Used Cars for Sale at Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa, CA

NameWithheld

Mar 20, 2013

I bought a new Prius from freeman. Jim was friendly in a hands off straight-forward way. I felt he balanced my needs well with his incentive to sell. Truthful and followed through. Shona was very nice and friendly. Felt she only tried to sell me the things I would need. Recomended. Was able to drive to work directly from the dealership :)

gil.walser

May 21, 2012

If you're like me and if you don't buy a car every day, you expect some amount of help from your dealer. Of course, you can still consult some documentation, reviews, websites, blogs, etc; sometimes, your questions are not answered by manuals, websites, reviews or blogs. This is why you probably won't buy a car on Amazon like any other commodity, but will speak to a dealer and try to figure out whether the car you dreamt about is really going to suit you.In that instance, buying a car becomes a "trust" relationship between you and the dealer you are speaking to. The level of trust you will place in a dealer depends on his ability to answer clearly and correctly to questions you know the answers and then to its assurance when he's giving you the details of matters you don't know. At that point, all legal rules, directives and requirements become almost secondary and you feel satisfied that your questions have found a reasonable outcome. This is also the experience I had when I bought my Toyota RAV4 at Freeman's in April 2011; except that:My wife and I came from Switzerland last year and needed to buy a car. Our intention's always been to stay in the US for a max of two years. At the time we bought our RAV4, we knew we would bring it back with us; I had already checked with the Swiss "DMV" that this would not be a too difficult task to have the car registered in Switzerland.Before we inquired Freeman, we spent numerous hours on the internet trying to figure out what car was the best for us and then decided that we would go for a RAV4. As a matter of convenience, we wanted to have the satellite navigation installed. We went to the dealership and had a chat with the salesman. We exposed clearly our situation and the fact that we would be going back to Switzerland after 2 years and that we were concern if any part of the vehicle or its devices would be compatible with the European standards; he did not make any comments regarding these questions and confirmed that we would just need to buy a GPS DVD for Europe. We came back home that evening with our opinion almost made. The week after, we phoned the salesman and confirmed that we would be happy to buy that car.Now, it's time to pack; my car is going to be shipped in less than 2 weeks. Candidly, I consulted the internet to find the way to buy that GPS DVD and found on the Toyota Europe website the list of DVDs that are available; however, I noticed also a disclaimer that advised me that European DVDs aren't compatible with cars sold in the US. It sounds like someone did not inform me correctly. On top of that, this limitation is never/nowhere mentioned in the car manuals or on the Toyota US website.My first reaction was to phone Freeman; I got in contact with the General sales manager who took the time to answer my call and listen to my concern. As a matter of fact, this was the first time he was reported such a situation and wanted some time a) to make some research and b) to have a discussion with the salesman. We agreed he would call back. 2 business days and a weekend later, I took the phone to hear from him. He reported: "I discussed with the salesman who remembered you had a discussion about the Bluetooth, but nothing about the sat nav; based on his records and the time I have been knowing him, I have to trust him. I cannot do anything for you." End of story; in other words, I do not say the truth, i.e. I lie. It sounds like he's just found an easy escape not to face his responsibilities!As you can imagine, I haven't had a good experience with Freeman. I tried through Toyota US, but their reaction was the same. When I said at the beginning of my story that buying a car was in most cases a "trust" relationship, I feel now like I have been betrayed. I feel utterly betrayed to have been told what it sounded the right thing to tell me in order to sell the car; I feel utterly betrayed to be told now that I lied, when, last year, I placed my trust in a salesman. I feel angry against the Toyota US, which told me that "Toyota does not recommend exporting cars and cannot do anything for you." This is not what you are told when you purchase a car after expressively inquiring about that; this is not what you read in the car manuals. On purpose, or not, I was given some incorrect information that lead me to buy a car that I would have not if I had been better informed. This cannot be considered as "fair business".Now, I do not know how I am going to modify the car, to the extent it's possible and how much it will cost me. I do nevertheless feel that it would have probably been peanuts for Freeman, surely nothing for Toyota US.I hope the above will help anybody purchasing a car at Freeman (or elsewhere) to avoid being caught in such a situation. Maybe the key is to take minutes or records of the discussions/negotiations in order to have the dealerships face their responsibilities.There is one thing rather sure today: it was my first Toyota, and the last one!

