Today, Tomorrow, Toyota (Toyota)

Member Name: Craggybuk

Product:	Toyota
Date:	25/07/09 (80 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent Customer Services, Excellent aftersales

Disadvantages: Earlier dealerships didnt live up to expectations

I visited various Toyota dealerships for a good 18 months before taking the plunge in 2005 and buying my Avensis. I found the various dealerships varied quite a lot in terms of customer services prior to a sale. Once the sale had been completed, the aftersalesare second to none.

--Dealerships --
I visited dealerships throughout the Midlands in order to find my dream car, my findings are as follows :-

Listers Toyota - Coventry
This was the first dealer I visited. I was allowed to view the cars on the forecourt with no pressure from the salesman. The cars however were not presented in tip-top condition in my opinion. For example, car seats were left dirty, trim had not been tidied up, etc. When I got talking to the salesman he didnt appear that helpful, basically laughing me down when I told him what car I was looking for and what price I was willing to pay (I had done my research and knew what I could get from an internet brokers site). On leaving the dealer my mind was almost made up that I wouldnt buy from here as they didnt fill me with much confidence.

Inchcape - Burton
The fact that I was disappointed with the Coventry dealership forced me to drive 30 miles to the Burton dealer, Inchcape. Again I was allowed to peruse the showroom with no pressure at all. When I got speaking to the salesman, he couldnt have been more helpful. When I told him my budget, he told me exactly what I could afford and even went as far as offering to find me a car even if they didnt have one in their showroom. This was a very positive experience.

Listers Toyota - Nuneaton
By early 2005, Listers had opened a new dealership just 2 miles down the road from where I live. I was a bit sceptical after my experience of Listers in Coventry but decided to give it a go. What a difference, all the staff seemed like they couldnt do enough for you, they made sure the kids were well looked after with DVDs and beanbags. They understood my requirements perfectly and let me have a test drive there and then. They then phoned me a couple of days later to let me know they had just taken delivery of a car that was identical to the specification I was looking for and invited me for a second test drive. I bought the car within 2 weeks and had a hassle free transaction.

--Aftersales--
With my previous car, once the transaction had been completed, I never heard from them again apart from to try and sell me a new car every year. With Toyota , however, things are different. They invite you to take your car back to them after 600 miles so that they can check everything is still in working order for you.

I also found the warranty cover to be first class, I had a slight tear in the leather on my door and they replaced the whole door interior with no quibble whatsoever. Add to this a new rear windscreen (there was a problem with the inbuilt radio aerial), a new gear stick knob and a new drinks holder and I begin to realise that I have certainly had my moneys worth.
One of the best features in my opinion is that they will always clean your car when you take it in for some work. Even if you just take it for a visual safety check they will clean it for you, both inside and out.

--Verdict--
There is no doubting the quality of Toyota cars, initially I was disappointed with the customer care at the first dealer but from that point onwards I have nothing but praise for them. All members of staff are very friendly and know my history with the company without needing to refer to any paperwork. I have built up a good relationship with the company and have since recommended them to my father in law who bought a car from them earlier in the year. I have also agreed a 2 year sponsorship deal for my junior football team with the Nuneaton dealership. I would certainly recommend Toyota to anyone looking for a new car.

Summary: Nothing ever goes wrong with a Toyota (touch wood)