Towne Toyota--Ledgwood, NJ

[NJshadow93]

Towne Toyota/Scion in Ledgwood, NJ has been my main choice as far as servicing my Toyotas. My parents had bought two vehicles new from there (2005 RAV4 and 2006 Sienna) and serviced there as well. However, their sales department lacks, especially the used car portion. Their used car selection is usually over priced, and some vehicles are very dirty (multiple stains on carpet, etc.) Also, I went there to test drive a used 2004 4Runner last year and the salesman we were dealing with told us someone would be right out to help us further (as he was walking to a Highlander for someone else's test drive). Long story short, nobody came out, we dropped off the keys inside and took off.

However, the real reason I am writing this review is because of the exceptional service department at this dealership! It's a shame because this dealership in general has a less than great reputation because of their sales department. This service department has taken great care of my family for years.

Last year, I was on the hunt for a 4Runner and every one I was interested in buying I brought to them to inspect. They assigned their most experienced technician to check out the various truck, (while giving us a discount on each inspection), and thankfully many serious issues were found that prevented us from buying. The one that passed their thorough inspection is the one that I bought from the used car lot.

They helped me a lot with my new-to me 2003 4Runner. They had a great deal on the timing belt service and always gave us discounts and exceptional service. Also, they put my special order tires on the truck for me without charging me labor! They were there all along the year I owned that 2003 4Runner that they were upset to hear the news that it had been totaled.

The new search had begun and luckily the first 4Runner I brought into them checked out and we bought it! While the timing belt deal had been long gone, they gave me the same deal (saving me hundreds of dollars) to perform the same service on the new truck. They also said they would put my tires on for me again.

I will never hesitate to choose this dealership to work on my truck, no matter what people say about Toyota dealership service departments. I would recommend Towne Toyota of Ledgewood, NJ any time someone asks where their vehicle should be serviced. They joke around that we should have a time card because of how often we are there. And we go for one reason; we trust their work and their prices.

 

[motioneffects]

I have to agree with you about the sales department. Last year around January, I went to look at a 08 Urban Runner they had available. The price was 23,9xx. with 44K + certified Preowned warrantee on their website. When i got there, the sales lady said it was going for 26,999. And I mention that it wasnt the price on the website. I was ready to buy the vehicle that day for that price, but in the end, they refused to sell it to me at the advertised price. I could of made a stink about it but I just moved on. I would not recommend doing business with the used car dept.

 

[NJshadow93]

Unfortunately, I have to take back my good reviews of this dealership, as their quality has gone way down in the past few months. The last oil change I got there, they bent my skid plate down because their tech must have been too lazy to pull it off to properly. How did I find out? They left it bent down and my tire was rubbing on it. Even after hammering it back into place, it's still misshapen and that does not sit right with me.

Also, getting front axle seals done there has been a nightmare. I had both front axle seals replaced last October, and had to go back two weeks later for the passenger side one which was still leaking. They claimed it must have been pinched from when they were re-installing, replaced it for free, and sent me on my way. Okay, so far so good, here's the messed up part.

I have been checking that seal weekly and it was never completely dry. I would swear I always saw a little bit of diff fluid around it. I took it in and the tech claimed it was just rain water. I reluctantly walked away, thinking I have till October under the warranty and it is bound to happen again. Literally a week later I look underneath to see it leaking like never before, now they can't deny it this time. Keep in mind, only 5 thousand miles has passed since the brand new OEM seal was installed by a "factory trained technician" at a Toyota dealership. I took it back and they kept it for TWO DAYS because they didn't have time to get to it, even though I had an appointment. I picked up the truck and they were very rude and dry, barely looked at me, no personality, etc.

I look on the Toyota owner's website to find that they BLAMED ME for the seal failing! They tried to claim that due to "severe off road flex" the seal has expanded and broke. Not only is my front sway bar still connected, but I baby my truck and I don't know who they are accusing me of bashing my truck off road. This truck hasn't seen more than a dirt trail and a few mud puddles, and that's beside the point. Blaming the customer for poor workmanship on their technician's part is just plain wrong and completely unjustified.

There have been other things too, such as ridiculous quotes on repairs that I just declined and moved on. Needless to say, I will not be returning to this dealer for anything unless it is absolutely necessary (a problem that I or a different shop can't fix).