Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/01/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a 2019 ***** encore from Sarasota Toyota on 2/6/2025. I had gotten an email about incentive voucher for purchasing vehicle from Sarasota Toyota. Supposedly that was set up over the internet. I want to find out there was no incentive voucher to be received once I purchased the vehicle. I had the vehicle approximately 4 days and the vehicle overheated. dealership asked me if I could bring the vehicle in on 2/14/2025 so they could check out the overheating issue. I was unable to take the vehicle in on the 14th and on the 15th I was stranded on the side of the road vehicle overheating.. called dealership I was told to have the vehicle towed to their shop Sarasota Toyota. I did have the car towed at my expense. On 2/17/2025 I called dealership to get answers as to what was going on with the car. I was told by **** in service that my car just turned over to his supervisor and he would have his supervisor contact me. On on 2/18/2025, dealership call and told me I needed to have the car towed to the Buick dealership because the issue was covered under a manufacturer's warranty. ( Note when I purchased the car I asked about warranties and I was told there was no warranties on the vehicle) As of today's date 6/30/2025 I have spent close to $4,000 in repairs of your vehicle some covered by manufactured warranty $4,000 approximately not covered by warranties. I believe Sarasota Toyota sold me this vehicle knowing that it had issues, possibly being a vehicle from hurricane ******. Meaning that I was told to have the vehicle towed to Sarasota Toyota, by Sarasota Toyota I feel they should have told the car to the Buick dealership they refuse I had to have the car towed to the Buick dealership. I asked Sarasota dealership to refund my $5,000 down payment and for them to keep the car that I was very unhappy dissatisfied and thought that the car was unsafe to drive. I believe Sarasota Toyota sold this vehicle knowing that the vehicle had problems. They have refused help

  Business Response

  Date: 07/22/2025

  I apologize for the issues with the vehicle. I would be more than happy to look at the vehicle and see if it is something we can repair as some repairs are only able to be completed by the manufacture when manufacture specific tools are required to diagnose. I do see she has a gold warranty on the vehicle for 2 years or ****** miles from time of purchase which very well may cover these repairs. If the documents for the warranty are needed I can provide those as well. I could also look at trading her out to a different vehicle if she is not comfortable with this vehicle any longer.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/21/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 5/14/2025, I purchased a 25 Sequoia. Price was $72,000. When I finally got the loan paper work, I realized that they charged me $93,000!!! They basically negated my down payment by sneaking it back into the loan paperwork. No one explained the paperwork, nor was I provided copies of the entire transaction. It was another salesperson at another dealership that pointed it out to me. ******, ***** and ****** were rude and combative when I stopped into the dealership to discuss their shady practices.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/21/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I bought a vehicle from Sarasota Toyota and paid for a 1 or 2 year *************** Warranty. A few short months after buying the vehicle I was hit by another motorist and the vehicle was deemed a total loss. I was told by my Lien-holder that I would be getting reimbursed for the remainder of the *************** Warranty that I was not able to use. I contacted the *************** provider (*****) and they stated multiple times that they wired the funds (roughly $2,700) to the Dealer - Sarasota Toyota. I called Sarasota Toyota and explained the situation and have been told that someone from finance will call me back to resolve this. It has been several weeks now and I have not received any calls and how they are not answering anytime I call. I tried calling the front desk and they tell me they will transfer me to finance but no one answers. Im simply trying to track down this money so I can pay off the remainder of my loan.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/25/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a 2015 ***** CX-5 for $5,000 on April 9, 2025. During the vehicle inspection, **** confirmed there was no visible damage. The bodywork was impeccable. Upon delivery, the car was driven by his colleague. A few minutes after returning it, I discovered significant damage to the right rear door along the seamclearly visible and completely absent during my inspection.I hadn't driven the car yet; my roommate confirmed it was still parked and had noted this damage with me. I immediately contacted ****. He claimed he hadn't noticed any damage and suggested it might have occurred after delivery. However, his own message confirms he hadn't noticed any damage before.Furthermore, the engine oil level was below the minimum when I checked it just a few days later. Out of caution and a lack of trust, I paid to have the oil and filter changed on Monday, along with various fluids. This shows that basic pre-sale maintenance wasn't even performed. This is complete negligence.Despite multiple reminders seeking a resolution, ***** has only responded once. He stated that the situation was "in the manager's hands"two weeks ago. Since then, total silence. No news. No solution despite four reminders.I am extremely disappointed, not only by the damage, but also by the lack of professionalism and follow-up. I have done everything I can to resolve this issue amicably. I remain open to a fair solution, but I will not be ignored. I will pursue all available legal and consumer protection avenues until the issue is properly resolved.I request either:A partial refund of $1,000, or A full repair at the seller's expense, with a replacement vehicle provided during the repairs.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/07/2025

