Iq Review - After 3 Months Of Ownership Less Than 1000 Miles Covered B

[bobkneale]

Below for forum members is a brief review of my experience of my Approved Toyota IQ over the last 2/3 months since taking ownership:

I purchased this IQ from a Toyota dealership, as an approved used Toyota in late Jan 2013.
The car still to date has covered less than 1,000 miles by myself since the above purchase date.

It recently went in for a new EGR valve, under extended warranty. in late March 2013, whilst this was being replaced I also asked the dealership to look at an annoying seat rattle that has always come from the front passenger seat. I was asked to bring the car back the next day on for a “independent” warranty assessor to look at it, I have since been informed that the “extended” Toyota Warranty are refusing to correct this problem for me, however the Toyota service manager did ring me and arranged to “swop” the seat or faulty parts for me at Toyota’s cost at the dealership on 8^th April 2013 this has now been done and the rattle is about 50% better / less than it was before.

I purchased the vehicle with a full 12month approved Toyota warranty. In fact I believe that the car was still covered by the “original” new vehicle warranty when I took ownership of the vehicle in lateJan 2013.

The only reason I purchased this vehicle from Toyota was due to the extended warranty protection and pre vehicle checklist I was to be getting from Toyota.

I was originally quite happy to pay the Toyota dealer purchase “cost premium” to gain this extra protection plus the security and risk mitigation of the extensive vehicle pre checks that Toyota state they perform on all their approved used vehicles.

I have now only today since taken a much closer look at the Toyota approved pre inspection checklist available on the Internet that was to be completed on my vehicle before I took ownership of it.

I now find myself in the following position:

Now after looking at the Toyota Pre Approved 160 point inspection checklist today on line at http://www.toyotacertified.com/inspection.html that I “assumed” was adequately performed before I took ownership of the vehicle, I find that it was all not completed correctly, and now wish to outline my observations to this forum in no particular order of sequence or priority:

1. Passenger seat rattle was not picked up and corrected in advance of me taking ownership of the vehicle.
2. All the 4 tyres on the vehicle I noticed are not of the same make / type: (I think there are three different makes on the vehicle) this is an item that should have been picked up and corrected within the 160-point check.
3. The EGR valve became / or was faulty causing car to intermittently hesitate when starting off. I believe this also should have been corrected in advance of me taking ownership of the vehicle, as it is a well-known and well-documented Toyota problem with this year and model. Since EGR valve replacement the car is performing much better.
4. Under the small boot compartment (where the tools are kept) I found upon later inspection to be in a filthy condition and I have since removed all the items in this area and cleaned it all up myself.
5. Under driver’s foot mat the original carpet is badly worn (foot heal area) I notice this is also an item that also should have spotted been corrected within the 160 point check.
6. There is a quite small body dent in the rear door. (The dealership since have separately spotted this during one of my visits and separately sent me by post a written quotation for this repair that I did not ask for). As I did not create this “specific minor dent” it should spotted in advance and corrected in advance of me taking ownership of the vehicle it is just another an item that should have been picked up and corrected within the 160 point check.
7. There was no vehicle manual in the car when I first collected it in late Jan 2013 and when I pointed this out at the time to the salesperson, one was recovered / found from somewhere within the dealership and then given to me to correct this.

NOTE - This point (7) above in “hindsight” was my “First initial Sign” that Toyota had not completed all their vehicle pre checks properly.

I have now been backwards and forwards with the vehicle on a number of occasions for the EGR valve replacement & seat rattle repair, this has been a waste of my time and cost and I also believe to be a waste of Toyota’s time and money.

I am now wondering what else has been overlooked by Toyota ? Nothing I hope ?

Toyota have “so far” missed the opportunity to create a good and lasting “first impression” with a new Toyota customer that could have generated further business and potentially many positive personal recommendations for years to come. Now upon reflection, there were, (and still are) plenty of available similar used Toyota IQ vehicles for sale in the UK at prices far less than I paid Toyota and my decision to buy from a Toyota dealership is now looking like a non cost effective mistake that I have made.

