Kenny Thomas’ Olathe Toyota

My friend Brian worked here for quite a while and when my old Dakota shot craps and it was time to buy something new; I went to him for a new ride. Full disclosure: I’d done my research and had a pretty good idea of what I was wanting to get anyways. From the time I drove on to the lot until I drove off the lot in my new Camry was under 2 hours. Granted, I had to bargain a bit to get more out of my trade-​in, but fairness prevailed. 3 Years and 55K miles later and she’s still going strong. The Toyotacare package that gave the first couple of oil changes was nice and they fixed a couple things that I wasn’t a fan of. Going there for service after the fact? As with most dealerships; WAY too expensive and not worth the wait. Jiffylube is fine for oil changes and any actual work I may need done (outside the lifetime warranty) I will source elsewhere. Good experience though.

Amazing as always! No pressure, knowledge of what they are selling… Keeping it classy! Bought an awesome Tundra love me some Leroy!

Excellent experience buying my 3^rd Toyota. They showed me as many cars as I wanted to see, ended up buying a new Tundra. Awesome truck, excellent salesman, easy transaction.

It was a great buying experience and I do not remember much because it was so quick; from the online inquiry to me showing up to pay for truck it was easy, fair and Shannon (I think that was her name) was patient, helpful and the right kind of salesperson. I basically showed up, shook hands, drove off. Really liked Kenny Thomas– honest, fair deal.

Well, this is probably the worst sales experience I have had in a while.
My husband and I began our search a few months ago for a (new to us) car. Our families are «Toyota families», so my first inclination was to check out this dealership.
Anyway, we test drove ONE car, and this particular salesman was pretty anxious to sell it to us. We explained to him that we wanted to see what else was available, and that we’d feel pretty foolish buying the very first car we test drove, after only just beginning our search. After inquiring about another vehicle on the lot, he told us that he couldn’t let us test drive anything else if we weren’t serious about buying that day.
Wow! I suggest going on down the road to Hendrick, unless you plan on buying without doing any research, and hate friendly sales people!

I originally had no qualms with this dealership’s service department until today. I own a 2007 Camry Hybrid. I usually get synthetic oil on my car. I received in the mail about a recall on Camry models to have the brake reservoir replaced. Along with perfect timing, my oil needed to be replaced so I set an appointment online to have my oil changed, the recall done, and also the transmission flushed too since the mechanic told me that I will need to get that changed soon.
I get a call back from the service department to confirm my appointment. His name was either Matt or David. We went over some details about the repairs being made since the recall can take up to 4 hours to complete which is why I wanted to do it on a Saturday. After the service rep completed some work, he told me that the recall can’t be done on a weekend since the technicians will be gone. That was fine, I could reschedule that later. So the rep started to talk about the oil change. He asked me if I wanted the same oil change which was conventional. I told him that I usually requested synthetic. He told me that the last two times I came in, I had conventional done but the oil change before the last two, I had synthetic. He started to lecture me about how bad it is to switch between the two which I already knew. I told him that I usually opt for synthetic. I told him that I am shocked that I haven’t gotten synthetic. I thought they usually would see that I got synthetic and would continue to replace it with synthetic. Now, I am hesitant to continue to go back there if I am being scammed in a way which I told the rep. He told me that he wasn’t able to see the prices so that he couldn’t confirm what was ordered at the last three times when I was serviced. He said that a supervisor would call me back.
I got a voicemail so I returned the call. The supervisor picked up and I told him that I was returning a call. He said that it was him (his name is Tim). There was an awkward silence since I thought he knew about the situation which he didn’t, so then I had to explain the story again. He looked up my history to see what I was charged. He did confirm that I did get synthetic but the last two times, I got conventional. He said that I had to request that every time to make sure the mechanic knows and that the price would be more. To me, that was a no biggie. He started to lecture me about how it was better to have conventional anyway since my car is close to 106 000 miles and that if I switched to synthetic, it would be harder on the engine and the seals. I asked if that was the case, how come no one said anything when the car initially had synthetic and then was switched to conventional? He answered that he worked as a mechanic and had more experience so he couldn’t confirm why the other reps didn’t tell me the same thing he was telling me. He said that since it was my car, I could do whatever I want. If I wanted to still do synthetic, I can but it would be more taxing on my car. Well, if they know what is better for my car or for Toyota cars in general, how come they didn’t say anything? Do they even say anything for other consumers? Last time I went, I got the full service inspection since the car hit over 100,000 miles. I was really worried since the way the supervisor came off was like, you can order whatever you want on the car, since it is your car. We won’t say what is good or bad for it. So if you compare a situation where you go to the doctor’s office and you want certain prescribed medicine, would your doctor try to convene by telling you which drugs would be beneficial or harmful to you? Or would the doctor say, since it is your body, you can order whatever you want since doctor does not own your body and have no say in it. To me, that seems like this Toyota dealership doesn’t care that they take your money yet when I was in there last time for the full service inspection, they kept telling me that all these parts and fluids need to be changed and replaced.
Now I am hesitant to return there and continue to pay them since there are all these horror stories about dealerships and car shops always scamming you. I am now trying to see if other Toyota dealerships are more up front than this one.

