Complaint Review: Kendall Toyota, Donald Salazar - Miami Florida
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- Author Not Confirmed
- Kendall Toyota, Donald Salazar 10943 South Dixie Highway Miami, Florida U.S.A.
- Phone: 305-665-6559
- Web:
- Category: Auto Dealer Repairs
Kendall Toyota, Donald Salazar ripoff fraudulent car service, material misstatements, half-truths about vehicle Miami Florida
*Consumer Suggestion: It boils down to the techs
*Consumer Comment: Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
*Consumer Comment: Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
*Consumer Comment: Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
*Consumer Comment: Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
*Author of original report: Kendall Toyota, Donald Salazar NOT fraudulent, Under threat of lawsuit
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I was recently shocked and appalled at the work rendered on my automobile and the incompetence of the staff at Kendall Toyota. I feel compelled to share this information and alert you of the unscrupulous service department there. My experiences with Kendall Toyota illustrate their fraudulent practice, material misstatements, and half-truths in the service and repair of my vehicle. Not only that, the staff was disrespectful and unprofessional. While my letter may not be proof of such ethical and professional violations, it should raise a red flag and be seriously inquired into to prevent such injustice from happening to another unsuspecting victim.
My story begins with an odd sound when I start my car cold. I bring it in to Kendall Toyota (Service advisor: Donald Salazar) because I have had excellent service from other Toyota dealerships in the past. Their guess-work determines that it is the drive belt and tensioner that needs to be replaced. Trusting their expertise, I get that work done, costing $438.55 on July 19, 2004. The next day, however, when I start the car cold, I hear the same sound. Due to my busy schedule, I did not contact Toyota until my car completely stopped working 52 miles later on July 25, 2004. Toyota tows my vehicle for me the next day and determines that the battery is dead and must be replaced. I pay $101.75 for the battery and installation thereof.
Four days later I leave for a two week vacation and upon my return my vehicle does not start or turn over at all. I lift the hood to see if there were any obvious problems and notice that the battery looks amazingly dirty and faded for being brand new. What struck me as especially odd, even though I don't know much about cars, is that there was a lot of corrosion on the battery terminals. I glanced back at my receipt and noticed that I specifically paid for a battery terminal replacement. I will return to this point later when Toyota has to replace my brand new battery again. But in the meantime, Toyota tows my car once again and guesses at the problem my car has.
This time Donald Salazar tells me on the phone that the reason my vehicle won't start is because I had not run the car in two weeks and that that was bad for the vehicle. He explains to me that leaving the vehicle idle and not running the engine has caused problems with the fuel system. This sounds extremely bizarre so I have my father call Mr. Salazar to see what he thinks of this strange explanation. Mr. Salazar changes the story somewhat for my father, stating that mixing old fuel with new fuel and not running the vehicle for such a long period of time, two weeks, can cause problems. My father calls me back and tells me this slightly different story and suggests that I get the car towed to another place since Mr. Salazar doesn't know what he's talking about. I mean really, two weeks without running your vehicle should not cause any problems whatsoever and it's preposterous to suggest so. The idea about mixing old fuel with new fuel is equally as preposterous as this happens each and every time you re-fuel your vehicle unless you happen to be on fumes.
I call Mr. Salazar up and tell him that I'm disappointed with his inability to determine what is wrong with my car and I'm going to have it towed to another garage. He then informs me that he is 100% certain that the problem with the vehicle is contaminated fuel. This is now the third story about why my vehicle does not work, unless he meant to say contaminated fuel in our previous conversations and simply never used those words, which would be extremely odd considering the length of time he spent explaining to me the dangers of leaving a vehicle for so long a time (two weeks) without running the engine. This is the first time I ever hear the two words contaminated fuel.
At this point I am extremely frustrated and take a day to consider my options. I call back the next day, August 19, 2004, and tell Mr. Salazar that I need to know where my vehicle is located in order to have it towed. He tells me that towing isn't necessary because my car starts up just fine. He then tries to solicit work by telling me that this is definitely the only problem and Toyota can fix it the cheapest. I inform Mr. Salazar that I will be picking it up immediately and request him to transfer my call to the receptionist so that I can arrange for a pick-up. I wait for three hours for Toyota to get someone here to pick me up and drive me to the dealership where I can drive my vehicle to another garage.
