Reviews
Just had such a great time trading in my car and getting
Just had such a great time trading in my car and getting a new one at Toyota RSM. The whole process was super chill and way easier than I expected. Everyone there was really friendly and helpful—they didn’t pressure me at all and made sure I felt good about everything. They gave me a fair deal on my trade-in, and the whole thing was smooth from start to finish. The team answered all my questions and helped me find the perfect car. Even the finance part (which is usually kinda stressful) was super easy. Honestly, if you're thinking about getting a car or trading yours in, you should totally check out Toyota RSM. Best car-buying experience I’ve ever had. Big thanks to the team there!
Just had such a great time trading in my car and getting
Just had such a great time trading in my car and getting a new one at Toyota RSM. The whole process was super chill and way easier than I expected. Everyone there was really friendly and helpful—they didn’t pressure me at all and made sure I felt good about everything. They gave me a fair deal on my trade-in, and the whole thing was smooth from start to finish. The team answered all my questions and helped me find the perfect car. Even the finance part (which is usually kinda stressful) was super easy. Honestly, if you're thinking about getting a car or trading yours in, you should totally check out Toyota RSM. Best car-buying experience I’ve ever had. Big thanks to the team there!
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- Overall experience 5.0
- Does recommend this dealer
- Shopped for a new car
We are so happy that you had an amazing experience here with us! Your kind words motivate us to keep providing excellent service. Enjoy your new ride, and we look forward to seeing you again! Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
Hopping on here to commend Alan Modessa and thank him for
Hopping on here to commend Alan Modessa and thank him for his excellent customer service and overall manner. He was communicative, educative, and highly responsive to our needs. Thanks for being kind and patient with my older mother.
Hopping on here to commend Alan Modessa and thank him for
Hopping on here to commend Alan Modessa and thank him for his excellent customer service and overall manner. He was communicative, educative, and highly responsive to our needs. Thanks for being kind and patient with my older mother.
- Customer service —
- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 5.0
- Does recommend this dealer
- Came in for service or repair
Robert, We're thrilled to hear about Alan's exceptional service. Our team strives to provide the best experience for all our customers, and your feedback truly brightens our day. We look forward to serving you again! Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
Absolute scammers .
Absolute scammers . Had a deal in place . I started the online paperwork , I was told I had to wait to get the vehicle , because it was being serviced . I call back two days later to see if it's ready , and they tell me sorry we sold it l a xx night ! When I asked how they could do that when we had a deal they went silent . Avoid this dealer at all costs. They must have a dozen bot giving them good reviews on google.
Absolute scammers .
Absolute scammers . Had a deal in place . I started the online paperwork , I was told I had to wait to get the vehicle , because it was being serviced . I call back two days later to see if it's ready , and they tell me sorry we sold it l a xx night ! When I asked how they could do that when we had a deal they went silent . Avoid this dealer at all costs. They must have a dozen bot giving them good reviews on google.
- Customer service —
- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 1.0
- Does not recommend this dealer
- Shopped for a used car
Thank you for both the opportunity to earn your business and for taking the time to share your concerns. While it is illegal to hold a pre-owned vehicle in the State of California, we could have done a much better job of informing you when this vehicle was done being serviced. I'd like the opportunity to learn more about what transpired, so we can address this appropriately with our team and work to ensure something like this does not happen again. Please contact me at your convenience. I look forward to speaking with you. Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
The best dealership, I don’t care how far I have to drive
The best dealership, I don’t care how far I have to drive I’ll keep coming here, the customer service is the best for me. From the front desk to the mechanic people… great service.
The best dealership, I don’t care how far I have to drive
The best dealership, I don’t care how far I have to drive I’ll keep coming here, the customer service is the best for me. From the front desk to the mechanic people… great service.
- Customer service —
- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 5.0
- Does recommend this dealer
- Came in for service or repair
Hi Mabel, We are pleased to see that you had a memorable experience here with us! If we can help you out with anything else, please let us know. Thanks! Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
Shame on you!
