The E-mail Techinique

4chi · 08-02-2006, 11:15 AM

After lurking here a bit, I've joined up.

Wanting to get rid of an 02 Highlander for a Prius so we have only one family <strike>truckster</strike> guzzler in the family (don't ask what the wife is soon going to be driving).

I sent out an email to several of the Colorado dealers that received good reviews here about 48 hours ago, just asking basic questions about wait for the package and color I want, pricing, and rough tradein value for my Highlander, but I've yet to receive a response.

Is this typical?

Anyone here use email exclusively to negotiate their purchase?

I just feel more comfortable doing it by e-mail, but maybe I need to make some phone calls.

Thanks for any insight into your experience.

ttayloriii · 08-02-2006, 11:21 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(4chi @ Aug 2 2006, 10:15 AM) [snapback]296280[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

After lurking here a bit, I've joined up.

Wanting to get rid of an 02 Highlander for a Prius so we have only one family <strike>truckster</strike> guzzler in the family (don't ask what the wife is soon going to be driving).

I sent out an email to several of the Colorado dealers that received good reviews here about 48 hours ago, just asking basic questions about wait for the package and color I want, pricing, and rough tradein value for my Highlander, but I've yet to receive a response.

Is this typical?

Anyone here use email exclusively to negotiate their purchase?

I just feel more comfortable doing it by e-mail, but maybe I need to make some phone calls.

Thanks for any insight into your experience.
[/b]

I bought my 2006 in Texas, dealing first with e-mails and eventually by phone. It worked for me. I got responses in an hour or less in some cases and 2 days in others. I told each of the dealers what I wanted and that I had found it for $XXX, would they be interested in beating this price, or matching the price with a shorter delivery. Good luck.

withersea · 08-02-2006, 11:22 AM

I contacted 4 dealers (2 in TN and 2 in Southwest VA) by e-mail when I first began to look for a car. All four contacted me pretty quickly by phone and/or e-mail.

randreed · 08-02-2006, 11:23 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(4chi @ Aug 2 2006, 11:15 AM) [snapback]296280[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

After lurking here a bit, I've joined up.

Wanting to get rid of an 02 Highlander for a Prius so we have only one family <strike>truckster</strike> guzzler in the family (don't ask what the wife is soon going to be driving).

I sent out an email to several of the Colorado dealers that received good reviews here about 48 hours ago, just asking basic questions about wait for the package and color I want, pricing, and rough tradein value for my Highlander, but I've yet to receive a response.

Is this typical?

Anyone here use email exclusively to negotiate their purchase?

I just feel more comfortable doing it by e-mail, but maybe I need to make some phone calls.

Thanks for any insight into your experience.
[/b]

Yes - I e-mailed the dealership (Glen Toyota) to ask if they had any on the lot (which they did) and I negotiated trade in value (subject to inspection - and passed) through e-mail - later that day I walked in and drove out about an hour later. They had 3 on the lot - a Blue one that was sold, a Red#7, and a Silver#6 (which I took).

I had already test driver my Father's Pirus I and II so I did not even bother the sales guy with a test drive. I told them up front that I wanted a no-hassle, quick easy deal and that's exactly what I got.

grasshopper · 08-02-2006, 12:45 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(4chi @ Aug 2 2006, 11:15 AM) [snapback]296280[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

After lurking here a bit, I've joined up.

Wanting to get rid of an 02 Highlander for a Prius so we have only one family <strike>truckster</strike> guzzler in the family (don't ask what the wife is soon going to be driving).

I sent out an email to several of the Colorado dealers that received good reviews here about 48 hours ago, just asking basic questions about wait for the package and color I want, pricing, and rough tradein value for my Highlander, but I've yet to receive a response.

Is this typical?

Anyone here use email exclusively to negotiate their purchase?

I just feel more comfortable doing it by e-mail, but maybe I need to make some phone calls.

Thanks for any insight into your experience.
[/b]

The secret to e-mail is mass quantities. I sent about 25 emails with all the info and received about 6 responses in about 2 days. Out of six only 2 were acceptable offers and the rest was on the phone.

tacomel · 08-03-2006, 11:51 AM

Both of the Prii we found were found by internet and e-mail, with the details wrapped up on the phone thereafter.

