Frequently Asked Questions
At Rochester Toyota, we know that sometimes you just want a quick answer to a question or want to be fully prepared before stepping into the dealership to buy a vehicle, receive service, etc. That is why we put together some of your most frequently asked questions!
Sales FAQs
What items do I need to purchase a vehicle?
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Please bring your checkbook or credit card if you are planning on making a down payment. We can take up to a $2,000 maximum payment via credit card.
- If you’re planning on trading in your vehicle, please remember to bring the vehicle, title, and lien release with you.
- Proof of residency / occupation – This is only needed if you have moved within the last 2 years or have changed professions.
How do I set up a test drive?
- If you are interested in scheduling a test drive, you can simply walk into our store or call 507-252-2503 to set up an appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable Sales Team.
How does the vehicle trade-in process work?
- We guarantee real cash value for your vehicle. You and an experienced Sales Manager will perform an interactive trade evaluation together. We will walk around your vehicle and take it for an evaluation drive. Your vehicle’s cash value is determined from an assessment of your vehicle, market research, and a test drive.
What are the benefits of leasing?
- There are many benefits of leasing a vehicle at Rochester Toyota. Roughly 1/3 of customers purchasing, lease or opt for “lease to buy”. Leasing a vehicle:
- Allows for less of a down payment required up front.
- Give you the ability to drive a new vehicle every 3 years.
- Has lower monthly payments.
- Give you more equipment for less money.
- Allows you to only pay for the portion of the vehicle you use.
- Generally under warranty for the duration of the lease.
What are the benefits of purchasing a new vehicle?
- When you purchase a new vehicle at Rochester Toyota, all our new inventory comes with a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. For more information, please visit https://www.rochestertoyota.com/lifetime-warranty.html.
Do you buy cars?
- Yes! Our team guarantees the same cash value for your vehicle even if you don’t trade-in and buy another vehicle from us, even though we would love it if you did!
What does TCUV mean?
- TCUV stands for Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. This means that the vehicle has gone through an extensive inspection of at least 160 points and will come with a 7 year / 100,000 mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, 7 year / 100,000 mile roadside assistance, and 12 month / 12,000 mile Limited Warranty. For more information, please visit https://www.rochestertoyota.com/why-buy-certified.html.
Can I return my used or certified vehicle if I don’t like it?
- Buying a car should be an exciting event, not something to regret. That’s why at Rochester Toyota our pre-owned vehicles receive the following guarantees:
- 3 months / 30,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
- 7-day money back guarantee
- 30-day exchange guarantee
What is a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty?
- All vehicles purchased from Rochester Toyota include a lifetime limited powertrain warranty. This includes unlimited time and unlimited miles at no cost to you. For more information, visit https://www.rochestertoyota.com/lifetime-warranty.html.
Finance FAQs
What financing options do you offer?
- At Rochester Toyota, we work with a variety of lenders to find competitive terms and conditions for you. When you are financing, typical loans are 48 – 72 months. Shorter terms mean less interest payments and extended terms are available. In terms of cash down payments, more cash down may mean lower interest rates and payments, equity from a trade can also be used, and we let lenders bid for your business! For more details, please visit https://www.rochestertoyota.com/finance.aspx.
What rate do I qualify for?
- Our Toyota Finance team works with several different lenders who compete for your business to provide a competitive rate. Approvals can vary on roughly 20 different factors including term, credit rating, loan structure, etc. Some aspects that can impact loan structure are money down, if there is a trade value to include, or if there is a payoff.
I’m already pre-approved, can I set it up through my bank? Or do you have other options that save me time and money?
- Yes, we can help you purchase a vehicle using your lender. However, with our Toyota team’s buying power and several different lenders who provide preferential rates, we can typically match or beat any local bank or credit union which, in turn, saves time and money. The great news is that Rochester Toyota is a one-stop shop and will take care of all your financial needs at one time.
Do you offer protection past the factory warranty?
- Absolutely! At Rochester Toyota, we provide 2 – 3 service contract providers that the dealership stands behind. These service contracts are customizable to your driving habits, so you won’t pay for anything you aren’t going to use. These are based on how long you plan to own the vehicle and how far you plan to drive each month. With the rise of labor and parts costs, it is important to protect your budget going forward!
What is the longest term I can finance?
- Based on current industry trends, most lenders will finance up to 84 months.
What is the shortest term I can finance?
- Based on current industry trends, most lenders will finance as low as 24 months.
If I finance through you, do any of your banks have penalties for early payoff?
- No, we do not partner with lenders that have penalties based on your decisions to pay ahead or pay off early.
Do you have lease options?
