Fantastic dealer experience (Fowler Toyota)

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction) 10/14/2020 at 14:15 • Filed to: None

8

71

Foreward: my Tacoma had a recall on its fuel pump. I’d gotten the letter, but hadn’t gotten to it yet.

The dealer called me last week, mentioned the recall, and asked to make an appointment for it. Told me they’d have a loaner for me.

Dropped it off first thing this morning, got the loaner, in & out in 10 minutes.

Called me over lunch (as expected), and told me that had it done.

Took the loaner back, got my truck, in & out in 5 minutes.

Not only did they do a free inspection (like they usually do) after they replaced the fuel pump, but they gave me a free CarFax report, and a valuation on my truck just in case I wanted to trade it in (just $1000 less than I gave for it 2+ years and 30k+ miles ago...).

Very impressed.

ibRAD > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:30

3

But was the loaner a supra?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ibRAD 10/14/2020 at 14:32

4

Grounded to the ground, man.

ClassicDatsunDebate > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:32

0

Dave Fowler?  

For Sweden > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:33

4

Did a dealer write this

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > For Sweden 10/14/2020 at 14:35

5

They paid me handsomely.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > For Sweden 10/14/2020 at 14:36

6

He has to tell us, otherwise it’s entrapment. 

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:36

4

just $1000 less than I gave for it 2+ years and 30k+ miles ago

Why does anyone buy a used Tacoma? To me at least, used Tacoma prices are asi nine. There’s no reason to buy a used one when you can walk into the dealer and drive a brand new one away for effectively the same money.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ClassicDatsunDebate 10/14/2020 at 14:37

0

https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/bassomatic/n8631

ibRAD > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:38

1

All loaner cars are good anyhow. I might be weird but I like to try anything I haven’t tried yet. Even a camry.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 14:39

2

No clue.

Goggles Pizzano > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:42

0

Congratulations. Smart buy pays off. Who would have thunk it?

Has this been your experience in the past or could some of it be due to the dealership wanting to get the ball rolling amid COVID?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 14:43

0

Looks like base price has gone up - appears that they all come with LED headlights (which would be nice!) and the technology package (blind-spot monitoring, etc.) now.

ClassicDatsunDebate > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:44

1

that’s good bass

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:45

2

This sounds too good to be true. I suspect Fowl play

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Goggles Pizzano 10/14/2020 at 14:45

1

Carvana would’ve given me exactly what I paid a few months back. Pretty funny.

They’ve been good in the past, but this was the best I’ve experienced with them . The valuation may just be that they’re hurting for used inventory.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 10/14/2020 at 14:46

1

Eggsactly!

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:46

1

A good dealership experience is such a rare and wonderful thing. One of the things that I miss the most about the S3 is the dealer experience.

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:46

1

Fascinating. We bought our Solara in 2001 from Fowler Toyota in Dallas. They long since changed their name to Cowboy Toyota. I did a double take when I saw your title.

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:46

1

Toyota is good about sneaking in base price increases. That’s part of the reason (I’m sure) that the recent offers I’ve received for the 4Runner have been similar to your experience, within 1k of my purchase price 2 years ago.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ClassicDatsunDebate 10/14/2020 at 14:47

1

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:48

0

How much is the price increase? 

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 14:49

2

That’s awesome. Most of the dealers around me (whether Toyota or Jeep, for the wife’s ride) are more of an in and out thing , with little personal attentiveness. By and large, the feeling tends to come across as “you’re lucky  to have us” rather than “we’re lucky to have you”.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 10/14/2020 at 14:49

0

The Acura dealer always treated Mrs. addiction very well. Hopefully our Kia dealer does a decent job for her (or visits will be few and far between!).

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing 10/14/2020 at 14:52

1

I think it helps that I bought a manual with zero options (and got $1000 off promotion) . There’s just a baseline that prices won’t fall below, and many paid way more for their Tacoma than I did.

Also, used prices across the board are kind of out of whack right now, due to some of the supply chain issues with new cars.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 10/14/2020 at 14:56

1

They have a location in Tulsa and OKC - not sure if they’ve been in Oklahoma for 20+ years, or made the move after they sold to the “cowboy”.

I’ve bought cars in Dallas, Arkansas, Kansas City, Austin...

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 14:58

3

Also no rust

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 15:01

0

Looks like around $2000 more for the 2021 model compared to my ‘18 (without LEDs or BSM).

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ibRAD 10/14/2020 at 15:02

2

I had a loaner 4-cylinder 3 series one time and it suuucked.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing 10/14/2020 at 15:03

1

They definitely are trying to win & keep my business.