Further to the above - I was also originally asked by the Toyota Service Manager personally
to pay for the front seat to be removed and for it to be “dismantled” for the independent
warranty assessor to look at it, and only when he realized that I purchased the vehicle from “his specific” Toyota dealership did he agree to pay for this part of the work. His verbal estimate for this work was about ₤40.00p.

The front seat as I understand it was removed for the independent warranty assessor to look at however the seat itself was not dismantled so it is my understanding that the true “root cause” of the rattle is still not actually determined ?

On a completely "separate note" to all the above – FYI only - I am a retired Operations Director of a large international packaging company and have previously owned quite a large number of new and second hand vehicles over the last 40+ years of my motoring history, this experience spans a number continents across the globe.

These manufactures include Mercedes / BMW / Land Rover / Ford / Audi and many other car manufactures, however this is my first experience of the Toyota Motor Corporation, and it has been the worst by far. (Perhaps I was lucky before) ?

I have also previously been a significant “silent fan” of the Toyota Motor Company in past years having studied at length and successfully applied Toyota “Lean Manufacturing” principles for many years in various manufacturing environments. It is now beginning to feel to me that “Toyota” have “lost the plot” now regarding the application of all these truly great “Zero Defect” and “Lean Manufacturing” principles which is a sad reflective comment for me to have to make.

I am perhaps to much of a perfectionist and perhaps my expectations were “too high” regarding Toyota’s Customer Service Delivery and my expectations were unrealistic ?

So - Thats my feedback to this Toyota Forum from me:

I have decided that I will keep my little IQ for a few years and I do like "many aspects of the design" of this little car that I am quite aware I have not mentioned these above and only focussed on the negatives, however when the time comes to replace it. It will take quite a lot to convince me to buy another Toyota (used or new) and and I will consider going back to one of the other manufacturers as mentioned above.

Positive Regards - To All Toyota Forum Members.

Bob Kneale.

[Guest]

Well Bob, can't fault your criticisms there. I think a fair numer of people on this forum have experienced some issues with dealers, a certain reluctance to take on what we tell them, however, I do like my local Mr. T. dealer. However, again, our car was sourced from Cantebury and had some issues with it. We live in Shropshire, and I spotted the car on AutoTrader. We were at the time looking for a Smart car within our price range -although that was unkown to a certain extent at the time. When I discovered what that amount was, I pointed out the iQ to my wife who said there and then, buy it! This is our first car that I have bought without seeing it or driving it first. I will point out that we both looked at a number of iQ's locally before this. We knew the car would meet our needs with our budget and we went for it. The car was delivered a few days later and happy days began... until I noticed the tyres. Front's were illegal! Needless to say, I could have kicked myself for getting wound up in the excitement of our iQ's arrival. By the way, it's a used 59 reg' 1.0 manual and had around 20000 miles on it. Of course, Toyota know about these faults, the EGR Valve, the fuel computer and so on, but they'll still leave it to us to make sure they have been dealt with and if not, they save some money. In a way, I can't blame them, in another, they ought to be sacked for not providing the best customer service by far. I have always wanted a Toyota ever since I sat in a Celica Supra 3.0 in 1985 near Abingdon. Now I have one. Thing is, the Japanese have ethics and expect their dealers to have them too, not always as we or they would like.

Thanks for your report on iQ ownership from your perspective.

BobH.

[GRB]

Hi, welcolme, hope this has not put you off a superb car. We bought ours privatley a 09 reg 1.3 IQ3 with approx 24K on clock , still under warranty. We took it to a local Toyota dealership in Coventry for the last service whilst under warranty. The service was superb, they did tell us state of all tyres (which i had already used as negotiation in deal) They informed us that the horn did not sound right and ordered replacement (why????) On taking car in to be fitted they had incorrect part they apologised and rearranged fitment. Each time they valeted car fully and out of the blue a voucher for £20 (M&S)dropped through mail box from Toyota for our trouble. Guess depends on dealership ours is superb

My wifes car was bought as a tender for motorhome and replaced her succesion of Z3, SLKs and Scirroco GT, of all of these she has fallen in love with the IQ and wont now let me attach an A frame to it !!!!

