UK theft attempt
- Thread starter flyingtrotter
- Start date
- Jul 7, 2025
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- '25 LC 1958 || '25 Sequoia LTD TRD || '05 TJR || '24 Polaris Ranger 1000 Crew
Ha, I was hoping it was… because the other way that conversation goes is no fun at allX
Commonly referred to as the "L" shaped device........LOL
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Update on My Ongoing Currie Motors Toyota Experience
Hi all,
As some of you know, I’ve been dealing with Currie Motors Toyota following a theft attempt on my Land Cruiser and a routine service I paid for myself. Quite a few people have been asking how it’s going, so here’s the full update.
1. Insurance Repair
The vehicle went to Currie Motors for body repairs after thieves cut through the tailgate to try and reach the electronic module (thankfully stopped by my immobiliser). Unfortunately, the repair quality is way below what I’d expect from a Toyota dealer:
Paint defects: runs, sags, poor texture match, dust inclusions, overspray.
Stripped and marred fasteners on the tailgate hinge where paint has been taken off by poor handling.
Blemishes and imperfections in inner apertures.
New damage that wasn’t there before: scratches on the rear driver-side door and even a chip on the windscreen.
I’ve raised this formally with Admiral and made it clear I will not allow Currie Motors to touch the vehicle again. I’ve requested an independent engineer’s inspection and remedial works to be carried out instead by another Toyota dealer (e.g. Jemca Croydon or Sidcup).
2. Paid Service (£350)
Alongside the claim, I had a service done which I paid for myself. I was invoiced for:
New sump plug
New air filter
AdBlue top-up
Oil change (I requested 0W30)
Shaft lubrication
But after checking the car myself:
The air filter is clearly old and dirty — not new.
The sump plug is not new, despite being on the invoice.
The oil was overfilled above max, and they used 0W20 instead of the 0W30 I asked for.
AdBlue gauge is still under half, so not topped up properly.
No evidence the shaft was lubricated.
This cost me £350, and I will be demanding a refund for the work and parts I paid for but never received.
I chose a Toyota dealer because I assumed it meant like-for-like new parts, proper workmanship, and peace of mind. Instead, I’ve ended up with poor paintwork, new scratches, a chipped windscreen, the wrong oil grade, and parts I paid for but weren’t fitted.
Hopefully this helps anyone else considering Currie Motors Toyota — check everything carefully, keep records, and don’t be afraid to escalate. I’ll keep this thread updated as things progress.
Hi all,
As some of you know, I’ve been dealing with Currie Motors Toyota following a theft attempt on my Land Cruiser and a routine service I paid for myself. Quite a few people have been asking how it’s going, so here’s the full update.
1. Insurance Repair
The vehicle went to Currie Motors for body repairs after thieves cut through the tailgate to try and reach the electronic module (thankfully stopped by my immobiliser). Unfortunately, the repair quality is way below what I’d expect from a Toyota dealer:
Paint defects: runs, sags, poor texture match, dust inclusions, overspray.
Stripped and marred fasteners on the tailgate hinge where paint has been taken off by poor handling.
Blemishes and imperfections in inner apertures.
New damage that wasn’t there before: scratches on the rear driver-side door and even a chip on the windscreen.
I’ve raised this formally with Admiral and made it clear I will not allow Currie Motors to touch the vehicle again. I’ve requested an independent engineer’s inspection and remedial works to be carried out instead by another Toyota dealer (e.g. Jemca Croydon or Sidcup).
2. Paid Service (£350)
Alongside the claim, I had a service done which I paid for myself. I was invoiced for:
New sump plug
New air filter
AdBlue top-up
Oil change (I requested 0W30)
Shaft lubrication
But after checking the car myself:
The air filter is clearly old and dirty — not new.
The sump plug is not new, despite being on the invoice.
The oil was overfilled above max, and they used 0W20 instead of the 0W30 I asked for.
AdBlue gauge is still under half, so not topped up properly.
No evidence the shaft was lubricated.
This cost me £350, and I will be demanding a refund for the work and parts I paid for but never received.
I chose a Toyota dealer because I assumed it meant like-for-like new parts, proper workmanship, and peace of mind. Instead, I’ve ended up with poor paintwork, new scratches, a chipped windscreen, the wrong oil grade, and parts I paid for but weren’t fitted.
