Beware of Downtown Toyota, 677 Queen Street, Toronto

Beware of Downtown Toyota, 677 Queen Street, Toronto!

I would avoid Downtown Toyota, 677 Queen Street, Toronto at all cost. After demeaning experience at Downtown Toyota, 677 Queen Street, Toronto, I am recommending to everyone I know to stay away from this dealership.

On June 7, I responded to an advertisement for a used 2001 Suzuki Vitara. The vehicle displays 68K and the asking price was $8,950. First I asked about the warranty and was told that it was for two years, and covered the power-train. I test drove the vehicle and made an offer, conditional upon the vehicle being checked by Sammy, my preferred mechanic. (Sammy's Service Centre on Yonge street is an excellent establishment. I have taken my vehicle to Sammy's for a number of years, and trust him greatly.)

The sales rep for Downtown Toyota, Alex, spoke to his boss about my offer. The "boss" came over and told me that they don't want their cars all over the city and if I wanted to take it to my mechanic, I'd have to sign a bill of sale and leave a $1,000 deposit. I said no and left.

Foolishly, I contacted Downtown Toyota, 677 Queen Street, Toronto the next day to suggest that I take the car into a Suzuki dealer, just down the street. I once again stated my offer, and was told that I did not need to leave a deposit.

I arrived at the dealership and the sales guy and I dropped the Suzuki off at Downtown Suzuki (wonder if there is any relationship). I asked for an inspection and a compression test.

Several hours later I was told that the vehicle was tested and everything was fine. Alex and I picked up the car at Suzuki (was told several times by the service manager and the service clerk about how impressed they were about the vehicle, which struck me a quite unusual) and paid my $200 for the privilege.

Upon returning to Downtown Toyota, I said that my offer stood. Alex first tried to sell me a $500 anti theft insurance policy. I said no repeatedly. He then went to talk to his other boss. After 30 minutes, his boss came out and told me that my offer and their price was $2100 apart.

Basically they thought that, since I had sunk $200 into a test that produced "glowing" results, I was emotionally attached to the jalopy, and could be played like a fish. Needless to say I had had enough of this nonsense and left. Shortly afterwards, I called the "boss" and asked why he jacked the price up. He responded that it was to cover the cost of the warranty. I promptly informed him that I would never deal with his firm and would publicize this experience to whatever extent possible.

Avoid Downtown Toyota, 677 Queen Street, Toronto. They have no regard for their customers and view them as suckers and fools who can be easily manipulated. Although I have no beef with Downtown Suzuki, they seem awfuly chipper about five year old vehicles they inspect. Think, I'll stay away from them as well.

I have since taken my old Buick back to Sammy to have it fixed, and will drive it till it drops. I cringe at the thought of having to do business with another used car dealer and may give up driving after my Buick passes on.

Sincerely

Ken Brown, Toronto