ClassicDatsunDebate > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:07

0

Ha!

shop-teacher > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:09

1

That’s exactly how it should be!

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:16

1

That would explain it.

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:17

0

So that’s a 3k increase for a brand new truck? Still doesn’t make it worth buying a used one. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher 10/14/2020 at 15:18

3

C onsidering how many people have terrible dealership experiences these days, I thought it was worth highlighting one that’s really getting it right.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 15:22

1

Well, if they’d give me $1000 less than I paid, they’re surely going to try to sell it for for a couple grand more than that, but yeah, you really might as well buy new. That said, the increasing price of the Tacoma makes some full size trucks look like the better deal in comparison.

I didn’t want a full size, though (the Tacoma is not as big as full size trucks were 20 years ago), and wanted three pedals.

Future next gen S2000 owner > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:33

1

Let’s talk about my last dealership experience.

Bring in car to get work done. Told the part will have to be ordered and they will call when it is in.

Wait 4 months. Call dealership. They don’t know what happened to my part but they just happen to have a non-stocked part for a weird car that happens to be the same make and model as mine.

Bring in car for repair and bring up another repair for warranty work. Told the part will have to be ordered and they will call when it is in.

Wait 4 months. Call dealership. They don’t know what happened to my part but they just happen to have a non-stocked part for a weird car that happens to be the same make and model as mine.

Tell them I need an appointment and a loaner. T old they don’t have loaners available for at least a month. Get really heated and tell them I need someone to fix this.

Get manager on my phone to explain they are incompetent and ask why they are so incompetent. Get increasingly raged that they won’t consider comping a rental for 30 bucks for one day.

M anager decided to bill the rental to GM as part of warranty work. Set appointment. Was told everything will be ready as it’s an early appointment and one specific person will be there to handle it.

Drive in for appointment about 30 minutes early. Service writer can’t find my ticket or notes in the system. Has no idea about my car or why it’s in. Also, there is no vehicle for me to drive home in. Specific person to handle my car is no where to be found.

I calmly tell him to give me my damn car back.

Get call 3-4 hours later from rental car company asking if I still needed the rental for the day. I did not call them back.

- curtains -

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Future next gen S2000 owner 10/14/2020 at 15:35

1

Ugh...

ibRAD > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:38

1

I think my least favourite was a Saturn ion that I drove to work after I dropped off my 9-5 aero wagon.

Best was the Gti that I got from the vw dealership after I called them out on their half-ass service job.

I don’t get loaner cars anymore though. My loaner car is ‘the other ones still work’

Future next gen S2000 owner > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:38

2

I don’t get angry often but I was legitimately mad and the service manager got an ear full .

RallyWrench > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 15:39

1

I really want one of these trucks. Like, a lot. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > For Sweden 10/14/2020 at 15:42

0

Gramma r and punctuation is too good for that. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > RallyWrench 10/14/2020 at 15:46

1

It’s just a good, old-fashioned truck. Rides pretty rough, isn’t the best at any one thing, but can do so many things very well, and should provide reliable service for decades. It’s the damn Swiss Army knife of vehicles.

It’s hard not to consider selling a car when someone offers you what you paid a couple years ago, but then I think, what else would I get?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ibRAD 10/14/2020 at 15:50

1

Yeah, I just took this one today to make it easy on me to get in and out.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Future next gen S2000 owner 10/14/2020 at 15:51

0

Well deserved.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > RallyWrench 10/14/2020 at 15:52

1

How are you healing?

shop-teacher > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:06

0

It is nice to hear about a positive experience. A friend of mine recently took delivery of a new Taco that he ordered back in January. The dealership has been a nightmare to with for him.

CivicWagonEngineer > Future next gen S2000 owner 10/14/2020 at 16:12

0

Out of curiosity, w hat brand dealership?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher 10/14/2020 at 16:14

0

That sucks. I actually didn’t buy from this dealer, fwiw. Bought from one in the Kansas City area near where my in-laws live - they were the most willing to negotiate on price. Negotiated everything over email (was a custom build) ; painless process once I arrived to take delivery.

way2blu does a rev update > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:15

1

Took my ‘06 Mercedes C230 sedan to the dealership for a service once. The tech who greeted me didn’t know how to drive stick.

Neither did the other tech.

Nor the service manager.

None of the sales people knew how either.

Finally, we found a lot attendant who knew how to drive it. I hope they gave him a raise.

These days, it’s independent local shops only. Glad to hear your Toyota experience was better!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > way2blu does a rev update 10/14/2020 at 16:17

1

LOL - so sad...

