Toyota dealer pulling back said delivery date, screwing me?

whitespider · 06-07-2007, 01:21 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SSmith @ Jun 7 2007, 11:03 AM) [snapback]457337[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hang in there, you will enjoy the car once you finally have it.
[/b]

I think those few words were the most encouraging yet, strangely enough.

I gave another call to the sales manager, who personally helpped in my sale. He said he couldn't find my file and that it was locked and that my salesman wasn't there and that he would call back.... ready?... tomorrow. And that if not I could call him tomorrow past 2 pm. Heh.

Wow, I just couldn't feel worse. I went to carsdirect.com and just went with it. I called the guy up immediately and told him my situation and asked him for a reasonable out the door. He offered (though he didn't know it himself) $40 out the door above what the dealer offered me, which wasn't bad. I asked him if he could match the dealer when i told him of that fact and he didn't seem to fight the idea (but he couldn't agree since it was just an 'estimate' out the door or something I guess). He said he will definately call me back later today. He knows how I feel about all of this and I don't BS. I present the truth and when I get BSed I just confront passively implying my awareness of the BS and they usually change face.

Still feeling awful about it, but the words of encouragement help, since it's a ray of hope.

ZA_Andy · 06-07-2007, 01:54 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(whitespider @ Jun 7 2007, 01:21 PM) [snapback]457440[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Still feeling awful about it, but the words of encouragement help, since it's a ray of hope.[/b]

I think you have to get this whole thing in perspective, because a week or a month from now you'll be driving around in your very own new Prius, enjoying the experience and the sour taste of dealership hassles will be fading into the past. The car is the thing, you know you want one, you know you're buying one, you know pretty much what you'll be paying for it, all you don't know for sure right now is where it's going to come from and exactly when. Think ahead!

As for the present problem, it's really quite simple. You gave them a deposit in good faith and they if they aren't going to deliver on it, there won't be a problem getting your money back. Toyota dealers, like those for all the big motor manufacturers may be sleazeballs to deal with, but they're not thieves. If they ARE messing you around, they know it and they'll hand back your money without a quibble because there's no point in them keeping it - they won't have a car you want to buy. If they're NOT messing you about, they'll try and keep your business if they can - and you can help them do that by calmly explaining that you're frustrated with the way they're treating you, and that you want to know when they will have your car available, that if they don't have that information by a date you specify for them, you'll take your business elsewhere.

Take control of the process, make the decisions you need to make in order to get the car you want, and impose your expectations on the dealer or take your business elsewhere - you are, after all, worth a lot of money to the dealer who makes the sale to you.

FloridaWen · 06-07-2007, 01:59 PM

whitespider, I hope things work out well for you. Just remember that YOU (just like I am in Tampa) are dealing with the S.E.T. (South East Toyota) group and once the Prius hits Port (Jacksonville, FL) they are adding on $699 for "ToyoGuard Plus Protection Package" and lately I have seen $299 additional for rubber floormat sets also added on the "window srticker" from the PORT, as well as $79 for mudguards, too.

Did you know the "window sticker" is actually made AT THE PORT !! For some silly reason I really thought it was put on the vehicle in Japan, before it it loaded onto the ship (duhhhhhhh !!!!!) This is how vehicles can be "swapped" BEFORE they hit port as well as "eliminating" the ToyoGuard Plus Package, window tints, floor mats, and other options ALL done at port.

I know you are very anxious to get your new Prius, but remember, IF you "catch it BEFORE it hits port" you can lop off these $1,077 worth of "extras"............ Our Dealer (Toyota of Tampa Bay) gave us a GREAT price on our new Prius as well as throwing in (NO charge) a set of genuine, Toyota rubber floor mats, which actually are "nicer" and fit sooooooooo much better than the WeatherTechs could ever fir, even after cutting and trimming the WT's !!

Hang in there buddy................ it will all work out, if NOT with your initial dealer, but with another one as you already are trying..............

whitespider · 06-08-2007, 09:30 PM

So here's the update, all.

