter, and pretty much worn out. I think he shit his pants when he saw that I had pictures, but finally admitted that he sold the other (new) tires to a friend. I guess he thought we wouldn't notice. So we made him reduce the price to cover a new set of tires, and got him to agree to pay for the truck's title transfer fees (1 500 000 pesos.) If he hadn't really needed the money, he would have told us to walk, but because we caught him trying to screw us we ended up 3 milliones to the better. It pays to never trust ANYONE here. Just a heads-up to everyone on the forum. - james Sad isn't it, when you begin to realize that you've learned not to trust anyone here. I probably would've walked away if the truck wasn't so nice, but he made some serious concessions when caught red handed in a lie. Love Toyotas!
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Post by caliorbust on Dec 23, 2016 11:27:55 GMT -5
He made the serious concessions because the money for the truck was already earmarked for a certain purchase or a payment he couldn't back out off. It's not easy to sell a high ticket item in Colombia. Good for you taking pictures James, or he would have never admitted the switch, a smart move.
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Post by coolcoil on Dec 23, 2016 11:34:34 GMT -5
Sad isn't it, when you begin to realize that you've learned not to trust anyone here. I probably would've walked away if the truck wasn't so nice, but he made some serious concessions when caught red handed in a lie. Love Toyotas! Yes, you do have to be more vigilant here, though used vehicle and equipment dealers have tried to cheat me in the USA as well, and sometimes they got away with it, only to be discovered by me later. My wife has taken our car back to the dealer numerous times when she thought something was wrong or heard a noise etc.(she is an auto hypochondriac), I have been impressed with their honesty-they have never ever told us we need a new johnson rod or anything else. They have been very nice in explaining that everything is ok. This has been a much better experience than I have experienced in the US. I will pass along that I've been pleased with our experience with Autolarte in Rionegro. They have never tried to push anything on me, with the exception of cleaning the AC ductwork with something that will "remove viruses." Other than that, they have fixed what needed to be fixed and charged the agreed-upon price. Parts are a lot more expensive than the USA, but they have offered to install parts that I supply, which is something that most US dealers would not do. They are also good about keeping appointments and getting work done in the time promised. I am not a huge Chevy fan - I like my Traverse, but don't love it - but I am much more inclined to buy a Chevy the next time around because I trust the dealer.
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Post by mudd on Dec 23, 2016 15:13:14 GMT -5
most people and shops in medellin will screw you if they think your dumb enough. even myself a few times have been tried to take advantage of.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2016 15:19:21 GMT -5
Particularly if one is an Anglo in Colombia Mexican U.S. citizens in Texas--today will still shaft an Anglo at every opportunity
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Post by sedelen on Dec 23, 2016 18:29:47 GMT -5
I always try to fair when buying a car, pay what I think is reasonable. Still, high pressure salesmen will do what it takes to sell you a car that day, it seems, and often ask that. I just tell them I need to sleep on it.
I tell them from the start, I don't "need" a car, but if it's something I like and the price is right I will consider buying it. I once saw a 2000 Impala fully equipped for
$6,500 at a dealership in 2005, under priced. I went there and of course they said it was a typo and they would let me have it for $8,500. Look, I don't need the car,
and there's a newer Monte Carlo across the street for not much more. If I can't get this car for what it was advertised for, I'll just go across the street and check out
Monte Carlo. I got the car for $6,500.00.
Still I think any salesman will take advantage if they can, period. But to swap out parts after the deal was sealed, well that's just dishonest. About the truck, I know there's an inspection that needs to be done before the transfer of ownership. Perhaps, it wouldn't pass with the older tires, who knows. But, that would make me mad to notice, confront and have him deny any wrongdoing. Still, I think there's a little more risk here in Colombia, especially if you're not with a Colombian during the process, one that you can trust, he, he.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2016 16:53:32 GMT -5
I always try to fair when buying a car, pay what I think is reasonable. Still, high pressure salesmen will do what it takes to sell you a car that day, it seems, and often ask that. I just tell them I need to sleep on it. I tell them from the start, I don't "need" a car, but if it's something I like and the price is right I will consider buying it. I once saw a 2000 Impala fully equipped for $6,500 at a dealership in 2005, under priced. I went there and of course they said it was a typo and they would let me have it for $8,500. Look, I don't need the car, and there's a newer Monte Carlo across the street for not much more. If I can't get this car for what it was advertised for, I'll just go across the street and check out Monte Carlo. I got the car for $6,500.00. Still I think any salesman will take advantage if they can, period. But to swap out parts after the deal was sealed, well that's just dishonest. About the truck, I know there's an inspection that needs to be done before the transfer of ownership. Perhaps, it wouldn't pass with the older tires, who knows. But, that would make me mad to notice, confront and have him deny any wrongdoing. Still, I think there's a little more risk here in Colombia, especially if you're not with a Colombian during the process, one that you can trust, he, he.
