Ron/Peg Field

Review of TOYOTA CARLSBAD

We were recently in the market to purchase a new 2...

We were recently in the market to purchase a new 2015 Highlander and decided to contact Duff Joy of Toyota Carlsbad, as we had purchased two Avalons through him and were very satisfied with the overall process and price offered through the Costco Auto Buying Program. We showed up at the dealership without an appointment to primarily check the colors that Toyota was offering on Highlanders. We had done a lot of on-line research, so we were familiar with the colors, but wanted to see a vehicle of our color choice in person. Duff was busy with a customer, but we were greeted by Alex Ordonez. After explaining our desires and concerns reference the purchase of a Highlander, Alex answered all of our questions and initiated the process of locating a vehicle that closely matched our model, color and equipment desires. The following day, Alex called to say that they had located a vehicle that was very close to what we had requested in Tustin. The vehicle was transported to Carlsbad and we purchased it. We were a bit disappointed that Toyota Carlsbad had decided not to participate in the Costco Buying Program on Highlanders. Apparently, because of the popularity of the newly remodeled Highlander, Toyota Carlsbad felt they could sell Highlanders without an incentive, thereby forgoing the discounted price they would have to offer through the Costco Buying Program. They also were not offering 0% financing, as they were offering on Avalons and other Toyota models. These decisions were made by the dealership and in no way reflected upon the service provided by Alex, which was excellent.
We were turned over to Leo for the paperwork/financing portion of the buying process. He was personable and knowledgeable and the process went smoothly. The only part of the financing process that left a bit of reservation/buyers remorse was the Toyota Extra Care Vehicle Service Agreement that was offered unexpectedly. It was a totally optional offer and we could have elected to say "no thanks", we'll take the vehicle as is, but, perhaps under the umbrella of the circumstances, we thought that it sounded ok at the time and agreed to it. Of course, nobody wants things to go wrong with their vehicle just to get some use out of an agreement, but it's like insurance.....should I pay extra for this service because I may wish I had it or will I likely regret paying extra because I'll probably never need it. If Toyota wants to include this Extra Care Service Agreement in conjunction with the financing paperwork, it probably should be offered with a "cooling off" clause, as customers have to make their choice on the spur of the moment and are perhaps a bit vulnerable.
Our overall experience at Toyota Carlsbad was a positive one.