AutoNation Toyota Cerritos

The problem first started when I took the truck in on June 21, 2012 for regular maintenance. I advised the service technician (Brandon Aterrado) of a sound I was hearing toward the back of the vehicle June 21, 2012 for regular maintenance. I advised the service technician (Brandon Aterrado) of a sound I was hearing toward the back of the vehicle when driving at highway speeds. I was told nothing unusual was found, and the noise was probably being caused by stuff I had in the back of the truck. I was also told I needed to purchase front brake pads, which I did. However after the brake pads were purchased & installed at Power Toyota Cerritos, I noticed a screeching sound when braking. I returned the truck to address these problems (both the screeching and the original sound) on September 17, 2012 and I was first assisted by Margaret Kang. Although my appointment was for 10:15 AM, I arrived at about 9:30 AM. After being there for three hours, Margaret told me the screeching sound was being caused by inferior brake pads being installed the last time (in June 2012) that I took the truck in for service. But Brandon never told me this would happen, or that the brake pads were of inferior quality. Margaret then told me they would be replaced at no charge. She also said the noise I kept hearing was due to feathering on the tires because of the wheel alignment being off. I advised Margaret this should have been addressed the last time I brought the truck in. I understand wheel alignment issues can be caused by things such as potholes, but this noise I was hearing was already there since my last visit, and all I wanted to know is why it was not diagnosed in June, some 3000 miles ago, when I had already brought it to the dealership’s attention. After another three-hour wait, I searched out Margaret and she advised me they had no record of me purchasing tires there and that my tires were from 2008. Even though I did not have the paperwork at hand, I know for a fact I bought the tires there. Margaret then referred me to a manager named Greg Balbier. I walked in to Greg’s office and he never introduced himself, state his title/position, or even offer me a seat in his office. What he did do was talk over me in a condescending manner and challenge me to produce proof that I had bought the tires there because according to him, the system did not indicate they were purchased there. Greg was both argumentative and contentious in his tone. He never let me finish a sentence, and was quick to interrupt whenever I did manage to get a word in. When I asked for his card and for the number to the Corporate Office, Greg gave me his card and said, “They” would give me the corporate number. When I asked who “they” were he stated, ”Margaret”. At best, he was belittling and condescending. At worst, he was completely rude and totally unprofessional. I ended up in tears at this point and just wanted my truck back. I then called my husband and when he showed up, we were taken in to another office where “Matt” quickly pulled up the tire purchase that Greg was never able to find. We again got nowhere with either individual regarding the obvious lack of customer support and respect that were being demonstrated. Both Matt and Greg continued to insist that they were at no fault for failing to diagnose the problem back in June, and an apology was never offered for the offensive tone they were taking, or for why I was again in tears. They offered me two free tires and for me to pay for the other two, as tires are only replaced “four at a time.” My husband made it clear we are professional people and our intent is not to “get over” on anyone, but just to be treated fairly and with respect. At this point, my husband asked if this is how they want the customer interaction to end with a client who has been loyal to Power Toyota Cerritos for eight years. Their response was a flat, “Have a nice day.” We then left the dealership (at approximately 4:30 PM). A full seven hours after I pulled up. My main issues are: 1) Why was the tire “feathering” never properly diagnosed the first time I took the truck in (back in June 2012) when I was obviously already hearing the noise? 2) Does Toyota make it a practice of first installing “inferior” parts and then hoping the consumer doesn’t come back with a problem? 3) Don’t all employees have access to my services/sales records? Why was I made to feel like a liar by Greg Balbier, when the purchase of these tires (at Power Toyota Cerritos) was indeed in your system the whole time? 4) Seven hours to have a pair of brake pads replaced. Really? 5) Greg’s snide attitude. This was the final straw in me deciding to never again do business with Power Toyota Cerritos. It is my hope that this correspondence will prevent another customer (male or female) from being made to feel demeaned at this dealership. I respectfully thank you for your time. More

I brought my 2006 Toyota Tundra into Power Cerritos Toyota to get my AC system checked out because it was working on and off. I made the mistake of buying my truck from a non Toyota dealership that did Toyota to get my AC system checked out because it was working on and off. I made the mistake of buying my truck from a non Toyota dealership that didn’t thoroughly inspect the truck because what came next was quite a surprise. While my truck was in for the AC the service department inspected my suspension and found that all 4 of my ball joints needed to be replaced and my transmission mount was broken. One of them actually only had about a milometer left before it would have totally separated and would have caused a disaster if I had been driving down the freeway. At this point I was panicking because you know how most repairs on a car are but surprisingly enough that cost was no where near as high as I thought it would be. I had all four ball-joints replaced, my transmission mount replaced, AC fixed and I still had money leftover for Valentines Day!   After my truck was done I came in to pick it up and as I drove off I could feel a tremendous difference in the ride of my truck. I always thought that the rough and rocky ride was from the lift and the mud-terrains that are on my truck but now it drives so smooth, there is absolutely no vibration coming from my transmission and when I turn I don’t feel the sway in the truck anymore. It feels like a brand new truck!!   Thank you Power Cerritos Toyota for the great service, great price and not only did you make my long drive to and from work smooth you made it safe. If your sales department is anything like your service department I will be buying my next car/truck from you guys.   More