Yes, bring a Fox to help you guard the hens.
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Post by scott on Dec 25, 2016 13:52:27 GMT -5
What is the best way to determine the resale and trade in value of a vehicle in Colombia?
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Post by tubes on Dec 25, 2016 15:24:48 GMT -5
El Tiempo newspaper publishes a motoring magazine every second Wednesday called Motor. They list several pages of new and used car prices, the used prices going back 10 years.
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Post by dandl93 on Dec 25, 2016 20:07:35 GMT -5
scott Tucarro.com is a good way to comparision price what people are asking for cars and trucks they seem to be high but a good place to start.
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Post by james on Dec 25, 2016 20:16:42 GMT -5
The truck is set up to run on gasoline or LNG (Liquid Natural Gas). There are plenty of stations that sell LNG. Most of the cabs in Medellin are equipped to run on gas. The reason is the price. Corriente - 7 to 8 mil/gal. LNG - 1.3mil/cubic something. To completely fill my truck with gasoline (18 gallons) costs roughly 140 mil. To fill my LNG tank runs 25 mil. The truck has a little less power with the LNG, but it's only evident on long uphill climbs. Mileage: gasoline vs gas is pretty close to equal. I get 25km/gal of gasoline, and 23 for gas. BIG savings in favor of gas. Also, with a vehicle equipped to run on LNG, I can drive anytime, and not have to worry about being restricted at certain hours because of the last # on mi placa. - JAMES
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Post by coolcoil on Dec 26, 2016 13:11:22 GMT -5
The truck is set up to run on gasoline or LNG (Liquid Natural Gas). There are plenty of stations that sell LNG. Most of the cabs in Medellin are equipped to run on gas. The reason is the price. Corriente - 7 to 8 mil/gal. LNG - 1.3mil/cubic something. To completely fill my truck with gasoline (18 gallons) costs roughly 140 mil. To fill my LNG tank runs 25 mil. The truck has a little less power with the LNG, but it's only evident on long uphill climbs. Mileage: gasoline vs gas is pretty close to equal. I get 25km/gal of gasoline, and 23 for gas. BIG savings in favor of gas. Also, with a vehicle equipped to run on LNG, I can drive anytime, and not have to worry about being restricted at certain hours because of the last # on mi placa. - JAMES Thanks! I didn't know that gas was that popular. I hadn't noticed that stations were selling it. I'm surprised to hear that it's a whole lot cheaper than gasoline. I knew it was a bit less costly in the US, but not that big a difference. I'm surprised it hasn't gained wider acceptance there. For those who are interested, here is a little more reading on the topic: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_natural_gas
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Post by tubes on Dec 26, 2016 14:12:31 GMT -5
Coolcoil: one of the reasons that you don't see much natural gas at filling stations is the bulky compression machinery involved. Many natural gas dealers have set up away from the gasoline stations.
Apart from the cost of the initial installation, and the massive loss of luggage space, the tanks and fittings have to be inspected annually otherwise the dealers will not serve you.
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Post by sedelen on Dec 26, 2016 17:19:41 GMT -5
I always try to fair when buying a car, pay what I think is reasonable. Still, high pressure salesmen will do what it takes to sell you a car that day, it seems, and often ask that. I just tell them I need to sleep on it. I tell them from the start, I don't "need" a car, but if it's something I like and the price is right I will consider buying it. I once saw a 2000 Impala fully equipped for $6,500 at a dealership in 2005, under priced. I went there and of course they said it was a typo and they would let me have it for $8,500. Look, I don't need the car, and there's a newer Monte Carlo across the street for not much more. If I can't get this car for what it was advertised for, I'll just go across the street and check out Monte Carlo. I got the car for $6,500.00. Still I think any salesman will take advantage if they can, period. But to swap out parts after the deal was sealed, well that's just dishonest. About the truck, I know there's an inspection that needs to be done before the transfer of ownership. Perhaps, it wouldn't pass with the older tires, who knows. But, that would make me mad to notice, confront and have him deny any wrongdoing. Still, I think there's a little more risk here in Colombia, especially if you're not with a Colombian during the process, one that you can trust, he, he.