Upon arriving, I learn that my car doesn't start at all. I ask to speak with Mr. Salazar who has apparently just left. I then request to speak with a manager. When Tony, the manager, arrives, I request that we speak in his office because this kind of service is unacceptable. Besides not introducing himself or having any business cards, he seemed completely uninterested in my situation. I do not appreciate being lied to and this Toyota dealership has already wasted enough of my time. He explains to me that contaminated fuel couldn't be the only problem as Mr. Salazar had repeatedly told me on the phone because the car should turn over, which it does not, if the only problem was indeed contaminated fuel. He tells me that he'll run a full diagnostic on it the following day and determine what's wrong with my vehicle. While not even looking me in the eye, he half-heartedly apologizes for this inconvenience.
The following day Mr. Salazar gives me another call and explains that the new battery went completely dead, so he went ahead and replaced it with another new one. This time he says the car really starts and I can come in to drive it off. I pick it up and drive it to Quality Auto Repair (Service Advisor: Luis Quintero). I pop the hood to look at the battery and immediately notice that this is a new battery. It looks brand new, the coloring is not faded, and there is absolutely no corrosion on the terminals. I am now absolutely 100% percent certain that my battery was not replaced on July 26, 2004 when I paid $101.75 for a new battery.
Quality Auto Repair determines that my spark plugs were in bad shape and needed replacement. They also found the ignition wires to be damaged and in need of replacement. Neither of which Toyota found in their numerous diagnostic tests they ran on my vehicle. Additionally, they found usually large amounts of water in the gas tank. I inquired into whether this water could have come from bad gas or perhaps build-up from gas over the years. Luis explained to me that the quantity of water found strongly suggests that it was intentionally put there.
I check at the last two gas stations which I filled up at and inquire whether or not there have been any reports of bad gas. Both state that they have had no complaints and do not believe so. I check to see if there has been any damage to the gas lid since it can only be opened from the inside of the vehicle unless pried open. There is none. The fact that the car was showing no signs of contaminated fuel while driving previous to its placement at Kendall Toyota, combined with the gas stations not having any complaints of bad gas and the excessive amounts of water in the gas tank powerfully support and greatly intensify each other in the probability that this contaminated fuel problem occurred at Kendall Toyota.
A large dent has been put in my savings because of the guess-work done at Kendall Toyota: a costly drive belt, which was not the source of the strange sound; a battery which was not actually put into my car at the time I was charged; contaminated fuel which may have been put into my vehicle there; not to mention the frustration and time spent dealing with this situation. Donald Salazar's used car salesman personality combined with the cold and unsatisfactory character of the manager, Tony, have tainted my opinion of Toyota. I will never use or trust Kendall Toyota again due to their incompetent and unprofessional staff. I have an expectation that when I take my Toyota to a Toyota dealership to get work done on it, there will be a competent and attentive staff ready to work on my vehicle. This was certainly not the case at Kendall Toyota.
David
Miami, Florida
U.S.A.
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This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 09/05/2004 09:12 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/kendall-toyota-donald-salazar/miami-florida-33156/kendall-toyota-donald-salazar-ripoff-fraudulent-car-service-material-misstatements-half-107092. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
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#6 Consumer Suggestion
It boils down to the techs
AUTHOR: Pedro - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 11, 2006
Hello. I wanted to make some comments about the Kendall Toyota case. I am the owner of a mobile repair shop. There are many things in the two reports that really make me mad. I have worked with some service advisors, most of them don't have the training needed to perform properly. Some are tired out techs that want to make easy money not getting dirty and giving a hard time to techs. The bad thing is, as in this case, the complainer, David, changed his story for fear of a law suit. Why? You didn't have to change your story, if you told the truth Totota of Kendall acted in a no proffessional way. First they didn't diagnose the car properly, they charged for a battery they didn't replace, Yes they gave you free towing, but for what? to make you loose time?
Look, a repair shop is there to make money, period, if the manager didn't look you in the eye, there must be a reason. The easy way to get out if the deal is by blaming the techs, which by the way can't afford to hire a lawyer to protect them from slander like the management can.
There are bad dealers and good dealers, mainly the management will choose good techs and all be good, if management is crooked you can bet you will have crooked techs.
Recomendation, ask your friends and realatives for a recomendation for a good shop. Do your homework. And don't give up. If a shop is not profesional report them some where.