Choice of taking my Jag XFS or the IQ, the IQ wins every time with her

Enjoy the car after you sort out these niggles you will love it

[bobkneale]

Thanks for the last two fast replies to my post. I partly agree with the two above posts following mine regarding my issues being more "dealer related", perhaps somewhat more than the car itself. However not all Toyota Dealers seem have all the the Japanese ethics that I hoped I was also buying into.

I have dealt with quite a few Japanese companies in other manufacturing areas and have always been very impressed by them.

My experience tells me that "Performance Management" drives behaviour and cost reduction is "possibly" rewarded more than customer excellence I believe that these go hand in hand and should be equal in order to drive the culture required.

I have also watched my dealers Service Managers responses in all the interfaces I have had so far with him and I am of the `"view" that he believes he is doing his best and also doing quite a good job.

Perhaps its now "up to us" to let Toyota Company in Japan know what is going on with some UK dealerships so they have the opportunity to do something about it ?

I notice a few people posting on this forum are not all 100% happy with their Toyota dealer experience. So it's not just me !

So - I wonder if any forum members are up for informing Toyota Japan about their specific poor experiences ?

Perhaps the following people need some direct contact to help them understand what is going on ?

Toyota Japan:

Chairman

Akira
Imura

Vice
Chairman

Kazunori
Yoshida

President

Tetsuro
Toyoda

All Comments welcomed,

Positive Regards, Bob.

[johnan]

I think a lot of the problem is down to variation in standards within dealerships, which is common to all car makes and can only be policed by vigilance by Toyota head office.

I know my local dealership are scared stiff in case I fill in one of those customer questionaires, that comes direct from Toyota and goes straight back to them without the dealer seeing it, in a negative light about the service I have had from them.

I never trusted the service manager, one of those glib characters who promised a lot but nothing happened and after about 4 years I wrote to Toyota Customer relations saying that I was displeased that a PDI had not be done to my satisfaction on my latest new IQ.

I received a letter thanking me for my communication and the matter had been noted.

The next time I went to the dealership this character had gone. Probably moved sideways or to another dealership.

I think the writing had been on the wall for this guy and my letter clinched it.

So Toyota do take it seriously, but they are at the mercy of individual dealerships not pulling their weight..which in these days is commercial suicide as customers will walk away. At least Toyotas are inherently quite well made, touch wood..recalls accepted..so we are not at the mercy of the repair men as often as some other make of car owners.

The IQ's charm outweighs the unreliablity of the dealerships!

John

Edit:

Bob, my post was being written while you posted your last one and we pretty much say the same thing, no harm in duplication though!

[Sensha]

I would only point out that, by purchasing a used vehicle, even with a dealer-issued extended warrantee, you are asking for trouble.

By way of example, take the rear compartment. Yes, it was filthy when you received it. Yes, this is something that the dealership should deal with before the sale. But, doing due diligence before accepting the vehicle would include checking out the nooks and crannies before signing off on the thing. The filth would have been duly noted, and the dealership would have agreed, then and there, that it was their responsibility.

When we buy a vehicle, we always buy new. You may lose 30% of the value when you drive it off, but a new "slug of lead" (what dealers call new cars over here) will automatically come with 4 new (and identical) tires, an engine that has had minimal operating time, unworn carpeting, minimal body damage, no amateur cuts into the wiring loom, and so on.

Yet, even with a brand new, three miles on the odometer, vehicle, we still check it out for grease on the carpeting, damage in the trunk or under the hood, dirt in the oil (or sufficient oil, for that matter), and so forth, before it leaves the lot. And, when we get it home, we automatically test it for water tightness of the seals and windows, and monitor the operation of the car closely for the first few hundred miles. ANY defect at that point can hardly be blamed on us, and is still clearly within the original warrantee.

The rest consists of being tough but fair with the service people, holding them to the line but no more.

