1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Dealership Experience

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by ColoradoTJ, May 10, 2019.

  1. Oct 5, 2020 at 10:28 AM
    #91
    Kung

    Kung Dead sexy

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2020
    Member:
    #43761
    Messages:
    3,428
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    KG, VA
    Vehicle:
    2020 SR5 CM 4WD, TRD Off-Road, Voodoo Blue
    Spiffy console tray Spiffy N-Fab steps Spiffy Katzkin seats
    Honestly, it depends on the dealership, and on the salesman.

    I bought mine back in March from the local Toyota dealership (Seeger Toyota in St. Robert, MO). I'd gone in once or twice looking for a used one, but the used prices @ that time weren't much less at all than the new ones. In the meantime...every time we drove past, my wife would look @ the Voodoo Blue Tundra CrewMax and sort of sigh and say "That is SUCH a beautiful color."

    So I told her "Look...we're not getting that truck for $35K no matter how hard we deal" and told her what MSRP was and what it'd likely be sold for, what trade in would be at best, etc., and she was copacetic with that.

    Went to the dealership. About the only 'selling' he tried to do was to say "We can absolutely get you any truck you want, though obviously it's easier to make a sale and get bigger deals on ones we have on the lot." We haggled just a bit on the Voodoo Blue 2020 CrewMax, and inside of about 40 minutes or so, we had a firm price.

    Wife drove over after work, and in *exactly* 31 minutes we'd signed all the paperwork and were driving home. It was our 2nd purchase there, and will almost definitely not be our last.
     
    freds4, YardBird and War Machine like this.
  2. Oct 25, 2020 at 5:43 AM
    #92
    freds4

    freds4 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2020
    Member:
    #53104
    Messages:
    73
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra SR5 DC 4x4
    N/A
    Now that I finally have my truck I thought I'd post about what it's like to have a GOOD experience. Cool Springs Toyota in Franklin, Tennessee is amazing! My sales guy Frederick was a pleasure to work with, I got more than I bargained for, no detail was overlooked, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had buying a vehicle. We had to drive an hour and a half because of how bad our local dealer was and when it comes time for a new car for my Wife, there is absolutely no doubt that I will make the drive again.

    I asked for a low-end SR5 and the only option I wanted was a spray-in bed liner. I was quoted 37K and some change. It took over a week to locate what I wanted and when they finally DID find one it also had the running board steps, the rail tie-down system in the bed, all-weather mats and door sills and the black-out logos/exhaust tip. Even with all that it was still only 38K and some change. I was VERY happy, the truck was even better than I had hoped and the extra stuff was all things that I really liked anyway. :thumbsup:
     
  3. Oct 25, 2020 at 7:55 AM
    #93
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    :fistbump:
     
  4. Oct 30, 2020 at 1:35 PM
    #94
    Tun20

    Tun20 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2020
    Member:
    #54237
    Messages:
    4
    I signed for a 2020 Tundra last Friday August 21st. I'll start by saying this is all me. I allowed myself to get here. Having said that I'll explain and let you decide along with my opinion of Bell Road Toyota.

    The advertised truck was 37k. Ok. I was contacted by Vourice and I accepted going out of my way to buy from Bell Road Toyota. This was sent to me and confirmed via email. 35 k was going to be the deal so I wouldn't buy a Tundra from AutoNation Toyota. Vourice insisted they wouldn't be undersold by another dealer out there.

    After about 1.5 to 2 hours he comes back and says they won't sell me that truck because it was more expensive and they made a mistake. So, can't sell it at that price but another sales person had parked a similar Tundra somewhere with a handwritten sign in the front window it was sold.

    Same truck except no spray in bed liner. There's the first of many red flags. Along with Vourice claiming they made a mistake and wouldn't sell it at that price which was 35k.

    Yes. I should have left. I didn't. I started and continued on for about 3 to 4 more hours. They wouldn't believe I had financing at the bank for my particular interest rate and term. That was confirmed long before I went to Bell Road Toyota and while I was there. I also provided proof to them I had that financing.