2nd bait and switch tactic. Dishonest business practice. Can't be trusted. Don't waste your time. This was after getting email quote and having gone to dealer. Can't be trusted. Don't waste your time. This was after getting email quote and having gone to dealer. More

My family and I recently purchased a used Toyota Sienna at Power Toyota Cerritos after researching vehicles online and visiting several dealerships. The entire purchase process was extremely comfortable an at Power Toyota Cerritos after researching vehicles online and visiting several dealerships. The entire purchase process was extremely comfortable and was surprisingly easy. The vehicle was extremely clean upon visiting the dealership and was fairly priced. My experience with the Fleet Manager Blake Boege can be described as courteous, friendly and professional in every way. Blake listened to our needs and treated us with genuine warmth and decency. This entire process was an eye opener - very friendly, professional and customer focused. No games, no hassles, no runarounds, no frustration and no fast talking. Blake was very thorough and knowledgeable about the vehicle and extremely helpful throughout the purchase process, from initial visit through vehicle pickup. He followed through on all the little details and made certain everything was to our satisfaction. If your typical visit to auto dealerships ends in games and frustration you owe it to yourself to visit Power Toyota Cerritos. This will change your entire auto buying experience. They treat people right. Stop in and see Blake for your next vehicle. He is a gentleman and will treat you like family. This is how auto buying should be. This was an absolute 5 Star quality experience. This will be where I'll purchase my next vehicle. More

I was so pleased with the service Ben provided me with there at the dealership that I knew I had to leave a review. Everyone, no matter what type of car they're buying wants to feel like they're getting t there at the dealership that I knew I had to leave a review. Everyone, no matter what type of car they're buying wants to feel like they're getting the best deal possible, as though they're not in a competition with their dealer to score the low price instead of being ripped off. Ben made me feel like I could trust his expertise in sales, and like I didn't need a whole research session on cars and their retail value etc. before I go in to purchase a new car. This is what made me feel comfortable the most, in addition to that he was very very knowledgeable on the cars, he was able to really help me find the best fit for me. He didn't get impatient when I went back and forth on what I wanted, and it seemed like he really just genuinely wanted me to leave that dealership happy and satisfied, and I DID. His help was greatly appreciated, I will definitely refer a friend. More

VERY DISHONEST DEALER- CAUTION! My husband and I VERY DISHONEST DEALER- CAUTION! My husband and I purchased a new Sienna van (which we love) from this dealer and we experienced multiple, serious a VERY DISHONEST DEALER- CAUTION! My husband and I purchased a new Sienna van (which we love) from this dealer and we experienced multiple, serious and dishonest problems with the dealer. First off we turned in a fully paid for vehicle as part of the deal and brought that car in the day before for it to be looked at and were given a written price for that car. 12 hours later when we came back to complete the transaction they said the trade-in would be $1000 less unless we could prove to them that the convertible top worked—it did work perfectly but it was never brought up the day before when the trade in was being evaluated. Secondly the check for the trade in never came to us. We called and called and called – never got a return call and when we did speak with people got excuse after excuse. We were told the check should arrive to us in about 2 weeks. Finally nearly a month went by and I went into the dealer and they looked for the check and found our $13500 check – dated 2 weeks pervious to the date I was there, “sitting on someone’s desk”. Next problem was they did not forwarding third party services paperwork for completion to LoJack so our tracking and warning system could not get installed. We paid for this but could not get it installed until the dealer sent the paperwork into LoJack—a month went by and nothing. Next problem was missing areas inside the car in applying the PermaPlate protestant. Problems continued as the service department told me it would be 1 1/2 weeks before they could give me an appointment to complete some work and repairs on an open due bill for things that were part of the new car purchase that the dealer needed to fix—but had no time to on the day of the purchase of for over a month following that date. So why does this dealer have such great ratings? Well the people we dealt with made a point of telling us (and providing written instructions too) that is was VERY IMPORTANT if we get a follow-up call or survey we give them all excellent ratings in every category, and anything less would be considered a failing score. So there are a lot of coached false consumer ratings for this dealership because the employees make a very strong and clear point to tell the customer—“rate everything as excellent”. They are so far from excellent in their dishonest business, service and financial practices. Be very careful and buy your car elsewhere! More

From the very first email, they were so helpful and courteous. This entire transaction was one of the smoothest I've ever had. Chris and and Nik are so unlike any other car salesperson I've had to de courteous. This entire transaction was one of the smoothest I've ever had. Chris and and Nik are so unlike any other car salesperson I've had to deal with! Chris, was patient and took us on a few test drives. He was completely honest when asked his thoughts on the vehicle An honest salesman is hard to come by, and we were thrilled to be dealing with him. And He gave my husband and I a great car/credit lesson too!! That is knowledge we appreciate having. Niklas walked us through the end and showing me how to use my new gadgets in my awesome car. I drove away confident and excited. They were both professional, courteous, honest and knowledgeable about the Toyota brand as well as other brands out there. We definately reccommend Power Toyota Cerritos, but specifically Chris Johnson and Niklas Iverson! More

