Toyota Place

AVOID! AVOID!! AVOID!!!

by Lorelei711 at Citysearch

DO NOT BUY FROM THIS DEALERSHIP!!

Traded in for an '05 Chevy Aveo. Salesman, Steve Tarver, knew this was to be a once-a-week 200-mile round-trip commuter car for work. On the 5-minute drive home, all the dash lights momentarily went out. Called "helpful" Steve, who didn't return the call, and took it back that Friday (we purchased on Mon night) for service.

The car spent 3 out of 4 weekends at their service dept because...the clock didn't work, the driver's door lock didn't work causing the "door ajar" light and interior light to flash going over a bump, and the rear windshield wiper didn't work. Our mechanic had it the 4th weekend because NO ONE at this place could tell us the condition of the timing belt that was to be replaced at 60000 miles (cost us $700).

Right before the 30-day warranty expired, while driving up a steep grade on the 14 freeway, the engine light and "hold" light started flashing...so back to the dealer we went. They couldn't replicate the problem because "there are no hills down here", so they sent us home. Guess what? Lights flashed AGAIN going up the steep grade only this time, the car surged to the point I'm scared to drive the damned thing. Obviously, the problem is getting worse.

So the following weekend, back into Service we go. They ended up charging us $174 for 4 plugs and 4 wires, even tho Aveo owners on the internet report the need for a valve job (which we've been saying along). Funny...repairs were free up till this point.

After no return phone calls from management, we found Gus. He was EXTREMELY rude and kept chastising us for not buying the extended warranty, even tho these repairs were still under their 30-day warranty! He should never be allowed to deal with the public. He even got mad at us because "we were told the car might break down" so what's our problem?? NOBODY ever said this car might break down, but I guess this dealership expects their used cars to do so.

Their used car "safety inspection" is a joke, so BEWARE buying anything used here. I'm awaiting the next week to see if the lights start flashing at me again. If they do, we'll start this complaining process all over again. To their credit, we found service guys and cashier girls and another salesman to be very sympathetic to our cause. But all in all....AVOID!!