Do you actually know anyone who enjoys going to a car dealership? It seems like no matter what you’re trying to accomplish, you end up spending more time there than you want. But one Toyota dealership took things to a new level by stressing a woman out for over a week. 

Toyota dealership gives a woman back-to-back lemons 

Toyota fan and TikTok user @hillaryhelennn could use a break and a working car. She got into a wreck, and her beloved Prius was swiped by a Tacoma and totaled. This is the beginning of her terrible dealership and car buying experience. 

She took her wrecked 2011 Prius in to trade for something new. Hillary test drove a few used options, and it came down to deciding between a newer Prius or RAV4. The SUVs had similar prices. 

Plus, she took the time to ask questions about what the cars included, like Apple CarPlay, and settled on the Prius. 

Within one hour of making it home, her partner found that the interior sound and navigation didn’t work. Plus, Apple CarPlay wouldn’t connect. So, she went back to the dealership but couldn’t receive service until the next day.

Then they said they had no idea what was wrong with the Prius and that it didn’t have CarPlay, despite being confirmed on her checklist. She was informed that it would take six days to repair the Prius, and Apple CarPlay couldn’t be added. 

Hillary complained that this wasn’t the car they sold her and asked to get the RAV4 instead. Three days later, they agreed to the deal. On day seven, she gets the RAV4. 

But then 30 minutes later, it wouldn’t start. She called the dealership and learned that someone forgot to turn off the security feature. It prevents people from stealing cars off the lot. 

A kid showed up, held a device on the car, and left, without seeing if it worked. Luckily, that fixed it. On top of that, the dealership thanked her for being nice and explained they didn’t have to legally give her the RAV4. Reportedly, they would’ve sent her away if she were mean. 

When did the Toyota Prius get Apple CarPlay? 

The Toyota Prius didn’t get standard Apple CarPlay until 2020. Earlier model years might not have it, except for on higher trim levels. Then in 2023, the Prius gained Wireless Apple CarPlay. 

Some SUVs and cars like the Corolla and RAV4, got Apple CarPlay a little earlier in 2019. Also, you can add CarPlay to older Prius models. Simply install an aftermarket CarPlay module or upgrade the factory radio. 

Can you return a used car? 

You might be able to return a used car, but there are a few different factors at play. It may come down to certain startle laws and individual dealership policies. 

Edmunds explains that with buyer’s remorse or if a car isn’t the right fit for your family, dealerships aren’t under a legal or moral obligation to take it back. Many dealers don’t have written policies that allow you to rescind the purchase agreement you’ve signed. 

Used cars are often harder to return under lemon laws. Most models get sold as is. But if it’s defective and spends plenty of time in the service department after purchase, this helps to build your case. 

Also, the lemon law may still apply if your used car still has a manufacturer’s warranty. But it’s best to have a used model inspected before buying. 

Some dealerships offer a cancellation option agreement that provides two to three days or a certain mileage limit for a return period. Plus, some businesses like Carvana and Carmax offer a 10-day return window. 

What did people in the comments say? 

A lot of the comments are supportive and celebrate the purchase of a Toyota RAV4. People shared that it should be a reliable, long lasting option. 

Some people shared that she should be covered under the lemon law, but it’s unclear if her situation qualified. I’m not sure if the Prius was still under any type of warranty or what paperwork was signed. 

Others mentioned that they had a great time with their reliable Prius models. I’m sure Hillary is still upset over the loss of her Prius.