Dealer problems...Common theme here

[tawood]

Hi all,
I've noticed a common theme among the dealer/vehicle problems here, and my own experience has shown it is true...

It appears the Toyota Dealers are much harder to deal with than other car makers. My own Toyota experience has been a difficult one to say the least: My truck has been a real lemon yet you will not find anyone who babies their truck more than me (I'm that guy that you see doing 60mph on the interstate, 5 mph on the dirt roads, has towels on my mats on my carpet, and cuts the suggested maintenance intervals in half)...yet every time I have a problem, the dealer is quick to either dismiss or blame me.

I was thinking I needed to change dealers, yet nearly every comment on this site by others seems to be similar to my own experiences. I am hearing people afraid to change their own oil for fear of warranty problems. I keep reading about people constantly being dismissed by the dealer, only to call Toyota, meet a rep, and then be dismissed by them as well (quite a few posts listed in the top 20 right now express this). Even posts about being carefull towing because the dealer might try to prove you towed too much and void the warranty.

I've owned at least 1 new truck by each of Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet, and even with the biggest lemon of them all (a Chevy Colorado) I never ONCE had a dealer accuse me of causing the damage, or try to void my warranty...NOT ONCE!!! My Toyota dealer, on the other hand, has tried to blame me EVERY TIME!!!!!

What gives?

[tawood]

Over 100 views and not a single reply...the silence speaks volumes!!!
Those considering buying a Toyota should take heed: it is a real roll of the dice: the quality is no longer what it was, and if you do have a problem, good luck with that dealer....
Now I just have to unload my POS Tundra on some poor unsuspecting buyer.

[TampaTundra]

The "issues" you hear about on here are all on one topic, rust on the bumper, and those "complaints about the dealers" are just people being babies about having to go to the dealership.

People on here at the most have had 3 issues with there Tundras and come back and said that there dealership took complete care of them and fixed it better than they thought they would. Nobodies Tundra on here has had any signs of being a "lemon" so it seems like a recurring theme now of people coming on here saying "my truck is all messed up" or "the dealership s the worst and sucks" then to realize they are overeacting and not looking at the actual facts. Or simply they are a Titan fan or any other truck brand trying to stir the pot and rile people up or something stupid.

My family has owned a lexus rx300, gx470(current), toyota Sequioa, 4runner, and tundra(current). Over all of them the dealerships have been the best out of Mercedes, Audi and Infiniti.

Dealerships dont go blaming people saying its all the owners fault for no reason. The dealership would have lost there manufacturer support and rights if there was a real problem. If you go about things correctly and act like an adult people will treat you like one and deal with you.

And saying the "the silence speaks volumes" doesnt mean people agree, just that they can tell your an idiot and ignorant and there is a 99% chance you do not even own a Tundra. If only there was a way to idiot proof the internet, but alas there is not.

[tawood]

Hey, way to defend the Toyota no matter what!!!
And btw, you've convinced me, I'm an idiot. After all, I DID buy a toyota.

[tawood]

Originally Posted by TampaTundra

The "issues" you hear about on here are all on one topic, rust on the bumper, and those "complaints about the dealers" are just people being babies about having to go to the dealership.

People on here at the most have had 3 issues with there Tundras and come back and said that there dealership took complete care of them and fixed it better than they thought they would. Nobodies Tundra on here has had any signs of being a "lemon" so it seems like a recurring theme now of people coming on here saying "my truck is all messed up" or "the dealership s the worst and sucks" then to realize they are overeacting and not looking at the actual facts. Or simply they are a Titan fan or any other truck brand trying to stir the pot and rile people up or something stupid.

My family has owned a lexus rx300, gx470(current), toyota Sequioa, 4runner, and tundra(current). Over all of them the dealerships have been the best out of Mercedes, Audi and Infiniti.

Dealerships dont go blaming people saying its all the owners fault for no reason. The dealership would have lost there manufacturer support and rights if there was a real problem. If you go about things correctly and act like an adult people will treat you like one and deal with you.

And saying the "the silence speaks volumes" doesnt mean people agree, just that they can tell your an idiot and ignorant and there is a 99% chance you do not even own a Tundra. If only there was a way to idiot proof the internet, but alas there is not.

And why do people always add: "you do not even own a Tundra"??? This just amazes me. When I first saw this, I didn't understand it, and I still don't. I'm just trying to help other's not make the same mistake I did.
Actually, I just wish I didn't. If any one doubts I own this POS Tundra, I'd be happy to send them a pic of me and the truck in any G rated situation they like.

[TampaTundra]

What does me being 19 have to do with anything. The fact that you are trying to bash the company that is one of if not the highest rated customer satisfaction and reliability rating. Truck of the year. Safest truck of the year.........list goes on.


Funny how you avoid the topic of how nobody has actually complained about the dealership legitimately or any of the facts that actually matter.

Just deal with the fact you screwed up your truck, if there even is anything wrong with it, and dont know how to act mature and like an adult and get a life.

