North Shore Toyota - Auckland — Attraction in Kaipātiki

I am writing to share my disappointing experience purchasing a new Hilux from North Shore Toyota. The entire process was marked by a troubling lack of communication and professionalism.

After months of waiting for an update on my car's status, I reached out to North Shore Toyota. I was notified that the original salesperson I was dealing with no longer worked for the dealership. North Shore Toyota’s failure to communicate this change was the first in a series of letdowns. I then spoke to another salesman that had been assigned to me.

When I was later asked to finalize my accessories, the salesperson was clearly unprepared, asking, 'What car are you getting again?' This lack of preparation was worsened by their poor knowledge of the accessories themselves, forcing me to repeatedly clarify and confirm details. For a customer making a significant financial purchase, this was highly unprofessional. The issues continued when, closer to the pickup date, a confirmation message revealed they had incorrectly listed a canopy, which I had explicitly not requested.

On the day of my 9 a.m pickup. Upon my arrival, the salesperson seemed completely unaware of my arrival, asking, 'What are you here for?' After appearing shocked and leaving me to wait frantically for 20 minutes, they informed me the car would not be ready for another hour. I was also told that he would drive the car to the front when its ready. I found this disappointing as I had been waiting 6 months for my new car and all other cars had been presented nicely inside the building with a sheet on them. When questioned on this the salesperson looked at me lost for words and stated, “if you want I can do that” The disorganized and careless service made the entire purchase feel like an ordeal rather than an exciting milestone.

All in all. My experience purchasing a new Hilux from North Shore Toyota was severely impacted by poor communication, disorganized service, and a lack of accountability. I was repeatedly let down by my salesperson who lacked basic knowledge of my purchase and its accessories. This ultimately led to an incorrect order that I had to catch myself. The issue culminated on the day of pickup with a chaotic and unprepared handover, where staff appeared to be unaware of my scheduled arrival. This overall experience was unprofessional and deeply disappointing, especially given the significant...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 10/5 STARS – LEGEND STATUS UNLOCKED 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Desmond Chong – The Man, The Myth, The Ute-Delivering Legend Let me tell you a tale, not just of a truck, but of a man – a man who defies the odds, challenges geography, and laughs in the face of inconvenience. That man… is Desmond Chong from Toyota North Shore.

When I ordered my new Hilux, I expected the usual: paperwork, waiting, the classic "we’ll call you when it’s ready." What I didn’t expect was a heroic saga of customer service that would leave the gods of Aotearoa nodding in respect.

Desmond didn't just sell me a Hilux. He delivered it – personally – all the way to Whangārei, and that’s not even the kicker. I live way out on the wild west coast of Dargaville – where the roads are long, the cellphone reception is mythical, and the locals still wave at every car that goes past because... well, you just might know them.

This wasn’t just a delivery. This was a pilgrimage.

Through winding roads, misty hills, and probably a rogue possum or two, Desmond arrived like a knight of the modern age – not on horseback, but in the gleaming glory of a brand-new Hilux, keys in hand and smile on face.

He didn't just drop it off. He walked me through every detail, made sure I was 100% confident with the truck, and even took the time to share a yarn or two. This is the kind of service you don’t see anymore. This is manaakitanga in action. This is next-level, top-tier, haka-worthy customer service.

Honestly, if Toyota could clone this man, the car industry would never be the same again.

To Desmond Chong: Bro, you're not just a car dealer – you're a national treasure. If there was a Mount Rushmore of Kiwi Legends, we’d be carving your face into it right next to Sir Edmund Hillary. I’d give you 100 stars if I could, but they only let me leave 5 (so here’s 10 anyway).

Final Verdict: Desmond didn’t just deliver a Hilux. He delivered excellence.

Buy your Toyota from Desmond. Trust me – you won’t just get a vehicle, you’ll get a story worth telling.

Ngā mihi nui, A very happy (and now very well-equipped) west coast...

Dear North Shore Toyota,

I wanted to share my incredible experience with your dealership, particularly with Ash Pateria, James Vann and his exceptional team. I recently purchased a car from your dealership, and although I encountered a major issue with the hybrid battery shortly after the purchase, the way Ash and his team handled the situation was nothing short of remarkable.

From the moment I walked into your dealership, Ash made the car-buying process an absolute pleasure. He took the time to understand my needs and preferences, guiding me through your extensive inventory to find the perfect car that suited my lifestyle and budget. His knowledge and professionalism were truly impressive, and I felt confident in my choice.

However, what truly sets your dealership apart is how you handle post-purchase issues. When I contacted Ash about the hybrid battery problem, he and his team acted swiftly and decisively. They organized a thorough inspection of my car, identified the issue, and ensured that all necessary repairs and replacements were completed promptly.

Throughout this process, Ash's communication was exceptional. He kept me informed every step of the way, ensuring that I was comfortable with the resolution. It's rare to find such dedication to customer satisfaction, especially when faced with unexpected challenges.

The outstanding service I received from Ash and his team has left a lasting impression on me. They turned what could have been a frustrating experience into an opportunity to showcase your dealership's commitment to excellence. I can confidently say that North Shore Toyota has earned my trust and loyalty.

Please convey my heartfelt gratitude to Ash and his team for their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and I look forward to continuing my relationship with your dealership in the...