[4RUNNER98]

This good deal doesn't seem to be working for my father-in-law. Last November, he purchased a very clean '99 Tacoma base extracab 2wd with SR5, Automatic and A/C and 97k miles to replace his clapped out Ford. Truck looks immaculate other than minor surface rust at rear fenders and it runs great. He took it in anyway and was surprised that it failed but happy that the problem would be solved. The dealer projected his check would be about $12k and immediately tried to sell him a high mileage '03 Tacoma 2wd base model for, guess what?, $12k. Anyway, he took his rental home and played phone tag w/ Toyota cust service. They finally sent him a letter indicating that since they couldn't reach him by phone to negotiate they would offer him $7050 via this letter. Of course, he was pretty jazzed about getting $12 grand especially since the dealer said they had a great track record for predicting the settlement amounts. Needless to say, he's ticked off now and is further frustrated because he can't get anyone at Toyota to pick up the phone or return his messages. I checked KBB and came up with approx $7500 excellent value BEFORE the 150% calculation and agree that he's not getting a fair shake. Is his experience common? Does he have any recourse? He's an old dude and he just doesn't have the patience for this stuff. Thanks.