Disappointed with Car Purchase and Recall Handling
I purchased a Toyota Grand Highlander from Carlsbad Toyota in June as a gift for my elderly mother. Unfortunately, the experience turned out to be incredibly frustrating. The dealership pressured me into taking a higher APR loan at 7.99%, despite my pre-approved 4.99% loan from Navy Federal Credit Union, promising a $1,000 rebate and assuring me I could switch loans after three months. Now, three months later, I’m facing financial complications and no resolution in sight.
Additionally, just a few days after our purchase, all Highlanders were pulled from lots due to a recall affecting the side airbags, which may not deploy if windows are down. The sales team, especially Martin Suarez, downplayed the issue, dismissing it as “not a big deal” and failing to address our concerns properly. He even showed us vehicles being “reserved” but unable to be sold, clearly demonstrating the severity of the issue.
I feel misled and disrespected, particularly as a woman, since I believe our concerns were not taken seriously. We’ve been forced to limit the use of the car, driving it only once a week, fearing for our safety.
I expected better transparency and customer service from Toyota. I hope this review helps others to be more cautious when dealing with this dealership.