Fred Anderson Toyota of Sanford

Im a big fan of Fred Anderson Toyota… Jessica the salesperson is awesome… I had the best customer service. And I got my car at an awesome prices…

Short version:
We were little more than a number to the person who scheduled our appointment. It appears that the information I took the time to send them was not conveyed to the sales person/​manager whom we spoke with, and there was no consideration put forth towards the time of me and my partner.
Longer version:
My partner and I were each considering a new vehicle, and thought that maybe with some finessing the numbers could be made to work. I knew that it was a stretch, but I e-​mailed Brian Elston at Fred Anderson (replied to one of their many sales pitch e-​mails). In my e-​mail I explained that I knew we were upside down, gave the amount that we owed on each of the vehicles, provided the KBB trade in values (included screen shots), and said that I didn’t want to waste their, my, or my partner’s time if it did not seem feasible. I stressed the fact that we would be driving over an hour each way to their location to do this, and that I was supplying all the necessary information for ballpark figures.
When we arrived, we were a little late, and our salesperson Wayne was unavailable. We were introduced to two other gentlemen, Paul and Aaron. Both were pleasant, but neither had been provided with the information I had supplied. Paul brought part of the e-​mail with him, but had not had the time to review it and (I’m giving the benefit of the doubt here) had not been provided with the KBB screenshots.
Our time was completely wasted, and my e-​mail back to the dealership explaining my disappointment was read but not responded to. Not an apology, not an acknowledgement of dropping the ball, nothing. I am disappointed with the lack of consideration my partner and I were afforded at this location.
It isn’t because a deal wasn’t workable. That is fine, I knew it was a long shot, which is why I stressed repeatedly that we lived over an hour away, sent the information about what was owed on the trades, and what we were considering.
The only reason that I don’t give only one star is because they were all pleasant to speak with, and I had an acceptable experience when I purchased my used 2009 Prius from them. Very little haggling, but it helped that I had a check from the bank, and no trade.
Here is a copy of the e-​mail I sent that was read but not responded to:
Bryan,
I would like to say that I feel my and my Partner’s time were wasted on Monday. I had supplied you with the information necessary for ballpark figures, and it appears that the e-​mail wasn’t even looked at. I get that impression because when Paul had it in his hand, he obviously had not read it, and wasn’t provided with the second page that included the screen shots of the KBB valuations.
The only saving grace of this was that everyone was nice, even though the salesperson we had hoped to work with was unavailable. Hopefully he made a great deal for the couple he was working with, and the gentleman (Aaron) that worked with us was a pleasure.
In the future, I hope that more consideration is given to customers. Especially those who take the time to provide you with the figures necessary to get a good idea of what is going on, and then explain how far they have to drive, etc.
Other than some friendly banter, and John getting to have some hands on time with the Tacoma, it was nothing but a waste of time for everyone involved.
Sincerely,
Matthew

Everything went smoothly. I got what I came for at a unbelievable price. The customer service was very good. The salesperson was very nice and professional.

Love this place, the whole crew is awesome and I love my family plan that no one else has! Yes I will drive for free oil changes and great customer service. I have purchased several cars before and this place is amazing, yes there was a little talk about price but it’s a business and people work to make a living! I love my new car and will buy the rest from Sanford Toyota! Thanks again guys see you soon. Quick fast and easy!

The staff is so friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and helpful here. It is consistently a wonderful experience working with their staff and they do excellent repair work.

I went in for a scheduled appointment for a oil change. They asked in advance what type of car. I was getting my Chevy done. I was told about 1 hour. I checked on the progress after 1.5 hours and was told they. did not have my filter and were waiting for it to arrive. I am fine with that but tell me up front.

Do you like high pressure sales people using heavy bait and switch tactics? Are you the easy mark who is ready to be bullied into buying something you didn’t need? Then Fred Anderson Toyota Sanford is for you! I tried to do honest business with these people but they were not interested. Here is a tip: if they promise something on the phone, ask for it in writing. You won’t get it. I had to block their phone number as well. If there was lower than one, I would give it.

