Dear Mr. Hudson:

I am a Christian, single parent, employed at Columbia International University. I am also a loyal customer of yours and have purchased my last three vehicles from two different dealerships of yours since 1998; Jim Hudson Mitsubishi on Greystone, Cola, SC and Jim Hudson Toyota, Irmo, SC. Having gone through regular business channels to no avail, I am contacting you directly to make you aware of experiences I have had obtaining, driving, owning these 3 cars (2 new, one used) from your dealerships. On my first purchase, the Mitsubishi Mirage, I was recommended to buy this by a fellow church member from your dealership. Immediately following my purchase, another fellow church member came to your dealership at my recommendation, and also purchased a Mitsubishi Mirage from the same dealership, as well. Because I did not have an extended warranty on this Mirage, when the odometer was at 50k miles the Mitsubishi service department stated there were repairs needed costing as little as 1,200.00, which I could not afford to pay, so I then traded a car that was yet to be paid for in full and purchased the 2nd vehicle, a used Mitsubishi Galant at 21k miles. Prior to paying this off the paint on the Galant had totally oxidized and also had mechanical problems which I could also not afford to fix, so I then traded this and purchased a 2008 automatic Scion xD in 2007 at Jim Hudson Toyota in Irmo, SC. Due to my experiences with the previous two Mitsubishi vehicles bought (dealership which no longer exists on Greystone Blvd.), I thought it was a good idea to buy a 100k mile extended warranty at Nate, finance manager's assurance and recommendation this would cover all my repair expenses should there be any. I purchased your Premium extended warranty through Fidelity when buying the new Scion xD sold by Nate, the finance manager and financed my car through Toyota. I was informed in writing this extended warranty covered my Scion xD bumper to bumper. They added the cost of the warranty to the cost of the vehicle and taxes which I have paid for with interest on a 6 year note as I could not afford otherwise. The Scion will not be paid off until August 2013. Nate stated to myself and a witness that "you will not have to pay for anything but gas, car payment, and insurance to 100k miles." I purchased this Fidelity warranty specifically for any problems that may arise, and that I would not be able to cover in a lump sum. Since October of 2007, I have had more problems with this vehicle than any other I have ever owned in my life, and more specifically now a problem with my transmission since 32,000 miles and as of yesterday found a lifter on the engine needs repair, replacement.
I have maintained regular maintenance on my vehicle since the time of purchase to date and all service has been done through the Jim Hudson Toyota dealership where I purchased the car. Noticed damaged done to the vehicle on the hatch where, paint had been removed during shipping to the metal, which after talking with salesman, and Keith Hudson, Toyota agreed to fix this. At 5,000 miles after bringing my Scion in for it's first oil change, my automatic Scion Xd rolled backwards while in drive on hills and has done so ever since. I have also driven multiple automatic 2008 Scion Xd which I was given as a replacement vehicle when bringing my car in for repairs and none of them roll backwards in drive while on hills. I reported this to Toyota dealership from the beginning and they denied that there was a problem and never repaired this issue. They did have to replace the water pump which I believe contributes to the defective transmission. I have attempted continually to get Toyota service department to fix my transmission issue, but was continually told to come in they'd fix it only to find they did nothing.
At 32,000 miles a mechanic rode with me and stated he could tell there was a shift problem, but this was not fixed then or thereafter. They encouraged me to watch it and see if it got worse assuring me the warranties manufacturer's and Fidelity Premium would cover me. Was stated to me over the course that I could change, or flush the transmission fluid at my expense too. However, this is not part of regular maintenance, nor required, or will not fix a bad clutch which appears to be the issue. The average life span of a transmission is considered to be 500k miles and know the fluids are not to be changed regularly as the oil is. Flushing the transmission can cause permanent damage to this machinery especially if done incorrectly. I did not elect to change this, but through the processes of working through this situation found my transmission fluid went from black with clutch material in it to a more pink color leading me to believe fluid was changed while it was at the dealership for evaluation and without my consent to do so. All in all the fluid is black again, and there is a definite problem with the transmission that should have been repaired by my warranties.

Edgar Alowine rode with my son and I at 90k and saw the car did not shift from 3rd to 4th until 80 mph. Two separate Toyota’s mechanics on separate occasions prior rode in my car over the years of my addressing this, and noted the problem with the late shifting, slipping and saw the fluid was dark with clutch material in fluid, but always ended up that Toyota, or Fidelity have been unwilling to uphold either manufacturer’s, or extended warranty I was sold at purchase.

It was stated to me on one occasion in order for Fidelity to fix the problem they would have to have a Fidelity adjuster look at the car which I drove and left at the dealership once again, and then stated the adjuster did not find the same issue that at least 6 others have already witnessed. In complete frustration, which I have experienced on almost every single occasion at your service center regarding the lack of service provided through warranty coverage(s) for mechanical issues I was assured would be covered, I took my car to an independent transmission business who noted clutch material is in the transmission fluid and the smell of the fluid is bad, and who also wrote a letter stating this, and which Toyota service department has on file. This independent transmission business did no work on my Scion Xd.

Edgar Alowine, Toyota Service Manager stated to me that replacing the fluid, flushing it would not fix the problem with the transmission and would only flush the transmission to appease me. I then requested the transmission to be replaced as it should be, but has not been done.

On the other end of the spectrum I could see coming to your dealership and trading, buying multiple vehicles because of the high quality I know you want to sell to your patrons. However, you need to know, this has not been my experience with your company. I do not want to share anything but the best regarding your company, but unless this is remedied correctly, do not believe I will be able to do so, nor will I be able to purchase any more vehicles from your dealerships.

