Reference Dealers/Service Writers/Techs you trust and recommend (or don’t).

[Mr. Nobody]

I have yet to find one of these posts on T3G. If there is already a similar thread please lock this one and disregard.

Most of us are still going to require the need for a good dealership, service writer, or tech for the near future. If you have had good experiences with a particular dealership, why not share with others so they know where to go?

Post here if you have a particular dealership/service writer/tech you recommend and why.

Feel free to copy the format below for ease of use..

Dealership name:

City, State:

Phone number:

Service writer name:

Tech name:

Why you do/don’t recommend them?

 

[Mr. Nobody]

Dealership name: Toyota Chula Vista

City, State: Chula Vista, CA

Phone number: 877-886-1941

Service writer name: Eddy Ruiz (No longer working there)

Tech name:

Why you recommend them? Eddy is the service writer you want to find. He has gone way above and beyond what the average writer does. For example, I got a no front plate fix it ticket, I posted online looking for someone who had a plate holder they had removed so I could get the ticket written off. He posted up and meet me I'm person after work and hooked it up. Since then I have taken my truck to him multiple times and he always delivers. Dude top notch and I definitely recommend him if you are in the San Diego area.

 

[tacostand1970]

Dealership name: Walser Toyota

City, State: Bloomington, MN

Phone number: 952-400-2920

Service writer name:

Tech name:

Why you recommend them? I've purchased two vehicles from Walser (2011 Tundra before my current rig) and have had no issues with them for sales or service. They don't really do a lot of truck sales but Sam Coler is their designated truck guy and was very helpful and can customize at point of sale. So I took delivery of my Taco as it sits which was pretty big from a convenience perspective. It doesn't hurt that they're across the freeway from where I work.

 

[BCJohn]

Dealership name: Toyota of Santa Cruz

City, State: Capitola, CA

Phone number: (831) 462-4200

Service writer name:

Tech name:

Why you recommend them? They service my truck and my wife's Prius. I also purchased my Taco there. They are professional, easy going and (seemingly) honest. As a manufacturer (Toyota) owned dealership and not a franchise, they seem more professional and not pushy. Service has been fast, prices decent. The purchase process was about the best I've had. Robin (Internet Sales Person) was great to work with. Since I did the research ahead of time, I feel like I got a fair deal.

 

[Tyler]

This is a good thread to have. Gonna move it though so it gets noticed easier.

 

[Jesse Rizo]

This is a good thread to have. Gonna move it though so it gets noticed easier.

I hope I find one near the inland empire for me

 

[hellppy]

Dealership name: Toyota Chula Vists

City, State: Chula Vista, CA

Phone number: 877-886-1941

Service writer name: Eddy Ruiz

Tech name:

Why you recommend them? Eddy is the service writer you want to find. He has gone way above and beyond what the average writer does. For example, I got a no front plate fix it ticket, I posted online looking for someone who had a plate holder they had removed so I could get the ticket written off. He posted up and meet me I'm person after work and hooked it up. Since then I have taken my truck to him multiple times and he always delivers. Dude top notch and I definitely recommend him if you are in the San Diego area.

That's kinda funny, my guy's name is Eddie Ruiz.

City, State: Scottsdale, AZ

Phone number: 480-778-2299

Service writer name: Eddie Ruiz

Why you do/don’t recommend them? I once had a battery issue with my 2008 Tacoma. It was about 2 months out of my battery warranty and Eddie hooked me up. He replaced my battery free of charge and I've been going to him ever since. It was a just a small thing but he got my business through my 2012 and now my 2018.

 

[Mr. Nobody]

That's kinda funny, my guy's name is Eddie Ruiz.

City, State: Scottsdale, AZ

Phone number: 480-778-2299

Service writer name: Eddie Ruiz

Why you do/don’t recommend them? I once had a battery issue with my 2008 Tacoma. It was about 2 months out of my battery warranty and Eddie hooked me up. He replaced my battery free of charge and I've been going to him ever since. It was a just a small thing but he got my business through my 2012 and now my 2018.

That's the kind of stuff that makes return customers.

 

[hellppy]

☝ That's the kind of stuff that makes return customers.

Yeah man, it doesn't really take much to gain a loyal customer. Most people don't take the time anymore.

 

[Mr. Nobody]

Yeah man, it doesn't really take much to gain a loyal customer. Most people don't take the time anymore.

But boy do the little things go a long way.

 

[hellppy]

But boy do the little things go a long way.

Yes they do!