The Scotsman

Oct 21, 2011

Touch bases with customers if they are waiting for over several hours for repair work to be done. Let them know the status of that work now and then. The customer shouldn't have to inquire as to the status of ther work being done. Unfortunately, nowadays work being done in a dealership is somewhat expensive as is parts.

searanchvoice

Aug 25, 2011

I have driven only Mercedes for 20 years. This dealership was just as good... friendly, helpful and very professional. I am so pleased with the amount of time and effort put into my purchase and my follow-up visit. I felt like they really cared if my questions were answered and if I was happy with the result. Jim took care of our purchase, waiting late for us on Father's Day. Andrew, I think took most of his day helping me understand our new Prius and all of the electronics..never making me feel rushed. Great dealership!

bsovel

Aug 12, 2011

We were treated as valued clients during estimate, work and post work needs. Honest, quality and on schedule. Facilitated interaction with the insurance company.Unfortunately, my wife and I have needed Greg's and Freeman Collision Center's service a few times this year.Each time I found myself working with a professional and knowledgeable staff. I was treated as a valued client during estimate, work and post work needs. Honest, quality and on schedule. The lead estimator, and now shop manager, Greg Gustafson, gave me the direction and choices I needed. He facilitated interaction with the insurance company. He arranged for my rental car, even getting me an extension when I needed it.Most of all, both my wife and I are very satisfied with the work that was done.There is one added bonus that I did not expect. Once you are a valued client, you seem to be able to keep that status. A couple of times little questions and needs came up. Greg and Freeman Collision took care of these things immediately and with a minimum of fuss.Thank you Freeman Collision Center.

kfbutler

Aug 11, 2011

Dealer willing to meet a lower price from another dealer. Dealer willing to structure a trade with another dealer as the specific color we desired was extremely low in inventory levels throughout California.

lschreck

Jul 30, 2011

I originally leased a Toyota Camery and was so happy with it that at the end of the lease I purchased a Camery. I really appreciated how this dealership welcomed me. They invited me to a new owner orientation and explained the inner workings of my car. They taught me why and when to handle maintenance issues. For the last six years they have treated my car as if it was their own. They treat me like an honored guest. I appreciate their professional, curteous service, clean shop, and fair prices. In the past I took my cars to independent repair shops, and although satisfied with the work, they never had the cars history. I like spending a Saturday morning at Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa - knowing that my car is well cared for and I am safe on the road.

karen Palmiotti

Jul 21, 2011

Most people send complaint letters we wanted to let you know how terrific Susan Gleasland was to us. We brought in a Lexus to have body work done. We thought the price that Susan gave us was great-- We loved her attitude-- her professionalism-- and her attention to detail. We loved the job that Freeman did so we are bringing in our Honda on Monday. Please know that if it were not for Susan we would not have gotten either car done. I think that she saved us money and got the job done to perfection. Give her a raise! karen & mike Palmiott

smile0112

Jul 16, 2011

I took my vehicle in for the 60,000 mile oil change. I requested that the tire pressure light be turned off. The oil change took five hours!!! After I paid a little over $200.00 for the mechanics to basically look at my vehicle, I was told my money could not be refunded. As I drove away the tire pressure light came back on!!! I returned to the dealership, and they took my vehicle back in, and "fixed" it. If my vehicle is a Toyota and I'm at the Toyota dealership then my vehicle should be maintained and fixed appropriately. The employee I voiced my complaints to was courteous. He promised me that my next oil change will be free, as I was ripped off. Needless to say, the next day the tire pressure light was on AGAIN. I'm now wondering if the mechanics are incompetent.

kennetharogers

May 20, 2011

We have dealt with Freeman Toyota for about 10 years, have purchased 1 used and 3 new cars from them, and have them do all of our service. Their service has always been first rate- never a problem. Consistantly they are friendly, have the car ready when promised, explain everything that was done, and I consider their prices to be as reasonable as any I've ever dealt with. All of my questions are answered completely, and I've never met anyone in the dealership that wasn't very friendly. For major service they always provide a free loaner. As a bonus, their waiting room is comfortable, and their free coffee is good. I consistantly recommend them to all of my friends.

bean

May 11, 2011

i have always gotten the best service at freeman toyota. the people are very friendly and helpful. it couldn't be a better experience. i would recommend freeman to any of my friends and in fact one bought their prius there after we bought our camry hybrid.

kenlittle77

May 10, 2011

I have been to Freeman Toyota several times to keep up with the maintenance on my 2006 Toyota Highlander and also to have other repairs done. (I recently just had a water pump replaced). The service has been very friendly, professional, and they have always finished in a timely manner. The waiting room is always clean and very convenient, and I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in purchasing a car (my Toyota has been the most reliable car I have ever owned) or having maintenance or repairs done (which keeps your car reliable). Thanks Freeman!

