One Toyota of Oakland

by meciptak on 04/11/2017

Everyone seems to have a car dealership nightmare story. I'd like to put something out there to illustrate that not all car dealers are created the same. First, my Toyota Avalon was parked where a San Francisco water main broke, due to heavy rains of early 2017. Unfortunately, my vehicle flooded. My insurance company declared it as a total loss, even though the water never reached the seats, and electronically it was intact. One Toyota stepped in, fought with the insurance adjusters, and attempted to salvage my water-damaged Avalon. I loved that car and wanted to keep it. However, the damage from the flood involved not a lot of repairs but did involve a great deal of labor time. Brandon worked so hard bringing the cost of repairs down to the minimum they could ask, but It was still totaled out. Brandon Feola, a service advisor at One Toyota since 2015, stepped in and helped me negotiate with the insurance adjusters, which took a great deal of documentation and time. Brandon Feola and One Toyota worked on my claim for three months, back and forth with the insurance company. Brandon's advocacy and documentation was the determining factor for me to receive the best possible settlement. One Toyota went far above the call of duty. So ended this THREE MONTH nightmare, which also included a borrowed car being vandalized at my work in Oakland. All the windows were bashed out. The whole scenario was surreal, and nothing got done until One Toyota stepped up and heavily advocated in my behalf. I spent a lot of money on the Avalon and maintained it flawlessly. I didn't have the money to put into an equivalent vehicle. However, Nicole and Darrien Lien of One Toyota found me a one-year-old loaded Toyota XLE, and at a phenomenal price. They made the process of replacing my vehicle so much easier for me. To say they were patient was an understatement. The process of buying a new car went on for three days, many tears and emotionally laden. I refused to go to another dealer to purchase a car. Brandon's work was commendable, and I am loyal to this dealership. Nicole and Darrien worked tirelessly with me, on one day staying over an-hour-and-a-half after closing, while I tried to make a decision (I couldn't). But like a good parent, they stood by, informing and guiding me without assertiveness or frustration. Now I'm in love with my XLE. I owe that entire dealership a great deal. They are consummate professionals, courteous and genuine. They helped me get results when my own efforts were insufficient. Thank you, One Toyota and Ainsworth Leslie who heads the team, for your patience, diligence, and stellar customer service. I highly recommend them, especially for women on their own, who have apprehension with automotive services and/or purchases. I will add that for certified vehicles, they are the #1 dealer in the Bay Area. They rank highest among NorCal Toyota dealers on Yelp as well. And my saga is proof. Mary Ellen Ciptak

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