There are twentieth century car dealers, twenty-first century car dealers, and then there is Wilson Toyota. At Wilson Toyota, there's Brad Baker. What am I trying to say? Okay, the buyer wants a car at a fair price and the dealer wants to make a fair profit; these goals are mostly consistent so it should be possible for everyone to come out a winner. Right? Only sometimes. The problem with the twentieth century dealers, and there are plenty of them still in business, is that they want you to pay as much as possible; that makes you want to get them back by getting the car at a price that gives them the absolute minimum profit. But the dealers are professionals and they will almost always make a deal that's good for them regardless if it's good for you. This creates an adversarial relationship and you can hardly feel that you may have been had by the salesperson after the deal is done. I always hated buying a car when these dealers were the only choice. The twenty-first century dealer understands that the final deal needs to be good for everybody because they want us to feel good enough to see them again in the future. Big improvement. This is how Wilson Toyota does business and more often than not, they set the bar pretty high for their competition. Brad Baker of Wilson Toyota is among the best of the best automobile salespersons. He listens very effectively to what your needs are and takes time to get to know you so he can help you clarify those needs. He clearly explains all your options and what the different models can do. Maybe more importantly, he makes certain that you understand what a particular car cannot do. I've worked with Brad twice now and noticed that his approach allows him to improve his ability to help you every time you visit. My deal is I'm an older guy and I have some problems twisting and turning to see what's happening all around me. I compensate by trying to be extra careful all the time and I back into parking spaces and garages as visibility of my surroundings is better even though it takes a little longer to get the job done. When I purchased a 2018 RAV4, I was so impressed with the safety features that I also purchased a 125,000-mile extended warranty. Past experiences were that the lowest cost of car ownership meant keeping a good one until it was pretty worn out; however, the safety technology of 2018 may have been good at the time, but the current safety technology is significantly better. Brad Baker helped me select the safest 2020 RAV4 options, arranged for a fair trade in, and even showed me how to get a refund on the unused portion of my extended warranty. Our professional relationship was never adversarial; indeed, I'd say we have become friends. Ten years ago, I'd expected buying a new car to be more stress than fun. Brad Baker and Wilson Toyota completely changed my expectations. I recommend doing business with these folks with no reservations whatsoever! read more

Wilson Toyota - This is my and my friend Brad Baker and my new 2020 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. - Car Dealers Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Drove to wilson to get an appraisel on my current vehicle, so I could do a trade in on a new Chrysler Sienna (which has not been built). Got the numbers on a Saturday. plan was for me Monday to get In touch and get a pre-approval from my bank before going forward (which there was no problem with). Before I could even call and notify them, I was contacted by the sales lady telling me that they had sold the van (which I was told that they would keep on hold for me until I called at a certain time). The sales lady goes to tell me she would keep looking for me and I could get another vehicle that. I didn't ask for or was Interested In. she continued to try and push me to something that I was not interested in and that she would keep looking. read more

called about recalls on truck. it went to text. no response set up warranty work online. later I called about a tonneau cover install, they again asked to text. asked my question about tonneau. no response two hours later, texted are you there, going to answer my question they called me 30 minutes later. asked the recalls and tonneau cover install, was told they do not do it on weekends. when I arrived, the service mgr said the recall would take an extra 20 minutes, ok I said then walked to parts and asked if a tonneau cover could be installed, was told yes. I said maybe next time. on Sunday I sent an internal complain, no response sent another complaint on Tuesday. as of today I have not heard from Wilson Toyota was considering a Land Cruiser or Sienna for my wife. am thinking not now. read more

Bought a new Tundra about a year ago and the sales experience was great. Our first routine service appointment went fine. They even identified that a fog light was out and needed to order the part. All would be covered by warranty. Because we live 70 miles away it took a while to schedule the follow up visit. But, we were able to do so in a couple of weeks. The next service appointment could not have been worse. Check in went fine but I failed to get an estimate of the expected completion time. After two hours I checked to see if it was done. THEY HAD NOT STARTED. And, the fog light replacement is a 4-hour job as the whole bumper must come off. While the time to repair is understandable the lack of communication and the scheduling of an appointment when they did not have capacity to work on it is NOT! Having commitments to be home within 7 hours of leaving, I had to take back the truck and reschedule. The poor service has so far cost me a day of my life and $30 in gas. And, I still have to try again. read more

