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We found what we thought was our ideal car at Inchcape Toyota in Nottingham. We had to be sure that it was exactly what we wanted before driving there as it is quite a trek.
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I phoned the company, and spoke to a salesperson, who told me they still had the vehicle ... Read review
Advantages: Friendly, professional, helpful Disadvantages: A long way from home.
...our ideal car at Inchcape Toyota in Nottingham. We had to be sure that it was exactly what we wanted before driving there as it is quite a trek.
<<<The telephone call>>>
I phoned the company, and spoke to a salesperson, who told me they still had the vehicle I wanted, and gave me some information about it. The telephone was answered promptly, and courteously, which is obviously a good start.
... ...buy a car from Inchcape Toyota again, and next time, I will ask for Richard. The phrase, “Would you trust this man?” springs to mind. Yes, I would.
1. I am not a fan of main dealers. My opinion is that they generally overcharge for their own make of vehicle. 2. I think I have put this in the right category as it is about buying a car from the dealer, and not about the dealer’s cars themselves. Therefore, the fact that I bought a Merc from them shouldn’t matter. Let me know if you think this is wrong. 3. I HATE pushy sales people, which is normally my experience of main dealers. 4. I HATE all the extra policies they try to push on you. “HELLOOOOO! I DON’T WANT THEM.”
OK, I feel better now.
We have been looking for a new car for a while. Having spent night after night looking on the internet, we had shortlisted a few cars, mainly Mercedes A Class.
After I was involved in an accident the other week, the damage to my BMW was minimal, but had I been in my husbands MR2, I don’t think the car would have stood much chance of survival. On this basis, we decided to step up our search for a safer car.
We found what we thought was our ideal car at Inchcape Toyota in Nottingham. We had to be sure that it was exactly what we wanted before driving there as it is quite a trek.
<<<The telephone call>>>
I phoned the company, and spoke to a salesperson, who told me they still had the vehicle I wanted, and gave me some information about it. The telephone was answered promptly, and courteously, which is obviously a good start.
<<<Finding the place>>>
Now, although I can get to Nottingham, I do have problems navigating my way around. No problem. When I got lost, the member of staff on the other end of the phone was very helpful, and directed us in. I should have printed the map and directions off their web site. You just tap in your postcode, and it will give you a route.
<<<First Impressions>>>
The forecourt looks quite large from the road, and the showroom building itself is very modern. There is an adequate car park at the back of the showroom for customers, so you won’t have problems parking.
<<<My car!>>>
We spotted our car the minute we arrived. She was peering across the road, watching all the traffic driving by. Poor girl, she wanted to be out there, playing with the rest of the traffic!
We took a look around her. At 4 years old, although she’d only done 18,000 miles, she looked a little shabby. Her silver paintwork was scuffed in several places. Never mind, I thought, we’ll get some money off for the damage, and get it fixed!
I wandered into the showroom, and was approached by Richard. I asked if we could take their silver Mercedes A Class out for a little drive. No problem, we were told. If we helped ourselves to coffee, he would organise the keys, and manoeuvre the car out of its parking space.
<<<The Waiting Area>>>
We helped ourselves to an Espressochoco each from the coffee/tea machine, and sat down in the chairs to wait. The television was on quietly, and no one tried to hassle us. There is also a games console for the kids, newspapers and magazines available, and internet access. The first thing that struck me was how clean and modern the place looked. The whole building had a nice feel to it, and all the colours are bright and cheerful. James wanted the toilet. (He likes to mark his territory). The toilets were also clean.
<<<The test drive>>>
When the car was ready, Richard took us out. I drove. On trying to alter the seat height, the handle fell off. (I didn’t do it, I swear! I checked afterwards to make sure I didn’t break it, and the bits of plastic off the clips were nowhere to be found.) We went for a decent drive, taking it out onto the bypass so I could crank up the speed a little to see how it handled. I was smitten. (With the car, not Richard. Although, he was very nice, but I’m a married woman for goodness sake!)
We returned my little baby to the forecourt, and went back inside for a little chat. “More coffee?”
<<<Negotiation>>>
The poor baby was covered in scuffs, and so my husband went off with Richard to have a look around the car.
