Mark Miller Toyota Downtown held grand opening ceremonies Friday for its newly renovated dealership at 700 South and West Temple, the former home of Wagstaff's House of Toyota.
Miller, who also owns Pontiac and Subaru dealerships on south State Street, bought the Wag-staff's new car and parts inventory when the company went out of business in April 1990.In October of that year, Miller opened a temporary Toyota dealership at 700 South 200 West that he operated during a $1 million renovation of his new "inside car lot" on West Temple.
"This is a terrific advantage to both the customer and to us," said Miller. "Cold, heat, rain or snow, none of that matters because everything is indoors."
The new Toyota dealership is just across 700 South from the newly completed Rick Warner Auto Plaza. Miller said the proximity helps him. "We're not formally included in the Auto Plaza but it's good to be part of what Rick Warner has done in those two blocks," he said.
The completely refurbished three-story facility encompasses 136,000 square feet under one roof. Miller said he had intended to buy the facility at the time Wag-staff's quit business but decided not to because it had some leaking underground oil tanks. That problem was later solved by Zions First National Bank, allowing Miller to buy the property at a sheriff's sale last May.
Since the renovation, the old service department is now the inside showroom for some 35 new cars. The upper floors, including an apartment once used as a residence by the late Milt Wagstaff, will be used for vehicle storage and, eventually, a fitness center for employees and customers.
Miller said the franchise now employs 60 people, including many former Wagstaff technicians and office staff. The management team and sales staff are new, part of a reorganization last June. Miller will make his personal headquarters office at the new facility.
"It's been a lot more work than I anticipated," said Miller of the new franchise. "Trying to get the right people is really hard. But we had our second best month ever in October. We're really excited about our people and the location and the cars."
Friday's grand opening featured local civic leaders and invited guests. Representing Toyota Motor Sales was the organization's number three executive, Al Wagner.
Grand opening festivities open to the public continue through Saturday.
Miller said that anyone who comes in to test drive a '92 Camry during the grand opening will be given a silver coin minted for the occasion. Visitors will also be given free soft drinks.
The new dealership features a full array of 1992 Toyotas, including the newly designed Camry and the innovative Previa minivan. The facility also features the only Toyota Parts Center in the Intermountain Area.
Miller said many Toyota owners want Toyota accessories for their car or truck. "We're talking about hundreds of separate items, including floor mats, car covers, front end masks, alarm systems and upgrade audio systems," said Miller.
Unlike most parts stores, where customers go to a counter and order from a clerk, the Miller facility is like a conventional store in which customers "can see them and touch the parts," as Miller puts it.
Mark Miller Toyota Downtown also features a new service department. "Providing customers with car service is an important part of a very competitive business, so we have pulled no punches in providing the best possible service," he said.
The facility will provide service customers shuttle service to the business district from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 8 .m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.