I am so disappointed in service department. I have called twice last week left messages with the service manager to give me a call to see what I need my 2016 RAV4 serviced. I have not received a call from him or anyone in the service department regarding me scheduling my service. Terrible customer service. read more

Went to buy a vehicle test drove it got back to the dealership and heard ticking noise coming from the engine the sales guy tried telling me that it's normal on all dodges tried to pressure me to sign the papers on it looked pissed when I said no and left got home looked it up on YouTube seen a lot of videos were the engine would have to get replaced if that noise was not addressed common issues in the 3.6 engine the sales guy tried to come across and reassured me that he knew what he was talking about and that nothing was wrong BE CAREFUL when purchasing something big as a vehicle because dealers ship SCAMMERS like this will try to pull one over you !!!!!!! read more

They were very reliable before COVID. Not anymore. Today as I was making an appointment the scheduler told me that using a credit card would now cost an extra 3%. The Wilson Toyota experience is trending in the wrong direction. read more

Their used vehicles are garbage, Iowa is one of the few states that don't require a full inspection prior to a sale. So majority of them only have a basic inspection done. They over price their vehicle and you'll likely end up with an unsafe vehicle that is in need of constant maintenance and be in negative equity. They only care about profit. All dealerships are the same!! read more

Had to block them on messenger. They would send emails reminding me of upcoming appointments I didn't make or sorry you no showed for your appointment call us. Totally made up. The charged me $173.00 for a fraudulent diagnosis that I followed up with 3 other second opinions that combined cost me zero dollars. Three years later car still runs fine and I didn't loose $6600.00 to these crooks. I think the worst experience was when they said I needed a new cabin air filter when they had clearly just put floor sweeping on it, piled up a inch or so and it was only 3 months old. Buyer beware read more

Negative one. Here I sit waiting for a simple oil change... 1.5 hours so far... total incompetence! No way this is acceptable. After 19 years with this dealership, NO MORE! read more

I have been sitting here in the service department going on 4 hours. I was told when I arrived the it would be a couple of hours. I was told 30 minutes ago the windshield repair person wasn't here and that I could wait or reschedule. I don't have the optional to reschedule. I live out of town and I have already waisted 3.5 hours sitting in a service department lounge. The advisor was unapologetic and didn't even give me a clear answer. I am super frustrated. I have never had problems before and my entire family purchases their cars here, between all of us we have purchased six different vehicles here. I am extremely disappointed. Within writing this I was told in a very impolite way that "our mechanic is working on it now." No apology, no thank you for your patience. Where has customer service gone? read more

Did not return my vehicle to pre-existing condition, ZERO communication regarding repair process. I would not recommend Wilson Toyota of Ames to anyone read more

Scheduled a RECALL for my car that I'm told will take about 15 minutes. I arrive early. After over an hour sitting here, I ask why it's taking so long. "Both of our Prius technicians are on break ". WTH, Toyota?!?? So by the time they actually do that work, I'll have been here for nearly 2 HOURS for something that should have only taken 15 MINUTES. Clean place. Staff doesn't seem to know what the hell is going on. Lot parking. Marcy'sDinerTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. This has been a VERY BAD SERVICE DAY. I didn't pay nearly $40,000 to be treated this way. Is there something that can be done to prevent this? Should have been done....keep one technician at the place to service those who had APPOINTMENTS for this service. I posted the above review on a Monday. Only three days later, I'm at an event, and there's a woman talking about her experience recently with this same service department. Worse than mine, she left after having service done here, only to have the temperature light come on, on her way home. She pulled over and put up the hood and the radiator hose was off and spewing radiator fluid all over. The fact that I had an issue just three days earlier, begs me to ask if a rather high percentage of customers have major issues with this one service department. Toyota cars are an EXCELLENT choice. That doesn't mean that all the service departments are as good as the cars. Maybe the fact that they are great cars, helps prevent one from having to encounter this department. I hope the the other Toyota service departments don't have as many customers with complaints. read more