Remember not all shops are bad, and there are a lot of good techs out there.
Thanks
#5 Consumer Comment
Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
AUTHOR: Charlene - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 09, 2004
David, thank you for your telling your Toyota story. Are you aware that Kendall Toyota has a rather unique status? It was the subject of the very FIRST Toyota-owner told story about TOYOTA ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. It seems that Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge problems in her vehicle. Since that time, despite thousands coming forward, Toyota and Kendall Toyota continue to BLAME THE VEHICLE OWNER for a widespread and well-known problem affecting 3.3 MILLION vehicles.
Speaking of this, did you per chance get a letter from Toyota which explains the possibility of engine oil sludge? What model and model year do you own? What is your mileage? Just curious how much knowledge you ahve about THIS pervasive Toyota problem.
It seems that fouled spark plugs, smoking tailpipes, oil burning, fuel or glycol-contaminated oil, fuel delivery problems, emission control component failures, ticking/rattling engine noises, very hot engines, etc. are all part of this rather unique Toyota problem. This problem occurs with or without proper maintenance and regardless of oil change interval even though the Toyota dealerships will tell you differently.
You mentioned lies from the dealership. Interestingly enough, this is the same sentiment noted from many online, vocal Toyota owners lately as they try to resolve their major engine issues. The word "stonewall" comes up a lot, too! You should know that you are FAR FROM ALONE.
To be sure, Kendall Toyota follows the company line on engine oil sludge. Just ask Maggie Alemany, who used Kendall Toyota when her Toyota Sienna was choking with engine oil sludge. Toyota, the parent company, must be awfully proud of Kendall Toyota. Why....I venture to say that this dealership is saving Toyota a whole lot of money. You see, since the time the infamous "Engine Oil Gelation" program was issued back in April of 2002, Kendall Toyota has turned away quite a few customers who have shown up with engine oil sludge. Some of these customers never received one of the letters that Toyota executives brags about sending out to all affected owners. I'll bet that Kendall Toyota gets a "five star rating" from the parent company for its ability to blame the owner!
As someone who has networked with hundreds of Toyota and Lexus owners over the past four years, I can honestly say that Kendall Toyota comes up a lot in the conversations of complaining Toyota owners. There are fair number of such complaints here on this site as well.
Again, thank you for sharing your story, David. Welcome to the ever-growing group of Toyota owners who are NOT happy that they did not get what they paid for. Do a little internet search to find others, especially under the topic of "engine oil sludge." These same owners will be the first to tell you that Toyotas are NOT what they used to be and haven't been for a number of years now. Too bad, wouldn't you say? Somewhere along the way, Toyota decided that it was above reproach. It is has a seriously flawed business ethic if it believes that its actions will not be closely scrutinized by the vehicle owners!
#4 Consumer Comment
Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
AUTHOR: Charlene - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 09, 2004
David, thank you for your telling your Toyota story. Are you aware that Kendall Toyota has a rather unique status? It was the subject of the very FIRST Toyota-owner told story about TOYOTA ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. It seems that Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge problems in her vehicle. Since that time, despite thousands coming forward, Toyota and Kendall Toyota continue to BLAME THE VEHICLE OWNER for a widespread and well-known problem affecting 3.3 MILLION vehicles.
Speaking of this, did you per chance get a letter from Toyota which explains the possibility of engine oil sludge? What model and model year do you own? What is your mileage? Just curious how much knowledge you ahve about THIS pervasive Toyota problem.
It seems that fouled spark plugs, smoking tailpipes, oil burning, fuel or glycol-contaminated oil, fuel delivery problems, emission control component failures, ticking/rattling engine noises, very hot engines, etc. are all part of this rather unique Toyota problem. This problem occurs with or without proper maintenance and regardless of oil change interval even though the Toyota dealerships will tell you differently.
You mentioned lies from the dealership. Interestingly enough, this is the same sentiment noted from many online, vocal Toyota owners lately as they try to resolve their major engine issues. The word "stonewall" comes up a lot, too! You should know that you are FAR FROM ALONE.