[goneballistic]

My truck has been a real lemon ...

Got a lemon law in your state? If so, why not use it?

Over 100 views and not a single reply...the silence speaks volumes!!!

Yep. It says 100 people viewed your post, and not one had a similar experience. Anyone who had, would have piped right up about it. I know I would have.

I was thinking I needed to change dealers, yet nearly every comment on this site by others seems to be similar to my own experiences. I am hearing people afraid to change their own oil for fear of warranty problems.

I've seen some posters with customer relations issues post here. And someone with an aggravating problem who is posting on it is going to be writing posts that standout. Problem is, the place to standout is where you are having your problem. If the problem can't be solved, it is time to check with another dealer, you may be pleasantly surprised. An attitude of customer neglect begins at the top in the management, and sifts on down. Dealerships do vary considerably, one to another, in this regard and in others.

I was told that I could change my own oil. I was told that needed to change oil in intervals of no more than 5000 miles, use Toyota oil filters, oil of the correct classification/viscosity, and to save the receipts. Those getting a lifetime warranty may have to bring it in for the oil change, I don't know for sure.

BTW, I'm 45 and have been buying my own groceries and filing tax returns for 30 years. Let's not let this get personal.

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by tawood

Hi all,
I've noticed a common theme among the dealer/vehicle problems here, and my own experience has shown it is true...

It appears the Toyota Dealers are much harder to deal with than other car makers. My own Toyota experience has been a difficult one to say the least: My truck has been a real lemon yet you will not find anyone who babies their truck more than me (I'm that guy that you see doing 60mph on the interstate, 5 mph on the dirt roads, has towels on my mats on my carpet, and cuts the suggested maintenance intervals in half)...yet every time I have a problem, the dealer is quick to either dismiss or blame me.

I was thinking I needed to change dealers, yet nearly every comment on this site by others seems to be similar to my own experiences. I am hearing people afraid to change their own oil for fear of warranty problems. I keep reading about people constantly being dismissed by the dealer, only to call Toyota, meet a rep, and then be dismissed by them as well (quite a few posts listed in the top 20 right now express this). Even posts about being carefull towing because the dealer might try to prove you towed too much and void the warranty.

I've owned at least 1 new truck by each of Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet, and even with the biggest lemon of them all (a Chevy Colorado) I never ONCE had a dealer accuse me of causing the damage, or try to void my warranty...NOT ONCE!!! My Toyota dealer, on the other hand, has tried to blame me EVERY TIME!!!!!

What gives?

All you have is one Toyota dealership in the area? What you're saying is a replica of what happen to me with GM. I eventually went through 3 different dealerships to replace my headliner 8x on my 06 SIlverado LT3. You have to find the one who listens. If not get the tech rep. Bottom line you paid for your truck put the issue on their front burner. Speak loud and carry a big stick. When GM listen to me was when the factory rep accused me of pulling my headliner down and that I was the only one that had the problem and the dealership just replace those to please me. He pushed up the headliner I forced him to open and close the door and on the fourth time I was 2 inches from his face screaming at him when it fell down again! I curl my fist ready to start swinging at him when I was pulled back and the truth came out that they had more than mine in the shop with that problem and I knew he was trying to intimidate me. I exercise my right and I didn't replace it there with that dealership again. The rep wouldn't look me in the face. The crowd around us wanted to know what was going on. I made sure everyone knew. This stuff happen to all manufacturers not just Toyota or Ford etc. A similar incident at the Ford dealership also when I had this little guy constantly telling me you're going to pay mileage. He said that 12x while I was arguing with the GM of that Ford dealership over the 10x trying to fix my computer on the truck. I wanted to swat him like a bug but I made my point, and to make sure everyone in the sales room heard also. They don't want bad publicity. But not going to another dealership is bad on your part. Now you will never know about the other dealership. It shows that these dealerships of all makes have problems with customer service. Hell most people would have attitudes when you're constantly bombarded with complaints and their attitudes. Try another dealership. If you have the same problem speak to a factory rep. I've seen great results on here from factory reps like replacing bumpers with rust on them. You never mention what was your problems!!!! You just mention what you heard or seen on the forum..... Gone I have to have the dealership do the maintenace for the lifetime warranty......

[Codiac]

I have had zero issues with my dealer!! They have been great so far. I have had to take my wife's 08 Camry in 8 times since November. The Tundra has had only 1 small warranty issue...a small door frame protector on the rear door. It that's all I have to deal with so far I am good. Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience.