    Like I said. My fault. I signed at 37k with a trade in. That almost still didn't happen because Terry had to protect himself which is understandable by having me sign two contracts. I told Vourice I didn't want them running my credit since I was financed. They did anyways because I signed paperwork for them during the negotiating if you want to call it that.

    Terry makes it clear this deal will not go through because he can't confirm the bank rate at 2.99 vs 5.75. He does comeback with 4.75 if I'll sign both contracts. Again, if you've read this far I know you're saying it's your fault. I agree. Don't get here. That's the purpose of all this.

    I signed. Next day I just happen to call the bank asking if all had been taken care of because I was told it would be. Nope. Banker tells me she had nothing. I'n fact you've now signed at 4.74 interest rate for them. I call Vourice and he does send the information to the bank. Thankfully the banker stepped up and had everything doc u signed at 2.99 %.

    The sales guys are cutting each other's throats over there. Even Vourice was moved away from a computer by another sales guy because he was doing his call backs. We had just stepped away from the table to look at the switched out truck they did want to sell me. Another one was cussing on the phone and had the nerve to say out loud I shouldn't have no kids around there. Again..I know. My fault.

    Take note of the atmosphere. There's a tense nature there. You'll see for yourself if you pay attention. Look..I got a price over the internet stated as their best price. For a particular truck. Vourice told me this is going to be easy. There's about 4k or so at the end of the total of 31k I signed for who knows where that came from. Again, I know it's my fault. Nature of the beast for me is honesty. I'm only there to be honest. They are not. Not one bit.

    Folks. I'm lucky. I have work. I have a healthy family. I even risked going to the hotbed of COVID to buy from Bell Road Toyota. For a few thousand dollars if even that much they could have easily made me a better deal. Instead they did what they could to take what they could.

    Do yourself a favor. Go somewhere else. Don't buy from companies like this that will take any chance they can to take what they can. I understand this is business. That does not mean we.. We the people working hard everyday should buy from these types of businesses willing to rip you off. I let them. I allowed it. I signed.

    Doesn't mean you have to. Trust me. Walk away. Good luck and I hope this helps at least one person out there. Stay away from Bell Road Toyota.

    2020 TRD Sport RWD Tundra

    **Update**10/20/20
    The"owner" responded to this post asking me to contact them to find a resolution. I did. I was ignored. Fyi
     
    Kung, JLS in WA, rebmo and 1 other person like this.
  5. Oct 30, 2020 at 1:55 PM
    #95
    ohreary

    ohreary Party!

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2020
    Member:
    #50759
    Messages:
    131
    Vehicle:
    2020 Platinum
    My dealership experience was fantastic. The finance guy trying to sell me the ten variants of extended warranties starting from most expensive to least expensive was awful. I started a timer when he started going through it and couldn’t get him to stop for 27 minutes. If I didn’t want the truck so bad I would’ve walked out
     
    BTBAKER likes this.
  6. Oct 30, 2020 at 2:09 PM
    #96
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Member:
    #25048
    Messages:
    14,218
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rosy
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM SR5 CM 4X4
    Boost Auto mirrors, RSB, Leer Legend canopy, Line-X bed liner
    My father in law always says to them "you have 10 seconds to stop talking about the extended warranty before you lose this sale."
     
    ohreary[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Oct 30, 2020 at 2:36 PM
    #97
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    You had me at Vourice.

     
  8. Oct 30, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    #98
    Netmonkey

    Netmonkey Don't be a Dumbass

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2016
    Member:
    #2971
    Messages:
    1,482
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgetown, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 Texas Edition, 5.7, CM, MGM
    Icon stage 2 lift, 295 60 20 nitto ridge grapplers, fuel kranks, TRD dual exhaust, TRD rear sway bar
    I bought my truck from Toyota of Round Rock in Texas. It was one of the best experiences that I ever had when buying a vehicle. I wasn't hounded by sales staff, I got a good price for the new truck, I got a fair price on my trade-in, and I was in and out in 75 minutes. However, their service department can be hit and miss. They have caused damage to my truck and been sloppy with their work. Here is an example when I had my Tacoma serviced.