I have had mixed experiences here over the last 7 years. The last year or two have been really great, so I’m rating based off this more recent experience.
Service department:
Today, I went in for an oil change. They are friendly, efficient, and fast. A couple of the guys in there give you the «used car salesman» feel, but they’re all pretty decent guys. I used to have a problem with them acknowledging me upon arrival, but that’s all disappeared. I never feel they are trying to «fix» more than what I’ve asked.
My buying experiences haven’t been too awesome, but it’s been awhile, so I’ll leave it at that. If I buy again, I’ll update my review.

I work on a lot of Toyota cars, and try to use all genuine Toyota parts. I regularly order parts from Olathe because: they are very fast, their shipping prices are reasonable, their communications about order status is awesome, and best of all, their prices on the Internet are much better than what my local dealers can do. Thanks Olathe Toyota!

Great job… Under promised and over delivered. It was my first time with the business with this dealership.
Looking forward to the future. I will keep you up to date.

This review is regarding Olathe Toyota’s parts department. I am halfway across the country and recently purchased a standard 2008 Camry SE grille to replace my current 2008 Camry LE grille. I typed in my VIN number online to help them fit the grille to the specifications of my car, but they ended up sending me the Camry LE grille because of it.
This was not a big issue though, as mistakes happen. It is only human. Roni, from the parts department was more than willing to help! After a few short emails back and forth she sent me a label to return and exchange the part for the one I initially ordered. I didn’t even have to pay for return shipping! Wonderful service despite a small communication error.
I recommend them for parts. They are cheaper than you’ll get from any dealership and have excellent service. It takes about three days to get to you following processing if you are on either coast of the United States.

I must have terrible luck. Two big road trips over the last five years, and both times I’ve had to limp into the nearest mechanic’s shop to get something fixed.
Fortunately for me, I was close to Kenny Thomas Toyota.
The service department helped me fix my check engine light (turned out it was no big deal — just a loose gas cap) and got me back on the road lickity-​split.
If I lived in Olathe, this would be my dealership. Great job guys.

I took my 2009 4Runner for an oil service recently and everyone in the service department was a very friendly and accomodating. Check-​in and check-​out process was smooth and both Jack and Rich were very helpful in assisting me get in and out of their facility with my young daughter and her bulky stroller. I had mentioned that my passenger side fog light was out and they found that it had been disconnected, and didn’t charge me since it was covered under warranty. This was welcomed news, after all the suspicions that I had of my previous Toyota service team in Washington state [the light didn’t work immediately after I had them (WA state) service the vehicle and also didn’t reset the maintenance light). I have no hesitations about going back to see them for service. (Or sales, since my husband bought his Tundra with them three years ago and had a good experience with them).

Sorry Kev I’ve got to disagree with you. I’ve never had an issue with This Toyota through buying and serving my last three Toyotas (echo, matrix, yaris) here.
Buying a car I recommend, Robert Jackson who sold me my echo and matrix, or Shannon Merkel. She helped me find my yaris while Mr. Jackson was on vacation. She was his apprentice and did a wonderful job as well.
As for service I have not had any serious service needed other than regular maintenance. I’ve taken my cars to here, Performance in kck and Superior in Merriam. This has the fastest service for oil change/​tire rotation. When I got my yaris my cd player was not working right. I was called when they got the part and was in and out. Headlight bulb went out. I tried to change it but, had to take it in and learn the lesson of not touching the bulb. Thought Aux plug-​in was messing up. Quickly found out it was my wire.
Service always been helpful and nice, even on an operator error. I do not hesitate to bring my cars in if something just isn’t setting right with me. Only on oil changes will I make an appointment, to get a discount. Otherwise I just pop in. On occasions they have washed my car and given me free water bottles.

My rant is particularly on their service team.
My 2 year old car shuts off on me while driving at 45mph.
It takes you SIX DAYS to figure out my car’s ECU was no good and that it was a warranty issue needing replacement. This after I told you while I dropped it off that it was an ECU issue. Then you offer no rental or courtesy car either.
Oh, and did I mention that the recalls that do not affect MY car are YOUR problem and should not affect your level of customer service to me in particular?
Super duper, juicy, deliciously-​disgusting EPIC FAIL.