Shame on you! Sharing my recent experience with Toyota has become a therapeutic necessity, as what started as a dreamy affair with my 2023 Toyota Crown has transformed into a nightmarish journey. I leased this car from Toyota in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Picture this: the excitement of driving off the lot with my shiny new ride, only to be greeted by a rather unwelcome guest—a persistent and annoying clunking noise from the front axle and suspension system. Hoping for a quick fix, I rushed back to the dealership, where the technician acknowledged the issue but, to my disbelief, dismissed it as a "characteristic" of the car. Suddenly, my joyous drive was replaced with the sound of disappointment. Not one to be easily swayed, I sought a second opinion from another Toyota dealership. To my dismay, not only did they confirm the issue, but they also spun a web of lies in their report, claiming they tested a showroom model with the same problem. Having personally test-driven that very model without any issues, their dishonesty left me feeling betrayed and questioning the integrity of the brand. Hoping for a reprieve during the 5k maintenance, I handed over my beleaguered Crown, pleading for a thorough inspection. Alas, my hopes were dashed as I received yet another report insisting that the clunking noise was just a "characteristic" of the car. It felt as if my concerns were being swept under the rug, ignored by a company I once held in high regard. In my desperation, I reached out directly to Toyota, seeking assistance or even the possibility of a return. However, my plea was met with a cold denial, leaving me feeling stranded and unimportant. Where was the compassion, the understanding, and the commitment to customer satisfaction that I had expected? Talking to other Toyota Crown owners only deepened my despair, as they blissfully cruised along without a care in the world—no clunking noise to disrupt their journeys. It became clear that my case was being singled out for mishandling, leaving me with a sense of betrayal and abandonment by a company I trusted. To anyone considering a Toyota Crown, my advice is to proceed with caution. What should have been a beautiful driving experience has turned into a heartbreakingly frustrating ordeal. Toyota, you've not only lost a customer but also an advocate. It's time for some introspection and a recommitment to the values that once made your brand shine.
Shame on you!
Shame on you! Sharing my recent experience with Toyota has become a therapeutic necessity, as what started as a dreamy affair with my 2023 Toyota Crown has transformed into a nightmarish journey. I leased this car from Toyota in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Picture this: the excitement of driving off the lot with my shiny new ride, only to be greeted by a rather unwelcome guest—a persistent and annoying clunking noise from the front axle and suspension system. Hoping for a quick fix, I rushed back to the dealership, where the technician acknowledged the issue but, to my disbelief, dismissed it as a "characteristic" of the car. Suddenly, my joyous drive was replaced with the sound of disappointment. Not one to be easily swayed, I sought a second opinion from another Toyota dealership. To my dismay, not only did they confirm the issue, but they also spun a web of lies in their report, claiming they tested a showroom model with the same problem. Having personally test-driven that very model without any issues, their dishonesty left me feeling betrayed and questioning the integrity of the brand. Hoping for a reprieve during the 5k maintenance, I handed over my beleaguered Crown, pleading for a thorough inspection. Alas, my hopes were dashed as I received yet another report insisting that the clunking noise was just a "characteristic" of the car. It felt as if my concerns were being swept under the rug, ignored by a company I once held in high regard. In my desperation, I reached out directly to Toyota, seeking assistance or even the possibility of a return. However, my plea was met with a cold denial, leaving me feeling stranded and unimportant. Where was the compassion, the understanding, and the commitment to customer satisfaction that I had expected? Talking to other Toyota Crown owners only deepened my despair, as they blissfully cruised along without a care in the world—no clunking noise to disrupt their journeys. It became clear that my case was being singled out for mishandling, leaving me with a sense of betrayal and abandonment by a company I trusted. To anyone considering a Toyota Crown, my advice is to proceed with caution. What should have been a beautiful driving experience has turned into a heartbreakingly frustrating ordeal. Toyota, you've not only lost a customer but also an advocate. It's time for some introspection and a recommitment to the values that once made your brand shine.
