dingo
New member
I just thought I'd share my shopping experience with Toyota Walnut Creek in California this past February 2007. I shopped around the usual car sites for my 2007 Sport. I thought,"what the hell, let's see if I can score the rare Shadow Mica in my region." Now I guess dumb luck was on my side because the internet manager, Brandon Ware, at Walnut Creek responded to me via email and phone the following morning after I had put in my internet requests the night before. He had my vehicle in stock with only 2 miles on it. He was the only sales manager that really followed up with all the questions I had out of all the other dealers. He was also very polite, receptive to all our questions, and considerate of our time. He had an appointment prior to my arrival but was very accomodating and patient. He also was the only one who got my vehicle inquiry right! Other dealers' internet sales quoted me wrong not only for the wrong color but the wrong vehicle altogether! The Toyota dealer in Concord kept quoting me for a RAV4 when I kept insisting on a 4runner! Unbeleivable.
After the test drive he gave us all the financing options and was straightforward and did not pressure us into anything we did not want. I was able to get 3.9% for 60 months and he carefully compared that to the $1500 dollar rebate option. Got everything I was looking for at about $180 over invoice. Again, no pressure as he left the decision completely up to me. The paperwork that followed in the Finance Dept. was also straightforward and no pressure. The finance manager, Vince, was also patient, answered all our questions, and was very personable. He explained every option and also did not pressure us into buying anything we did not want. They were even kind enough to have the service dept install the wheel locks at no charge. Btw, the service dept. writers were also polite and receptive.
Delivery of the vehicle was clean and the overall buying process only took about an hour and a half (from walking onto the lot, test drive, paperwork, cleaning & delivery). The dealer even provided us with a free BBQ lunch since they had their new TUNDRA intro that weekend. Overall, every employee we encountered at Walnut Creek was very nice. No run around, just straight forward, pleasant, cut to the chase business. No BS whatsoever. I live about 25 miles from Walnut Creek Toyota, and imho I'm glad I took the Sunday afternoon drive there. It was worth the personable treatment by the staff alone. Make sure to speak to Brandon Ware for internet sales and to Vince (forgot his last name but a great sense of humor) in finance.
After the test drive he gave us all the financing options and was straightforward and did not pressure us into anything we did not want. I was able to get 3.9% for 60 months and he carefully compared that to the $1500 dollar rebate option. Got everything I was looking for at about $180 over invoice. Again, no pressure as he left the decision completely up to me. The paperwork that followed in the Finance Dept. was also straightforward and no pressure. The finance manager, Vince, was also patient, answered all our questions, and was very personable. He explained every option and also did not pressure us into buying anything we did not want. They were even kind enough to have the service dept install the wheel locks at no charge. Btw, the service dept. writers were also polite and receptive.
Delivery of the vehicle was clean and the overall buying process only took about an hour and a half (from walking onto the lot, test drive, paperwork, cleaning & delivery). The dealer even provided us with a free BBQ lunch since they had their new TUNDRA intro that weekend. Overall, every employee we encountered at Walnut Creek was very nice. No run around, just straight forward, pleasant, cut to the chase business. No BS whatsoever. I live about 25 miles from Walnut Creek Toyota, and imho I'm glad I took the Sunday afternoon drive there. It was worth the personable treatment by the staff alone. Make sure to speak to Brandon Ware for internet sales and to Vince (forgot his last name but a great sense of humor) in finance.
