Dealer Disappointment (mini-rant on maintenance) (3 Viewers)

[concretejungle]

yea they tried to get me on the tire rotation once too... said they rotated the tires and they hadn't. I asked why they wanted me to sign off saying they rotated them when they didn't... they said because they didn't need rotating and I responded with... yea so why did you put in the repair invoice you rotated them and then wanted me to sign off saying that you did?! Mine were easy because I had a little yellow paint pen mark on the front two.

Also regarding the oil change... the local dealership did the same to me!! Told me when I purchased the truck I had two complementary oil changes. So after those were up, I changed my own oil and then after that the dealer calls to ask when I wanted to schedule my next complimentary oil change... I said WTF you told me I only had two? They said who told me that and I said the service department manager and the sales guy who sold me the truck.

Toyota dealerships are one of the worst.

 

[ToyotaTrk]

yea they tried to get me on the tire rotation once too... said they rotated the tires and they hadn't. I asked why they wanted me to sign off saying they rotated them when they didn't... they said because they didn't need rotating and I responded with... yea so why did you put in the repair invoice you rotated them and then wanted me to sign off saying that you did?! Mine were easy because I had a little yellow paint pen mark on the front two.

Also regarding the oil change... the local dealership did the same to me!! Told me when I purchased the truck I had two complementary oil changes. So after those were up, I changed my own oil and then after that the dealer calls to ask when I wanted to schedule my next complimentary oil change... I said WTF you told me I only had two? They said who told me that and I said the service department manager and the sales guy who sold me the truck.

Toyota dealerships are one of the worst.

ignore the arrow - this is what I had to use to argue with them in the 5 tire rotation. But it also says only 2 oil changes included.//

 

[bloc]

Toyota dealerships are one of the worst.

Agreed, though VW takes the cake. Multiple documented cases of engines FALLING OUT of the car right after timing belt changes. At least in that case it’s easy to prove it was their fault. Unlike the thousands of broken recirculate doors in 200s.

 

[ToyotaTrk]

Ok, sorry if this is the wrong place - But I saw the word "rant" and "dealer", so..... Ive been trying since last year to figure out some rattles and since march the dealer that is my selling sealer and is 45 minutes away(they will bring me a loaner and p/u my car BTW) has not been allowing test rides with customers - not even as of now. I get it, Covid. I really don't care to have some stranger in the car either. But id like to demonstrate the problem and get it fixed. When I called TNA to inquire as what to do seeing as its been 6 months ive not been able to ride w/ them and don't want to loose the time off of my warranty, and I also need a maintenance - we(TNA - Toyota N.A. and I) opened a case and made an appointment (via conference call) at the local dealer with the service manager. Told them I needed a shuttle/ride home and that I have recordings of one of the noises - as recently as this am - and others to show that its still happening and need to go on a test ride with a mechanic. So when I show up I get a mild rude run around that it could take all day..... I say, well, it could take overnight sitting here as that's what I mentioned that's when the noise happen the most - after sitting. He says, " I don't know about that". Hummer's, that's what we talked about. Ok, he says. I ask, What time will the shuttle leave? Answer - "We don't have a shuttle and don't do that. We stopped that years ago".

Ok, REALLY..... A dealer that doesnt give you a ride, doesnt loan cars or provide a ride service...... WTF? So I get my TNA case customer advocate on the phone and round and round we go. She didnt understand it either.... When I explained to her that when I pass Ray Brandt's house (the owner) I see all these people from time to time dressed in Toyota uniforms working, carrying stuff in/out of his house and plenty of Toyotas parked around his house - clearly I can get one of those I asked.... Heck, I say, I really don't even need a loaner - just a ride - that would be swell. I said I never heard of a dealer who doesnt even give a ride. She sounded empathetic but I still have the noises, no apt. and the the rattles and still need a maintenance.

 

[UCrazyKid]

Ok, sorry if this is the wrong place - But I saw the word "rant" and "dealer", so..... Ive been trying since last year to figure out some rattles and since march the dealer that is my selling sealer and is 45 minutes away(they will bring me a loaner and p/u my car BTW) has not been allowing test rides with customers - not even as of now. I get it, Covid. I really don't care to have some stranger in the car either. But id like to demonstrate the problem and get it fixed. When I called TNA to inquire as what to do seeing as its been 6 months ive not been able to ride w/ them and don't want to loose the time off of my warranty, and I also need a maintenance - we(TNA - Toyota N.A. and I) opened a case and made an appointment (via conference call) at the local dealer with the service manager. Told them I needed a shuttle/ride home and that I have recordings of one of the noises - as recently as this am - and others to show that its still happening and need to go on a test ride with a mechanic. So when I show up I get a mild rude run around that it could take all day..... I say, well, it could take overnight sitting here as that's what I mentioned that's when the noise happen the most - after sitting. He says, " I don't know about that". Hummer's, that's what we talked about. Ok, he says. I ask, What time will the shuttle leave? Answer - "We don't have a shuttle and don't do that. We stopped that years ago".