You can, of course, obtain substantial savings by buying used - people do it all of the time. But, relying upon an extended warrantee is always a crapshoot. In this instance, it looks like you were unlucky.

In my opinion, it's better not to gamble in the first place. As always, your mileage may vary, void where not covered by law, etc.

[bobkneale]

Hi Sensha,

Thanks for your views all of which are welcomed and appreiciated, I have bought new many many times and also bought Approved second hand many many times over the last 40+ years of motoring.

At the end of the day you are entering into a contract that lists specific deliverables some are contained and are listed in the Toyota pre approved 160 point check, and I don't expect to have to do all the dealerships job for them, as a check (or do extensive due diligence) to make sure they fulfill all and every of their part of it.

That's just my point of view, this approach would also fit into Toyota's Lean Manufacturing methodology and culture.

I intend to take up the issues with Toyota in Japan as Johnan in a above post has eluded to and partly suggested, not for any personal gain, I have had my "Toyota Experience" and once you give a customer a "experience" you cannot take it back from him or her.

The actions I intend to take is more to provide Feedback to the top of Toyota who will not always know what is going on unless there end customers tell them. They can then choose to do with it what they wish.

This may then benifit others buyers going forward and also improve the credibility of Toyota as a whole.

Positive Regards, Bob.

[Sensha]

When I acquire a car, I always take the time after six months of ownership to summarize my experiences with it, good and bad, and mail it off to the manufacturer's authorized contact. Toyota has always sent a thoughtful reply, not just a pro forma letter of thanks.

I don't know if it helps any with the future designs, but I figure that it can't hurt.

[bobkneale]

I learn something new everyday !

The 160 point checklist that is related to approved used Toyota's as follows:

http://www.toyotacertified.com/inspection.html

I am informed by my dealer that it is USA related only and does not apply to Toyota in the UK.

Positive Regards, Bob.

[Hicardo]

Bob, i would say sadly its largely down to the dealer quality as well. I've owned Toyotas since 1999, and all sorts of other cars for 30 years, and i would say over the balance of my experience Toyotas have been the best, as vehicles, all things considered. However Subaru dealers beat Toyota's dealers easily for customer service. BMW were the worst dealers i ever came across. Aloof is not the word.

My localest Mr T dealer here and now in 2013, is very poor. Over promising and under delivering. They have a good product, but the way they handle that product is via a load of idiots who, for me, aren't good enough. Whether this is poor training, or just generally low standards, i'm not sure. If i contrast this dealer, with where i bought my 1999 Yaris, there is NO comparison. Back then, they FELL over themselves to ENSURE you were 100% happy with your purchase. There was nothing i had to return to the dealer for for that 1999 Yaris. It was perfect.

[FROSTYBALLS]

As with any car manufacturer, dealers can be variable in the quality of customer service they offer. I've had two poor test drive experiences with my local Toyota dealer in Birmingham (2006 and 2009).

In 2009 I booked a test drive via the Toyota website. Turned up and it was obvious they weren't expecting me. Instead of taking me out in a demonstrator, they got a new car (non-PDI'd) out of the compound that was due to be delivered to a customer later that week.

Instead of using my local dealer, I travel 20 miles to another dealership in Burton that provides very good customer service - bought three new Toyotas from there now.

[bobkneale]

I think the bottom line of all the above posts is simply that some Toyota Dealers are "very good" and others "not so good".

The learning point for me is to check out the Toyota dealer in advance via others recomendations before you use them.

An example of how to do this might be via this forum.

Positive Regards, Bob.

[scimberk]

I am now learning by my mistakes. I agreed to buy an approved used IQ at a Toyota dealer and, despite giving them more time to prepare the car, presented it to me in an awful state. I refused the car, but have been promised it will be right this time.

So far I am not impressed with the dealership, or Toyota, the puchase of a "new" car should not be dampened by the slipshod nature of these dealers and their service.