    Now, I take my truck to Toyota of Cedar Park in Texas. This dealer is top notch. They seriously care about their reputation and caring for the customer. They always follow through on their promises, they are honest, and they are some of the nicest and genuine people. I haven't purchased a vehicle from them, but I have no doubt that the sales experience would be just as good as the service experience.
     
  9. Oct 30, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #99
    Piney

    Piney New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2020
    Member:
    #52693
    Messages:
    165
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    South Jersey Pine Barrens
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM TRD Pro
    For the New Jersey folks, I've bought 4 new vehicles through the years from Liberty Toyota in Burlington, NJ. I also have them serviced there.

    This dealership is solid gold - great buying experiences, and their service department is top notch.

    Great dealership!
     
  10. Nov 29, 2020 at 10:51 AM
    #100
    1UP

    1UP Truck Gang

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2020
    Member:
    #53887
    Messages:
    2,268
    Vehicle:
    2019 Red CM TRD sport 4x4
    Bought my truck from FiveStar Toyota in GA. Great folks to work with and the reviews on Google were spot on. No pressure, polite, great price, and I had zero anxiety or issues buying out of state. If the opportunity to use them again comes around, I'd do it happily.

    https://www.fivestartoyotaofmilledgeville.com/
     
  11. Dec 7, 2020 at 5:11 AM
    #101
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    Made another attempt at buying from Fred Haas. I was considering, but not committed to getting a 2021 Platinum. I didn’t have a need for a new one, but if I could get exactly what I wanted at a great price I’d pull the trigger. I specifically wanted Wind Chill Pearl, only reason I looked at a Platinum.

    I don’t normally do this, but since I was only going to move forward if I got a great price, I sent requests to damned near every dealer in town. I probably got about 8 quotes back, all ranging from 54,500-57,500. Not quite good enough to get me off the fence. Lowest price at that point was from Gullo Toyota, who I’ve bought a couple of vehicles from including my black Tundra. I’ve always had good experiences with them, and highly recommend them.

    A couple of days later, Fred Haas finally responded with $48,787. That was an insane price, 6k below second place. In all fairness, I figured it was an error on their part. Pretty sure they used a price for a Limited by mistake. I did confirm with them to make sure it was exactly what I was asking for, and they sent me this:

    2AF2AE4C-5186-4F95-92B5-E1E01B48CC84.jpg 17A676D1-B55A-4BBA-80EF-BCC5E9D91CED.jpg

    They didn’t have it in stock, but guaranteed they’d sell me that truck at that price once they located it. I went in the next morning and gave them a $500.00 deposit to order it. They said they’d have a vin number for me in a couple of days, and it would take a week or two to get it.

    I shared the price with the guy I normally buy from, and a couple of other people I communicate with who are in the business. They all said it was an incredible price, and none of them could see how they could do it. My normal salesman was especially confused and said it was just impossible to sell it at that price. I figured I’d just see what happens.

    Well, days go by, and I don’t hear anything. I send messages and emails, and keep getting the same answer, that they hadn’t found any. I wasn’t in a hurry, so I could wait.

    Here’s where the problem comes in: I start asking for a total invoice with drive out price. They say they can’t provide it until they find the truck. I ask them why they have to find the vehicle before they can give me the drive out total. They have their sell price, why can’t they give me a total? They just say they can’t. In the meantime they have my money, and can’t give me any information.

    I wake up on the Monday before thanksgiving and start checking dealer inventory. Fred Haas now shows to have this exact truck in stock. I send a text to the salesperson with a link to it asking if I can come pick it up. No response, so I drive up there and ask for it.

    I end up with the sales manager, who looks at my printed quote and acts pretty confused. He leaves for about half an hour, then comes back and tells me that truck was already sold to someone else. I tell him to just give me my money back and I’ll go elsewhere. He says nobody else has the truck, and I tell him that yes they do, I’ve already talked to a couple of them and made the deal with someone else.

    He very happily gives me a refund and tells me good luck.

    Long story short, i believe they screwed up on the price, and wouldn’t admit it. Had they done so, I’d have been happy to renegotiate with them. The quote they gave me wasn’t legally binding, so there’s no reason they couldn’t just admit their mistake and quit stringing me along. Either that, or they got my truck but found a buyer they could get more money from. Either way it’s shitty.