- Yes, we have lease options as low as 24 months / 10,000 miles per year and up to high mileage leases which exceed 25,000 miles per year.
Can I lease a used car?
- Yes, we do have several Toyota Certified used vehicles that qualify for leases.
I drive a lot of miles, can I still lease?
- Yes, we offer leases for up to 25,000 miles per year. Typically, your cost per mile is cheaper when you lease rather than own.
Service FAQs
How do I schedule an appointment?
- To schedule an appointment, you can visit https://www.rochestertoyota.com/schedule-service-toyota.html or call 507-286-1200.
If I wait for my vehicle service to be complete, how long will it take?
- We always do our best to work vehicles through in a timely manner. Unfortunately, until the vehicle is diagnosed, it is difficult to place a time estimate.
If I wait for an oil change to be complete, how long will it take?
- Our certified technicians will take 45 – 60 minutes to complete your oil change, fluid top off, and vehicle inspection with a scheduled appointment. Walk-in service may take longer depending on current capacity and availability.
How do I use your shuttle?
- When checking in, you can use our new shuttle QR code to schedule your ride. This QR code can be found around the dealership or at your Service Advisor’s desk, or you can click here. Please be aware that our shuttles are first come, first serve. Please plan ahead if you will be on a tight timeframe. Additional shuttle details can be found in the question below.
- Please note that car seats are not provided. Pets are welcome, however, they must be leashed.
Where can the shuttle take me?
- Our shuttle routes are as follows:
- Must be to or from one of our Rochester Motor Cars locations:
- Rochester Toyota
- Rochester Ford
- Rochester Quick Lane at Ford
- Rochester Collision Center North
- Rochester Mazda
- Rochester Chevrolet Cadillac
- Rochester Collision Center South
- Rochester Quick Lane on 2nd
- Rochester Car Clearance Center
- Must be within Rochester city limits.
- Mayo Clinic approved drop off and pick up locations:
- Dan Abraham
- Gonda East
- Charter House
- Baldwin
- St. Mary’s
- Generose
- Jacobson Building
- One Discovery Square
- Must be to or from one of our Rochester Motor Cars locations:
What time does the shuttle start each day?
- Our shuttle hours are as follows:
- Monday – Friday from 6am – 5:30pm
- Saturday from 7:45am – 3:30pm
- Sunday: CLOSED
Is there a loaner I can use while my vehicle is in the shop?
- A limited number of rental vehicles are available for customer use. Please inquire when making your appointment to see if one is available and if there would be a charge for use of the rental. For more details on our rentals, please visit https://www.rochestertoyota.com/rent-a-toyota.html.
Where do I park when I come in for Service?
- The Service Drive is located on the north side of the dealership. Please feel free to pull right in through the furthest overhead door on the left and drive as far forward as possible. From there, you may shut the vehicle off, leave the key in the ignition, and proceed to a Service Advisor or mobile kiosk to check in.
My appointment in the repair shop is for X time. What time should I expect work to begin on my vehicle?
- Appointments are set up as a time for you to speak with your Service Advisor and turn over the vehicle to them. We do our best to work vehicles through the shop in a timely manner, but we will coordinate based on the technician’s availability. Your Service Advisor will be able to provide you a more accurate timeline when dropping off the vehicle.
My appointment in the repair shop is for X time. What time can I drop off my vehicle?
- With the exception of utilizing our afterhours drop box, we ask that you bring your vehicle in as close to your appointment time as possible. We set appointments in our system to help manage flow through our Service Drive and avoid congestion with our Service Advisors and shuttles.
How much does it cost to diagnose my vehicle?
- Diagnoses start at $125 per concern.
I have an extended warranty. What does that process look like?
- We will bring your vehicle in and proceed with diagnosis. Unfortunately, until the concern is diagnosed, we would not know if the issue is covered, so a diagnostic charge is quoted. Once we have determined what caused the failure, we will contact the extended warranty company for approval. This may take some time to acquire authorization. Often times, we need to send in photos of the vehicle, or an inspector may be sent out to see the vehicle in person.
My extended warranty deductible is $XXX. Why am I being charged more?
- Extended warranties do not always cover all the components needed to properly repair the vehicle. This includes items such as cleaners, fluids, bolts, etc. Please reference your warranty contract for details.
What do extended warranties cover?
- This depends entirely on the contract purchased. Please refer to your warranty contract for specific coverage details.
Parts FAQs
What information should I have if I am looking for a part?
- The best way for us to look up parts for your vehicle is by the VIN number. If your vehicle has been serviced by us before, we can also use your phone number.
Where in the VIN number located on my vehicle?
- You can find your VIN number either on the door jam, the driver’s side dash along the windshield, on your insurance card, or on your vehicle’s title.