We would like to thank you for visiting our website and considering Toyota of Gladstone for the purchase of your new or pre-owned vehicle. It is our goal to provide you with an excellent purchase and ownership experience.
If you’re searching for the Nicest New or Quality Pre-owned vehicle, look no further. Our NO-PRESSURE, professional, certified sales staff is eager to assist you.
If you have visited this dealership please take a moment and rate by clicking the review tab.
By taking a few minutes you can let everyone know how well you were treated or you can register a complaint.
If your thinking of visiting this dealer the review tab allows you to read other customer reviews.
This started out as a promising experience. We emailed and were told the exact vehicle we were interested in was in stock. When we arrived the next day the vehicle wasn’t in stock, but were told a simular one was. We just needed to wait for them to move it from a different lot. After 45 minutes the salesman finally came back. The similar version had been “sold” and the originally promised was somewhere within 500 miles at a different dealer. We understand that it can take time to locate a specific vehicle, but the dishonesty displayed here was extremely disappointing.
I worked with Seth initially through email, discussing what terms I was looking for and what kind of car I wanted. First, I found him extremely responsive — no email “auto responses” common from other non-net savvy dealerships. It was a direct series of emails, quick and responsive to every question. He was professional, honest and to the point. No pressure, just information. We agreed on price. I came to the lot and met Seth. Again, not anything like the stereotypical salesman. Patient — even encouraged a car with less options since he knew I was cost-sensitive though I stuck with the LE version (OK, maybe I do like the power seats after all). There was no up-selling (obviously the business manager was going to discuss extended warranties but with no pressure applied and I was offered chip protection, etc.). The deal we struck was exactly what we agreed to. We had to work on the trade-in but that was expected beforehand — I had a 15 year old beater that had been in a side-door accident, so I knew we’d have to work on it. I got the mandatory “visit to the manager” about the trade-in (not the agreed to price of the auto), but Seth came out several times to apologize for the wait and explain what was going on and I was extremely satisfied with the final deal. I’m a business owner and no stranger to sales myself and I must say that my experience with Seth and others was very positive. I believe in honesty, being straight forward and keeping one’s word in a business negotiation. And Seth came through with flying colors. I got the tour of the entire business and I must say they had the cleanest repair shop I’ve ever seen. Best experience I ever had buying a new car.
A price was clearly agreed upon over the phone. An appt was set to pay and pick up the car. On paper, it was $2279 more than what was agreed upon. Sean Overton said on the phone if it was $1 more, he would pay for it. He didn’t of course.
I wrote to him after his courtesy email on how we were doing. I wrote back that I was unhappy. He didn’t even read the email until 3 weeks later while I was on the phone with him. He said he would for ward the email to Rich Stiefel his supervisor. 1 week later still haven’t heard back. I emailed Rich myself just to clear the water on what happened. It’s been at least 2 weeks. Have not heard back.
Wrote to the corporate office. After, will then to the Better Business Bureau.
I’ve called Rich Stiefel and Sean Overton several times and for some reason, ironically, I’ve always had communication issues from them. From the receptionist who says Sean is not here and he calls me back 2 minutes later to never getting a phone call back or email back after several attempts. Just tired of it.
Update: Rich S. was willing to compromise. He was only willing to meet me halfway in getting my money back and also wanted me to give a perfect survey. I said I had to think about it as I did not get any good service at all and I also told him I had to talk to Sean O. more on why he didn’t meet my expectations which was laid out on our phone call. I called Sean Overton in October 2009 to clear things with him on why he said one thing and something different happened. He didn’t give me a clear answer. I told him, that Rich was willing to reimburse partial of the money. He said he would tell Rich S. that I would accept and give a better survey due to them willing to work with me, even it was a mess on their end. It is now January 2010. No word back from Sean O or Rich S. I have emailled and called Rich in October 2009 to get his f/u and asked if Sean O. talked to him about my response. I received no response via email or phone.
This dealership was very difficult to work with, especially when we can’t communicate!
Toyota of Gladstone’s “incredible three” have truly made me a customer for life.
It’s easy to feel good about a new car buying experience when your budget is roomy and your options are endless. However, it is the mark of an exceptional dealership, and extraordinarily professional and caring professionals, that I was able to feel better about buying a “new to me” auto on my tiny budget than any new car experience I’ve ever had!
Sales executive Sean Overton, manager Scott Caverhill and service manager Jake Steele are committed to giving their customers the best experience possible. Thanks to them, I have a car I am thrilled with, at a price I can afford, and have seen first hand that they stand behind the automobiles they sell. Because of this, I am a customer for life, and would be happy to refer anybody I know to their dealership with complete confidence.
Sean worked hard to find the best possible car for me on my (very miniscule) budget. Even though this star performer had multiple customers (of course, who wouldn’t want to work this ethical and positive person) he went out of his way to work with me. He came in on his day off, followed up by phone and gave me the VIP treatment that he no doubt gives to each and every one of his customers.
Manager Scott Caverhill clearly sets the pace for his entire team, as he was cheerful, patient (uhhmmmm…I was a bit of a nervous shopper)and extremely knowledgeable. Clear to see why Toyota of Gladstone enjoys such stellar ratings with a manager like Scott setting the pace. He is extremely positive and made the car buying experience stress-free and enjoyable.
Finally, the true test of a dealership is what happens if something goes ‘wrong.’ While not serious, my “new to me” car needed a repair. The service here was just as outstanding as the sales process. Jake Steele, the professional in charge of the service team caring for my car, got my auto in quickly, arranged for alternate transportation for me, kept me updated on status and was knowledgeable, reassuring and thorough (by the way, he truly loves and knows cars – ask him about his own classic that he drives!)
Having researched numerous other dealerships, I will tell you that finding, and working with, the “incredible three” of Toyota of Gladstone has been fantastic, and I would recommend them to anybody who wants terrific, positive and caring people helping them find that “just right” new (or new to them) car. Just think of them as the super heroes of the car world…without the goofy costumes 😉