    This is the third time I’ve attempted to buy from Fred Haas, and have never managed to seal the deal with them. My impression is that they are the stereotypical car dealership, who tries to use bs instead of just doing honest business. They’ve lied directly to me in the past, and I’m pretty sure they were doing it again. Their crazy price was the only reason I tried again, and it still didn’t work out.

    I believe they are number one in the country or close to it among Toyota dealerships. Better to deal with someone who actually needs the business I guess.

    On a side note, the price included the 1500 dollar Tundra rebate, but every other price I got did also. I was passing on that so I could get 0% financing regardless of where I purchased from.
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2020
  12. Dec 7, 2020 at 6:11 AM
    #102
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    So, I looked at just about every dealership in Texas, and found only two of what I was looking for in the whole state. One in San Antonio, and one in Marshall. Both are about an 8 hour round trip for me. The dealer in San Antonio had a better price, but I just didn’t get a good vibe when I spoke with them.

    The salesman in Marshall was the opposite. I emailed, texted, and spoke with him on the phone. He came across as honest, eager, and I just overall got a good “read” from him. He was still cheaper than anyone local, and I don’t mind paying a little more to buy from someone who I can trust. (He also gave me everything I asked for immediately, and made no attempt to play any games.)

    So, we headed to Shapen Toyota in Marshall.

    https://www.shapentoyota.com/

    My first impression when I got there was that it was the smallest dealership I’d ever been to. Marshall is a smaller city in NE Texas, and I’m used to all the mega-lots in Houston.

    The overall experience was very smooth and pleasant. I dealt with Bo Holley, and he was as accommodating and informative as any salesman I’ve dealt with. He was very transparent, knew his product, and did everything he could to make it all go as smoothly as possible. Since I have so much experience with Tundras, I didn’t really need much information.
    Bo actually seemed disappointed that I didn’t need a whole lot from him. He commented that he felt like he wasn’t doing his job since I didn’t need him to show me around the truck or for him to demonstrate how everything worked. Anything I did ask of him, he jumped immediately to accommodate it, and at no point said no to anything. He truly seems to want his customers to be happy.

    The only thing I asked for that I didn’t get was for different running boards. The truck came with the plastic flat ones, and I asked if he could swap them out for the tubular ones from a different truck. He agreed immediately, but it turned out they didn’t have another crew max that had them, only double cabs. He offered to give me the predator type nerf bars from one they had there, but I didn’t like those, so I told him not to worry about it. He also offered to get some from a local shop to swap out, but it wasn’t feasible for me. I’d have taken him up on it if I was local.

    The experience in the finance office was also flawless. They did ask if I thought I’d pay it off early, so they could see if I’d get the full savings of 0% vs the $1,500 rebate. I told them I’d rather take the 0% and they moved on. The finance manager did offer the extended warranty / maintenance plans, but immediately accepted no as an answer. Most dealerships will at least try to talk you into it, but he let it go without question.

    So, it was a pretty far drive for me, but I believe it was worth it. Considering they didn’t waste my time with other garbage like most dealerships do, the total time it took was probably not that far off. It also gave me a really nice drive home through East Texas to enjoy my truck.

    These guys are pretty close to the borders of Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, so definitely worth taking a look at for anyone in that area. They did tell me next time they’d deliver the truck to me for 300 bucks (less if I had a trade in since they wouldn’t have to send two drivers), so that’s definitely something to consider.

    Overall, I highly recommend Shapen Toyota and Bo Holley to everyone. Great experience, fair price, zero hassle, great transparency and no pressure. Just a stand up dealership in my book. I’ve bought a lot of vehicles, (including five Toyotas), dealt with a lot of dealerships, and this is the second one I’ve ever worked with that gave me a 100% great experience. After sale follow up has been great also.
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2020
    deptrai, Cjames17, Trooper2 and 3 others like this.
  13. Dec 7, 2020 at 6:26 AM
    #103
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    Me too. It’s nice to deal with someone who isn’t trying to squeeze everything they can out of you.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  14. Dec 7, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #104
    JLS in WA

    JLS in WA New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2020
    Member:
    #40610
    Messages:
    1,297
    Gender:
    Male
    Somewhere in the basalt rocks with my dogs
    Vehicle:
    2008 White DC Limited 4x4
    Drahthaar Transport Unit
    Some of these stories make me cringe. It's okay to stop someone and tell them "sorry, I'm not interested in that, and I don't really have the time to spend on it". Get up and leave. No way in hell would I sit there for hours. I don't have to wait around while you search your inventory. There are far more efficient ways of doing business.