I was assured this is your personal email address and that you read all your emails.

Please contact me as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Wendy Mcdonald
139 Seafarer Lane
Columbia, SC 29212
(803)661-0220
(803-220-9692

I want this to be read by Jim Hudson. He can respond to me at wendymcdonald110@gmail.com. Was told by Manager of Jim Hudson Toyota that Jim Hudson was given a message to call me on the phone, which never transpired as long as 6 months ago. All of this information will be forwarded to anyone who can assist me with these issues.

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I found the Tundra Limited i wanted at autotrader, Doug contacted me and was very friendly and helpful, at no time did i feel pressured to buy. When i arrived at the dealership was greeted by everyone that saw me walk in. Speaking face to face with Doug i felt very relaxed, something i have never felt at other dealerships. To be honest i did not think the numbers would work with my trade in for the 2012 Tundra Limited, but Doug made it happen, and i really feel i would not have got the same deal from another dealer. Doug is an outstanding salesman, My next toyota purchase will be from Jim Hudson Toyota

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My visit to Jim Hudson Toyota was a very unpleasant experience from start to finish.
I won't lie; the quality of vehicles is pretty good and the appeal of the dealership is really nice but the Customer Service lacked some serious professionalism and integrity.

I first walked in and expected someone to greet me, from the sales representative on his cell phone making an obvious personal phone call to the man dozing off at his work station and got nothing. After waiting for about 15-20 minutes someone finally came and assisted me. The vehicle viewing and test drive went very well; it started to go bad again when we began talking about financial matters. I was already approved for loan through a highly reputable third party bank. The staff told me that they would not be able to take the check because if was out of state, I verified with the third party Bank and was told that was an untrue statement made by the dealership. The finance department was so adamant about running my credit so that I would have to get a loan from their bank at an outrageous interest rate and high monthly payments. The Finance Director came to talk to me after I had spoken to my third party bank on phone and said that they would be able to take the check with a down payment.

It was just a horrible full of lies visit. I do not recommend this dealer to anyone trying to purchase a vehicle, as this dealership is doing nothing more than trying to make noticeable profit off of the consumer.

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Excellent service from start to finish. We looked at 3 different dealerships in Columbia area and Jim Hudson's was the best experience by far. All the employees are friendly and helpful. I never felt pushed, hasseled or rushed. They made me a very fair offer on my trade in and when I asked for some minor cosmetic issues to be repaired on the used vehicle they were selling me didn't bat an eyelash. I didn't have to do some song and dance negotiating. Furthermore I had my toddler with me the entire time and between the playroom, the I house theater showing Lion King, Madagascar etc and the free popcorn and cookies she didn't want to leave. It's a 5 star organization. John R in sales is thorough, professional and extremely considerate of my time. We love our car and look forward to more business with Jim Hudson.

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I would recommend this dealership because the customer service was outstanding. Every employee that passed my boyfriend and I, while we were waiting on a particular salesperson,asked if there was anything that they could do. Even had one employee asked if we needed anything to drink like 3 times. Always kept checking on us. The dealership is very nice and welcoming. My boyfriend is thinking of getting him a car in the near future and was very impressed that he is considering coming back to Jim Hudson Toyota.

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Great dealership. Steve Arnold was very helpful. He did not pressure us into buying any vehicle. Once we found the vehicle we were interested in Steve let us take the vehicle for a test drive, still no pressure to buy. This is a great dealership and Steve Arnold was a great sales person. I recommend Jim Hudson Toyota and please see Steve.

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Luis was a very friendly and helpful salesman. Not your typical sales person type. Easy to talk to and very patient in the car buying process! Thanks for the new Toyota and working with my folks and I!

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Although I did not by a Toyota, Mr. Fernandez was by far the most knowledgeable, courteous and helpful sales representative I met in my car search. I drove cars from four different car manufacturers and Mr. Fernandez stood head and shoulders above other men in the business. I truly regretted that I couldn't buy my Impala from him! He was the quintessential gentleman, never patronizing, answering all of my questions thoroughly and professionally. My decision to buy GM was based solely on comparing cars and prices. Many thanks and my regrets to a wonderful representative of Toyota.

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From the moment I walked into the dealership to the time I left with my old car traded in and driving my new car off the lot, I was impressed to the point of astonishment at the customer-centric way in which I was treated.

Every aspect of what, for me, is often an unpleasant or tiresome exercise,was for once in my car-buying life,a smooth,professional and fast process. The Sales Associate knew the product and could answer my questions. If there was something he did not know off the top, he said so, instead of giving me the run-around.Every step of the trade -in and purchase process was handled expeditiously and with a courtesy usually foreign to car dealerships. I left feeling I had been treated wonderfully by everyone involved and cannot speak highly enough of the employees I encountered.

The lasting impression I took away, along with the car, was one which will ensure I go back to Jim Hudson Toyota for a long time to come.

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I just bought another Toyota truck from this dealership. This is the 2nd time I used Jim Hudson Toyota. And after dealing with Jim Malivuk the first time, I insisted on using him this time as well. Jim is always helpful and painfully honest. You're never in the "right" situation to trade a vehicle, but Jim makes it as painless as possible. He's a great guy, and one that I thing represents the dealership well. He's super cool, and wa able to get me into the vehicle I wanted back to back times - no matter how I looked on my end. Great dealership, great salesman - perfect product. I seriously doubt I'll ever own anything other than a Toyota!

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