Ok, REALLY..... A dealer that doesnt give you a ride, doesnt loan cars or provide a ride service...... WTF? So I get my TNA case customer advocate on the phone and round and round we go. She didnt understand it either.... When I explained to her that when I pass Ray Brandt's house (the owner) I see all these people from time to time dressed in Toyota uniforms working, carrying stuff in/out of his house and plenty of Toyotas parked around his house - clearly I can get one of those I asked.... Heck, I say, I really don't even need a loaner - just a ride - that would be swell. I said I never heard of a dealer who doesnt even give a ride. She sounded empathetic but I still have the noises, no apt. and the the rattles and still need a maintenance.

Unfortunately dealers are franchise and quality can vary dramatically from store to store. At times it almost make the mark up of the “Lexus” badge on the LX worthwhile. But then again, I’ve had Lexus treat me poorly too. Good luck with TNA, they can be real ball busters.
Sorry to hear about your frustrations. Hopeful it will be resolved or try another dealer.

 

[ToyotaTrk]

Unfortunately dealers are franchise and quality can vary dramatically from store to store. At times it almost make the mark up of the “Lexus” badge on the LX worthwhile. But then again, I’ve had Lexus treat me poorly too. Good luck with TNA, they can be real ball busters.
Sorry to hear about your frustrations. Hopeful it will be resolved or try another dealer.

Yep - Ray Brandt pretty much su**s. They got it made. Sorry the ole man just passed, but they are just thieving muck mucks... Its a license to steal while they are up and selling a lot of their houses and moving out. Heres the grand kids place on the corner and the Ray's mediterrean place next door and next to that the $1M dollar property they bought to tear down the house and fence off the lot(not shown). Who says dealers make no money??? HaHa.

The Audi dealer aint much better - We got the rim protection plan - go in, get the work done and its suppose to be covered..... And it use to be. NOW, go in, PAY for the work and now wait for the repair shop to send you the reimbursement. WOW, they get tp change the plan midstream.

 

[slipkid13]

I hate to say it, but try a Lexus dealer. There are so many more LX's on the road, they know their way around the vehicles.

This.

Coworker had a 4runner. He had some issues with KDSS, local Toyota dealer said they could not help him since "they never worked on KDSS before" He took it to the Lexus dealer, they fixed it and he got a loaner car while they worked on it.

I have taken my 2013 LX to the local dealer, they seem pretty knowledgeable and I have yet to have an issue. They did some extended warranty work on my parking sensors and I had the 60K service done there as well. The service manager knows his stuff.

 

[Sandroad]

@ToyotaTrk So......if you've been trying since last year to get a problem fixed and are having continuing problems with service from that dealer........it's time to go elsewhere! There are several (at least 3) other Toyota Dealers in the New Orleans area. Read some reviews about their service depts and go see one of them for your present and future needs. No sense in giving a bad dealer like the one you went to any business.

 

[ToyotaTrk]

@ToyotaTrk So......if you've been trying since last year to get a problem fixed and are having continuing problems with service from that dealer........it's time to go elsewhere! There are several (at least 3) other Toyota Dealers in the New Orleans area. Read some reviews about their service depts and go see one of them for your present and future needs. No sense in giving a bad dealer like the one you went to any business.

Yep - lakeside Toyota tried to shaft me 20k on the price he told me On my trade in and when I got there to sign paperwork and buy truck - Not going there. New Orleans Toyota - no shuttle either and no test drives. Ray Brandt is out per above and they don’t even follow the maintenance book so I gonna go back to the one who picks up the car and gives me a loaner but can’t fix it. They’re all pretty lame.

 

[Chewbacca]

Unfortunately with only ~3k a year sold in the US and likely a good chunk of them clustered around the mountain region, there are many dealerships that are quite clueless when working on the Land Cruiser, of any vintage for that matter. I would try an independent shop familiar with Toyota 4x4s at least, and you'll likely have much better luck. In Denver, we have lots of "good" shops to pick from, but I am still nervous when I take into the dealer even though they know me and my vehicles and always schedule me with their lead tech. The ultimate peace of mind for me is just taking to Slee of course, but that's of course not an option where you are. Try to find a similar shop and build a rapport with them, and you'll have a much better time.