  We did look in to this and the vehicle was traded in with this damage on it and then purchased as is with same damage so it was not something that happened after the purchase. Picture is attached. We would be more than happy to connect them with our vendors to get repaired at our cost.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/08/2025

   
  Complaint: 23246191
  
  I am rejecting this response as is because: 
  My response:
  Thank you for your reply. I cannot accept your proposal.
  The damage was not present when I inspected the vehicle. It was delivered to me by two individuals one driving the vehicle, the other following in a separate car.                                 Your  salesperson" *****", a professional, did not mention or notice any damage at the time of delivery. I noticed it immediately upon receiving the car. That makes this your responsibility.               I am not lying, and I stand by my statement.
  I expect the vehicle to be fully repaired at your expense, and that I am provided with a loaner vehicle during the repair period.
  
  Additionally, I have submitted a formal complaint to the *******************************************************. An investigator has been assigned to review the case.
  
  I look forward to your written confirmation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Fabrice Lechevestrier
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Fabrice Lechevestrier

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/02/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Date: 3/20/25 Amount paid: $39,000 financed, $1,000 down payment I was promised a specific model trim I wanted, which I did receive, but with undisclosed extensive damage My dispute is I believe to of been frauded, lied to, and given the runaround when inquiring about the damage The dealership has tried to "resolve" the issue, but I don't believe what they're telling me. The whole vehicle needs to be sanded down and repainted and they claim they can have some 3rd party get it done in less than a day and there's no way that's possible. I got into somewhat of an altercation through messaging with the salesperson whom claimed they did disclose an accident to me which is not true whatsoever. After we took it for a test-drive, she said she had no idea about the scratches and damage to the car, so there she is again lying to me. I did sign a "We owe you" form, but every time I'm asking about it, they keep getting weird on me and giving me the same cliche answer. There's absolutely no way they couldn't of noticed; someone had to of known about the condition of vehicle, but they failed to disclose that information. No wonder they were so eager to sell the vehicle.I wouldn't in my right mind trade-in a brand-new vehicle with no issues at all to be in a used vehicle with bad damage. I either want 100% of the exterior damage fixed, regardless of the cost, or I want the vehicle returned and given a new vehicle of the same model. I am going on a cross-country roadtrip on Wednesday, April 8th, so I want this matter taken care of and resolved ASAP

