Overall: I like my car, but the buying experience definitely had some moments that made me raise an…read moreeyebrow.
What I like:
I really like my car, and Toyota Direct makes payments easy and convenient, which I appreciate.
What I don't like about the vehicle:
The screen in my 2025 vehicle keeps shutting down. It was repaired, but the same issue came back shortly after the replacement. A vehicle this new should not have the same problem recurring so quickly after a repair. I'll be going back to service soon. Oh, this one service guy had my keys in his hand to show me to my car with completed service and he holding my keys he asked what color my car was. What the heck was that?!? Give me my keys so I can leave! When I answered the question he gave me my keys. (BUT KYLE AND LILY ARE TRUE ROSES FOR TOYOTA. Their service is smooth, kind, informative and humble. I can truly rest in their characters.
The sales experience:
My salesman seemed more interested in flirting and asking personal questions than selling me a car. He could have been my son, so no offense taken. However, ladies, don't get caught up answering salespeople's questions about your dating life unless it directly relates to why you're buying the car. Divert immediately and get back to business!
Now, let's talk about the financing.
They showed me a credit score approximately 10-20 points lower than my actual score. A lower score could justify a higher interest rate, and my salesman was prepared to proceed with that rate.
I took a picture of the credit report they showed me. What happened next? My interest rate went from 10% to 5.99%.
Even more interesting, before offering me 5.99%, my salesman wrote 4.99% on paper, then scribbled it out and said, "I mean 5.99%."
Then the financial advisor came out of his office and said something along the lines of, "Come on, you've been here a long time. Let's sign the papers."
I found that intimidating and frustrating. I was making a major financial commitment, and I was taking the time necessary to make an informed decision. My time at the dealership was not a reason to rush me into signing a contract.
Lastly, while I was signing the paperwork, the financial advisor told me he had "pushed the due date" as far out as he could. I interpreted that as a favor. Great, right?
Well, I later realized that extending the due date would result in the company collecting hundreds, possibly over a thousand dollars, more in interest over the life of the loan.
So much for "Oh, let me help you!"
Bottom line:
I like my Toyota, and I appreciate Toyota Direct's convenient payment system. However, my experience taught me to pay close attention to every detail of a vehicle purchase.
Know your actual credit score. Question discrepancies. Pay attention to interest rates. Read the fine print. Understand how changing your payment due date affects the total interest you pay.
And above all, never let a salesperson's charm, a financial advisor's urgency, or the appearance of a favor distract you from what the numbers actually say.
I came to buy a car, not to be pressured into a financial bomb. Read everything, ask questions, take pictures, and do the math.
P.S Also, my old car was towed to their parent company who was instructed not to touch anything in the car. Tell me why they pretended not to have my car while they stuffed SOME of the items back in the car that they weren't supposed to touch?! When I asked the guy in the back sitting in the middle chair if he could contact me if they found what was missing, he said ok, but never called. HMMMM...only a call was needed.
Also, I was told only one credit check would show up in my credit report since they were all done together. That was a lie, three credit checks are sitting on my credit report. If any salesman there tells you this walk away, their honesty wanes to secure sales instead of just being honest because it's the right thing to do.