ZERO stars - Not Trustworthy Austin gave me pricing on a specific vehicle and the next day I called back to purchase the vehicle and although he did remember me quite well, he magically FORGOT the part about the max discount of $1500 that we discussed extensively. He remember everything else about the conversation, including the part where he told me that they do not participate in the Costco discount program but that he could discount the car $1500. Austin proved to me that he is not trustworthy and his sales manager did nothing to resolve this or offer to speak with me directly. I don't do business with people who clearly demonstrate they cannot be trusted. read more

On a recent early Monday morning, my parents loaded my Brother's family into their Toyota Van and started the car to deliver them to DSM for their journey to New Jersey. Yet, the car wouldn't initially start, even with a new battery in the car. Somehow they got the old girl running, and made it to the Airport. Later on, I gave my Dad a ride to Wilson Toyota to have the car looked at. The problem was the starter. I returned with him on Tuesday morning and tended to agree with Dad that the over $400 bill seemed a but dear. But then again, the folks here were knowledgeable, communicated well, and treated him with respect. And of course, the car that my Father already takes impeccable care of, works like a champ. read more

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Wilson Toyota has been my go to dealership for 30 years. Brad Baker has helped us several times now and is great to work with - knowledgeable and fair. read more

The 1 star is actually negative 1. I think our car was broken here today during a brake pad change. I was informed that the calipers and rotors busted during removal of the rear brakes due to rust. While I have never worked on cars, I find it hard to believe there is no new technology on ways to loosen up rust so steel parts are not destroyed during maintenance procedures. Damage I can understand, but complete destruction seems careless and rude. The service rep told me these parts needed to be replaced and there was no other alternative than to pay for new parts. This made the bill three times more than what we were expecting. I rarely read a good word about this service department. Other customers in the waiting room are slightly on edge, probably related to unforeseen repairs on their vehicles, too. My New Year's resolution is to find a good mechanic. read more

I went in to buy a car and the salesman who was showing me the car clearly had been drinking. I could smell the liquor on his breath. When we got back to the dealership, he seemed more interest in his coworkers than actually selling a car. This sadly made our decision, and we took our business to Toyota of Des Moines. Dealing with cars all day and drinking on the job seems to be very unsafe. I hope they don't hurt any kids out there. read more

Nothing seemed to go right. Lack of communication and felt "rushed" to sign the paperwork before we barely had a chance to look over the truck. Seemed like they wanted us to sign and drive off without knowing the current issues with the truck. You could hardly see through the windshield it was so dam scratched and the door catch latch that was "already fixed", is that why there was a popping noise and it was cracked??. We also inquired about the car report, got nothing and when mentioned 2 keys we were provided one and was stuck with the $302 bill to get a 2nd key. The dealership programs them there and has them in stock. Why wouldn't you provide the customer with a 2nd set?? Overall experience was horrible/ poor. Will not recommend or go back. The guy in service was the only one helpful, kuddos to him! Failed to get his name read more

This is the second time I bought a used Avalon from Wilson, and once again the experience is top notch. I actually live 200 miles away from Ames, but the drive is well worth it, the have the biggest and best selection of Avalon's I have ever seen. My current 2008 Certifiied Avalon I bought from them before was a wonderful and reliable car. My 2013 Avalon I am now buying has amazingly low miles and not only a great price but they gave me a great trade in value on my old Avalon. Ryan the sales person was professional and they are always nice and low pressure. I highly recommend Wilson Toyota! read more

After months of me test driving cars and finding the best price.... I end up at Wilson Toyota in Ames, Iowa! I looked alot - maybe too much but found the right people to work with and a great price! They took the time to listen to me and let me decide. Truly and amazing staff taking care of your every need. Kolton as well as Randy are great! Tell them you know ME and you read this! I spent much time in Grimes, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Ankeny and yes, Des Moines searching for the right car and found nothing good! read more

Poor customer service.. seemed to not put all the effort they could. Went else where to get a 2020 somewhere else! read more