I came in here skeptical and ready to fight with everyone to get what I want. I am pretty intense and judgmental when it comes to car dealerships. I have had some gnarly experiences. To my delight I cal to get what I want. I am pretty intense and judgmental when it comes to car dealerships. I have had some gnarly experiences. To my delight I called on an SUV and got Dave U on the phone. He was kind and helpful, super patient with me as well. I felt like I was talking to a friend that wanted to help me out. So the next day we drove 40 miles to check out this SUV and really liked it. There were are couple things not functioning on it, but he promised it would be taken care of at no additional cost. There also was a pretty damaged headset and he promised he would order two new ones. So we purchased the vehicle. Everyone was sooooo nice! It was pretty smooth and got a great finance rate considering someones credit score. I got a call from Dave U saying that the second headset wasn't approved from his manager, so I called and left a message with them and reach Shawn C and he said he already approved it. He was super nice. I honestly felt like I made another new friend. I returned today (a couple weeks later) to get the few items repaired on the vehicle. There was a ding in the windshield. When it was being examined, their windshield guy Mel Moon from Moon Glaze noticed another crack. Free of charge they fixed everything and the Moon Glaze guarantees the windshield. If it ever cracks or breaks in these spots again, they will replace the whole windshield. So awesome. Mel was really cool and professional and super kind. I was "wowed" by everyone's kindness and keeping me informed. So the service guy I worked with was Igor. Igor was great! He was kind, informative, always available to answer my questions. When I met him the first time rolling in, he shook my hand and handed me his business card which had 3 numbers to reach him on including his cell phone...which he answers! I really felt valued. I also worked with Dave U to get all my parts that he ordered. He was working another customer and at the same time helping me. He really is great! I completely recommend everyone to work with him. He keeps promises. I was there from 11 am to 3 pm, but they fixed quite a bit. I even had time to haggle t-mobile in the mall a block away. I told you I was intense...haha!! I didn't get my way with t-mobile by the way. :( So that's about it. I am so impressed with this dealership. I am amazed it got such negative reviews. I am thankful for Dave U, Shawn C, and Igor P. :) More

My boyfriend and I found the car we wanted through an AutoNation Direct representative, who called Power Toyota of Cerritos and set us up an appointment. We arrived at the dealership on July 26, 2010 and AutoNation Direct representative, who called Power Toyota of Cerritos and set us up an appointment. We arrived at the dealership on July 26, 2010 and test drove a used 02 Toyota Camry. The car drove like a dream and the interior was completely immaculate. We fell in love with it. Our Sales Representative Brad Weber did not pressure us into buying the car or additional add-ons and we felt confident signing all the paperwork. After running home and returning with a 50% deposit in the form of a check, we were issued a temporary registration for our new used car. Another sales representative offered to put it in the window of the car for us. Before the test drive, Brad Weber informed us that the car was about to be repainted due to a very obvious scuff on the front bumper. After we purchased the car, Weber suggested that we might leave the car to finish its paint job and return on Friday (July 30, 2010) to pick the car up. As we were driving down from LA County on Friday, we received a call from our AutoNation representative who told us the dealership just contacted her and wanted to let us know we could come down and pick up our car. Less than five minutes later, Power Toyota of Cerritos called us and told us they had "accidentally" sold the car we had purchased on Monday. Our AutoNation representative told us that this could not have happened on accident, because when we purchased the car on Monday, their records would have been updated and the car would have been listed as sold. We contacted the dealership, who told us they had already deposited our check. My boyfriend called his bank and tried to put a stop payment on the check. On Saturday, July 31, 2010, we returned to the dealership to get an explanation. The general sales manager Dave Canova was very unapologetic. He explained that the car had gone into the garage to get painted and had miraculously come out with no temporary registration in the front window. They put the car out onto the floor and sold it to someone else on Wednesday (July 28, 2010). Even though they had sold the car on Wednesday, they still deposited our check on Friday. Canova admitted the mistake and tried to offer a better car for the same price we paid. Unfortunately, the cars he offered did not come near the condition of the car we originally purchased. In addition, we were reluctant to relinquish any more money to a dealership that breached our contract. We respectfully declined his offer and left the dealership. Yesterday (August 3, 2010), Power Toyota of Cerritos had the gall to call my boyfriend and demand our cancelled check back. The representative claimed that they had delivered the car and that we should be fulfilling our end of the bargain. The representative continued to harass my boyfriend even after he had explained the situation. Long story short: Do not purchase from Power Toyota of Cerritos. They have had a history of misleading and cheating their customers, as evidenced by other abysmal reviews and its recent entanglement (03/04/10) with the district attorney for making false statements to customers in an effort induce consumers to lease. More