Toyota Dealer Makes Me Feel Like A Leper!

[JonnyT]

I am new to this Japanese import game and clearly have a lot to learn. I went into a Toyota main dealer today to ask for a replacement rear parking mirror for my new 1993 Hiace Camper and the moment I told the guy at the parts desk that is a Japanese import he looked at me like I was carrying an infectious desease.

"Can't supply accessories for imports" I was told,

"It's just a parking mirror" I pleaded.

"Sorry - no specifications."

"But I've seen the exact same mirror on non-imports" I replied, "Can we pretend it's not an import?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because it's an accessory."

"Ok. I understand." I lied. "So if I brought my Hiace in for a service - would you service it?"

"Not normally. But yes, we probably would - most of the parts are general parts."

Slightly perplexed by this last bit of the conversation, and thinking that I might be escorted out by security for owning an import, I quickly left.

Anyway, I went on Find-a-part.com and was phoned by a company in Birmingham called EasyJapParts Ltd.

Has anyone had dealings with this company - would hate to be ripped off as well as humiliated.

[gar]

I am new to this Japanese import game and clearly have a lot to learn. I went into a Toyota main dealer today to ask for a replacement rear parking mirror for my new 1993 Hiace Camper and the moment I told the guy at the parts desk that is a Japanese import he looked at me like I was carrying an infectious desease.

"Can't supply accessories for imports" I was told,

"It's just a parking mirror" I pleaded.

"Sorry - no specifications."

"But I've seen the exact same mirror on non-imports" I replied, "Can we pretend it's not an import?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because it's an accessory."

"Ok. I understand." I lied. "So if I brought my Hiace in for a service - would you service it?"

"Not normally. But yes, we probably would - most of the parts are general parts."

Slightly perplexed by this last bit of the conversation, and thinking that I might be escorted out by security for owning an import, I quickly left.

Anyway, I went on Find-a-part.com and was phoned by a company in Birmingham called EasyJapParts Ltd.

Has anyone had dealings with this company - would hate to be ripped off as well as humiliated.

Treated like a leper? be quiet and pick your fingers back up!

In North London, I can only assume you mean Jemca. I found them a bit off-ish at first as I had my car imported from new, in full U.K. spec, cutting them out of a few grand!

They told me things like I would have trouble servicing it and they or other dealers wouldn't touch it with a bargepole if I wanted to sell/ p/x it.

Now, every while, I get a letter stating they can offer me a good price for it if I want to sell, particularly if I want to buy a newer car!

If possible, get someone to note down a chassis number for you and then you can order what you want. Jemca still don't like ordering without a chassis number but they absolutely CAN do it, I know cos they have for me. The only provise they made was that the item ordered was not returnable, unless faulty. If I got the wrong bit, my fault!

This in itself should be fine if you have the correct model to refer to. B)

[Boro Sera]

Jemca still don't like ordering without a chassis number but they absolutely CAN do it,

This is standard procedure across the whole of ToyotaGB as far as I'm aware.

My car is an import, getting parts for it is absolutely no problem from Toyota. I suspect the guy you were talking to was just a miserable sod. Spares service does vary quite widely from one dealer to another, so if you're having no joy at a dealer, try the next nearest one. OR swap NE London for NE England and go to RMB in Stockton. Never any problems.

[Parts-King]

You need model code and chassis number to be certain of obtaining the correct parts, have that info in your wallet and we can get your parts all day long, you know what to do with a dealer like that, strike him off your list and use somebody who actually wants to deal with you. Market forces do work, walk with your feet and never set foot in there again ;)

Join our website, give us the info we need and we can supply you with just about anything you need

Kingo

[JonnyT]

Great stuff.

Kingo, I have the chassis number - where do I find the model number?

Jon

[Boro Sera]

the model number will be on the VIN plate under the bonnet ( assuming that the HiAce has a vin plate there and not somewhere else. ) Possibly up against the bulkhead

[Parts-King]

Yes its on the VIN plate under the VIN number, on the bulk head or possibly just under the carpet near the drivers seat

Kingo

[JonnyT]

Thanks. :)

[JonnyT]

Thanks. :)

Ordered part three days ago, received this morning - great service. :)

[Karma Supra]

No excuse at all for them not helping you!

Kingo sorted me out with a Hilux Sun roof ;)

[Parts-King]

Phew, nothing better than a plan coming together!

Glad you happy with the service JonnyT, keep those details in your wallet and anytime you need anything, give us a shout

Kingo

[The Guru]

I am having issues with my local dealer regarding repairs, I have a Curran ST207 which has a fault on the four wheel steer and they will not help because they do not have a work sheet for it.

Does anybody know if it is possible to download a manual for imports anywhere?