 

[Tacomadad18]

Dealership name: Weiss Toyota

City, State: South County, Missouri

Phone number:

Service writer name: Dan

Tech name: Multiple

Why you do/don’t recommend them? They schedule services quick, take care of their customers. Unlike the dealership I actually bought the truck from. My original dealership would not do the TSB on the trans and Weiss did it with no issues at all. It’s messy due to construction but they are quick and easy to work with.

 

[Roguellama]

Hey guys , im trying to get a trd pro spec sheet , because im trying to pull a fast one on a used car dealership , i talked them in to putting a trd pro skid plate on my trd sport , but they wanna see proof tho any tips or help?

 

[Mr. Nobody]

Hey guys , im trying to get a trd pro spec sheet , because im trying to pull a fast one on a used car dealership , i talked them in to putting a trd pro skid plate on my trd sport , but they wanna see proof tho any tips or help?

I'm not quite sure what you're asking any of us to do. What exactly is it you are trying to accomplish here?

 

[hellppy]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking any of us to do. What exactly is it you are trying to accomplish here?

I was just wondering the same thing...

 

[Roguellama]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking any of us to do. What exactly is it you are trying to accomplish here?

Copy of a trd pro spec sheet for 18 , i just need proof that a trd skid plate comes on that truck ... im trying to do this with out needing a vin from a pro

 

[Mr. Nobody]

Copy of a trd pro spec sheet for 18 , i just need proof that a trd skid plate comes on that truck ... im trying to do this with out needing a vin from a pro

Ah, got ya. Here ya go...

Magical Google link ?‍

You're welcome ?

 

[Roguellama]

Ah, got ya. Here ya go...

Magical Google link ?‍

You're welcome ?

Ahh thank you

 

[Taco in Corona]

Dealership name: Larry H. Miller Toyota

City, State: Corona, Commiefornia

Phone number: 951-963-9250

Service writer name: Gerardo Perez-Martinez

Tech name:

Why you do/don’t recommend them? I bought my Taco in the first week of April but did not buy my truck from them, I used my Credit Union's buying service.

I took my truck in August because the molding on the roof of the cab came off on the high way during the drive to Overland in Flagstaff in May. My truck has only 3K miles on it, I asked if I had to wait until 5K miles to get the service done on it, he told me I could get it done because it was 4 months since I bought it. When I mentioned the molding he told me they did not have it in stock and to return in a week to get the installed. I asked him what it would cost, he stated it was covered by the warranty!

They did the 5K service and washed my truck, When I returned 5 days later the moldings were installed and again my truck was washed. No charge at all. The dealership is small but very clean, all the employees I had contact with were very polite and respectful. The customer waiting area was clean, restroom clean and stocked. Free popcorn, coffee and hot chocolate.

I highly recommend this dealership

 

[Joisey]

Dealership Name: Shore Toyota

Phone Number: 609-645-2770

Address: 4236 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ 08330

The website now shows that the business is under new management. As of when, I am not sure.

Bought my 2018 Tacoma TRD Off Road in July of 2018. The truck had been on the lot for a few months.

The predelivery checklist showed that everything was inspected as it is supposed to be. The predelivery checklist was initialed by the mechanic. I later learned that whatever mechanic is free does the predelivery check, not a specific mechanic.

I bought the truck, drove it home (less than 15 miles) and the next morning checked all the fluids and bolt torques. The truck had 7 miles on it when it was bought. Everything was checked on a perfectly level concrete floor. The truck now had less than 23 miles on the odometer.

Tires, all 5: 40-42 psi

Rear differential: 20 ounces low

Front differential: 2 ounces low

Transfer case: perfect

Auto transmission : 4 ounces low

Power steering: 2 ounces low (to cold fill line)

Coolant: 4 ounces low (to cold fill line)

Engine oil: 6 ounces low

Brake fluid: perfect

All grease fittings were dry, as was the slip joint in the rear driveshaft.

All cells in the battery were low, three of six with the top of the plates exposed.

All bed bolts and suspension bolts were not up to Toyota specified torque specs

The lug nuts were so tight that I am surprised that they weren't stripped. Well over 85 foot pounds. I used a torque wrench set to 100 pounds and it clicked before the nuts loosened. I used an impact to remove the nuts.

That evening I sent Toyota corporate an email with all of the above info in it. About a week later I received a reply that I should take this up with the dealer, as this is between the dealer and me, not Toyota and me. I was told to take it up with the service advisor at the dealership where I purchased the truck.