  Business Response

  Date: 04/03/2025

  We initially were going to do touchup then the touchup company saw it and told us it wouldn't turn out well if he was to do it. So we then determined it needed to go the Bodyshop. First Bodyshop didn't have anything immediately available second Bodyshop had 4/4 available so it is scheduled with Bodyshop and customer.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/07/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/10/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  For the last 3 months I have been searching for a used Jaguar S-Type with low mileage and in good condition, within 250 miles from my home. I found a few to call on and 3 to test drive. The one I finally purchased from Sarasota Toyota is the dealership I am filing my complaint with. On December 19 I saw it on their website The advertised price started at $3995 (see attachment). When I drove the 5 hours from ************ to get there on December 21 (3 days later), the salesperson went to get the keys for our test drive and asked me to remind him what the price was. I thought that was odd...he knew I was driving there that day. He certainly didn't seem well-prepared. I felt confidant after the test drive and the CarFax report. I was also tired, hungry, and done with my research. So we went inside to get "the games" started. Going off the $3995 sale price, I said I wanted the price at $7000 "out-the-door". That's when he told me the car was $6178 + taxes and fees of $2067. the salesman also told me the navigation console did not work, so he would take off $500. How could he let me, a Single Senior Citizen on a fixed income, drive all that way before telling me how much more it would cost. Not to mention the cost of 2 tanks of gas and a motel room for that night. Then, after signing all of the paperwork, they wouldn't give me any copies of what I just signed. I have been calling, emailing, and texting just about every day since I got home for copies of my transaction and they just won't send them. Yesterday I got an email with 2 documents. I am attaching it as well so you can tell me how I can possibly read this small print that looks like it was faxed prior to emailing. The next problem is that as soon as I got home the "check engine" light came on. Another $189.15, along with 3 pages of additional work that needs to be done.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/07/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ON 11/10/24 I CANCELED A EXTENDED WARRANTY AND A ROAD HAZARD CONTRACT. FINANCE MANAGER ***** ********* COMPLETED THE CANCELLATION FORM AND GAVE ME A WRITTEN QUOTE OF A REFUND OF $2,582.80 TO ME. HE ADVISED ME THAT I WILL RECEIVE THE REFUND IN APPROX. "3-4 WEEKS." I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES TO THE FINANCE MANAGER *. ********* AND HE FAILS TO RETURN MY TEXTS AND PHONE CALLS. ON 1/3/25 I PHYSICALLY VISITED SARASOTA TOYOTA AND ASKED TO SPEAK TO FINANCE MGR. ***** ********* AND I WAS TOLD HE IS IN A MEETING AND THAT HE WILL CALL ME. NO RETURN CALL WAS MADE. ON THAT SAME DATE I TELEPHONED BUSINESS MGR. **** KUSHNITSKY AND GAVE HIM ALL THE DETAILS. HE STATED HE WILL RETURN MY CALL BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS 1/3/24 AND HE FAILED TO RETURN MY CALL. I HAVE DOCUMENTED 9 PHONE/TEXT MESSAGES WITH SARASOTA TOYOTA FROM 12/19/24-1/3/25 WITH NO RETURN CALLS/TEXTS AND NO UPDATE ON MY REFUND PAYMENT. AS OF 1/6/2025 I HAVE NOT RECIEVED MY CANCELATION REFUND AND NO UPDATES REGARDING REFUND STATUS FROM SARASOTA TOYOTA.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/21/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 10/16/24 took car in for oil change. They left the drain plug loose and all of the oil leaked on my driveway. Service writers ***** **** refused to clean/fix issue and I was told to put pool chlorine on it and it wasn't his responsibility.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/05/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  9-2-24 I am the sister of listed purchaser on the contract. My brother, **********************************, and I went to Sarasota Toyota to look at cars for him to buy. We found a 2019 ***** Fit with low mileage and began prelim paperwork to purchase in cash. In the finance office we were asked for $5000 to hold car until full payment was made because we didn't have the money that day. I made the $5000 hold fee on my debit card and we went to the Bank the next day to do a transfer of funds for a cashier's check for the balance but leaned the amount to transfer was overlimit on the account he is drawing the funds from. We returned and told the dealership the deal could'nt be done. I was told at that time that I forfeited the $5000. It was listed on the contract as a deposit and not subject to refund. They tried to get him to apply for their loan which we refused. As a result I will not be getting the $5000 fee back and this is not right. Our entire business Association with this dealership was two days. The car is used and had nothing special, such as exyra featires added to it for the sale. The total purchase price was $17000; the $5000 being applied to when the sale was final. Without our consent and knowledge the dealership checked his credit for loan offers we didn't want and caused problems with his credit we are trying to fix.The purchase contract Customer #*******; Deal #*******. Purchaser is ***********************************Salesman name *********************. Manager *** ***

  Business Response

  Date: 09/10/2024

  If not proceeding with the purchase we will glad refund the $5000. Have ****************** see ***** for refund.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/13/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/28/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Sarasota Toyota refuses to provide documentation that the car was totaled and title was marked as salvage as we were told.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/30/2024

  Seems like this complaint is intended for their insurance company as we do not total out vehicles there for do not have or provide total loss documentation.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/07/2024

   
  Complaint: 22208357
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The insurance company do not provide it and refer to you. Sarasota Toyota should provide the proof of salvage title or total cost of repairs as per FEMA.  You are obligated to do so. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** Curlic

  Business Response

  Date: 09/11/2024

  The vehicle was not total loss. That would be something declared by an insurance company. It was traded in to us with a clean and clear title. In which we provided a value for trade in based on the condition it was received in.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/12/2024

   
  Complaint: 22208357
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** Curlic