[mhadden]

The problem is the dealer, not Toyota. My selling dealership (Team Toyota) has an awesome sales department, but their service department is HORRIBLE. I usually know whats wrong with my vehicle before I bring it in, so I'll let them know what I think is wrong. Then they usually waste 3-4 hours out of my time and then will tell me they can't find the problem or tell me they have to order parts, etc. Now that I went to another dealer (3 miles further away, but takes longer to get there with traffic) they bend over backwards for me and take my word on whats wrong or what needs to be done...so after all that rambling, my advice is to find another dealership

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by mhadden

The problem is the dealer, not Toyota. My selling dealership (Team Toyota) has an awesome sales department, but their service department is HORRIBLE. I usually know whats wrong with my vehicle before I bring it in, so I'll let them know what I think is wrong. Then they usually waste 3-4 hours out of my time and then will tell me they can't find the problem or tell me they have to order parts, etc. Now that I went to another dealer (3 miles further away, but takes longer to get there with traffic) they bend over backwards for me and take my word on whats wrong or what needs to be done...so after all that rambling, my advice is to find another dealership

Hate that you are experiencing this. Hopefully using another dealership will help. Being the fact they see you came from another one to them adds business in both ways. They make money on service and if you are satisfied with them they know that when it comes time you will see them on the sales side also. Service advisors can make or break a customer. These days techs just pick up and do all what you want done. Not like it use to be where you had specialist that worked in just their field. wish you luck

[jeffpearlman]

Tawood, My dealer has been wonderful, you should come on up use them. Or can you say ....... TROLL. If you're not a troll then you are a complete and total idiot, all you're doing is cutting the resale value of your truck by complaining, duh.

[WhiteFang]

Originally Posted by tawood

Over 100 views and not a single reply...the silence speaks volumes!!!
Those considering buying a Toyota should take heed: it is a real roll of the dice: the quality is no longer what it was, and if you do have a problem, good luck with that dealer....
Now I just have to unload my POS Tundra on some poor unsuspecting buyer.

I'm pretty sure the 100 viewers simply dismissed your post due to a complete and total lack of details - as in location, dealer info, and last - but not least - your current post count. Oh, I'm 51 by the way.

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by tawood

Over 100 views and not a single reply...the silence speaks volumes!!!
Those considering buying a Toyota should take heed: it is a real roll of the dice: the quality is no longer what it was, and if you do have a problem, good luck with that dealer....
Now I just have to unload my POS Tundra on some poor unsuspecting buyer.

To tell you the truth as you get older you maybe, again I said maybe you will learn something here. No one speaking on your tread means no one wants to comment on a worthless event you're talking about. You're too vague in your explanation, you don't go to the point and state your problem. AHH Yes You probably don't own a Tundra. So you want to talk the experience of what a test ride. This is why people ask if you own one. If you did 24/7 you would know more than what you read here. SInce you're being lazy and not checking with another dealership won't change your endeavors on another maker. You are still going to do the same way on another. If you can't try another dealership to fix your so called issue then if you do own one, Well to me is no loss that you sell it. So if you don't disclose your issues to the new buyer well, the old addage I believe in will happen for you. What comes around goes around. As I said before no lost.

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by tawood

Hi all,
I've noticed a common theme among the dealer/vehicle problems here, and my own experience has shown it is true...

It appears the Toyota Dealers are much harder to deal with than other car makers. My own Toyota experience has been a difficult one to say the least: My truck has been a real lemon yet you will not find anyone who babies their truck more than me (I'm that guy that you see doing 60mph on the interstate, 5 mph on the dirt roads, has towels on my mats on my carpet, and cuts the suggested maintenance intervals in half)...yet every time I have a problem, the dealer is quick to either dismiss or blame me.

I was thinking I needed to change dealers, yet nearly every comment on this site by others seems to be similar to my own experiences. I am hearing people afraid to change their own oil for fear of warranty problems. I keep reading about people constantly being dismissed by the dealer, only to call Toyota, meet a rep, and then be dismissed by them as well (quite a few posts listed in the top 20 right now express this). Even posts about being carefull towing because the dealer might try to prove you towed too much and void the warranty.

I've owned at least 1 new truck by each of Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet, and even with the biggest lemon of them all (a Chevy Colorado) I never ONCE had a dealer accuse me of causing the damage, or try to void my warranty...NOT ONCE!!! My Toyota dealer, on the other hand, has tried to blame me EVERY TIME!!!!!

What gives?

The only dealers I've had problems with was Lithia Chevrolet (now Peterson Chevrolet) in Boise, Idaho. They tried blaming me for a transmission failure at a little over 16,000 miles on a Chevy Cobalt, after I had mentioned the grinding and shifting problem on the previous 3 trips to the dealer for oil changes, and they did nothing. The only thing I used the car for was driving to and from work about 30 miles for about a month and a half and the rest of the time was driving in town about 8 miles per day. The car was never abused as a matter of fact it was still in excellent condition and it looked as if it had never been driven. I hardly ever drove it because the trunk opening was too small to carry equipment around in. Turned out to be the worst car, and dealership I've ever delt with, and will never own another Chevy because of the experiences I had.

The Toyota Dealership (Tom Scott Motors) Nampa, Idaho has been great. Haven't had a single problem with Toyota.