Reason for Visit: Service
I recommend this dealer: Yes
Employee(s) Dealt With: Randy James
My Review of Longo Toyota Scion:
I've been a Toyota owner since late 1972. My first one was a Corona Mark II, 1972½ vintage (yes, 1972½, shipped over from Japan midyear), that my former husband got for practically nothing because, as a data base manager at the headquarters in Torrance, he, along with the other employees, was offered his pick of a list of cars they needed to clear out from the delivery dock up in Benecia (where we actually had to go to get the car) to make room for the 1973 models. But, after about 20 years, and with the help of my son, who put 'way too many miles on it, the trusty little car just gave out. I'd had it serviced from time to time at a dealer near my home, but felt no particular loyalty. So, in my quest for a new Toyota, I tried there first. Practically nothing on the lot, and the salespeople did not impress me. Same feeling about another dealer (this one in Glendale). No luck. That's how I ended up at Longo. And I've had no regrets since then.
Fast forward to 2009. Randy James has been my service adviser for more than 16 years. Before I bought my '93 Camry at Longo, I was skeptical about Longo. I'd had a less-than-pleasing experience with two closer dealers (I live in Alhambra, CA, and Longo is about 10 miles away, albeit an easy freeway drive) whose salespeople were indifferent and whose stock was pitiful, compared with what Longo offers. And, after all, it constantly touted the claim that it was the largest dealer in the U.S. But, a former administrator at my campus had been a close friend of the Longos, and other colleagues seemed pleased with their experiences at Longo. So, I decided to give it a try. Although the sale itself was a bit high pressure, I got a wonderful car for a more-than-fair price. When I took it in for the first service. I met Randy. From that very first contact, he exuded professionalism, a wealth of knowledge, and a warm personality. Often volunteered to do little things for me that saved me money. After a few years, he was promoted to Service Manager, but I still could find him whenever I went in for service, just to visit. It was so satisfying to be remembered as an individual, not just a number with a Camry. Randy made me feel special and important.
Then, disaster struck: Penske moved him to another dealership within its "kingdom," not even Toyota, and I thought that was the end. Make no mistake, the other service advisers all are very competent; I've had no problems with any of them. But, there's something about Randy. Here's how we became reacquainted. In March 2006, I was itching for a "new" Camry and found just what I wanted at Longo: a less-than-year old preowned XLE with – 112 miles on the odometer! Riding on Cloud Nine. The '93 still looked like new and had only 92,500 miles (friends who bought it were thrilled), but I wanted the new one. When I took it in for its first service, I also made an appointment for the New Car Owner seminar that Longo does so well. Imagine my surprise when I drove up to the Gray Group service bank and saw the name RANDY JAMES! I was sure that he must have a son; I had no idea that he was back because he decided that SERVICE is his favorite job. Just as he'd always done, Randy found a way to do something special and save me money. (I won't divulge my secret!) And, that's how it's been every time I've taken my 2006 Camry in for service, most recently a few weeks ago. Randy seems more than content to be back in his old job because he truly cares about people and radiates enthusiasm and happiness in helping customers and keeping them happy. To quote a line from an old song: "Who could ask for anything more!"
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