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- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 1.0
- Does not recommend this dealer
- Shopped for a new car
Kian, Your satisfaction remains our top priority, and while we understand your concern and a resolution has gone a different route outside of our hands here at SM Toyota, please know that as your local Toyota dealer, we are still ready to serve you and be your advocate in any way possible. Should you ever like to discuss anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am always here to help. Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
If I could give this dealership 0 stars I would.
If I could give this dealership 0 stars I would. I’ve only ever had bad experiences here, they are always so rude and shady to us. I’ve somehow always ended up with the same people, and every time I leave very uncomfortable. The first time, I came here to trade in my (upside down) car and was not helped in a very respectful way. Only looked down on and treated as lesser than. The second time was to try to sell my mom’s car back to the dealership and she just passed away. My bf and I went on a Thursday, spoke with Robin who told us to come back Saturday so he could put the car on a lift and have a mechanic look at it to give an accurate quote. We waited until then, came back, and was immediately sat down and told we owe money on a car that’s worth $12500 without him even taking time to have a mechanic look at it or put it on a lift! I am furious and so glad I’m moving out of state. Don’t go here
If I could give this dealership 0 stars I would.
If I could give this dealership 0 stars I would. I’ve only ever had bad experiences here, they are always so rude and shady to us. I’ve somehow always ended up with the same people, and every time I leave very uncomfortable. The first time, I came here to trade in my (upside down) car and was not helped in a very respectful way. Only looked down on and treated as lesser than. The second time was to try to sell my mom’s car back to the dealership and she just passed away. My bf and I went on a Thursday, spoke with Robin who told us to come back Saturday so he could put the car on a lift and have a mechanic look at it to give an accurate quote. We waited until then, came back, and was immediately sat down and told we owe money on a car that’s worth $12500 without him even taking time to have a mechanic look at it or put it on a lift! I am furious and so glad I’m moving out of state. Don’t go here
- Customer service —
- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 1.0
- Does not recommend this dealer
- Shopped for a new car
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We are very disappointed that you have left here feeling uncomfortable. We never want any of our guests to feel this way. Unfortunately, there was just too much damage to the vehicle that you brought in for appraisal. We asked you to bring it back in during the day so we could get a better look at the vehicle and there was simply too much body damage for us to take it in. While we do understand that you are moving out of state, your feedback is still very important to us. Should you like to discuss your most recent experience or any other experiences you've had here, please contact me directly. I am always here to assist. Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
First time ok, second time .
First time ok, second time ...find a new dealer. New Toyota Highlander - went back to have an OEM part installed after being called saying they had all the parts only to be told later in the day, they may not be able to finish it due to "not having all the parts." Delayed. Thought I would give a second chance for 10K service. Was greeted by a service attendant saying they are short staffed and it would be 10-15 minutes. During my wait, I saw service writers show up around 15 minutes after the dealer opened, grab their tablet and started writing. By this time they had plenty of cars in multiple lines. After waiting 20 minutes, the"late people" started taking cars that showed up after me. Time to find a new dealer
First time ok, second time .
First time ok, second time ...find a new dealer. New Toyota Highlander - went back to have an OEM part installed after being called saying they had all the parts only to be told later in the day, they may not be able to finish it due to "not having all the parts." Delayed. Thought I would give a second chance for 10K service. Was greeted by a service attendant saying they are short staffed and it would be 10-15 minutes. During my wait, I saw service writers show up around 15 minutes after the dealer opened, grab their tablet and started writing. By this time they had plenty of cars in multiple lines. After waiting 20 minutes, the"late people" started taking cars that showed up after me. Time to find a new dealer
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- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 1.0
- Does not recommend this dealer
- Came in for service or repair
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and for taking the time to speak with Ian here about these concerns. As he mentioned to you, this is not how we conduct business here at Santa Margarita Toyota. We appreciate the opportunity to make this right and we are looking forward to seeing you here later this morning. Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE - BEWARE!