Emailed Toyota corporate a copy of the predelivery checklist, showing everything checked off and signed for, and the question if this is what Toyota uses for mechanics on their vehicles? No answer.

Two weeks later the head unit in my truck stops displaying my location. It has me driving thru rivers, bodies of water, and I believe an ocean. I have no idea where the location of the map on the GPS was. The head unit was replaced at my dealership under warranty.

When all the warranty paperwork was done, I asked the service advisor about the predelivery check not being done on my vehicle, and read him the laundry list of things that were not performed. He looked at me like I had two heads and asked me why I took it upon myself to check the work of a certified mechanic? Well, duh, because the mechanic lied and didn't perform any of the check that he signed off on.

The ONLY time my truck sees the dealership is for warranty work. I don't let them near my truck for the free service.

I'm not picking on Toyota. I worked at a GM dealership which is why I do my own checks on my new or used vehicles. My new 06 GMC Sierra had a few things that weren't checked before delivery. Engine oil and brake fluid were a few ounces low. Tires all had 50 pound of air in them, but it was otherwise OK.

 

[Tyler]

Dealership Name: Shore Toyota

Phone Number: 609-645-2770

Address: 4236 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ 08330

The website now shows that the business is under new management. As of when, I am not sure.

Bought my 2018 Tacoma TRD Off Road in July of 2018. The truck had been on the lot for a few months.

The predelivery checklist showed that everything was inspected as it is supposed to be. The predelivery checklist was initialed by the mechanic. I later learned that whatever mechanic is free does the predelivery check, not a specific mechanic.

I bought the truck, drove it home (less than 15 miles and the next morning checked all the fluids and bolt torques. The truck had 7 miles on it when it was bought. Everything was checked on a perfectly level concrete floor.

Tires, all 5: 40-42 psi

Rear differential: 20 ounces low

Front differential: 2 ounces low

Transfer case: perfect

Auto transmission : 4 ounces low

Power steering: 2 ounces low (to cold fill line)

Engine oil: 6 ounces low

Brake fluid: perfect

All grease fittings were dry, as was the slip joint in the rear driveshaft.

All cells in the battery were low, three of six with the top of the plates exposed.

All bed bolts and suspension bolts were not up to Toyota specified torque specs

The lug nuts were so tight that I am surprised that they weren't stripped. Well over 85 foot pounds. I used a torque wrench set to 100 pounds and it clicked before the nuts loosened. I used an impact to remove the nuts.

That evening I sent Toyota corporate an email with all of the above info in it. About a week later I received a reply that I should take this up with the dealer, as this is between the dealer and me, not Toyota and me. I was told to take it up with the service advisor at the dealership where I purchased the truck.

Emailed Toyota corporate a copy of the predelivery checklist, showing everything checked off and signed for, and the question if this is what Toyota uses for mechanics on their vehicles? No answer.

Two weeks later the head unit in my truck stops displaying my location. It has me driving thru rivers, bodies of water, and I believe an ocean. I have no idea where the location of the map on the GPS was. The head unit was replaced at my dealership under warranty.

When all the warranty paperwork was done, I asked the service advisor about the predelivery check not being done on my vehicle, and read him the laundry list of things that were not performed. He looked at me like I had two heads and asked me why I took it upon myself to check the work of a certified mechanic? Well, duh, because the mechanic lied and didn't perform any of the check that he signed off on.

The ONLY time my truck sees the dealership is for warranty work. I don't let them near my truck for the free service.

I'm not picking on Toyota. I worked at a GM dealership which is why I do my own checks on my new or used vehicles. My new 06 GMC Sierra had a few things that weren't checked before delivery. Engine oil and brake fluid were a few ounces low. Tires all had 50 pound of air in them, but it was otherwise OK.

This is a great write-up. Constructive feedback at its best.


I know no one on here lives here, except for Sangi , but I don't recommend my local Toyota in Smithtown, NY (Long Island).

They told me it would take too much time to fix the front to back wiggle in my driver's seat. For something that has to do with safety, I don't feel like that was a professional or reasonable response. I'm still going to try to get the seat fixed, but at a different Toyota.

 

[Sangi]

This is a great write-up. Constructive feedback at its best.


I know no one on here lives here, except for Sangi , but I don't recommend my local Toyota in Smithtown, NY (Long Island).

They told me it would take too much time to fix the front to back wiggle in my driver's seat. For something that has to do with safety, I don't feel like that was a professional or reasonable response. I'm still going to try to get the seat fixed, but at a different Toyota.