I will open another thread as this develops

[bobkneale]

Hi Darren,

I agree that dealers are not all the same, the below is an extract of "part" of a E mail reply I just sent to my Toyota dealer service manager only yesterday just FYI:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for your below responses, they are exactly what I had anticipated they might be.

As you have now agreed that some of Lindop Toyota's "attention to some detail" was lacking "up Front" in specific areas, and other than the below apology E mail you have chosen not to offer anything else in order to regain my confidence, especially now as you have also stated below that you also have reviewed your decisions taken with your Managing Director as well as Toyota GB Customer Relations.

That "says everything" from my perspective.

I will not be buying another Toyota (new or used) from your specific dealership, and probably not ever buy another Toyota going into the future.

My customer service experiences over the last 40 years with other dealerships (that are also linked to many other vechile manufacturers) in the UK / African Continent / Rest of Europe & the USA have all been significantly better than with Lindop Toyota.

In order to make other people more "aware" I feel it is only fair that I share my personal experiences with "selected other people across the globe" so "they" can also become aware of it.

Lets hope that my little Toyota IQ performs well for at least for the rest of the remaining warranty period left, and into the future beyond that, this will "hopefully" enable our paths not to have to cross again.

I will be keeping my fingers crossed in this respect.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am not "expecting" any more responses from Toyota to my above E mail.

Positive Regards,

Bob.

[craggle]

So did you expect a used car in a new condition?

No offence but if I go and look at a car and notice a dent, odd tyres Etc. I will assume that the previous owner was careless and move onto another car, I wouldn't buy it then expect the dealer to make it good as new again at their expense!

Buying a used car is filled with risks but you need to asses your purchase yourself before handing over the money.

I bought a two year old iQ from Motorline Toyota and they have been fantastic. They replaced the speedo for the 99.9 mpg version when I mentioned it, no questions asked and I've been very happy with the car. I noticed a few defects when I looked at the car, Slight scratches on the door sill and a few stone chips on the front but it's a used car, I didn't expect it to be perfect.

My only other cars have been Land Rovers bought privately so the Toyota was the first car I purchased from a dealer but I will always recommend Motorline and Toyota cars, No hesitation. Sorry to hear you can't do the same.

Craig.

[Guest]

So did you expect a used car in a new condition?

No offence but if I go and look at a car and notice a dent, odd tyres Etc. I will assume that the previous owner was careless and move onto another car, I wouldn't buy it then expect the dealer to make it good as new again at their expense!

Buying a used car is filled with risks but you need to asses your purchase yourself before handing over the money.

I bought a two year old iQ from Motorline Toyota and they have been fantastic. They replaced the speedo for the 99.9 mpg version when I mentioned it, no questions asked and I've been very happy with the car. I noticed a few defects when I looked at the car, Slight scratches on the door sill and a few stone chips on the front but it's a used car, I didn't expect it to be perfect.

My only other cars have been Land Rovers bought privately so the Toyota was the first car I purchased from a dealer but I will always recommend Motorline and Toyota cars, No hesitation. Sorry to hear you can't do the same.

Craig.

Well Craig, our iQ was from Motorline Toyota too. Our experience with them was not great, but adequate I would say. Our issue was that we bought it on the strength of an on-line ad on Auto Trader. Trusting that as a Toyota dealer. the dealership would not try and stuff us, we bought the car unseen, aside from the pictures on their web site.

Now, my other choice was to go all the way down to Broad Oak Road in Canterbury, Kent, on the train. Let me explain, I hate trains, I really do. So, the other choice was for me to get down on the plane, from Birmingham, no chance of that happening. I love planes by the way. So, my wife persuaded me to just go for it, so we did.

It was delivered and they took our Mondeo in part ex, and when it eventually arrived we were to say the least quite excited, and didn't check everything on it upon delivery. I did check the bodywork and as you rightly say, some marks were visible but where expected, stone chips.

Some days later I checked the tyre pressures, and this was the shocking part, the front tyres were completely illegal. So, I made contact with the dealer and eventually after some pics sent to them of said tyres, we received a cheque for £100 to cover part cost of tyres. I felt that this was okay, if not ideal.

