Toyota Certified of Santee Frequently Asked Questions
Phone: 619-596-7700





Can I bring my vehicle to Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon for service even though I purchased my vehicle at another Toyota dealer?

Yes - You may bring your vehicle to Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon for any service regardless of purchase location. All factory and extended warranties can be used here.



What should I do if I need service?

You may make an appointment online 24 hours a day under the "Schedule Service" tab. You may also call out service department at 619-596-7700.



Do I have to make an appointment to have service done?

Although an appointment is recommended for all services at Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon, we will make every effort to provide outstanding service to anyone, anytime.



Are you open on weekends for service?

Yes - Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon are open for your servicing and maintenance needs 7 days a week



Can I pick up and drop off my vehicle after business hours?

Yes - We can accommodate any schedule with early bird service or after hours pick up see your Assistant Service Manager for details



What type of warranty do you offer on your services?

All work done by Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon is warranted for the period of 1 year unlimited miles from date of install at any Toyota dealer nationwide. Some items, when replaced are even warranted for the life of your ownership-see your service consultant for details.



Do factory trained technicians really make a difference?

Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon spends on average $2K a year per technician on training and certifications. They receive training directly from the manufacturer, our in house training, and off-site classrooms. They use the latest equipment and diagnostics. There is no such thing as a certified Toyota technician outside the Toyota dealership network



Is a Toyota factory part really better than the aftermarket alternative?

Yes - factory parts are made specifically to fit your vehicle. They have been engineered to the strict tolerances your vehicle requires. They offer superior protection and a nationwide warranty directly from Toyota. They are your best vehicle protection without question.



Will I pay a higher price to service my vehicle at Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon than the independents?

No - Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon shops the competition quarterly and publishes the results in pamphlet form and a larger display board in the lounge. All Toyota services provide excellent value, protection, with an outstanding warranty. From oil changes to tire replacements Toyota of El Cajon aims to give you the lowest possible price at the highest value possible and the best warranty on the market.



How often should I be checking my tire pressures, what's the best pressure for southern California?

You should be checking your tire pressures every 1k miles or 1-month whichever comes first. We have found that most Toyota vehicles perform best at 32PSI checked cold in southern California. You can drop by at anytime and we will perform this for you.



How often should I change my oil?

Toyota's maintenance schedule requires that your Toyota be maintained including replacing oil and filter, rotating tires and setting proper pressure, checking fluid levels every 6 months or 5k miles whichever comes first. We also perform free of charge a 21 point vehicle inspection.



Do you sell tires?

Yes - We stock all major brands of tires with Free Tire Road Hazard with every purchase. Did you know that Toyota sets stringent standards for its tire suppliers to make sure you and your family will be safe and your Toyota will perform as designed? Not all tires are designed and made with the same quality and load standards. Round and black and inexpensive are not all that you need to look for. Allow our Toyota assistant service managers to help you select the proper tire for your Toyota at a great price.



What type of fuel should I use?

You should consult your service advisor or owner's manual for this information. The general rule is to use a name brand fuel and remember there are no current Toyota products that run on diesel fuel.



How often should I wax my vehicle?

Although there is no set timetable for this service, Toyota Certified of Santee / Toyota of El Cajon has found that hand waxing the exterior semi-annually is most beneficial for the maximum protection of the vehicle.



Can I purchase a New or Used Toyota from you?

Toyota Certified of Santee is growing this year to include expanded service facilities and a Toyota sales department specializing in pre-owned vehicles. Until then our parent store, Toyota of El Cajon can accommodate whatever your vehicle purchase needs are. From the all new Tundra to a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, we have it all. See the "New Vehicles" and "Pre-Owned Vehicles" tab on our home page to search our huge inventory for the perfect Toyota that meets your needs.