I'm so disappointed in the lack of communication. Trying to get information on the status of our vehicle repairs was extremely difficult, basically non-existent. For example, the date we were told our car would be completed was changed from the original date we were told (originally supposed to be done the 12th, no one told until I called that it was changed to 14th. Yesterday I called yesterday to confirm we could pick our car up (it was the 14th); no one returned our calls. I finally got a hold of someone and he apologized saying it would be done tomorrow (the 15th). Today I called 3 times, no answer, no voicemails returned. After basically stalking them, I finally got someone to tell me that now my car would not be done until next week. NO ONE HAD CALLED TO TELL US THIS. This is the final straw. I would never recommend this business to anyone and I have been a Wilson fan for years. It saddens me that the service has deteriorated to this level. read more

Wilson Toyota is hands down better than the Des Moines Toyota dealership for service. These folks are kind, punctual and personable. I took my vehicle here today for it's final ToyotaCare service and I was in/out in about a half hour. The bonus about this place, their service department is open ALL DAY on Saturday! Keep it up Wilson Toyota! The only complaint I would say about this place is they do not give a complimentary car-wash as many dealerships do in the metro after you have service work completed. read more

The service dept is just plain bad. Waited 4 hours for new tires to be installed. Was told on another car the transmission was bad. The quote was around $2500. Took it to the Chevy dealer and the said the transmission was fine. They replaced another part that was making the noise. Around $250. Another time I was told my truck was due for an oil change. After I got there they told me it was not due. They mentioned a couple things they could do like tire rotation. Made an appointment for a recall. At least a week in advance. Got there and the said they did not have the part. read more

Wilson Toyota was great to work with in the purchasing of our new Rav 4. What I found amazing was as we told people what we bought and where, many people said that we will love our Toyota and Wilson Toyota. Many of those people have bought multiple cars from Wilson Toyota. I look forward to saying the same thing in the future. Wilson Toyota, thank you and keep up the great work. read more

I came to look at a 2013 f150. Everything was going great until I took the truck for an overnight test drive. That's when the breaks started grinding and the mirror was broken and the turn signal was broken. They must not inspect their used cars. It seemed amazing that they would let someone test drive a vehicle with faulty basic safety equipment to make a vehicle legal to drive. But they said they would fix all of that free of charge, so I went ahead with the purchase. They got the brakes and mirror fixed but had to send the vehicle to a Ford dealer to fix the turn signal. They did not tell me they were going to do that. I had to call a week later to get that info. They also failed to mention that the Ford dealer wouldn't be able to get to it for 3 weeks. I eventually had to contact the Ford dealer myself to get that info. Everything seemed okay for about a week after I got the vehicle back. Then I had to put $2600 into fixing the breaks and leaf springs and still need to replace shocks and struts. And now the turn signal that was "fixed" no longer works again. Nobody could tell me anything about my vehicle while it was being repaired and there is no communication between any of their departments read more

They work hard and it shows. What else do you want in Iowa? Politeness, hardwork. read more

They should give negative stars.I have had my vehicle to them 2 times. Both times I had to take it back for something the tech screwed up. 1st time was for a rear seal repair. Then they damaged the seal in the transmission when they were going together. They broke bolts off holding the plastic under the front bumper and ziptied it together. I gave them a second chance. 2nd time I went to them to have a transmission shift solenoid replaced they messed up my transmission. Instead of taking it apart they told me I need a new transmission. Keep in mind I drove the car to their shop and had to tow it back to my house after they were done with it. I found the tech damaged a seal between the valve body and transmission. They would have found this if they bothered to pull it apart again and inspect.2nd they reused the transmission pan gasket. 3rd from the diagrams i have since found online indicates they replaced the wrong valve. The office people are nice but the techs that perform the work are bad. Not sure how a repair shop can stay in business if this is the quality of work they perform. read more