    If I have a salesman starting to go sideways on him, I have no problems telling him "Let's treat each other like honest adults here. If I sense you're not, I'll take my business somewhere else".

    FWIW, we've bought two used cars from Larry Miller in Spokane, and have not had any complaints.
     
    rockmup and Cpl_Punishment like this.
  15. Dec 7, 2020 at 9:48 AM
    #105
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2015
    Member:
    #973
    Messages:
    5,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    NE Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2008 Desert Sand 5.7L DC
    In sig
    Ehlrich Toyota East

    Bought my first pickup from these guys. The sales manager at that time happened to be a family friend, between my immediate family alone we’ve bought 9 vehicles from him. The car I was driving then was bought from the sales manager about 4 years previous. I told him I was looking to get into a pickup and out of the Camry. He found me two Tundras within a week, which is incredible given how there were no used ones in my price range on the lot when we talked. One had just been traded in, a 2008 Desert Sand DC (sound familiar?) with 67k miles. There was also an 08 Pyrite Mica DC with identical specs in AZ that he could get hauled up for me. With this being 2015, I was amazed he found two vehicles that I was looking for, the DS with 67k miles and the PM with only 41k miles. He even went so far as to make a deal with me that if I wanted the PM in Arizona, he wouldn’t charge me to get it brought up. Remember, they would’ve had to send their truck and trailer on a 1700 mile round trip to get it. Given how much trucking costs, that blew me away. He let me “test drive” the tan one over night, and if I didn’t want it he’d send for the PM instead. So I take the tan Tundra back the next day, and we started negotiating. I loved the pickup, and wasn’t gonna leave without it. I played hardball negotiating, and wound up going home with my 2008 DC with only 67k for $22,000 rather than the $24,000 they started at. The sales manager was involved the whole way through, and had one of his guys do the paperwork and most of the negotiating.

    As far as service goes, I’ve had nothing but good experiences with them. Had the differential replaced under post purchase warranty, they never tried to stick me with the bill. They’ve also replaced tie rods,a battery, done two alignments, and other various service work for me and have never been anything but solid in their dealings. Their parts guys, one of whom is an old coworker of mine, are solid and don’t BS you if parts can be bought cheaper from another source other than Toyota. Overall I’m very happy with my dealer.
     
    War Machine likes this.
  16. Jan 2, 2021 at 8:55 AM
    #106
    Nflguy

    Nflguy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    Member:
    #49702
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    Lone Star Toyota in Lewisville, Texas. They added a $10,000 markup to a 2021 Tundra TRD Pro. I haven’t seen any other dealers in DFW area do this. A sales manager left a voicemail for me claiming most dealers add $12,000 markup. Lol. Maybe in California.
     
    NewImprovedRon and Trooper2 like this.
  17. Jan 2, 2021 at 9:27 AM
    #107
    Nflguy

    Nflguy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    Member:
    #49702
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    Here is my strategy for buying cars. I look online to see which dealers have the vehicle I want with the options I want. I visit a few dealers to test drive. After test drive I go home I don’t negotiate on the day I test drive. Before leaving take a picture of the VIN. So I know in possible future negotiations that were dealing with the same vehicle.

    Then I email a dozen dealerships including the ones I visited with details on the type of vehicle I want including color, options etc. I also tell them I’ll need to finance the purchase.

    When dealers respond I ask them to send me the vehicle maroney(window sticker) along with their best out the door price.

    I then counter their best offer with a lower offer and let them know I’m shopping other dealers both in the surrounding area and out of market/out of state.

    The dealer that gets close to my true number I’m looking for gets my business unless it’s still too far away from the price I want.