Ronda Fleming

Apr 26, 2011

I had a great experience shopping for my new Prius. I made three separate trips to test drive both the Prius and Hybrid Camry. Both Jim and Ed were very friendly and not pushy - offering facts but not trying to sell me right away. I appreciated having the time to sit and feel comfortable with my decision. After the purchase Andrew was fantastic going over the features of the car. To my delight I had more than I was expecting. Overall, this was one of the easiest car purchases I've ever made. Thanks so much!

dluiz

Apr 13, 2011

We went to Freeman Toyota's New Owner event. It was very nice and well executed! They served us (100 owners) a catered dinner. They put us into small groups and Rene Doess did a great job explaining the Hybrids to all the Hybrid owners! Really a nice personal touch! I'm actually looking forward to my first service experience!

bebopnow

Nov 20, 2010

I just purchased a certified used Camry and when I got it home discoveredthe front passenger seat was lose on its bolts. Did not exactly inspireconfidence in the dealerships inspection of my "certified" vehichle.This is my second used car from this dealership and it is again a mixed experience.My first "certified" used car had loose headlamps and the dealer replaced the first for free (which isaccording to the warranty I purchased what they should have done), but they refused to replace the second headlight whenit became loose. The sales person of my first vehicle also outright lied to me about the antilock brakes on the car I purchased.I think I'll try a different dealership the next time a purchase a used Toyota.

Joseph Pope

Aug 11, 2010

I have been doing business with Freeman Toyota for quite some time now and not once have I ever been let down. They always provide me with fantastic service and the staff is friendly and helpful. It also has always worked perfectly for me getting my car serviced there. I drop it off on the way to work in the morning then pick it up either that evening when I get off or the next morning. No need in paying money for a rental car because they have a shuttle service. I would not go anywhere else to A. get my car service or B. buy a new car! Thanks!!!

mhlvrs

Aug 24, 2007

Our sales, service and rental experienses were wonderful. We were involved in an accident and because of the wonderful sales/service experiences we had, decided to take our car to their collision center.Our experience was a nightmare.We asked to discuess our problem with the owners/managers and were simply turned away - Management & the Collision has cost the entire Freeman Group a customer.you can read more about my experience at: badfreemanexperience.com

2carguy22

Jan 18, 2007

I had an express lube plus done on my new Camry for $75.00 at 4957 miles. I had run over something on the freeway before I took the car in. When I asked if some one could look at it (the car would already be in the air!) I was told "If you want to pay 125 dollars per hour!?!?!?!"I just wanted a mechanic to check for any safety issues. But NO!!!!!The express lube plus comes with a 27 point inspection - why could this not be part of that?Poor, Poor, Poor - lack of customer service. These people have seen the last of me! Payback is sweet. I will spend MY money where someone earns it !!!! See Ya - By, By Freeman

abdiver

Mar 10, 2006

I have bought 2 cars from this dealership and both were fair and easy, The last was a truck that I ordered from factory and waited 4 months. The paperwork was fast and easy NO PRESSURE I just told him NO extras and was out in 15 mins. I don't use Floor sales people as they are middle men and have to find a way to make a profit and eat up my time.

homegirl

Feb 22, 2006

After waiting five months for my 2004 Prius they tried to pull a bait and switch. Wrong color and wrong, more expensive, upgrade package. I walked away from the sale.In April 2005 I bought a 2005 Prius from Hansel Toyota the same day I called!Freeman made many promises but failed to deliver.Marion A.

vegaman

Jan 3, 2006

I am not usually a dealership buyer, more recently going through my credit union and a broker for the best prices and no haggling/gimmicks. I gave in for my '04 Pilot, however, and went through a dealer, but the lease experience with Hansel Honda was a nightmare. So, for my '06 Tundra I was a bit hesitant in dealing directly with a dealership once again. Turns out that the sales person, Deborah Brown, was helpful, respectful and professional well beyond my expectations. In addition to the great service, it was the outstanding deal - $3,000 Freeman discount and the $2,000 Toyota rebate ($5,000 total off MSRP) - that kept me away from a broker. I also appreciated the finance person for the low-pressure and straight-forward representation of additional products and services. My Honda finance experience in contrast was a mercyless excercise in deception. My Tundra purchase was unquestionably the best sales experience I've ever had working directly with a dealership.

JeffDavis

Aug 12, 2005

My car was taken in for service and when I got it home I found damage on the body. First Freeman agreed to repair the damage, then I got a phone message (!) from their service (so-called) manager, Eugene Jones (who had refused to return my original phone call to him) saying that Freeman would not take care of the damage. I've purchased two new cars in the last 5 years from them, which amounts to about $10,000 a year in sales, and they just don't seem to care. Needless to say, I will never do business with them again, and will not recommend them to anyone. My advice--go somewhere else. Freeman Toyota simply does not care about the customer, no matter what their advertising says.