On their return, Richard knocked £300 off the price. We agreed that he would do his best to take out as many of the scuffs as possible in their body shop, and we would pay for the car in cash. I think we got a good deal. We were given literature to read about their additional covers, such as insurance, and scotch guarding (or equivalent). I was told that someone would ring to discuss the options with me. We left a deposit, shook hands, said goodbye to my new car, and we were off.
Now, I spent the 5 days waiting for my car with a big smile on my face. We agreed pickup for 11am. I turned up at 10 past to pick up my car.
<<<Picking up my car>>>
Richard said, “You look excited!”. “I am really excited. I can’t wait to get my new car!”. “Customers aren’t normally THAT excited. Let me show you the work we’ve done on it!”
Off we went. There she was my new baby, all gleaming and shiny. I couldn’t believe it. The work they had done on the bodywork was amazing. Just a couple of minor scratches left on the rear nearside wing. The big scratches on the front wing and roof, and the stone chip on the bonnet had completely gone. She looked wonderful. The plastic seat adjuster handle had also been replaced.
Back inside, and £6200 later, my keys were handed over. My car has 6 months tax, and a 1 year top warranty. I was asked whether I’d considered the insurance policy, car protection etc, and when I said I didn’t want them, he didn’t try to push them onto me at all. (I have walked out of dealers for less than that!) I signed some papers to say that I’d been offered them, and that was that.
<<<My Impression>>>
My overall impression was that the dealership is professional, helpful and friendly. I went out to my car and climbed in. I was adjusting my seat, when Richard came out and presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
I would definitely buy a car from Inchcape Toyota again, and next time, I will ask for Richard. The phrase, “Would you trust this man?” springs to mind. Yes, I would.
Ms. Haggler just reminded me. As I was leaving, Richard said," And if you have any questions, .............I don't work here!". I wonder what their after sales service is like........
Advantages: Good, ultra-reliable and stylish vehicles. Disadvantages: Not a lot!
...prompted me to write about Toyota was a report I read in this morning’s newspaper that they are now the world’s second largest carmaker (for the 3rd quarter of 2003) after General Motors, (Vauxhall/Opel) having outsold ‘Old Henry’ (Ford) for the first time this year.
They are also third in worldwide sales after General Motors and Ford.
It’s a truly amazing success story for the Japanese company, which was founded back in 1937, but which didn’t ... ...name of the company became Toyota (instead of Toyoda) after they held a national competition asking the public to come up with a new name.
~ ~ The first car to roll off the production line was in 1947, and was called the ‘SA’. But only three years later the fledgling company nearly went out of business, after a bruising, bitter and protracted strike with their workforce.
But the strike was actually to prove the making of the business, as both management ...
the_mad_cabbie 13.11.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota
Advantages: Excellent Customer Services, Excellent aftersales Disadvantages: Earlier dealerships didnt live up to expectations
I visited various Toyota dealerships for a good 18 months before taking the plunge in 2005 and buying my Avensis. I found the various dealerships varied quite a lot in terms of customer services prior to a sale. Once the sale had been completed, the aftersalesare second to none.
--Dealerships --
I visited dealerships throughout the Midlands in order to find my dream car, my findings are as follows :-
Listers Toyota - Coventry
This was the first ... ...very positive experience.
Listers Toyota - Nuneaton
By early 2005, Listers had opened a new dealership just 2 miles down the road from where I live. I was a bit sceptical after my experience of Listers in Coventry but decided to give it a go. What a difference, all the staff seemed like they couldnt do enough for you, they made sure the kids were well looked after with DVDs and beanbags. They understood my requirements perfectly and let me have ...
craggybuk 07.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota
Advantages: Generally good reliability Disadvantages: Generally poor customer service
...the service team at Kings Toyota at Ropley although from experience gained from another Toyota dealership as well as their Customer Services (and their Personal Finance arm) I have little other than criticism of any of them.
I have a Rav 4 which I bought new from them in 2003 - my first Toyota.
1. The Speedo story
After about 3,000 miles, I was driving on the M3 and was spooked to see the speedo gracefully fall from the 70MPH I was doing to zero, ... ...mention of this on the Toyota schedule. For this they wanted even more money - can't remember how much but it was a lot. As I know that brake fluid deterioration depends on vehicle usage I decided I was not going to deal with Ropley again as they are clearly used to ripping off the local aging gentry and I wasn't going to be dealt with the same way.