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE - BEWARE! My wife took her 2013 Prius to this dealership for an oil change - they were offering a Black Friday Special. When we went to pick up her car, the oil change was done, but the service technicians also decided to inflate her tires. This sounds normal, however, the tires had been inflated with nitrogen and have the GREEN valve caps to indicate that. I'm guessing they don't know that as they removed the valve caps, put air in the tires and didn't replace the valve caps. Not sure if this was a cause, but after receiving the car back the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) was malfunctioning. After talking with the service manager, they agreed to replace the one sensor at a discounted rate of $125. Discount Tire charges $120, Costco will do it for $60. They didn't mention anything about replacing the nitrogen! I have tried to contact the head guy Ephraim Barcelo via telephone and e-mail. He has ignored my voicemail, and doesn't respond to my many e-mails. I did get a call from Rob Taylor - not sure who he is. I returned his call but he failed to get back to me. What annoys me most, is not the fact they won't fix what they broke, but the arrogance of this dealership, and them failing to return or acknowledge any of my voicemails or e-mails. I contacted Toyota Corporate which has opened a case to investigate this incident. After speaking to a very helpful person at Toyota, they were also appalled at the lack of communication coming from Santa Margarita Toyota. Toyota makes great cars. There are many dealerships around that will offer better service. Avoid this one!!
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE - BEWARE!
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE - BEWARE! My wife took her 2013 Prius to this dealership for an oil change - they were offering a Black Friday Special. When we went to pick up her car, the oil change was done, but the service technicians also decided to inflate her tires. This sounds normal, however, the tires had been inflated with nitrogen and have the GREEN valve caps to indicate that. I'm guessing they don't know that as they removed the valve caps, put air in the tires and didn't replace the valve caps. Not sure if this was a cause, but after receiving the car back the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) was malfunctioning. After talking with the service manager, they agreed to replace the one sensor at a discounted rate of $125. Discount Tire charges $120, Costco will do it for $60. They didn't mention anything about replacing the nitrogen! I have tried to contact the head guy Ephraim Barcelo via telephone and e-mail. He has ignored my voicemail, and doesn't respond to my many e-mails. I did get a call from Rob Taylor - not sure who he is. I returned his call but he failed to get back to me. What annoys me most, is not the fact they won't fix what they broke, but the arrogance of this dealership, and them failing to return or acknowledge any of my voicemails or e-mails. I contacted Toyota Corporate which has opened a case to investigate this incident. After speaking to a very helpful person at Toyota, they were also appalled at the lack of communication coming from Santa Margarita Toyota. Toyota makes great cars. There are many dealerships around that will offer better service. Avoid this one!!
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- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 1.0
- Does not recommend this dealer
- Came in for service or repair
Here at Santa Margarita Toyota safety is our top priority. Because of that, we take pride in making sure tires are inflated to the correct level at each service visit, which we did for your vehicle. As an established Service Center, it's our belief that nitrogen is not beneficial to the tires of a vehicle and not anything we'd recommend to our valued customers. We have attempted to reach you and have left multiple messages to discuss this further, but have not heard back. When you do have a moment, please contact Ian here at 949-766-2026 or imckinley@smtoyota.com, as he'd like to speak with you further and clarify why we put air in your tires to ensure your vehicle left here safely. We look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
Mr Barcelo, I have left you numerous emails and voicemails. I have also called your dealership many times but always get a voicemail. I have left numerous voicemails for your people but have yet to hear back. My cell number is at the bottom of my emails I've sent you. Feel free to reach out.
My purchase was all good!!
Bought 2023 hybrid Camry off the showroom floor. The salesperson Wade was a great salesperson to work with as well as the Sales Manager Robin. I have gotten thank you's and follow-ups more than i'd ever expect. I'll assume Service will be just as good as Sales.
My purchase was all good!!
Bought 2023 hybrid Camry off the showroom floor. The salesperson Wade was a great salesperson to work with as well as the Sales Manager Robin. I have gotten thank you's and follow-ups more than i'd ever expect. I'll assume Service will be just as good as Sales.