    Once we agree on price via email I get pre approved for an auto loan with my credit union or bank and head to the dealership the same day.

    When I arrive I ask to see the deal in writing and to test drive the car one more time.


    Then I agree to buy and they send me to the finance guy. I decline extended warranties etc. He tells me the rate and if mines better I pull out my pre approved rate letter and get them to match or I stick with my banks loan.


    I don’t step foot in a dealership for the purpose to actually buy until I’ve already agreed on price. And if they try making me wait more then 15 minutes I walk.
     
    Fiesta346 and Henry1jg like this.
  18. Jan 2, 2021 at 9:32 AM
    #108
    Nflguy

    Nflguy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    Member:
    #49702
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    Dealers want to wear you down so you don’t feel it’s worth it trying to get a better deal elsewhere.

    You should also assume everything they say about the car or warranties or service agreements are lies unless you see it in writing and always read the fine print.
     
    deptrai and Cpl_Punishment like this.
  19. Jan 2, 2021 at 9:38 AM
    #109
    Nflguy

    Nflguy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    Member:
    #49702
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    I live near Fort Worth and a few years back had a sales person/good ole boy tell me he had to stick to a certain price on a new Tahoe so he could at least make $200 on the deal. He seemed so honest and a straight shooter. I found out from a friend that works for GM corporate that the dealer was going to make $10,000 profit at that price.
     
  20. Jan 2, 2021 at 10:07 AM
    #110
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    I have been doing something for a while now with new car purchases. TruCar and Consumer Reports have services that take every option (use vin number), calculate what a fair price should be and give you that number.

    My few last purchased vehicles was 2018 Subaru Crosstrek who I purchased through a friend at a Subaru dealership. He gave us a better price than what was suggested.

    My GMC was listed at 66k. Using the TruCar and CR I came up with 59000.00. I offered 58000.00 and they took it. I had very specific options that were “must have” and my truck had them. Easiest truck buying experience.

    I will never sit in a dealership for hours again in my life. What a waste of time. It took longer to drive up to Littleton, CO that purchasing the truck (under 45 min). From now on I will have the deal worked out via internet sales before even stepping foot inside a dealership doors.
     
  21. Jan 2, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    #111
    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2016
    Member:
    #5310
    Messages:
    1,914
    Gender:
    Male
    Shore Toyota, NJ

    Worst place to buy a new Toyota. They employ the classic bait and switch. Found the truck I wanted, they told me they could do business with that dealer. Held me hostage for over an hour, would not give me back the keys to my potential trade in until they tried to sell me every truck they had in stock....and even low-balled me on the trade value of it. Almost got into fist fight with sales manager. Will never buy from them

    Vineland Toyota, NJ

    Best place to buy a new Toyota. Did the deal entirely by phone. They had to go to Virginia Beach to get my truck, and all they wanted was a 100.00 deposit, which was refundable if I did not buy the truck, or would be applied if I did. Gave me 2k more than Shore Toyota for my trade....sight unseen. Will absolutely buy from them again
     
    Trooper2 likes this.
  22. Jan 2, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #112
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    How many miles are on your Resale Red 2015 now? Broke the 25000 mile mark yet? :D
     
    PermaFrostTRD and NewImprovedRon like this.
  23. Apr 20, 2022 at 4:17 PM
    #113
    Nflguy

    Nflguy New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    Member:
    #49702
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    Here was my experience:

    Toyota of Richardson, TX had a 2021 Tundra TRD PRO with 2,000 miles for $65k. It was the color I wanted But would need window tint, bed cover and running boards. I called and the truck was still available. I drive 45?minutes to the dealership and the truck was sold already.

    I went to Texas Toyota in Grapevine TX. I wanted to see some 2022 Tundras. The sales guy walks me over to a 2022 2 wheel drive 1794 and a 2022 2 wheel drive SR5. When we’re sitting in the 1794 he tells me it’s a $70k+ truck. I laugh and say no way that’s accurate. I ask to see the maroney label/window sticker and say my guess is this is a $62k truck. Sales guy says he doesn’t know where the maroney label is. A few seconds later I find it in the glove compartment. And just like I thought..The MSRP was $62k. We then check out the SR 5. It’s also missing the maroney sticker. We go back inside the dealership and he asks me to wait while he talks to his manager about the asking price for those two trucks. He comes back 5-10 minutes later and says it will only be a few more minutes. Five minutes after that I’m about to leave and he walks up with a notepad with two numbers written on it. $77,000 for the 2 wheel drive 2022 1794 that had an MSRP of $62k and $67k for the SR 5.

