Buying from a Distant Dealership

[Franko Manini]

Hey Team Tacoma!

I've read a lot of posts where people have purchased their trucks from dealerships outside of their local area, usually due to the availability of a particular trim level. Have any of you who have purchased from a non-local dealership had any difficulty with getting servicing or warranty issues dealt with at your local dealership? I'm assuming you don't drive across the state to get your truck serviced. Is this a risk at all?

 

[rustytaco]

I'm in the same position. Kind of. I'll be looking to buy a truck soon, probably on short notice. I'm pretty particular about the trim and options I want. I have been looking around 150 miles from my house. But for the right truck, I think I would travel a little farther. At least as long as the savings aren't offset by costs to drive back home. To my understanding, the warranty is directly with Toyota, not each individual dealer. The dealer is just a service point for any claims. I bought my 3G Tacoma used, drove it 6 states home, and almost immediately did a recall fix on the fuel pump at a dealer on my way to school at the time and it was out of warranty as well. It was crazy how quickly Toyota knew I was the new owner too. Zero issues. You should be just fine.

 

[LA TACO]

I have bought multiple Toyotas (Camrys, Highlanders, a Tundra, and now the 2024 Tacoma) all out of state and all of my warranty work and normal service work was handled through my local dealerships without a problem. The service departments do not care where you bought the vehicle. If it is warranty work, they are going to be reimbursed from Toyota based on the VIN. If it is normal service work, you are a paying customer just like the people who bought from the dealership.