Wilson Toyota - Damaged seal - Car Dealers Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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We were initially satisfied with the prompt attention from our salesperson, Taybor. However, we were quickly disheartened with our purchase. At the time of our purchase, March 28, Toyota had a limited supply of vehicles. We were looking for a new Toyota Sienna. We were told it would be months, possibly a year, before new Toyota Siennas would be available. Therefore, we settled on a 2021 Toyota Sienna LE for $46,000. This was considerably above the Kelley Blue Book price. This is where I made my first mistake. We agreed to the price because we assumed it was being driven by the limited market. We were told to pick up our vehicle on Thursday, three days from signing paperwork. On Thursday, we drove 45 minutes to pick up the van and moments before we reached the door of the dealership we were greeted with a text and our salesperson to tell us the van wasn't ready. We had to wait until the following Monday. The salesperson did secure Casey's gift cards for us to cover the cost of the trip. He, also, delivered the van to us on Monday. Upon delivery, we found out there was only one key fob. The salesperson made this seem like no big deal and I could just call the parts department and order a new one. Turns out a new key fob will cost me between $250-300. And finally, today, 3 WEEKS after we purchased our Used 2021 Toyota Sienna LE there are four 2022 Toyota Sienna XLE's with trim packages above our LE listed on their website for $2500-3000 under our purchasing price. I was lied to and given misinformation to elicit a purchase. In my opinion, this was a shady and unprofessional way to treat any customer. read more

Wilson Toyota - Screen capture of a van priced $3000 under our purchasing price with an upgraded trim package. - Car Dealers Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Chance is that place we are taken by happenstance. We are from Whittier California and we were back to visit family. They took us to Ames to eat, Hickory Park, I believe, it was great. On the way back, Hwy 30 had roadblocks, so we were forced to take side roads. One went right by Wilson Toyota of Ames. I have a 2004 Tacoma, it's a beast but like its owner it is starting to show its age. I've been looking for over a year, no rush, I was gonna be fussy; orange exterior, gray interior, 4x4, V6, no TRD, dual cab. In the world of Toyota combinations, a rare bird. That was until we accidentally drove past Wilson Toyota of Ames..."Marmalade", as she is now called was perched in the back row of Certified Tacomas. Perky, proud and promising more power, more amenities and better MPG, I could've resist. Chad Christensen saw the sparkle between man and machine. He officiated the transfer and arranged the marriage. Amie Lillie showed us interest and gave us our license. I'm not saying this arrangement will last forever, Marmalade is much younger than I, but I hope to give her the best years I have left, then maybe pass her on to one of my sons. Thank you Wilson Toyota, you sell transactions, not transaxles. read more

Wilson Toyota - Wilson Toyota of Ames Delivery Boudoir. - Car Dealers Near Me - Ames, Iowa

An update 6 weeks after this ordeal. We finally heard from the owner, after repeated requests, and only after we filed a complaint with the BBB. He claimed he never got such messages, although there's proof via the e-mail we sent via their site, their Facebook pages, and the receptionist that I spoke to as a last ditch effort to get the owner to communicate with us. We did not want our money back, we wanted the owner to show the integrity and professionalism that his service department lacked, and just apologize for what happened to us and assure us that he would train his service department to provide better customer service. To date the complaint with the BBB is not resolved, the owner insulted us in every single communication to the BBB and refused to be professional and apologize for the lack of proper customer service. He called us "money hungry," refused to admit that there had been a problem with his service department and accused us of just wanting to rip his dealership off for free service which was not our intention. I have never been treated like that by the OWNER of an establishment. I can see why the service department lacks any professional customer service, because the owner has none, and would rather insult customers in an attempt to sweep the issue under the rug. It's obvious that Wilson's Toyota lacks integrity, professionalism, and professional maturity from the top down. Sadly we have communicated this to our friends and family in Ames, and Wilson's has lost all of their business, and they are communicating our bad experience and how the owner has treated us to their friends and family. The owner needs a strong lesson in business maturity and integrity and professionalism. Once the owner can act like a decent professional, that will filter down through all his staff I don't care what is wrong with my car, if I ever have an issue with it while I am in Ames, I will ask for the tow truck to take it to another dealership or drive it somewhere else myself. Wilson's will NEVER have my business, my boyfriend's business, nor the business of our family and friends ever again. I am also calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center to lodge an official complaint against the dealership, and rest assured that I will be working on it till the owner acts like an owner and handles the issue with professionalism, integrity, and maturity. Wilson's is a disgrace to Toyota. read more

Jacob was great and super helpful with buying a car! I had to have a seat cover fixed after buying it and he was very accommodating and efficient in fixing it soon after. All workers were very friendly and helpful when we walked in the store. Thank you! I love my new car! read more