Yes, bring a Fox to help you guard the hens. Don't think I haven't already given some thought to that. But there are people here I feel I can trust, to a certain degree, about the same as the States really, but it's "learning" who you can trust, and takes time, and sometimes leads to disappointment unfortunately, not necessarily Colombians either.
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Post by gallito on Dec 26, 2016 18:24:25 GMT -5
Coolcoil: one of the reasons that you don't see much natural gas at filling stations is the bulky compression machinery involved. Many natural gas dealers have set up away from the gasoline stations. Apart from the cost of the initial installation, and the massive loss of luggage space, the tanks and fittings have to be inspected annually otherwise the dealers will not serve you. Insurance is another issue...many gas stations discontinued selling propane for this reason. Post 2013 cars are rolling computers; - There are sensors, processors, wires, connectors – a bunch of electronics, in other words, and they’re all driven, controlled, and calibrated by software. That software, by the way, is often encrypted by the manufacturers to make it difficult (if not impossible) to change stuff. On top of that, all those sensors, processors, etc. were built for gasoline, not LPG/propane. - Good Conversions are Expensive - Limited Range on Propane Alone;if your truck/car runs on propane you could carry a emergency supply in a BBQ bottle;granted that you have another filler adaptor. - No Universal Connectors...not all filling nozzles will work - Engine longevity; CNG, LNG and LP are all “dry” fuels. They are already vaporized before they enter the combustion chamber. Because they are gases, they provide no lubrication or cleaning for the intake valves. Consequently, engines that run on dry fuels usually require hardened valves and valve seats to minimize valve wear and valve recession. On the other hand, dry fuels mean less wash down of the cylinder walls so there’s better ring lubrication than with wet fuels. Fuel pumps need lubrication,as in the case of dual fuel applications,in some cases infrequent running of gasoline may result may harm your fuel pump.
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Post by wildstubby on Dec 26, 2016 18:33:55 GMT -5
gallito said: I thought this was already rectified in today's modern engines? It was the whole idea for 'leaded' fuel being eliminated!
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Post by barrumundi on Dec 26, 2016 18:34:26 GMT -5
Looking forward to hearing more about james experience with his new gas truck. It is definitely something I would consider in Colombia. I know many people who have had problems with dirty fuel and even water in the fuel. I would assume this would be less of a problem with gas as a fuel. I was thinking of converting my cuatrimoto to gas.
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Post by tubes on Dec 28, 2016 12:25:51 GMT -5
Gallito: 'Post 2013 cars are rolling computers'
Actually European cars since the early 1990s have been 'rolling computers', for whose low pollutions and reliability we should be eternally grateful.
A good conversion to natural gas involves fooling the standard ECU into thinking that it is driving the fuel injectors directly, and requires a lot of processing power and clever software. Regrettably, the systems sold in Colombia are very basic and limited.
Natural gas will stand a much higher compression ratio, giving significant performance gains, but engines sold in Colombia have to tolerate the low-octane fuel that is common in the Americas.
I used to work for a European engineering company amongst whose products were aftermarket LPG and natural gas controllers, and it took a lot of manpower to produce high quality systems.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2016 14:30:25 GMT -5
most people and shops in medellin will screw you if they think your dumb enough. even myself a few times have been tried to take advantage of. I had another good experience with Auto repair today. Brakes sounded like they were scraping, thought I needed a brake job. Took the car to the repair shop close to my house, they inspected the brakes and everything was fine-just had some debris, cleaned the brakes and charged me 25,000 pesos.
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Post by barrumundi on Dec 28, 2016 16:49:24 GMT -5
Some Colombian service providers are beginning to learn that repeat customers bring in more money than a one time gouge.............. but the crooks are still out there.
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