As it was into October, and I had some spare cash, we went for Winter tyres through Lindop Toyota near Wrexham, only as I knew I was going to be passing there on the day of my trip up to Cheshire, or rather, on the way back from there. I had the original four 'Summer' tyres placed in the back of the car and the new Yokohama 'Winter' tyres on the same alloys. Cannot also afford new wheels, maybe one day. That was my dealing with Lindop Toyota, and that was because of Parts King on here telling us about the winter tyre deal they were doing.

Coming onto the Forum quite often, I noticed a number of issues affecting other iQ owners, mostly the fuel computer system and the EGR valve. Both of these were fixed by my local -Shrewsbury, William A. Lewis- dealer with no problems. So far my dealer has been great, and as stated somewhere in this thread already, some dealers are good, some aren't so good. I also guess you can have good and bad experiences from the same dealer. Not a great thing to experience but possible as everyone has a bad day some time.

I do think though that if a company like Mr. T. can produce cars like they do, consistently reliable and so on, then why can't they get the dealers around the country to be more like the better performers like William A. Lewis in Shrewsbury. They are also in Telford, but I don't know what they are like as I have no need to go to them. Come on Mr. T. time to get your dealers in line and provide a better experience all round for your customers. Shame to lose custom because of 'the human factor.'

[Hicardo]

Guys...thought I'd share my experience after 7 mths ownership of a new automatic IQ2. Early doors I had probs with motor line toyota not prepping the car very well for handover, and an early cracked windscreen. Since then though, I've put nearly 5000 miles on the little car.

I have to say the car has been fantastic and no further issues. Does the job day-in, day-out. Now averaging over 50 mpg, even with the auto. Cruises quietly, handles nicely, very comfortable, and surprisingly capacious. I've had 6 large and 2 small gro-bags in there. Gave the suspension a workout.

Anyway...the subject here is the dealer. Motor line Tunbridge Wells for me redeemed themselves after a poor start, and I would say they resolved my complaints in a very professional manner. I would have been happier if they'd have been on the ball from minute 1...but I would give them 8 out of 10 overall.

The car itself though is great and I'm happier driving the IQ than I was my Saab turbo that I had previously. It's fun driving the 1.0, it's so flexible, and has a decent turn of speed once you figure it out

[Guest]

Hicardo, I guess the upshot of our concerns over the dealerships is how they first appear to deal with us. First impressions and all that do mean a great deal with a purchase of any car, even one for a few grand. If the dealer is good, you'll go back again and again for good service. Those kind of dealers deserve the good rep they get, and the others, need to improve their game or they'll be out of business. Customer relations has to be their top priority, and that means good professional work on your car and a friendly face along with good banter. Okay, for those coffee and tea swillers out there, that counts too.

[scimberk]

I'm experiencing a similar problem with my toyota main dealer. So far they have made me feel like a second class citizen. I feel they only wanted me for my money and couldn't wait to get me out the door. Toyota approved used checks do not seem to be carried out, either that ir the checks are just checks without further actions. I informed the manager of the dealership and things seem to be now in hand. We will see next week, either way the pleasure of owning the iq has been ruined by their sloppy service.

Get a grip of your dealers Toyota, they will lose you sales whilst all the dealers will do will move on to another marque.

[FROSTYBALLS]

I think Toyota have made.a mistake in making the customer service questionnaires random. Remember when we bought two new Corollas in the 90's (1996 and 1998) customer service questionnaires were sent out by Toyota after every car purchase and service. This really seemed to keep dealers on their toes asvthey didn't want to be ranked down by Toyota.

Customer questionnaires are now sent out after every new car purchase (not sure about used cars) and on a random basis thereafter. So now I think some dealers have a more relaxed attitude to customer service, to the detriment of customers, Toyota and the dealer network.

Also I think Block Exemption Regulations are partly to blame - as car manufacturers cannot dictate to dealers how service standards should be maintianed, etc (eg Toyota cannot make dealers use the Toyota preferred oil for any model).