To be sure, Kendall Toyota follows the company line on engine oil sludge. Just ask Maggie Alemany, who used Kendall Toyota when her Toyota Sienna was choking with engine oil sludge. Toyota, the parent company, must be awfully proud of Kendall Toyota. Why....I venture to say that this dealership is saving Toyota a whole lot of money. You see, since the time the infamous "Engine Oil Gelation" program was issued back in April of 2002, Kendall Toyota has turned away quite a few customers who have shown up with engine oil sludge. Some of these customers never received one of the letters that Toyota executives brags about sending out to all affected owners. I'll bet that Kendall Toyota gets a "five star rating" from the parent company for its ability to blame the owner!
As someone who has networked with hundreds of Toyota and Lexus owners over the past four years, I can honestly say that Kendall Toyota comes up a lot in the conversations of complaining Toyota owners. There are fair number of such complaints here on this site as well.
Again, thank you for sharing your story, David. Welcome to the ever-growing group of Toyota owners who are NOT happy that they did not get what they paid for. Do a little internet search to find others, especially under the topic of "engine oil sludge." These same owners will be the first to tell you that Toyotas are NOT what they used to be and haven't been for a number of years now. Too bad, wouldn't you say? Somewhere along the way, Toyota decided that it was above reproach. It is has a seriously flawed business ethic if it believes that its actions will not be closely scrutinized by the vehicle owners!
#3 Consumer Comment
Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
AUTHOR: Charlene - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 09, 2004
David, thank you for your telling your Toyota story. Are you aware that Kendall Toyota has a rather unique status? It was the subject of the very FIRST Toyota-owner told story about TOYOTA ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. It seems that Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge problems in her vehicle. Since that time, despite thousands coming forward, Toyota and Kendall Toyota continue to BLAME THE VEHICLE OWNER for a widespread and well-known problem affecting 3.3 MILLION vehicles.
Speaking of this, did you per chance get a letter from Toyota which explains the possibility of engine oil sludge? What model and model year do you own? What is your mileage? Just curious how much knowledge you ahve about THIS pervasive Toyota problem.
It seems that fouled spark plugs, smoking tailpipes, oil burning, fuel or glycol-contaminated oil, fuel delivery problems, emission control component failures, ticking/rattling engine noises, very hot engines, etc. are all part of this rather unique Toyota problem. This problem occurs with or without proper maintenance and regardless of oil change interval even though the Toyota dealerships will tell you differently.
You mentioned lies from the dealership. Interestingly enough, this is the same sentiment noted from many online, vocal Toyota owners lately as they try to resolve their major engine issues. The word "stonewall" comes up a lot, too! You should know that you are FAR FROM ALONE.
To be sure, Kendall Toyota follows the company line on engine oil sludge. Just ask Maggie Alemany, who used Kendall Toyota when her Toyota Sienna was choking with engine oil sludge. Toyota, the parent company, must be awfully proud of Kendall Toyota. Why....I venture to say that this dealership is saving Toyota a whole lot of money. You see, since the time the infamous "Engine Oil Gelation" program was issued back in April of 2002, Kendall Toyota has turned away quite a few customers who have shown up with engine oil sludge. Some of these customers never received one of the letters that Toyota executives brags about sending out to all affected owners. I'll bet that Kendall Toyota gets a "five star rating" from the parent company for its ability to blame the owner!
As someone who has networked with hundreds of Toyota and Lexus owners over the past four years, I can honestly say that Kendall Toyota comes up a lot in the conversations of complaining Toyota owners. There are fair number of such complaints here on this site as well.
Again, thank you for sharing your story, David. Welcome to the ever-growing group of Toyota owners who are NOT happy that they did not get what they paid for. Do a little internet search to find others, especially under the topic of "engine oil sludge." These same owners will be the first to tell you that Toyotas are NOT what they used to be and haven't been for a number of years now. Too bad, wouldn't you say? Somewhere along the way, Toyota decided that it was above reproach. It is has a seriously flawed business ethic if it believes that its actions will not be closely scrutinized by the vehicle owners!
#2 Consumer Comment
Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge
AUTHOR: Charlene - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 09, 2004
David, thank you for your telling your Toyota story. Are you aware that Kendall Toyota has a rather unique status? It was the subject of the very FIRST Toyota-owner told story about TOYOTA ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. It seems that Kendall Toyota made a certain Toyota owner go without her vehicle for about a year as it blamed her for all the engine oil sludge problems in her vehicle. Since that time, despite thousands coming forward, Toyota and Kendall Toyota continue to BLAME THE VEHICLE OWNER for a widespread and well-known problem affecting 3.3 MILLION vehicles.