Hopefully this helps anyone else considering Currie Motors Toyota — check everything carefully, keep records, and don’t be afraid to escalate. I’ll keep this thread updated as things progress.
That really sucks dirty Pond water!
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #47
Mmmm - I am also with a main dealer - allegedly the new tailgate has arrived after 4 months and is being painted before I return the vehicle for both a service (it’s about to hit 10k) and the replacement to be fitted
Rather concerning story
Rather concerning story
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #48
Mine goes in for the fitting if the new tailgate and 10k service on Monday
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #49
LC is back with a new tailgate and it’s had its 10k service - feels great to have it back and just need to avoid the criminals doing it again
It’s back on my drive parked rear against the wall
It’s back on my drive parked rear against the wall
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #50
Despite all the negativity in the reviews in the UK ( mainly by reviewers that spend their time in performance cars and huge BHP SUVs at many time the price of a LC) I really like my FE - we have a few days away coming up and it will be great to spend time driving around the countryside again - had a longish trip into Wiltshire yesterday amidst the Thatched cottages and chalk streams and the LC fitted in brilliantly
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #51
Scrotes came back or passed details to others because we had another attack on the LC last night
Only had it back a few weeks and now I have a far bigger gash across the tailgate - looks terrible - I had it parked against the wall which seems to have meant they made a much messier job of opening up the tailgate to steal the module
Goodness only knows what will happen to my insurance - makes me question keeping the vehicle if it’s going to be attacked like this time and again - so annoying
First time was 21 May and now again 20 Oct so twice inside 12 months of ownership
Only had it back a few weeks and now I have a far bigger gash across the tailgate - looks terrible - I had it parked against the wall which seems to have meant they made a much messier job of opening up the tailgate to steal the module
Goodness only knows what will happen to my insurance - makes me question keeping the vehicle if it’s going to be attacked like this time and again - so annoying
First time was 21 May and now again 20 Oct so twice inside 12 months of ownership
OMG, that is terrible, where are you based? London?
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #53
Yes
Sorry you're having to deal with that. I can't think of any way to prevent further attempts besides storing in a garage. Perhaps some obvious security cameras and/or alarms could help.
Edit: you could also check out those removable bollards, though a bit of a pain to have to remove every time you want to leave with the car.
Edit: you could also check out those removable bollards, though a bit of a pain to have to remove every time you want to leave with the car.
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Dang, what a experience. A $75,000.oo machine on wheels is a magnet for car thieves.
The ideas of backing into tight back spots. Or parking in different locations to fool these bad boys.
The ideas of backing into tight back spots. Or parking in different locations to fool these bad boys.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #56
I have a bollard that comes out of the ground but the car is too long and I can’t install one into the pavement
This sucks dirty pond water!!
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #58
It doesn’t seem to be here - there are literally £100’s of millions worth of cars parked on the streets around me and it’s the LC that has had this issue not the Astons, Audis, Porsche, Tesla, Range Rover , Bentley ……
I feel for you, the disruption plus the cost of the excess and increased premiums is a real issue. If your policy is like most, if you have three claims within a year you’ll lose you no claims protection too. So that’s another problem to think about.
If you want to keep the Land Cruiser, instead of getting tailgate repaired - it might be worth this time having the CAN box relocated (it’s just wiring, you can make up a loom extension.). You could then get an opening latch door made up. So any future theft attempt, they can easily open latch door and see that can box isn’t there.
Another option is to cut a stainless steel 3mm plate the same size as that left hand panel section and then have it welded on or bolted on with the bolts welded. Then painted body colour. They won’t be able to punch through and use panel snips then. It would take 10 minutes with a good cutting blade and it would wake up the whole neighbourhood in the process.
Both suggestions a bit extreme, and with thought you could come up with some better ones I’m sure, but worth thinking about.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #60
Thanks - I think I’m ok on insurance - well I need the written confirmation but seems ok from speaking with TMI
Easiest solution is to move and I think we will next year - just need to cope until we are located in a more rural location and can establish better solutions
Easiest solution is to move and I think we will next year - just need to cope until we are located in a more rural location and can establish better solutions
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