Tempted to give 2 stars but after all things considered I really didn’t like the experience. The whole process could have been so improved for a successful dealership. Not really geared to satisfying the customer as much as satisfying their bottom line profit and the Toyota survey (salesman was very clear about wanting to satisfy the requirements of the satisfaction survey).
*The salesman-​pretty good, nice guy but was a little too slanted on the lease which wasn’t a good fit for my situation.
*Negotiator-​why the middle man? Also persuasive with the lease and not really «transparent» about how the lease works… a special they had going also wasn’t mentioned.
*Finance guy: (Yes, number 3) — Nice guy, but doesn’t know your situation or what would serve you.
In the end, you feel bumped around to different people, who don’t seem to really dig into your situation well enough to give you a good opinion or are too slanted to really care what’s good for you. So this rating shows the vast improvement needed to really give great customer service (as a philosophy) at this establishment. As is, I would hire someone to go buy me a car and haggle before I’d do it again… maybe that’s the best way to do it.

The service department for this Toyota dealership is terrible. The only reason I use them is because the car I bought came with free oil changes for life. Every time I take the car they attempt to complete a different service or argue the oil doesn’t need changed. In addition, the free checks often result in the valve stem caps not being replaced. Lastly, even with an appt they are rarely on time to include the length of service.

First, they did not honor their advertised price. Second, after inquiring on their website regarding their vehicle (a 2014 Moulon Rouge Avalon XLE), the internet salesperson contacted me and quoted me a price of approximately $ 25k ($ 33k plus the advertised $ 8k rebate for 2014 models) over the phone. Third, upon arrival at the dealership, I was not shown the vehicle I originally inquired about, but shown and test drove a 2014 Moulon Rouge Avalon Limited. After this outstanding test drive, the salesman and I sat to discuss financing. After his original offer of nearly $ 39k for the vehicle failed, he brought his manager over. The manager (cannot remember his name) was very rude and insulting to me when I was up front that we were also considering a Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL Premium, which gets nearly 45 – 50 MPG. He then came with his final offer of $ 38k for the vehicle, and was very rude with this. Up until this point, the experience was okay, but absolutely upset me to no end after meeting with the manager. I ultimately went to Hendrick Toyota of Apex and purchased a 2014 Moulon Rouge Avalon XLE Touring and am completely satisfied with that experience.
In May 2013, we contacted them about a Highlander that was located in Raleigh, asking them to have it transferred for us to test drive. The salesman agreed, yet never contacted us back, nor returned our phone inquiries with him. After this, we found a 2012 Camry located at a Raleigh Infinity dealer, drove up there, and wound up purchasing from there. All the salesman needed to do was get back with us, yet there was no follow-​up. After purchasing the 2012 Camry, we stopped by to let the salesman know our displeasure. He wasn’t there, but we spoke with the sales manager and explained what had happened. The manager acted as if he didn’t care, nor value our business… very sad.
Something has changed with this dealership and not for the better. We had previously leased 2 vehicles with this dealership in 2007 and 2008 and had very good experiences, prompting us to return in 2013 and then give them a second chance a couple weeks ago. It’s very sad that this once-​reputable dealership has declined to the level they’re at now. Perhaps the big Toyota, or someone who can enact change at the dealership, will read this review and make some necessary changes to bring it back to where it needs to be in order to be successful. Until then, I cannot recommend anyone do business with this dealership. Do yourself a favor and drive the extra 30 minutes and do business with Hendrick Toyota of Apex. They won’t insult you or waste your time like Fred Anderson Toyota of Sanford will.

This is a bit late review but this place is way better than the other Toyota dealer nearby. They have excellent service. And they are very quick at getting the job done and right the first time. I have no issues with them. They are worth the 40 min drive from fayetteville just to get service here. Ever since my incident at the dealer in Fay I have gone here and they haven’t let me down. I had my state inspection done and I failed. I fixed the deficiency and they only charged me for they inspection of my windows, I came back and did a quick inspection and got my certificate to take to the DMV. Great service and fairly fast.

Great selection but too rushed with sales process. You are just another number on the board.