Got my deposit back. They were pulling my strings. They couldn't get the car. I got in touch with carsdirect.com (look them up for the prius in the southeast, the price with them was $100 over invoice with just like 6 or 7 clicks!! no personal info except zipcode). They told me the dealer by me that will get the car, without trading. And that they will get it on the 27th (30th offically, they need time as security or something, so they say 30th for extra measure).

My concern is not losing the sale. How can I be SURE they will not sell the car before it's delivered to them?

llyons · 06-09-2007, 03:38 AM

Check out my experience.

I have no experience with CarsDirect but I've heard mainly good things. A few negatives here and there but I suppose it's impossible to keep everyone happy. I would have looked into them a bit more but thier services weren't available in my area.

One of the dealers did say that they dealers ask for a deposit to get you "off the market" like you stated. Also, a friend of mine that used to work in car sales said that you'll always get a better quote on cars they don't have on the lot because IF they do indeed get them in it's better for them if they get them off the lot sooner than later. But, IF the dealer will ever actually get the car you want...That's another story. ONE of the dealerships I dealt with tried to intercept a delivery when another dealership beat him to it. So....the dealer that really had it on it's way did get the short end........

If you do go through a dealer the best advice that was given to me and that I would have to agree on is to deal with dealerships that have the car you want in stock. I searched the new car inventory for dealers in just about my entire state and Texas IS big. I emailed the ones that had the car I wanted in stock along with an offer. Near the end I had some VERY competative prices. Even better than what I am getting. BUT, with no guarantee that they'll even get the car I can't really consider those good offers. KWIM?

whitespider · 06-09-2007, 04:14 AM

"KWIM?" ?

Nice color choice, haha. Yeah it doesn't help that mine is rare. Gotta find zipcodes to make up for my state (Florida) so I can find dealers all over who can help me find my car. I'm willing to travel the southeast for it if I can just pay a little extra to ship it over.

So as for the guarantee. That's my biggest concern of all. As my search is now, no one has one (Mag. Grey Pkg 5) at all, the soonest one comes is.. today (see my signature) and it was suppsoedly sold, and I would probably have to call every dealership to find out which one got it. Anyways the next one is the end of the month, and I know which dealer is getting it. I even called a random dealership in the area and asked for the car to get the typical trade and when they mentioned the date and said 'this is the only one available' I asked if it was from the dealership i knew would get at end of month.. the guy reluctantly blurted out that yes, it was, then went on to say it didn't matter. It's all I needed to hear, as now I was sure they were going to get the delivery.

But still, my concern is security. Can the dealership who's getting it from port sell it from under me before they get it if someone offers me a bigger price? My plan is to get a friend of diffrent age (and maybe sex) to call and 'naturally' let the curiousity of the conversation lead miraculously to ask about the car I want (color and package).. ans ask if they would sell.. if they offer them my car, I will know for sure, if not then i'll feel totally relieved. I'll even have the friend offer a grand or two more than me to give them some good bait.

I think our difference, llyons, might be that no dealer here actually has my car, at all, and port is where it would come from, it seems. Or was that simular for you? All I really feel for is a guarantee that I may have the car, so I can relax and finally enjoy priuschat again, haha.

So to review;

1. Can the dealership who's getting it from port sell it from under me before they get it if someone offers me a bigger price?
2. Could I get in writing some confidence from someone that I will get the car from port?

FloridaWen · 06-09-2007, 07:18 AM

According to buyatoyota.com there is one vehicle exactly as you want in S.E.T. region right now, it is Mag. Gray with Dk. Gray cloth interior, Package #5 and NO ToyoGuard Plus ($699 SAVINGS) and NO "extra options", VIN #JTDKB20U873264898 but it might be "sold or under deposit" ??
It is at Toyota of Tampa Bay (813-375-3006). If it IS sold, still try them.... this Dealer was where WE bought OUR Prius from and I am telling you, they will be 100% HONEST with you............ ask for Roger or Matt (internet Matt).