My salesman, Sean Deitz, was an upstanding dude. Answered all my questions fine and actually knew what he was talking about.
Techs on the other hand... my first couple of services (5k, 10k, 15k, 20k) pretty much went off without a hitch, all except I know they didn't rotate my tires. (Marked all 4, and they never asked about my lugnut key...) But my 30k, they kept giving me runarounds, telling me my mods were "getting in the way, can't do anything with said mods." pretty much told them to just change my oil (usually just do it myself, but it was my last free one so why not). Not looking forward going back anytime soon.
I've heard not-so nice things about Massapequa Toyota and Islip's Atlantic Toyota, too. Thinking about trying Huntington Toyota next.

Oh, I have that silly wiggle in my truck, too!

 

[Tyler]

My salesman, Sean Deitz, was an upstanding dude. Answered all my questions fine and actually knew what he was talking about.
Techs on the other hand... my first couple of services (5k, 10k, 15k, 20k) pretty much went off without a hitch, all except I know they didn't rotate my tires. (Marked all 4, and they never asked about my lugnut key...) But my 30k, they kept giving me runarounds, telling me my mods were "getting in the way, can't do anything with said mods." pretty much told them to just change my oil (usually just do it myself, but it was my last free one so why not). Not looking forward going back anytime soon.
I've heard not-so nice things about Massapequa Toyota and Islip's Atlantic Toyota, too. Thinking about trying Huntington Toyota next.

Oh, I have that silly wiggle in my truck, too!

I was thinking about trying Huntington next too. I’m surprised but also not surprised that you’ve had issues with the techs there also.

The wiggle drives me crazy.

 

[Sangi]

I was thinking about trying Huntington next too. I’m surprised but also not surprised that you’ve had issues with the techs there also.

The wiggle drives me crazy.

It was almost like they just didn't want to, or care to, work on my truck. I talked to 3 different people, and the deadpan voices of all 3 just gave me bad vibes.
Listen I get it, the trucks got mods, but its not that intimidating. I'm sorry I'm making your job slightly harder cause of my hobbies. And I'm sure most of the mods don't interfere with basic services, either.
But when I drop my buddy off at the dealership and my trucks in the visitor parking lot, its "the coolest truck they've ever seen" and "Oh we'd love to buy that"
I need to learn how to turn off the "maintenance required" message.

Let's go there together one day. That'll turn heads!

 

[Tyler]

It was almost like they just didn't want to, or care to, work on my truck. I talked to 3 different people, and the deadpan voices of all 3 just gave me bad vibes.
Listen I get it, the trucks got mods, but its not that intimidating. I'm sorry I'm making your job slightly harder cause of my hobbies. And I'm sure most of the mods don't interfere with basic services, either.
But when I drop my buddy off at the dealership and my trucks in the visitor parking lot, its "the coolest truck they've ever seen" and "Oh we'd love to buy that"
I need to learn how to turn off the "maintenance required" message.

Let's go there together one day. That'll turn heads!

Exactly!

And yeah, we should do that, lol.

 

[Tyler]

It was almost like they just didn't want to, or care to, work on my truck. I talked to 3 different people, and the deadpan voices of all 3 just gave me bad vibes.
Listen I get it, the trucks got mods, but its not that intimidating. I'm sorry I'm making your job slightly harder cause of my hobbies. And I'm sure most of the mods don't interfere with basic services, either.
But when I drop my buddy off at the dealership and my trucks in the visitor parking lot, its "the coolest truck they've ever seen" and "Oh we'd love to buy that"
I need to learn how to turn off the "maintenance required" message.

Let's go there together one day. That'll turn heads!

Have I ever written a review for anything before? No. Am I salty because my weekend camping trip isn’t happening due to the ABS light making 4wd not work? Yes.

Here is my review:

The service department here should probably be avoided.



1. The driver’s seat in my 2017 Tacoma has a front to rear wiggle. Kind of feels like it didn’t lock in place, but it has. Not only is it irritating to drive with movement in the seat when you brake and accelerate, but it seems like a potential safety issue as well. Unfortunately, I was told by the service provider that it wouldn’t be worth it to spend all day taking apart the seat to target such a small wiggle. Nice.



2. The same truck has the ABS light on. The weirder thing is that while the ABS light is on, the truck won’t shift into 4wd. If there is a small window where the ABS light hasn’t turned on yet, 4wd works fine. Anyway, they told me an ABS speed sensor is causing this and needs to be replaced. Well, here I am with it replaced (not by them), and nothing fixed (I was told front left needed it, but since it didn’t work, all 4 were tried). So now I need to bring it to a different shop that will hopefully diagnose this correctly. This caused me to cancel the camping trip that was scheduled for the weekend after the sensor was *supposed* to be fixed.