    I laughed and said goodbye. He then said I needed to meet the sales manager so he could shake my hand. I said no thanks and started walking away so the rep starts yelling like I just stole something “Sir, I need you to meet the sales manager!!” If it wasn’t for all the families with young kids nearby I would have told him to F off but just ignored him and left.

    Then I went to Lewisville Toyota. Test drove a 2022 1794 and a 2022 Limited. They were nice but wanted $10k above MSRP. They also had a 2020 Tundra TRD PRO but it had 60,000 miles on it and they were asking $59k plus $3,000 reconditioning fee. It didn’t have window tint, running boards, or bed cover. I just couldn’t get past that much money for a truck with 60,000 miles so I left.

    The next weekend I drove an hour out to a dealership near Weatherford Tx called Shottenkirk. They had advertised a black 2021 Tundra TRD Pro with only 4,000 miles for $65k. The site had a million pictures off the truck. I called in the morning and talk to a sales rep just to make sure the truck was still on the lot and was told yes and so I headed that way. I arrive and they tell me the truck isn’t available becuase it’s at the body shop for some “minor” work. The sales manager told me they had just taken it on trade that weekend and it needed minor work. The add they posted was 2 weeks ago and the truck looked fine so clearly they were lying. Then they tried to get me to buy a 2022 Limited with a cracked windshield and poor fit and finish. I also discovered they add $4,000 on top of every listed priced as a “customer care package” that you have no option to decline. So I left.

    A Mercedes dealership in Fort Worth Advertised a 2021 Tundra TRD Pro. So I drove an hour to the dealer. The truck had 25,000 miles with aggressive off-road tires and road like hell. It also had orange badging. The Toyota on the tailgate was orange. They were firm at $63k. So I left.

    I found a 2021 TRD Pro through Auto Trader at a Wisconsin dealership with only 5 miles. They wouldn’t budge at $69k.

    I then found a 2021 TRD PRO on Carmax. It had 6500 miles and they wanted $69k. I did an online chat with a sales rep and told him I was interested in the car but not at 69K. The rep said they don’t negotiate and then ended the chat.

    Finally I looked at Carvana. I found a black 2021 TRD Pro with Tinted windows, Spray Bedliner, Bakflip bedcover, Go Rhino running boards with 2,074 miles for $61,900. The site had a million pictures and the truck looked fantastic. I bought it and had it delivered to my house 4 days later for a $400 shipping fee. The price was $61,900 plus shipping fee plus tax, title and license.

    The truck arrived and looks and smells brand new inside and out!!

    I’m glad I had the truck checked out though as several wheel nuts were loose and carvana had done a sloppy oil change which was corrected.

    I’m very happy with this truck and the deal I got on it.
     
    Sumo91, Trooper2 and PermaFrostTRD like this.
  24. Sep 24, 2022 at 4:50 PM
    #114
    itsallgood101

    itsallgood101 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2022
    Member:
    #83638
    Messages:
    93
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randy
    Southern Utah
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tundra SR5 4X4 crew max
    Bought at Findlay Toyota of Prescott Arizona it was out of state purchase and went flawlessly. They made me a great deal were easy to work with.
     