Speaking of this, did you per chance get a letter from Toyota which explains the possibility of engine oil sludge? What model and model year do you own? What is your mileage? Just curious how much knowledge you ahve about THIS pervasive Toyota problem.
It seems that fouled spark plugs, smoking tailpipes, oil burning, fuel or glycol-contaminated oil, fuel delivery problems, emission control component failures, ticking/rattling engine noises, very hot engines, etc. are all part of this rather unique Toyota problem. This problem occurs with or without proper maintenance and regardless of oil change interval even though the Toyota dealerships will tell you differently.
You mentioned lies from the dealership. Interestingly enough, this is the same sentiment noted from many online, vocal Toyota owners lately as they try to resolve their major engine issues. The word "stonewall" comes up a lot, too! You should know that you are FAR FROM ALONE.
To be sure, Kendall Toyota follows the company line on engine oil sludge. Just ask Maggie Alemany, who used Kendall Toyota when her Toyota Sienna was choking with engine oil sludge. Toyota, the parent company, must be awfully proud of Kendall Toyota. Why....I venture to say that this dealership is saving Toyota a whole lot of money. You see, since the time the infamous "Engine Oil Gelation" program was issued back in April of 2002, Kendall Toyota has turned away quite a few customers who have shown up with engine oil sludge. Some of these customers never received one of the letters that Toyota executives brags about sending out to all affected owners. I'll bet that Kendall Toyota gets a "five star rating" from the parent company for its ability to blame the owner!
As someone who has networked with hundreds of Toyota and Lexus owners over the past four years, I can honestly say that Kendall Toyota comes up a lot in the conversations of complaining Toyota owners. There are fair number of such complaints here on this site as well.
Again, thank you for sharing your story, David. Welcome to the ever-growing group of Toyota owners who are NOT happy that they did not get what they paid for. Do a little internet search to find others, especially under the topic of "engine oil sludge." These same owners will be the first to tell you that Toyotas are NOT what they used to be and haven't been for a number of years now. Too bad, wouldn't you say? Somewhere along the way, Toyota decided that it was above reproach. It is has a seriously flawed business ethic if it believes that its actions will not be closely scrutinized by the vehicle owners!
#1 Author of original report
Kendall Toyota, Donald Salazar NOT fraudulent, Under threat of lawsuit
AUTHOR: David - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Under threat of lawsuit, I have decided to post an update to clarify some salient points in my original complaint that may be misconstrued by readers. All the statements in my original complaint are still 100% true this is merely for clarification purposes.
Let me begin by saying Donald Salazar did in fact try to help fix my car. What was mentioned in the complaint was my personal interpretation of those events that occurred at Kendall Toyota. It should be explicitly noted (although implied in my original complaint) that my car was towed twice at no cost to me and I was given a free estimate of what it would cost to fix the contaminated fuel problem.
The mechanics relay information about what is wrong with a car to Mr. Salazar, which he then relays to customers. Mr. Salazar is simply a middle man and any problem with the actual repairs (or lack thereof) is not to be placed on him. Accordingly, because Mr. Salazar has to take the word of the mechanics, it should be highlighted that the problems stemmed not from Mr. Salazar himself, but rather, the mechanics at Kendall Toyota. Additionally, Mr. Salazar did see to it that my fuel injectors were given a free cleaning so that I could drive my vehicle to another garage for repairs.
I have been instructed to post that Kendall Toyota did not try to recommend repairs which were unnecessary. This is, however, a topic of some debate as you can see from my complaint. Mr. Salazar, as a middle man, should certainly not take the blame for relaying messages from the mechanics on this issue. My opinions expressed in my complaint were my personal opinions. I am not a mechanic and perhaps there are other explanations for the noise to continue after the drive belt and tensioner were replaced or why the ignition wires and spark plugs were not recommended to be changed. It was acknowledged by Kendall Toyota that the ignition wires could have been the reason for the initial problems in starting my vehicle and the mechanics failed to correctly determine this. This is now a moot point though because my vehicle was correctly and competently repaired at another garage NOT Kendall Toyota. I will still never use or trust anyone at Kendall Toyota and remain firm in my convictions that they have an unscrupulous service department. However, a finger shoud not be pointed solely at Donald Salazar given the nature of the situation.
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