Good Luck, be patient ONCE you find a "good" Dealer................

traydragen · 06-09-2007, 09:50 AM

Whitespider,
I feel so lucky now. I wanted the exact same package as you and same color as you (I did not know that the package 5 in Mag. Grey was soo difficult to come by??) and I just singed the paperwork on it yesterday (they gave me the VIN # and everything so I know it is legit and it should be in by the 20th of June). They told me they were the only dealership in all of the southeast that is getting the Mag. Grey in Package 5 coming to them and I was the one who got it (I'm not sure is they were shooting me crap but who knows), but this has been a long and tedious process. I know it's hard to be patient but it will come...Good Luck.

FloridaWen · 06-09-2007, 10:31 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(traydragen @ Jun 9 2007, 09:50 AM) [snapback]458619[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Whitespider,
I feel so lucky now. I wanted the exact same package as you and same color as you (I did not know that the package 5 in Mag. Grey was soo difficult to come by??) and I just singed the paperwork on it yesterday (they gave me the VIN # and everything so I know it is legit and it should be in by the 20th of June). They told me they were the only dealership in all of the southeast that is getting the Mag. Grey in Package 5 coming to them and I was the one who got it (I'm not sure is they were shooting me crap but who knows), but this has been a long and tedious process. I know it's hard to be patient but it will come...Good Luck.
[/b]

Since YOU are getting your Prius from S.E.T. (SouthEast Toyota) which in includes your state of South Carolina as well as four or five other Southern states, you have the option (provided the vehicle did NOT come into port yet) of "declining" (omitting) the $699 ToyoGuard Plus Package (VIN Etch, wheel well undercoat, paint "protector") and ANY OTHER "port installed options" such as $299 for 5-pc. rubber floor mats, $79 spalsh guards (mud flaps), etc.
Just an F.Y.I. ...................

GoEco · 06-09-2007, 12:14 PM

whitespider, I'd question why is it taking all of them so long to get the car to you? If carsdirect's dealer has it, why so long before delivery? I'm just wondering if they're not setting you up for the same thing you just dealt with. Did you try the websites of all the local dealers? I have found great pricing going through the Internet Sales' groups and they will tell you what they have on the lot.

I hope it all works out for you!

06-07-2007, 01:59 PM	#13
FloridaWen Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Plant City, Florida Posts: 563 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Touring Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 1	whitespider, I hope things work out well for you. Just remember that YOU (just like I am in Tampa) are dealing with the S.E.T. (South East Toyota) group and once the Prius hits Port (Jacksonville, FL) they are adding on $699 for "ToyoGuard Plus Protection Package" and lately I have seen $299 additional for rubber floormat sets also added on the "window srticker" from the PORT, as well as $79 for mudguards, too. Did you know the "window sticker" is actually made AT THE PORT !! For some silly reason I really thought it was put on the vehicle in Japan, before it it loaded onto the ship (duhhhhhhh !!!!!) This is how vehicles can be "swapped" BEFORE they hit port as well as "eliminating" the ToyoGuard Plus Package, window tints, floor mats, and other options ALL done at port. I know you are very anxious to get your new Prius, but remember, IF you "catch it BEFORE it hits port" you can lop off these $1,077 worth of "extras"............ Our Dealer (Toyota of Tampa Bay) gave us a GREAT price on our new Prius as well as throwing in (NO charge) a set of genuine, Toyota rubber floor mats, which actually are "nicer" and fit sooooooooo much better than the WeatherTechs could ever fir, even after cutting and trimming the WT's !! Hang in there buddy................ it will all work out, if NOT with your initial dealer, but with another one as you already are trying.............. __________________ current vehicles: 2007 Prius Touring w/package 5 - Silver Pine Mica w/gray interior 2004 Honda CR-V EX - Mojave Mist w/tan interior

