I purchased my Toyota Camry at Autonation Toyota in Pinellas Park on September 23rd, 2017. Yesterday, April 3rd, my drivers side door handle broke off on one side. Also, I brought my 2012 Camry to the dealership on Thursday, January 18th to fix my window that had gone off track, as well as to repatch a tire they had patched a month ago during my oil change. I have a warranty, which I was told covered both of those things, and that the service would take about 4 hours. But, on Thursday, after multiple calls trying to get a hold of my advisor for a status update with no answer from him, I eventually had my mom drop me off at Toyota because she had somewhere to be and couldn't wait any longer for a response. When I arrived at the dealership, I was informed that they had broken my regulator while trying to put my window back on track. I was told I must pay a $100 deductible in order to get my car back, and would not be allowed access to drive my car until the payment was made. I was never informed that I would have to pay a deductible every time something went wrong when I first purchased my car and signed the contract, and although I'm sure it is in the print on my contract, I wish it had been explained to me at that time. I asked if I could wait to get it fixed, as I was extremely low on money. I was informed that the car was in pieces, and that it was really cold out so I needed to get it fixed. Toyota employees were the ones who broke the part, and it was not even what I brought it in for in the first place. Luckily, I was provided with a rental car this time. I called the next day, and was informed that my car was finished and I could come pick it up, and drop off the rental car. When I got there, I was then told that I was misinformed, and my car would not be ready until the next day. Normally I wouldn't mind this circumstance, of course accidents happen. But, I started financing this car 6 months ago, with the warranty, to ensure something like this wouldn't happen. I paid the deductible, and couldn't afford to fight it because I use my car for work. The repatch on my tire was completely covered, and I even told the advisor that if the repair for my window costed anything not to fix it. Yet, after 5 calls, and many trips back and forth to the dealership- which is 30 minutes away from me- I ended up not getting my car back until Saturday of that week. Luckily, I was provided a rental car during this time, which softened the circumstance. The next day after getting my car back, my tire pressure was extremely low, almost a flat. I was late to school due to this, and I had to pump the tire with a bike pump I had at my house. I called Toyota, and left a message for my advisor, informing him that the tire was not fixed, although they had my car in shop waiting on parts for 4 days. He was nice enough to let me come in the next day with no appointment. I brought it in 2 days later, waited an hour- and then was told that they could not even fix the tire because the nail was so close to the tread. Okay, no big deal- I'll get a used tire for cheap somewhere. But at this time, my advisor also informed me that all of my tires needed to be replaced, and that they were so awful that a police officer could write me a ticket. On the receipt from my appointment on January 18th, it states "tires have been inspected and are in great condition..." Keep in mind, I bought this certified car under full warranty 6 months ago!! (They offered me a "deal" for four new tires for over $1000.) I ended up purchasing used tires from an outside place for $30 a piece. I wish that I had at least been informed that all of my tires would need to be replaced very soon when I first chose to purchase the car... I chose Toyota because it is supposed to be a company that sells reliable cars, and aside from the issues I've had with this locations service and hospitality, and quality/value of the car I got, I love my Camry. When I purchased my car I did not have anyone check out issues with the car, as I trusted Toyota. I was also in a rush to decide on a car because I use my car for work. I understand the issue with my window as an accident, but I just wish my car was sold to me with 4 tires that would last longer than 4 months after getting the car. I would advise anyone who is looking into preowned certified cars at this location to thoroughly check the car before you finance or purchase, it may not be as good of a deal as you may think!! As a student, and working full time, and making monthly payments on my car, finding the time and money to fix my car every couple of months is not only stressful, but also has made me distrustful of Toyota dealerships. I really hope that others will not have similar experiences in the future with Toyota pre-owned cars as well as better experience with communication and service performed by the employees. My 2003 Honda Pilot never had any issues like this, and I've already put more money into my 2012 Toyota Camry than I ever did in the 4 years I owned my very well loved Pilot. Here is a list of issues that I did not mention that have occurred over the past 6 months. Key fob is broken Small crack in bottom of windshield on drivers side Ignition sticks occasionally, and the key won't turn until I jiggle it Central brake light- fixed without charge Seat pull in the trunk comes undone often and doesn't stay in place Coin storage and barrier that goes in between cup holders both broke Window will not work sometimes, goes down when I press up (after repair) Cigarette burn in crease of backseat, one on roof Piece of front bumper, driver side comes out of place and has to be clicked back in Dent on drivers side next to sunroof, luckily it doesn't leak on me while driving.
Brooke Martin
Apr 4, 2018