I usually do not have issues with Wilson's . However I think I have paid enough to have the chairs it the waiting area look not look like chairs that Goodwill would refuse. These chairs needed to be replaced at least a year ago . I kept thinking they will do it next time. This makes me think the dealership is having money issues. Which leads me to my last oil change. My service guy told me how bad my Micheline tires were. Really pressured me to get new ones. I have always rotated them.. Anyway took them to my regular tire place and asked them to check them out. They said they had plenty of tread and should be good for another 10000 miles. Overall though the dealership had been pretty good. Just dont make me question your motives. Do wish they had a fast lube area. read more

We stopped into Wilson Toyota to look at new Highlanders, looked at cars out in the lot for 15 minutes or so and then went inside. We opened car doors looking at cars in the showroom. NOT ONE SALESMAN got up to ask if they could help us. We stood around for another 10 minutes or so and with no help/assistance, we left! I wouldn't buy a car there! read more

Took my car in to the service department in March for a rattling sound, they fixed the car and 12 hours later on I-80 the alternator fails and they say it's just bad luck. Now come last week I take my car in for a rattling sound again, they fix the muffler, and 5 days later my alternator dies again. They claim it's not on them and laughed when I mentioned a lawsuit. I am out thousands of dollars and my car likely as secondary damage from multiple electrical failures that both occurred within a week of my car being serviced at Wilson Toyota. DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO WILSON TOYOTA. read more

Alright, I was a person thinking: all the dealer was trying to make money out of you. Particularly in itty-bitty college town such as Ames, they'd try to juice all the already-poor students completely out. Not with Wilson. My first visit was right after some biXXh hit my baby Corolla and ran away. It was really frustrating and my car's back bumper was almost off. There seemed to have no mechanical problem, but the cover was barely half inch close to the tire and I couldn't get my trunk shut. I was thinking, guess I have to go to a dealer and ripped off. Drove to Wilson collision center. The service folks there was amazingly nice and helpful. They made a complete estimation. Well, my car worth 10k, and for full repair it's gonna take 7k (man are you kidding me) which replace all the cover. Then they suggested doing a functional repair, aka bumping the cover back. That cost $700. Okay, winter came and I don't want to get snow and cold wind while driving, so here we go the $700. Surprisingly, I thought my car was gonna get all ugly but after two days, it ain't look bad at all! And the bill came out close to about $600. Once again, people there treat you nicely and respectfully. Recently got a Toyota motor engine call back and without any hesitation, I gave Wilson a haul and scheduled an appointment. Glad to see their friendly smile again. :D read more

Bought a used Camry, brakes are already getting bad in less than a month, they didn't vacuum out the trunk, and a key fob had a dead battery. But what's worse is that during the financing, they told me Toyota Financial required me to either put money down or add GAP coverage. I spoke to Toyota Financial and they told me they don't do that. Filed a complaint with Toyota Corp and got a call from the GM at Wilson who didn't seem all that concerned about it. read more

Went three times for the same thing. I had a not so good experience but Service manager Dan reached out to me and helped in addressing the issue. Appreciate when Businesses listen and pay attention to the customer grieveances. read more

Looking online at vehicles and came across a vehicle that I was interested in. Emailed with my interest. Received email back to set up an appointment to test drive. "Thanks! I'll schedule in for 1:45 pm! " It was scheduled for yesterday. Sales Rep called me couple hours before the appointment to confirm. We live little over an hour away. My husband and myself get to the appointment, on time. Rep asks questions and took our license to make copies. He went to get the vehicle. Took forever but I thought it is a big lot might had a hike. He comes back and said "it must have got sold this morning because its in the sold lot now". But I don't want you to have wasted your time I have this option that is kind of like it - of course more money. I am not sure how this works but one would think you schedule a certain day and time, confirming just hours before only to be told it must have got sold this morning. And then 8:43 am this morning I get an email with more details of the car I didn't look at. - Melisa, I just wanted to thank you for coming in today and allowing me the pleasure of helping you with your vehicle-buying decisions. If I can do anything else for you, please let me know. Here is some additional information on the vehicle you looked at today. read more