Putnam Toyota Review By David S.

I leased a Prius from Putnam about three months ago, and have waited to write the review both to see how the car functioned (just fine), and to see whether the car service certificates that were supposed to arrive would eventually show up (they haven't). I approached car leasing by reading what I could, and even paid a fellow Yelp-er for assistance. In the end, however, I think you always feel that you are being taken for a ride; in my case, the negotiated rate was ok but higher than I had hoped for, especially given all the current negative publicity around the company. More annoying, the actual rate I wound up paying was significantly higher because of all the extras they talk you into getting (e.g. car service plan -- they strongly suggested that without car service that follows the recommendations to the letter, you may be considered in violation and owe considerable $$ at the end of the lease. So, "optional" -- but not really. They also get you with some kind of insurance supplement which I was told was critical because if my car was totaled, I might owe more than my insurance would cover; while true, the very small chance of this happening, and the very small amount of difference this represents, makes me regret purchasing it, and I feel the salesperson and my Yelp-assistant, together, help persuade me to make this unnecessary investment.) While I am not pleased with the financials, I have received solid service from the dealership at the time of pickup and subsequently; they were good about showing me the features of the car, and have also been at least polite about my frequent calls asking why I've not yet received the car service certificates I've paid for. That said -- these certificates haven't materialized despite the fact that I paid for them, have spoken with the dealership on multiple occasions, and also called Toyota directly. In every case, I was told the certificates would be mailed, but I still haven't received them, and it's been about four months. Net net: - Somewhat disappointed in financials of lease, feel there was a lot they spring on you after you think you've negotiated a price; doubt Putnam is any worse than anyone else, not clear to me they are any better. - Very disappointed in Toyota as a whole; my experience has left me thinking that maybe they really don't have their sh-t together. It shouldn't take five calls (and counting) to get service certificates. - Thought the advisor I found on Yelp was genuinely well-intentioned but not the advocate/"trusted advisor" I was hoping for; wouldn't have spent the $100 here if I had to do it again.