- Customer service 5.0
- Buying process 5.0
- Quality of repair 5.0
- Overall facilities 5.0
- Overall experience 5.0
- Does recommend this dealer
- Shopped for a new car
- Did make a purchase
Congratulations on your new 2023 Camry! We're thrilled to hear Wade & Robin have ensured your experience was nothing short of 5-stars! We look forward to working with you again soon. Welcome to the family! Regards, Ephraim Barcelo - Owner & General Manager - ebarcelo@smtoyota.com
Worst experience ever.
Worst experience ever. I have been dealing with Teclo since 07/19 when I first inquired about a vehicle that was in transit. At first his communication was great. We were emailing back and forth. I was trying to work out a deal offering my all in price and at that point everything changed. His responses were short when I started questioning the all in price with tax and fees. If im gonna spend 55k, I would think that would be a normal thing, to get a break down of the cost. I told him I would be there on Monday 07/25 and kept asking for a sales manager and he kept replying to me. He was condescending, telling me that they will have no issue selling the car at the listed price and that the last one that came in sold in 15 minutes. Never once did he mention that I am not able to reserve the vehicle in advance. Every other Toyota dealer does this but apparently they don't. I showed up Monday morning hoping to reserve at the full price quoted with the markup of $3880. I spoke to Alex and the sales manager Richard. Teclo never submitted my info as a lead as Alex was not able to find anything with my name or phone number. I was told it was first come first serve and nothing could be done until the vehicle arrived. Richard was very well spoken and I appreciated him taking some time to talk to me. My wife and I lost wages taking days off and time/gas traveling from Lake Elsinore, an hour away. I understood and kept following up by text with Alex. I figured it would be to my benefit to be in contact with both of them so I started emailing Teclo on the 28th again. He got back to me the next day stating there was a possibility it would arrive that night or in the morning on the 30th. I wanted to make sure I had a chance so I was there before 7am on the 30th. The vehicle I was interested in did not arrive. I was greeted by Rob and helped by Susan once sales opened. I expressed my frustration in the first come first serve process and I was ready to wait all day if I needed to as the last expected delivery date was the 30th. I was told that it might not show up but I would be contacted if it did. I emailed Teclo that same day asking him to keep me posted. No response back. I called the next day to get an update and spoke to Alex, no deliveries came in. I called on the 1st and spoke to Teclo and he seemed bothered at that point. Still no reply from my email from 2 days ago and he said I would get a call, text and email once they got more info. I didn't want to bother any of them anymore so I waited. On 08/02 I was called by one of the sales managers Ryan to see if I had any questions. I informed him I was waiting and wanted to be contacted asap. This morning 8/4 I noticed that the vehicle did not say it was in transit online anymore. I called and spoke to Susan and she informed me that someone was buying it already. I was upset and asked for a sales manager. Was transferred to a voice-mail and still have not received a call back from that manager. I went in person to see if maybe the deal was not finalized and to get an explanation as to why I was not contacted. Spoke to Rob outside the dealership as he recognized me from saturday and stated he was one of the managers when i asked. I appreciate him letting me vent but was given excuses and no solution, which I don't blame him, at that point the vehicle was signed for already. Teclo dropped the ball, maybe purposely. I believe the dealership had a preference on the deal they wanted to move forward with but I was told that was not the case. I saw the buyer and my skin tone was browner but my money is just as green. I hope this was not discrimination but then again the dealer is in South OC, what did I expect. This blonde lady got the notification and I didn't. I had even submitted my info and locked in my deal through the SmartPath service. Good thing I didnt apply for financing online since I never had a chance with the lack of communication. I can only be mad at Teclo my sales rep and Ryan the sales manager. Alex and Susan thanks for your help. Rob thanks again for keeping your cool and hearing me out. Teclo and Ryan thanks for not giving me the same opportunity to be a customer as everyone else.
Worst experience ever.
