CVDM
Christo Van Der Merwe

1 reviews | Active since Aug 2019

08 Jun 2026, 15:04

Toyota Menlyn

When considering purchasing a new Toyota from NMI Toyota Menlyn, there are a few things prospective buyers should keep in mind. I have been a loyal customer of this dealership and have purchased more than five vehicles from them over the years. My most recent purchase was a new Toyota Fortuner. Initially, the experience was positive, but after only 5,000 km, the vehicle required a differential replacement. After considerable discussion and disagreement with the dealership, we eventually reached an agreement, and they provided me with a loan vehicle while the repairs were carried out. Eighteen months later, I returned to NMI Toyota Menlyn with the intention of purchasing another new vehicle. One of the reasons many people choose Toyota is the sense of security, reliability, and peace of mind that comes with owning a well-respected brand. Unfortunately, my recent experience left me disappointed. When I requested a trade-in valuation on my Fortuner, I was offered an amount that was approximately R80,000 below book value. Considering my long-standing relationship with the dealership and the number of vehicles I have purchased from them, I found this offer both surprising and discouraging. What shocked me most was that I received significantly higher trade-in offers for my Toyota Fortuner from dealerships representing other vehicle brands than I did from NMI Toyota Menlyn itself. As a Toyota dealership, I expected them to recognize the value of their own product and to offer a competitive trade-in price, particularly given my history as a loyal customer. Finding better offers elsewhere was both surprising and disappointing, and it ultimately left me questioning how customer loyalty and repeat business are valued. My advice to anyone considering buying a new Toyota from NMI Toyota Menlyn is to first obtain an independent estimate of your vehicle's trade-in value. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid any unexpected surprises should you decide to trade your vehicle in for a new one. While Toyota remains a strong and reputable brand, my experience with NMI Toyota Menlyn has left me questioning the value placed on customer loyalty. Based on my experience, I believe prospective buyers should carefully consider both the purchase process and the dealership's approach to trade-in valuations before making a decision.

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