I’ve been a loyal Toyota owner for years, but I’m seriously thinking about switching brands because the dealership experience has been so bad.
Do you think Toyota even cares? Probably not, but if enough people feel this way, their sales will eventually drop. Anyone else thinking about moving to a different brand? I feel like Toyota got too comfortable and needs a wake-up call.
Honestly, it would take a lot of people walking away before Toyota even notices. They’re always near the top of global sales.
Bailey said:
Honestly, it would take a lot of people walking away before Toyota even notices. They’re always near the top of global sales.
Can’t we just skip dealerships altogether and get a Toyota from a place like Carvana?
Bailey said:
Honestly, it would take a lot of people walking away before Toyota even notices. They’re always near the top of global sales.
Toyota just has to suck less than other brands to stay on top. That’s not saying much. Back in 2007, their emission system issues created a whole industry of workarounds.
My 2018 RAV4 has a delaminating rearview mirror, peeling paint protection film, and a failing rear hatch paint job. If they can’t handle small things, why trust them with hybrids?
@Eliot
Those are all cosmetic issues. Honestly, it’s kind of funny how you’re framing it. I’m glad I’m not on the receiving end of your decisions!
Zinnia said:
@Eliot
Those are all cosmetic issues. Honestly, it’s kind of funny how you’re framing it. I’m glad I’m not on the receiving end of your decisions!
Are you serious? If they can’t even do basic stuff right, why would anyone trust them with more complicated things? Use your head.
@Eliot
PPF is aftermarket, not Toyota’s fault. It’s installed at the dealership and isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Sounds like a bad install to me.
Wade said:
@Eliot
PPF is aftermarket, not Toyota’s fault. It’s installed at the dealership and isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Sounds like a bad install to me.
The dealership told me it was a factory option, though.
@Alden
They’re wrong. PPF is dealer-installed. If it were factory-installed, every Toyota would have it. I’ve bought three Toyotas recently, none came with PPF from the factory. It’s always an optional dealer add-on.
@Wade
You sound like you work for Toyota.
Alden said:
@Wade
You sound like you work for Toyota.
Not at all. I just know what I’m talking about. Dealers are independent businesses, and the quality of service varies. Don’t blame Toyota for something that’s clearly a dealer add-on issue.
Alden said:
@Wade
You sound like you work for Toyota.
Dealerships are separate businesses from Toyota. They don’t control third-party installs. You should focus on the dealer, not Toyota.
First off, take a breath. These dealerships are independent businesses. Toyota doesn’t directly run them due to franchise laws. Every brand has similar issues.
That said, Toyota vehicles are still in high demand. Some models have year-long waitlists. If you want to avoid the hassle, do your research over the phone. Deal with someone who treats you right.
@Tegan
Toyota could absolutely enforce higher standards for dealerships. They just choose not to.
@Tegan
Can’t we just get rid of these franchise laws already?
Teegan said:
@Tegan
Can’t we just get rid of these franchise laws already?
Good luck with that. No one’s overturning those laws anytime soon.
If your local dealership is bad, try another one. They’re all run independently.
Have you thought about using the Costco Auto Program? They negotiate the price for you. I haven’t tried it, but I’ve heard it helps.
Blaine said:
Have you thought about using the Costco Auto Program? They negotiate the price for you. I haven’t tried it, but I’ve heard it helps.
It’s useful but limits your ability to negotiate further since the prices are pre-set.
Which brand have you had a great dealer experience with?