I have an indy in town that I love and used for my M3, and will use for my SS.

Future next gen S2000 owner > CivicWagonEngineer 10/14/2020 at 16:26

0

Autonation Buick GMC

shop-teacher > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:30

1

He has learned the hard way, that he should have walked at the first sign of trouble.

Sovande > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:39

0

Lucky. I have to take my car to the Volvo dealership tomorrow. Last time they left plastic tray that covers the fuel lines off which means the fuel lines were hanging under the car. Then, when I drove it back due to the hanging lines, they said it was not their fault and that the part would be $140 for the part plus an hour to install. I found the part online for $70 and installed it in about 14 minutes lying on my back in the parking lot.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sovande 10/14/2020 at 16:41

0

Ugh... hope you have better luck this time.

RallyWrench > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:42

0

It would suit a lot of our needs in replacing the Sienna for all of those reasons. S omething my wife could daily and family camp with easily during the summer when I’m stuck working but the kids are off school , and I could continue to happily drive dangerous old shitboxes. ;)

Sovande > Future next gen S2000 owner 10/14/2020 at 16:45

1

I had the police called on me my local Volvo dealership after I accused the service manager of being incompetent. He didn’t get real mad until I proved he was lying about the dealership not having performed an inspection and 50,000 mile service on my car. I was not quiet about my displeasure. He got fired soon after and I still go there because I like how uncomfortable everyone is around me. I can only imagine what the notes on my permanent file say.

RallyWrench > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:47

0

Not bad, thanks. Had my first PT visit yesterday so I’ve got quite a bit of homework to do. He said I can go back to playing drums immediately, which I’m thrilled about, and carefully ride a road bike on the level (I’ve been doing the trainer for a bit). No MTB or canoing for awhile yet though. I’ve been driving the hardbody for a week, and manual + no power steering has been interesting, but it’s been nice to drive something I like instead of my FIL’s Prius . Very generously loaned, but goddamn did I hate it. Not ready for the 911 yet, at all. Arm wrestling that thing on a hot day will be the final boss.

Sovande > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 16:48

1

The same held true when I bought a new Tundra in 2006. Even if the used trucks were a little cheaper the financing was much better on a new vehicle which made it a wash.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > RallyWrench 10/14/2020 at 16:48

0

If Mrs. Fritsch will be dailying, you’ll probably want the Sport for better highway manners. And some step rails. LOL

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > RallyWrench 10/14/2020 at 16:49

0

Glad to hear it. Hope you’re back to 99% soon!

Sovande > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 16:55

0

It could be worse! They called the cops on me once after I explained to them (loudly) what fraud means! This place was amazing. They had an oil change deal for 20% off . When I went to pay for it, they had added in t he cost of the fuel filter as a separate line item which then increased the price to the standard cost of $100. I showed them my receipt for the prior full price oil change which did not have a separate line item for the filter and was $100. Then I called them thieves and the cops were called.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sovande 10/14/2020 at 17:24

1

Holy crap.

DipodomysDeserti > E90M3 10/14/2020 at 17:49

1

That’s why you buy a 10-20 year old one that someone just drove their kids to school in. Although the current used 4x4 market is starting to get stupid.

Mid Engine > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 18:09

0

Took mine in today too, in addition to the fuel pump asked them to replace the master cylinder (already noted as an issue in a TSB). They balked re. the braking system, I guess I’ll find out tomorrow if they replaced the fuel pump and the master cylinder.

Sovande > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 18:21

1

They fired that guy so I still go back. Apparently he was not well liked by the customers. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Mid Engine 10/14/2020 at 21:01

0

Can you send the link to the TSB? I’m almost out of warranty. Anything else to check on? 

JMKarstetter > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/14/2020 at 22:32

1

I have purchased and serviced 3 vehicles from each of the 3 Fowler dealers in Norman, all of them have taken good care of me and everything has been fairly painless. They are who I recommend to anyone looking for a vehicle in the area.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > JMKarstetter 10/14/2020 at 23:09

0

Nice! 

Mid Engine > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/15/2020 at 11:31

1

I read an article referencing the issue, apparently my dealer cannot find the TSB. The tech opened a ticket with Toyota, I’ll know more later today.

There was one other recall last year, updating the software on the front collision avoidance function.

Mid Engine > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/15/2020 at 13:54

0

Dealer can’t find anything wrong, looks like the shitty braking performance on the truck is by design. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it se ems to take twice as long to brake compared to other vehicles.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Mid Engine 10/15/2020 at 13:58

0

Yeah, they’re not great (drums in the rear don’t help).