Basically, what I did (on a Thursday night, for time reference) was go to toyota.com, enter Milwaukee and then Chicago into a dealer search, and get the list of hits. For each one that had an internet site, I clicked it. If it did not bring me to the internet site, or if there was no internet site listed, then I typed the dealer name into Google and found the site. I believe that all but one had a website, although a fair share of the links on toyota.com were out of date. Once at the dealer's website, I looked at the new inventory. If I saw one or more Prii that was to my liking, I used the inquiry form on the site and sent a message. The message was something to the effect of:

"I am writing to see if the 2006 Prius, seaside pearl, #7 that is listed on your website, stock number xxxx, is actually available for sale, and when you are expecting delivery. Or, if you have any other incoming Prius within 2 weeks in { my colors and packages }."

On Friday, I had received about 6 responses out of 20 dealers I e-mailed. And, I received one phone call (even though e-mail was the preferred contact method). The phone call was to explain that the car was a demo car, but they could definitely help me out in 6-9 months. Heh.

Two of the responses were quality, indicating that the specific vehicle was not on the lot but was expected within a week. At that point, I was putting a deposit down on each via credit card, so I switched to telephone conversation with the salesmen.

We took delivery of our new cars on Saturday and Tuesday (2 and 5 days after sending out my inquiries).

4chi · 08-03-2006, 05:50 PM

Yeah, still no response from 4 dealers...weird.

Here was the exact email I sent (yes, I have read other posts saying don't mention the trade up front, but I did anyway...i've found negotiating a bottom line "this is what I am willing to write you a check for" stategy to work for me in the past):

Hello ____________:

Based on my research on the internet and various Prius discussion boards, people are saying good things about buying a Prius from (your dealership).

I am interested in an '06 Prius, package #5 or #6 in gray (or maybe black or silver).

Can you answer the following questions:

1. How long should I expect to wait? My goal is to get it before September 30 so as to get the full federal tax credit.

2. Do you require a deposit? If so, refundable or non-refundable?

3. Undestanding that this car is in demand, my research tells me I should be able to get one for just under MSRP in the Denver area. Is your pricing similar?

4. Do you have any on the lot that I could come test drive? I sat in my neighbor's 05, but I would like to drive an 06 as well.

5. I know it isn't easy to value a trade-in without seeing the car, but I will be trading in an 02 AWD Highlander Limited, not fully loaded but with most features, 30,000 miles and in good condition. Edmunds.com tells me this should be worth $19,400 as a trade-in (see edmunds info pasted in below my signature). Assuming I am accurate about the condition of the car, would you be able to meet this trade-in valuation?

I'm emailing a couple of other dealers that Prius buyers have recommended with these same questions. Your response via email would be appreciated and I look forward to the opportunity to do business with you.

B Rad · 08-03-2006, 07:07 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(4chi @ Aug 3 2006, 04:50 PM) [snapback]297309[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I sent E-mails to 3 dealers and recieved responces in 1 to 3 days. Decided to try the closest 1st so end a reply to Anderson Toyota in Kingman, AZ. Did the whole deal by e-mail and one phone call to personally get a feel for the internet salesman. He assured me of a straight MSRP with no gimicks and thats just the way it worked. Did not mention trade as you will never get a decent price unless you go to the trouble to sell it yourself, and the trade just gives them an oportunity to start playing games.
2. Do you require a deposit? If so, refundable or non-refundable?
>>>All three dealers wanted deposits of $500 to $1000
3. Undestanding that this car is in demand, my research tells me I should be able to get one for just under MSRP in the Denver area. Is your pricing similar?
>>>>You are going to pay MSRP but with the trade you may not know it!!!
4. Do you have any on the lot that I could come test drive? I sat in my neighbor's 05, but I would like to drive an 06 as well.
>>>>Not likely, check around and see if you can rent one from somebody.

5. Edmunds.com tells me this should be worth $19,400
>>>>Most dealers around here are using something they call the black book and it won't come close to Edmunds. Your going to love this car !!!!!!!
[/b]

4chi · 08-08-2006, 06:13 PM

Well, I didn't work for me...never got one response so I started calling around.