Worst experience ever. I have been dealing with Teclo since 07/19 when I first inquired about a vehicle that was in transit. At first his communication was great. We were emailing back and forth. I was trying to work out a deal offering my all in price and at that point everything changed. His responses were short when I started questioning the all in price with tax and fees. If im gonna spend 55k, I would think that would be a normal thing, to get a break down of the cost. I told him I would be there on Monday 07/25 and kept asking for a sales manager and he kept replying to me. He was condescending, telling me that they will have no issue selling the car at the listed price and that the last one that came in sold in 15 minutes. Never once did he mention that I am not able to reserve the vehicle in advance. Every other Toyota dealer does this but apparently they don't. I showed up Monday morning hoping to reserve at the full price quoted with the markup of $3880. I spoke to Alex and the sales manager Richard. Teclo never submitted my info as a lead as Alex was not able to find anything with my name or phone number. I was told it was first come first serve and nothing could be done until the vehicle arrived. Richard was very well spoken and I appreciated him taking some time to talk to me. My wife and I lost wages taking days off and time/gas traveling from Lake Elsinore, an hour away. I understood and kept following up by text with Alex. I figured it would be to my benefit to be in contact with both of them so I started emailing Teclo on the 28th again. He got back to me the next day stating there was a possibility it would arrive that night or in the morning on the 30th. I wanted to make sure I had a chance so I was there before 7am on the 30th. The vehicle I was interested in did not arrive. I was greeted by Rob and helped by Susan once sales opened. I expressed my frustration in the first come first serve process and I was ready to wait all day if I needed to as the last expected delivery date was the 30th. I was told that it might not show up but I would be contacted if it did. I emailed Teclo that same day asking him to keep me posted. No response back. I called the next day to get an update and spoke to Alex, no deliveries came in. I called on the 1st and spoke to Teclo and he seemed bothered at that point. Still no reply from my email from 2 days ago and he said I would get a call, text and email once they got more info. I didn't want to bother any of them anymore so I waited. On 08/02 I was called by one of the sales managers Ryan to see if I had any questions. I informed him I was waiting and wanted to be contacted asap. This morning 8/4 I noticed that the vehicle did not say it was in transit online anymore. I called and spoke to Susan and she informed me that someone was buying it already. I was upset and asked for a sales manager. Was transferred to a voice-mail and still have not received a call back from that manager. I went in person to see if maybe the deal was not finalized and to get an explanation as to why I was not contacted. Spoke to Rob outside the dealership as he recognized me from saturday and stated he was one of the managers when i asked. I appreciate him letting me vent but was given excuses and no solution, which I don't blame him, at that point the vehicle was signed for already. Teclo dropped the ball, maybe purposely. I believe the dealership had a preference on the deal they wanted to move forward with but I was told that was not the case. I saw the buyer and my skin tone was browner but my money is just as green. I hope this was not discrimination but then again the dealer is in South OC, what did I expect. This blonde lady got the notification and I didn't. I had even submitted my info and locked in my deal through the SmartPath service. Good thing I didnt apply for financing online since I never had a chance with the lack of communication. I can only be mad at Teclo my sales rep and Ryan the sales manager. Alex and Susan thanks for your help. Rob thanks again for keeping your cool and hearing me out. Teclo and Ryan thanks for not giving me the same opportunity to be a customer as everyone else.
- Customer service 1.0
- Buying process —
- Quality of repair —
- Overall facilities —
- Overall experience 1.0
- Does not recommend this dealer
- Shopped for a new car
JH, We understand your frustration that we were unable to help get you into this vehicle. We always try to be as accurate as possible in providing our guests with the ETA of in-transit vehicles, but sometimes they don't arrive when expected due to constraints from the factory. The vehicle market is more competitive than ever due to the nationwide inventory shortage, and we try our very best to get each and every customer into the vehicle they want, but it's simply not possible due to our lack of current inventory. Teclo is one of the best employees we have here and he would never purposefully refuse one of our valued customers from getting the vehicle they deserve. We do appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and once again, we're disappointed that you are dissatisfied. Regards, Ephraim Barcelo Owner & General Manager ebarcelo@smtoyota.com