  25. Jun 12, 2023 at 5:08 PM
    #115
    MTCapo

    MTCapo New Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2023
    Member:
    #97363
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Montana
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax
    I’ll preface this by saying I’ve always wanted a Tacoma or Tundra, Toyota reliability is top

    The Lithia Toyota dealership in Billings, MT is as slimy as they come, especially the sales manager Patrick. Look through their one and two star reviews and you’ll find a theme “I was screwed over on the loan rate”, followed by Patrick saying something like “every customer presents a challenge….blah blah blah”

    I found a 2015 Tundra that had been lifted with 49,000 miles that fit my budget. I was told it was a simple body lift, and as it had a “TOYOTA CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE” plate on it I felt comfortable proceeding with the purchase. I had two concerns, an error code for the blind spot system and the tires were grinding at full turn in reverse. I brought the truck in as scheduled a few days later and had it looked at. The tire grinding was because the offset was wrong, which led to me examine the truck closer. Upon inspection I realized that the frame had been cut to install the lift kit (how could that possibly be a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle?). I requested a meeting with the GM and ended up meeting with Patrick. I explained my concerns (a cut frame meant the lift could never be removed). Their solution was to heat the wheel well inserts and bend them so the tires didn’t rub. I told them this wasn’t a satisfactory solution and asked for a new vehicle or to get my money back and I’d take my business elsewhere.

    After some back and forth, which consisted of me paying MORE money for a different Tundra, I asked for them to buy the truck back and I’d go somewhere else. Patrick’s exact quote was “we don’t have to do anything for you”. I asked if that was a threat and he said no, but that they were under no obligation to fix the situation (I will be reporting the vehicle to Carfax as having a modified frame ).

    My credit score was in excess of 750, my Wife and I were both on the application, and Patrick told me the best rate they could get me was 9.44% through Toyota Financial. I figured that was just what used rates were. I had asked them to check USAA when running my credit as I’m a veteran with an account there. Patrick told me Toyota was the only bank that would finance it.

    I checked my credit report and Lithia had run it through a few different banks, who all offered better rates than the Toyota rate I was given. USAA, who they didn’t even check (even after I asked) quoted me 6.44% and I applied for the loan through them. Unfortunately, Lithia Toyota sits on their loan paperwork for about a month….so because of their dishonestly and manipulation I may not be able to get the USAA rate as we have to wait for Lithia to process the loan application before I can refinance through USAA.

    Avoid these people if you can, this dealership is very dishonest.
     
  26. Jun 12, 2023 at 6:19 PM
    #116
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Guess that dealership culture hasn't changed in 30 years. What a shame.
     
    MTCapo[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Jun 12, 2023 at 7:39 PM
    #117
    MTCapo

    MTCapo New Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2023
    Member:
    #97363
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Montana
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax
    I looked through their google reviews and there was at least seven other people that got screwed over on their interest rate.

    I basically got an “F off” from my salesperson today. Told me if I can get a good rate from USAA go refinance it with them. This after they pulled three hard credit reports and dropped my credit score from 751 to 720ish.

    what makes no sense to me is that Toyotas sell themselves. Great vehicles, great resale value, fantastic reliability….why would you treat your customers like crap?

    funny, the dealership motto is “Customer for Life”
     
  28. Jun 12, 2023 at 8:02 PM
    #118
    digitalwiz

    digitalwiz New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2022
    Member:
    #76337
    Messages:
    1,118
    Vehicle:
    2024 LR Defender 110/ 2022 Superduty Tremor 4x4/ 2017 Porsche 911
    you do have many options including picketing their dealership on a Friday Saturday and Sunday. Bring large signs saying “I was cheated” “dishonest deals”, etc.

    I guarantee they will do anything to get rid of you as soon as possible, including buying back your truck.

    From personal experience I can attest this works.
     
  29. Jun 12, 2023 at 8:35 PM
    #119
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ [OP] Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    So I worked for that dealership many moons ago when Ray...hell I can't even remember his last name owned it. The service department was solid and that's what people came back for. Sales...damn. I worked in the service department.
     
  30. Jun 12, 2023 at 8:57 PM
    #120
    MTCapo

    MTCapo New Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2023
    Member:
    #97363
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Montana
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax
    I filed a complaint with the BBB and ironically was asked today to leave a review on Dealer Rater, bad timing for them.

    I’ve always wanted a Tundra and actually love the truck I got, but finding out how they screwed my credit and lied telling me that only Toyota Finance would work with me really pisses me off.

    here’s just three of the seven reviews talking about people getting screwed on financing.

    IMG_0273.jpg
    IMG_0272.jpg
    IMG_0279.jpg
     

Products Discussed in

To Top