08-02-2006, 11:15 AM	#1
4chi Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 79 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	After lurking here a bit, I've joined up. Wanting to get rid of an 02 Highlander for a Prius so we have only one family <strike>truckster</strike> guzzler in the family (don't ask what the wife is soon going to be driving). I sent out an email to several of the Colorado dealers that received good reviews here about 48 hours ago, just asking basic questions about wait for the package and color I want, pricing, and rough tradein value for my Highlander, but I've yet to receive a response. Is this typical? Anyone here use email exclusively to negotiate their purchase? I just feel more comfortable doing it by e-mail, but maybe I need to make some phone calls. Thanks for any insight into your experience. __________________ Pri-fontaine

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08-02-2006, 11:22 AM	#3
withersea DNF is better than DNS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: TN Posts: 1,154 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 2	I contacted 4 dealers (2 in TN and 2 in Southwest VA) by e-mail when I first began to look for a car. All four contacted me pretty quickly by phone and/or e-mail.

08-03-2006, 11:51 AM	#6
tacomel Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 152 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Both of the Prii we found were found by internet and e-mail, with the details wrapped up on the phone thereafter. Basically, what I did (on a Thursday night, for time reference) was go to toyota.com, enter Milwaukee and then Chicago into a dealer search, and get the list of hits. For each one that had an internet site, I clicked it. If it did not bring me to the internet site, or if there was no internet site listed, then I typed the dealer name into Google and found the site. I believe that all but one had a website, although a fair share of the links on toyota.com were out of date. Once at the dealer's website, I looked at the new inventory. If I saw one or more Prii that was to my liking, I used the inquiry form on the site and sent a message. The message was something to the effect of: "I am writing to see if the 2006 Prius, seaside pearl, #7 that is listed on your website, stock number xxxx, is actually available for sale, and when you are expecting delivery. Or, if you have any other incoming Prius within 2 weeks in { my colors and packages }." On Friday, I had received about 6 responses out of 20 dealers I e-mailed. And, I received one phone call (even though e-mail was the preferred contact method). The phone call was to explain that the car was a demo car, but they could definitely help me out in 6-9 months. Heh. Two of the responses were quality, indicating that the specific vehicle was not on the lot but was expected within a week. At that point, I was putting a deposit down on each via credit card, so I switched to telephone conversation with the salesmen. We took delivery of our new cars on Saturday and Tuesday (2 and 5 days after sending out my inquiries). __________________ His: 2006 #5, seaside pearl (Picture) Hers: 2006 #7, seaside pearl (Picture)

08-03-2006, 05:50 PM	#7
4chi Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 79 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Yeah, still no response from 4 dealers...weird. Here was the exact email I sent (yes, I have read other posts saying don't mention the trade up front, but I did anyway...i've found negotiating a bottom line "this is what I am willing to write you a check for" stategy to work for me in the past): Hello ____________: Based on my research on the internet and various Prius discussion boards, people are saying good things about buying a Prius from (your dealership). I am interested in an '06 Prius, package #5 or #6 in gray (or maybe black or silver). Can you answer the following questions: 1. How long should I expect to wait? My goal is to get it before September 30 so as to get the full federal tax credit. 2. Do you require a deposit? If so, refundable or non-refundable? 3. Undestanding that this car is in demand, my research tells me I should be able to get one for just under MSRP in the Denver area. Is your pricing similar? 4. Do you have any on the lot that I could come test drive? I sat in my neighbor's 05, but I would like to drive an 06 as well. 5. I know it isn't easy to value a trade-in without seeing the car, but I will be trading in an 02 AWD Highlander Limited, not fully loaded but with most features, 30,000 miles and in good condition. Edmunds.com tells me this should be worth $19,400 as a trade-in (see edmunds info pasted in below my signature). Assuming I am accurate about the condition of the car, would you be able to meet this trade-in valuation? I'm emailing a couple of other dealers that Prius buyers have recommended with these same questions. Your response via email would be appreciated and I look forward to the opportunity to do business with you.

08-08-2006, 06:13 PM	#9
4chi Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 79 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Well, I didn't work for me...never got one response so I started calling around.