I saw this coming. The ongoing pandemic has well and truly upended the norm in every aspect of our lives. Everything is about the “new normal” now—and this includes our choice of cars.
Filipinos have long been used to long lines at the MRT stations and being packed like sardines inside the train cars. It wasn’t any better for bus and UV Express riders — who still have to face the daunting prospect of being stuck in traffic while squeezed shoulder to shoulder with other passengers.
That was then. Today, physical distancing requires barely 50 percent capacities for these modes of public transportation. Which means that a lot of people who need to go someplace have no means of getting there.
The alternative is buying a new car. Beyond the budget? A new motorcycle then? Many people can’t ride or are too scared.
Which leaves second-hand cars as the only financially viable option. But few people are experts when it comes to buying used cars and the risk of getting a four-wheeled money pit is always there. In times like these when hard-earned money should go to quality products, certified used cars play an important role. With proliferation of used car websites and outlets, it is increasingly difficult to discern which ones can deliver the best quality and value.
No surprise then that used cars with limited warranties are becoming the go-to choice now for those looking for an affordable yet reliable car. Toyota’s Certified Used Car (TCUV) program addresses exactly this – it brings peace of mind to the customers by ensuring that the used cars they are buying are certified by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).
TCUV is one of TMP’s value-chain programs that offers customers used vehicles that underwent a rigorous 211-point inspection and certification procedure before being classified as “certified used vehicles.” Cars offered by TCUV dealers come with additional limited warranty and are also qualified for flexible financing terms with Toyota Financial Services.
“Recently, most of those who inquire from our TCUV dealers are commuters who regularly use public and mass transport to get to work or to carry out essential trips for their family’s needs,” said TMP’s Assistant Vice President for Value Chain Section, Gener Castillo. “This could mean there is increased demand for personal mobility among those who see having a car as a need, but would like a more affordable option and an easier way get financing approval without compromising quality, efficiency and safety.”
“With TCUV, customers enjoy easy-to-own cars with the consistent Toyota experience as they are assured that the used cars passed Toyota’s strict and high quality standards,” added Castillo.
As of this time, only select Toyota dealers offer TCUV units. For Luzon and Metro Manila, these are Toyota Alabang, Toyota Balintawak, Toyota Batangas, Toyota Bicutan, Toyota Calamba, Toyota Dagupan, Toyota Global City, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota Pasig, Toyota Pasong Tamo, Toyota Plaridel, Toyota Quezon Avenue, and Toyota San Pablo.
For Visayas and Mindanao, authorized TCUV retail outlets are Toyota Cagayan de Oro, Toyota Iloilo, Toyota Lapu-Lapu, Toyota Cebu City, Toyota Mandaue North and South, Toyota Tacloban, and Toyota Talisay.
Aside from offering certified used cars, TCUV dealers also source vehicles from current Toyota customers who wish to upgrade by trading in or selling their vehicle at fair value. A team of highly skilled and accredited assessors thoroughly check the vehicle under transparent operation to guarantee that the Toyota owner gets the fair value of their vehicle.
TCUV sourcing outlets are all the above-mentioned dealers plus Toyota Abad Santos, Toyota Angeles, Toyota Butuan, Toyota Calbayog, Toyota Cubao, Toyota Dasmarinas, Toyota Makati, Toyota Marikina, Toyota Marilao, Toyota North Edsa, Toyota Otis, Toyota San Fernando, and Toyota Shaw.
For more information about TCUV buying or selling, customers may directly inquire at the TCUV dealer near them. For more updates about Toyota’s products and services, visit https://toyota.com.ph or join TMP’s official social media accounts at facebook.com/ToyotaMotorPhilippines, twitter.com/ToyotaMotorPH and Instagram.com/toyotamotorphilippines