I bought the usual Castrol fully synthetic oil and delivered the car to the Waterlooville dealership ...
Rockeye 01.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota
Advantages: Very relaxed and informal. Disadvantages: None.
I bought my Toyota Avensis 1.8 GLS from the Springfield dealership situated in Durham. I got the car complete with alloys and a full body kit at a very good price for a car in its class.
The Springfield dealership were very helpful and did not put any pressure upon me to buy anything. I could browse, ask questions, drive any car and as many times as I needed.
When the deal was struck it was handled very efficiently and promptly with only minimal ...
BigGip 21.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota
Advantages: SLEEK and stylish cars Disadvantages: Bit pricey and pushy salesmen.
...am going to review the toyota car and how they look and drive as i have test driven them.
I have not as yet bought a new one as i would still like to think about it anyway here goes on my review of the new toyota corolla..
TOYOTA COROLLA:
I must say this was a very smooth drive and one of the best cars i have ever driven.
I HAD A TEST DRIVE OF THIS when i went to the dealers and : The new corolla is in four different bodystyles and five very ... ..., out of all the toyota cars this is my favourite at the moment .
superbly equipped all T2 MODELS COME WITH air conditioning,optitron dials,telescopic/tilt steering column,speed sensitive power steering,mcpherson strut front suspension,abs brakes with ebd (electronic brake force distribution). cd player ,electric front windows,and front side and curtain air bags,(plus an airbag cut off switch).
This (CAR JUST GLIDES ACROSS THE ROAD)
A georgous ...
manchester12345 06.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Toyota
Advantages: Fuel Economy, Fast, Comfortable, reliable, head turning looks. Disadvantages: Need an aftermarket fog light as these cars are imports.
First of all i will begin my review of the Toyota Starlet GT by giving you a brief history of the vehicle. The first model of the Starlet GT (chassis code EP82) was produced in 1990 and continued on through until 1995 when production was ceased.The code given to the engine used was 4-EFTE. During the 5 years of manufacture the GT went through a slight cosmetic change from having square lamps at the front (pre <94 models) to having rounded headlights. I have been a member of a few starlet enthusiast clubs for a while now and this newer model ( post 94>) tends to be called a "quadlight model". Also the post 94> models had a revised tailgate from the pre <94 models, the difference being a reflective strip being removed from between the rear tail lights.
I personally own a Toyota Starlet GT so i will be talking from my own experiences ...
MarcMontgomery 12.09.2007 (13.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota Starlet
This is the most lovely car I have ever owned. It feels very solid when you are driving it. It had an executive feel about it.
It had power steering. It handled the road very well.
I found that people respect you on the road when you drive a bigger type car, than when you drive a smaller car. People really liked the look of my car as well.
The Toyota Carina E is a very comfortable car to drive.
It had electric windows, which had a control on all four sets of windows. Each window could also be controlled by the driver. The driver could also lock the control for opening / closing the windows, such that no one else can open or shut their windows with their respective window open / close buttons. I don't know what the manufacturers were thinking when they designed this into the windows. It can only be left to the imagination.
The car had ...
sasi1240 19.02.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Toyota Carina
Advantages: to many to mention Disadvantages: none
my toyota carina has just turned over 180000 miles and all i can say is it has been an amazing car over the last 7yrs..yes 7 yrs ago i bought this great car as a 1 previous owner(an elderly gentleman) when it had 47000 miles on the clock and to think i nearly didnt buy it because it looked so borring,how i have changed my mind.apart from two new exhust systems,brakes,tyres(front mostly)a couple of fuel injectors,air filters,oil changes(every year) all the usual things you would expect through wear and tear this car just keeps on going,i swear i could drive it for a whole year and not lift the bonnet.i drive 70miles a day 5 days a week to work and then weekends,its been all over the west country,norfolk,wales yorkshire and the lake district and still it drives superb and not a sign of rust.on a run it averages 35-40miles to the gallon ...
hayzee1 06.02.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Toyota Carina