I know this is an old post, but what local shops do you like around Denver? I've been using Toy Car Care off Arapahoe for my 100, but that's mainly because they are conveniently located to me. They've been OK, but not great in my experience.

 

[mcgaskins]

I know this is an old post, but what local shops do you like around Denver? I've been using Toy Car Care off Arapahoe for my 100, but that's mainly because they are conveniently located to me. They've been OK, but not great in my experience.

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but I use Slee for everything I possibly can. When they are too booked up, I have used Japanese Auto in Wheat Ridge/Arvada with good results, and for dealer service or OEM parts I use Stevinson West. I know guys who have been really happy with ATLR, but I've never used them myself.

 

[Chewbacca]

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but I use Slee for everything I possibly can. When they are too booked up, I have used Japanese Auto in Wheat Ridge/Arvada with good results, and for dealer service or OEM parts I use Stevinson West. I know guys who have been really happy with ATLR, but I've never used them myself.

You know anything on the south side of town? Slee is where I'll go for upgrades, but I can't see driving all the way to Golden for routine stuff. I'm out near Parker.

 

[mcgaskins]

You know anything on the south side of town? Slee is where I'll go for upgrades, but I can't see driving all the way to Golden for routine stuff.

Nope - I live within 15 mins of all the shops I use, so I can't help on the south side unfortunately.

 

[g1701gst]

You know anything on the south side of town? Slee is where I'll go for upgrades, but I can't see driving all the way to Golden for routine stuff. I'm out near Parker.

I can second all the shops mcgaskins mentioned. I like JAPANESE AUTO SERVICE. I don't know of any shops down south but would say it is worth the drive to not have to deal with anyone incompetent and know the work is done properly. Routine stuff like PM I enjoy doing myself but could see that being hard to drive out of the way for.

 

[Simpleman]

You know anything on the south side of town? Slee is where I'll go for upgrades, but I can't see driving all the way to Golden for routine stuff. I'm out near Parker.

Chewbacca - I'm definitely interested in what you hear on this too. Live in Colorado Springs and would be willing to drive to reputable place as necessary.

Don't know anything about the Toyota or Lexus dealers' here experience levels with LCs.

 

[slipkid13]

Chewbacca - I'm definitely interested in what you hear on this too. Live in Colorado Springs and would be willing to drive to reputable place as necessary.

Don't know anything about the Toyota or Lexus dealers' here experience levels with LCs.

I own an LX and use Japanes Auto Specialist for all routine maint. (Japanese Auto Specialists - Est. 1979 | Home Page Style Two) I have been going there since I moved to the Springs 4 years ago. I took my other vehicles there and never had any issues. It's family owned and they are very honest. They have never, ever tried to over charge me, tell me one of my vehicles needed something it didn't or sell me on anything unnecessary. They know their stuff.

I used the Lexus dealer here as well (as did a friend for his 4Runner) No issues but they are pretty busy so sometimes it can be tough to get an appointment quickly.

 

[Simpleman]

I own an LX and use Japanes Auto Specialist for all routine maint. (Japanese Auto Specialists - Est. 1979 | Home Page Style Two) I have been going there since I moved to the Springs 4 years ago. I took my other vehicles there and never had any issues. It's family owned and they are very honest. They have never, ever tried to over charge me, tell me one of my vehicles needed something it didn't or sell me on anything unnecessary. They know their stuff.

I used the Lexus dealer here as well (as did a friend for his 4Runner) No issues but they are pretty busy so sometimes it can be tough to get an appointment quickly.

Awesome, many thanks. Will check them out next time I need something done. Not too far from home either.

 

[sholland]

There is a decent Toyota dealer in Coeur d'Alene (Parker Toyota) that works on old and new cruisers. Unfortunately the two dealers closet to me in Spokane are not great, and one is truly abysmal. Put major gouges in my steering wheel and shifter last (and only) time I took my 4Runner in for service with them (airbag recall). And when I picked it up after being told it was ready, I had to wait over an hour for them to drive it up from the service area.

Hey moving to CDA in a few months. I have family there that take their cars to midtown motors, but you say Parker is good for the old school toys? Nice to know!

 

[ToyotaTrk]

Dealers don’t check battery fluid level anymore??

 

[RET2]

Dealers don’t check battery fluid level anymore??

That went the way of gas station attendants checking your oil, washing your windows and asking if you wanted them to pump ethyl or regular.