Colonial Toyota, Milford, CT - paid $ 149 for minor service checkup

# 15 for April 15, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on April 14, 2003:

From: DONALD BATTERBY [Email User]

RE: Colonial Toyota, Milford, CT - paid $ 149 for minor service checkup

Dear Complaint Receiver,

SUBJECT: Toyota service complaint

In response to a coupon mailing from Colonial Toyota in Milford, CT, I made an appointment for a minor (plugs, air filter, check timing and ignition). The coupon stated that the $59 price "includes labor " and " 6 or 8 cylinder vehicles with Platinum or Iridium plugs may be extra" Since my vehicle has 6 cylinders, I expected to pay more than $59.

The Colonial Toyota service representative, "Italo" was unfamiliar with the coupon mailed by his employer. After consulting with a Colonial Toyota service manager, he returned to say that the coupon was no good for my vehicle. I asked him what price he would charge. After consulting with the manager again, Italo came back to me with a price of $149!

Although I got what I expected from Colonial Toyota, I am disappointed that a dealer of such a fine automobile can be so blatantly deceptive, utilize bait and switch tactics and be so blatantly inconsiderate of Toyota customers.

I did not have the work performed even after making a significant investment in personal time and convenience. I don't expect to ever darken Colonial Toyota's doorway again, I only wished to vent my frustration using this venue.

Don Batterby

Milford, CT