Buying from a Remote Dealership

[Franko Manini]

Hey Team Tacoma!

I've read a lot of posts where people have purchased their trucks from dealerships outside of their local area, usually due to the availability of a particular trim level. Have any of you who have purchased from a non-local dealership had any difficulty with getting servicing or warranty issues dealt with at your local dealership? I'm assuming you don't drive across the state to get your truck serviced. Is this a risk at all?

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[Romer]

I went to Idaho to save $4K on price. It is a Toyota honored at any Toyota Dealer. I have purchased most of my vehicles (Toyotas) out of state and never had an issue with service or warranty work

 

[Sagebrush]

I went to Idaho to save $4K on price.

I went from the middle of Idaho to Missoula. What dealer in Idaho?

 

[Romer]

Edmark - looks like they are still selling below MSRP
https://www.edmarktoyota.com/new-vehicles/tacoma/

 

[garciava]

no issues. bought in NM and live in Colorado. I have had the truck in twice with the local dealer and they treat me like i bought it from them. Only reason I bought out of state is they had what i wanted

 

[trailhunger]

Same, out of state buyer. No issues but taking it in for Toyota Care maintenance for the next 2 yrs (complimentary) and likely extending TC locally so yea should be a non -issue getting serviced. parts availability is the real bitch these days.

 

[hoodouken]

Doesn't matter where or which dealership you purchase your vehicle. You can take your Toyota to any dealership for maintenance or issues.

Where I live we have 4 Toyota dealerships and the one I purchased the truck at is not the closest one and will likely get general maintenance at the closest one.

 

[WKTJR1]

All the above plus it would be a poor business decision. They want you to come back for non-warranty items. Service Managers have budgets and goals to meet plus it's where most of the profit is created.

 

[Baltimore]

I bought out of state because it was the only dealer that had exactly what I wanted.
Dealerships are like any other chain store - there no significant long term value is specific loyalty, as a simple people turnover can dramatically change the experience. Now, if a certain manager stays that you like, be loyal to the person, not the place. Sales teams, service teams, and parts teams are all separate groups within the dealership anyway.

But I went out of state because I knew what I wanted and didn't want to settle.

Wolfchase Toyota in TN was fantastic to deal with and I would highly recommend them to anyone who sees something they like on their inventory list. They were a no BS shop, kept me super informed, worked through the mods I wanted, arrangled private transport for 900mi+, and did all paperwork FedEx overnight as needed.

After the whole experience I wish they were my local dealership, even more so since I had to deal with sales, service, and parts and all were enjoyable.

 

[66Foxtrot]

I had money down at 2 dealerships for Mina and they were unable to get my exact model. I wanted a TRD Off Road in Underground with the Premium Upgrade Package and a m/t. I found one at Brunswick Auto Mart in Ohio. Did all the work with email and Docusign in 1 day. They even arranged the delivery. Easy process but I got my Tacoma!

 

[john877]

I'm an old geezer, so I like to test drive the vehicle I'm purchasing. Not sure I would feel comfortable paying for and taking delivery on a vehicle that was shipped to me. But I wouldn't have any reservations about purchasing a vehicle in another state. Toyota warranty is good at any dealership.

 

[bitflogger]

Hey Team Tacoma!

I've read a lot of posts where people have purchased their trucks from dealerships outside of their local area, usually due to the availability of a particular trim level. Have any of you who have purchased from a non-local dealership had any difficulty with getting servicing or warranty issues dealt with at your local dealership? I'm assuming you don't drive across the state to get your truck serviced. Is this a risk at all?

The award winning service dealer near our home was happy to service other Toyotas we bought elsewhere. They are good for service but not for deals and getting less popular allocations.

Doing this again but 50 miles away I made a proactive call to the service department and suggest that. The woman said I'm set up, can go to instant oil side of the business, and for warranty repairs and getting a loaner suggested making appointments well in advance.

Any decent dealer service dept should be happy to see warranty and other work because they get paid to do it. Where we go for service has made far more money with warranty claims, maintenance, parts, and some repairs than selling the vehicles.

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