[Hicardo]

Bob, I agree with your comments. Even tho I gave 8/10 for the toyota dealer, like you I think I sb able to rate 10/10. Had 2 Subaru.s in the past, and those dealers were easily 11/10. If Toyota can find a way of improving their dealer performance, they definitely should, as that's their interface to the customer.

[Sensha]

Things may be different over there (for example, what on earth are "illegal tyres"?), but here in the US of A, buying a used car is generally considered to be a crapshoot. On one hand, you get an almost new vehicle for about two-thirds of the price, and one that is generally tarted up by the dealer to look as sharp as possible. On the other, the real problem areas with a vehicle are concealed from us non-modern car savvy folks - stuff like the transmission, the valve train and the alignment of the unibody. (And those illegal tires...)

Given an honest dealership (or is that an oxymoron?), they won't try to play fast and loose with a collision damaged vehicle that's been buffed up and detailed. For me, though, that's a lot more trusting that I am capable of delivering. I'd rather pay the extra 33% and know that what I've received is a new car, fresh off of the production line, with no more than five or ten miles on the odometer (and with four 100% legal tyres).

We here in the States are at a bit of a disadvantage with the Scion branding of the xB, xD, TC and iQ. Our pricing structure is straight retail price; no dealer markup and no negotiation on the sale price. (There are a few areas that they will move a bit, and there are often incentives added to move older cars off of the lot - I got a $500 spiff for buying a 2012 model instead of a 2013).

[bobkneale]

Hi Craig,

Perhaps I am a bit of perfectionist ?

Perhaps I am making comparisions with lots of other dealers I have dealt with over 40+ years ?

Perhaps I am just expecting to much ?

Perhaps I am basing my experience on the standards I set myself when I was running a Buisness

Whatever it is I'm not sure, all I can tell you is that giving a customer a "wow" experience is not that difficult, its the little things that count, mainly attention to details, and when a customer complains it is a wonderfull opportunity to then give him a "wow" experience and turn the complaint into a wonderful feeling that will last forever and get you lots and many more customers !

Thats what get you to become the best in the world.

My Toyota dealer has not got this bit right, in my view.

Positive Regards,

Bob.

[bobkneale]

So did you expect a used car in a new condition?

No offence but if I go and look at a car and notice a dent, odd tyres Etc. I will assume that the previous owner was careless and move onto another car, I wouldn't buy it then expect the dealer to make it good as new again at their expense!

Buying a used car is filled with risks but you need to asses your purchase yourself before handing over the money.

I bought a two year old iQ from Motorline Toyota and they have been fantastic. They replaced the speedo for the 99.9 mpg version when I mentioned it, no questions asked and I've been very happy with the car. I noticed a few defects when I looked at the car, Slight scratches on the door sill and a few stone chips on the front but it's a used car, I didn't expect it to be perfect.

My only other cars have been Land Rovers bought privately so the Toyota was the first car I purchased from a dealer but I will always recommend Motorline and Toyota cars, No hesitation. Sorry to hear you can't do the same.

Craig.

Hi Craig,

Perhaps I am a bit of perfectionist ?

Perhaps I am making comparisions with lots of other dealers I have dealt with over 40+ years ?

Perhaps I am just expecting to much ?

Perhaps I am basing my experience on the standards I set myself when I was running a Buisness

Whatever it is I'm not sure, all I can tell you is that giving a customer a "wow" experience is not that difficult, its the little things that count, mainly attention to details, and when a customer complains it is a wonderfull opportunity to then give him a "wow" experience and turn the complaint into a wonderful feeling that will last forever and get you lots and many more customers !

Thats what get you to become the best in the world.

My Toyota dealer has not got this bit right, in my view.

Positive Regards,

Bob.

[FROSTYBALLS]

What on earth are "illegal tyres"?

In the UK the legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.

It is also a legal requirement to ensure that tyres of different construction types are not fitted to opposite sides of the same axle. The two main tyre types are radial and cross-ply, and these must not be mixed on the same axle.