09-15-2022, 04:35 AM
(09-15-2022, 02:30 AM)LP link Wrote:We had this happened at work, they worked out that the independents assuming you find a good one, was saving them about 35% each and every service, then COVID hit and a lot of them can't get the parts anymore at reasonable pricing.No doubt Toyota are the market leader and by a long way, my only gripe is they wont bargain with you when looking to buy a new car and show you the door if you question their trade in valuations. They are always right and let you know they dont need your business as they have plenty of other customers.
I recall some debate back when we looked into Ford vs Mazda for factory twin cabs, and we discovered for the bulk of the vehicle they are about 90% the same. But the price and servicing costs were vastly different, so it was all about market size and how the model they choose to make the money.
Personally, I think Toyota are well ahead of the pack on average, although I've noticed servicing costs starting to rise for them as well. No brand is exempt.
A lot of dealers now dont buy cars off the company , they just re-sell the company vehicles for a set fee so they claim they cant discount the price. The upside they say is you can buy the same car at the same price anywhere in Australia...just BS marketing from Head Office. Honda and Mercedes run that sales model, the latter think they are doing you a favor and an honor by selling you one of their vehicles at a premium. Honda's sales figures have collapsed over the past couple of years and they have been selling some of their land holdings in Aus so I reckon the future is grim for them as they have boned a few dealers with their new sales model and cut back their range of cars.