Toyota Vs Independent Garage

[Tobash10]

I'm interested to know....Is there such a thing as an independent garage, that specialise in Toyota? Or do most people pay top dollar and go to their Toyota main dealer?

[FROSTYBALLS]

There are independents who advertise themselves as specialists in certain makes - have a search for your area.

As regards whether members use Toyota franchised dealers or independents can depend on their circumstances. For example: I would imagine the majority of owners whose car is still within the new car warranty, would use Toyota dealers; owners who have a Toyota extended warranty, have to use Toyota dealers for servicing as one of the terms and conditions of the extended warranty; others, including some whose cars are within the new car warranty, use independents.

[saab9002]

Can't seem to find one in the Southampton/Winchester area 😞

regards Chris

[TonyHSD]

It is a good idea if someone knows independent Toyota specialist and make a listing here, people can look at it and help themselves . I personally never see a garage specialising in Toyota cars , Audi Vw, bmw and mercs plenty but Toyota none so far. 

[saab9002]

1 hour ago, TonyHSD said:

It is a good idea if someone knows independent Toyota specialist and make a listing here, people can look at it and help themselves . I personally never see a garage specialising in Toyota cars , Audi Vw, bmw and mercs plenty but Toyota none so far. 

I totally agree.

Chris

[MeepMeep]

Im from Canada so it maybe different for me. Personally it depends on what servicing im having done. If its more Toyota specific example my CVT transmission i would go to the dealer. Any regular maintenance i may go to a non dealer shop. 

[MikeT66]

On 11/10/2019 at 3:53 PM, TonyHSD said:

It is a good idea if someone knows independent Toyota specialist and make a listing here, people can look at it and help themselves . I personally never see a garage specialising in Toyota cars , Audi Vw, bmw and mercs plenty but Toyota none so far. 

Same here, Tony.  As I used to work next-door to a main Ford dealer, my old Puma (even at 17 years old) would go there for servicing/repairs.  They did a great job, in truth, and as I got 12 months breakdown cover with the Service it was a no-brainer.  I'm sort of old-fashioned in that I just prefer the properly-trained people to look after my car - no-one is infallible, though.

Not the same woth Toyota.  The local dealer isn't anywhere near my new place of work, and wthout breakdown cover thrown in I decided to look for a good independent - it seems they don't exist, certainly around south Manchester.  A list of recommended garages on here is a great idea - they had similar on the Ford Puma owners site which was a great source of info for reputable places to go.