Side note: I need to give credit where it’s due. The ABS wheel speed sensor is a very tiny little piece of plastic, but it costs over $300 from Toyota (you can get them much cheaper elsewhere, FYI). The gent in the parts department was probably also thinking about its high price for what it is, and without me asking, he opted to apply a 20% discount to it. He was very friendly and I do appreciate that. However, I actually ended up getting the part via an online Toyota parts department from a different location, just for the record.



3. This is bonus information. Perhaps more relevant to those with modified trucks. From a local friend (not me): “I know they didn't rotate my tires. (Marked all 4, and they never asked about my lugnut key...) But my 30k, they kept giving me runarounds, telling me my mods were getting in the way, can't do anything with said mods, etc.”



Just something to keep in mind.



4. Lastly, here is a second bonus. When I called to make the appointment for the ABS light, I told the woman on the phone that my I’m calling to bring the truck in for maintenance. When she heard why, she corrected me by saying, “oh, that’s service, not maintenance”, and then briefly explained what those two words mean. She’s not a mechanic and “service” or “maintenance” are probably all she knows, so I understand her confusion. But I do suggest educating your staff on the difference between corrective and preventative maintenance so conversations with customers can flow better and not need questionable corrections.





To finish this review,



I bought the truck in California and had most of my service done there at a couple of different locations. Both of those Cali locations were a totally different experience than this place, especially for modded trucks. Maybe that’s to be expected, maybe not. Maybe they should be more concerned about a driver’s seat that moves unintentionally, maybe not!

 

[UnAverage Joe]

I wish there was a simple or easy way to have like an interactive map or separate forum of each state where people can post things like this or meet ups.

Living in Oklahoma...I'm sure there are many on here that live in Oklahoma...but being new to the Tacoma world...its been a challenge finding reputable shops/businesses locally.

 

[BARE Outfitters]

Dealership name: Family Toyota of Burleson

City, State: Burleson, Tx

Phone number: 817-768-2829

Service writer name: Eric Hill

Tech name: N/A

Why you do/don’t recommend them?
Excellent purchase experience from Eric. So good, we bought a 2018 Highlander and 2018 Tacoma at the same time.

The service department is touch and go. Always double check the work. I’ve had oil not changed, cross-threaded bolts, rounded-off skid plate bolts, etc.

Use caution

 

[oretaco]

Dealership name: Gladstone Toyota

City, State: Gladstone, Oregon

Phone number: 877-467-1426

Service writer name:

Tech name:

Why you recommend them? I purchased my 2019 from them. Their service is above and beyond and will go through great lengths to ensure 100% satisfaction

 

[TCOTUE]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but here goes.

Dealership name: Reliable Toyota

City, State: Springfield, MO

Phone number: (417) 459-4400

Service writer name:

Tech name:

Sales Guy: Austin Goans

Before I purchased my '18 Sport used, my wife and I toyed with the idea of buying new. Having my mother in law recently purchasing a '20 Highlander from this dealer, I decided to take a look. The salesman that worked with my MIL, wasn't available the day I went in. I got Austin Goans, we went over some options which turned out to be a special order. After much deliberating with my wife we decided to buy used, knowing that Toyota's have a great track record for being reliable. I called Austin and let him I was considering used as well, but had a couple want's and must haves. He called said he had the perfect truck for me, so I stopped by after work to take a look. To my surprise, it was black...one of my no go colors. He was very pushy on trying to sell me on it. Gave me a real bad taste in my mouth feeling. I sold my trade in private party, then started looking at other dealerships locally. I ended up finding my BBP at the Ford dealer in town. Ford assured me all "recalls" had been completed, but me being the way I am I took it to Toyota to verify. Turns out the fuel pump recall had not been completed. Upon arriving at the dealer, Austin was out front. In a very unprofessional manner, mocked me for buying from the Ford dealer then walked off.

The service/parts department was fantastic though. They got me scheduled for the recall to be completed, asked me if I wanted them to look over my recent purchase. Parts department was super friendly, even offered me a discount on some parts I was wanting (my friend owns a body shop in town, I had all his shop clothes on that day) and the Parts guy just priced parts at his cost. I don't recall the service advisors name, as I've since thrown his card in the drawer. Hope this helps someone else out.