06-09-2007, 03:38 AM	#15
llyons Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 28 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Check out my experience. I have no experience with CarsDirect but I've heard mainly good things. A few negatives here and there but I suppose it's impossible to keep everyone happy. I would have looked into them a bit more but thier services weren't available in my area. One of the dealers did say that they dealers ask for a deposit to get you "off the market" like you stated. Also, a friend of mine that used to work in car sales said that you'll always get a better quote on cars they don't have on the lot because IF they do indeed get them in it's better for them if they get them off the lot sooner than later. But, IF the dealer will ever actually get the car you want...That's another story. ONE of the dealerships I dealt with tried to intercept a delivery when another dealership beat him to it. So....the dealer that really had it on it's way did get the short end........ If you do go through a dealer the best advice that was given to me and that I would have to agree on is to deal with dealerships that have the car you want in stock. I searched the new car inventory for dealers in just about my entire state and Texas IS big. I emailed the ones that had the car I wanted in stock along with an offer. Near the end I had some VERY competative prices. Even better than what I am getting. BUT, with no guarantee that they'll even get the car I can't really consider those good offers. KWIM? __________________ '07 Magnetic Gray Prius Package 3 - Leather Delivered 6/9

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06-08-2007, 09:30 PM	#14
whitespider Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 93 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	So here's the update, all. Got my deposit back. They were pulling my strings. They couldn't get the car. I got in touch with carsdirect.com (look them up for the prius in the southeast, the price with them was $100 over invoice with just like 6 or 7 clicks!! no personal info except zipcode). They told me the dealer by me that will get the car, without trading. And that they will get it on the 27th (30th offically, they need time as security or something, so they say 30th for extra measure). My concern is not losing the sale. How can I be SURE they will not sell the car before it's delivered to them?

06-09-2007, 04:14 AM	#16
whitespider Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 93 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	"KWIM?" ? Nice color choice, haha. Yeah it doesn't help that mine is rare. Gotta find zipcodes to make up for my state (Florida) so I can find dealers all over who can help me find my car. I'm willing to travel the southeast for it if I can just pay a little extra to ship it over. So as for the guarantee. That's my biggest concern of all. As my search is now, no one has one (Mag. Grey Pkg 5) at all, the soonest one comes is.. today (see my signature) and it was suppsoedly sold, and I would probably have to call every dealership to find out which one got it. Anyways the next one is the end of the month, and I know which dealer is getting it. I even called a random dealership in the area and asked for the car to get the typical trade and when they mentioned the date and said 'this is the only one available' I asked if it was from the dealership i knew would get at end of month.. the guy reluctantly blurted out that yes, it was, then went on to say it didn't matter. It's all I needed to hear, as now I was sure they were going to get the delivery. But still, my concern is security. Can the dealership who's getting it from port sell it from under me before they get it if someone offers me a bigger price? My plan is to get a friend of diffrent age (and maybe sex) to call and 'naturally' let the curiousity of the conversation lead miraculously to ask about the car I want (color and package).. ans ask if they would sell.. if they offer them my car, I will know for sure, if not then i'll feel totally relieved. I'll even have the friend offer a grand or two more than me to give them some good bait. I think our difference, llyons, might be that no dealer here actually has my car, at all, and port is where it would come from, it seems. Or was that simular for you? All I really feel for is a guarantee that I may have the car, so I can relax and finally enjoy priuschat again, haha. So to review; 1. Can the dealership who's getting it from port sell it from under me before they get it if someone offers me a bigger price? 2. Could I get in writing some confidence from someone that I will get the car from port?

06-09-2007, 07:18 AM	#17
FloridaWen Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Plant City, Florida Posts: 563 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Touring Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 1	According to buyatoyota.com there is one vehicle exactly as you want in S.E.T. region right now, it is Mag. Gray with Dk. Gray cloth interior, Package #5 and NO ToyoGuard Plus ($699 SAVINGS) and NO "extra options", VIN #JTDKB20U873264898 but it might be "sold or under deposit" ?? It is at Toyota of Tampa Bay (813-375-3006). If it IS sold, still try them.... this Dealer was where WE bought OUR Prius from and I am telling you, they will be 100% HONEST with you............ ask for Roger or Matt (internet Matt). Good Luck, be patient ONCE you find a "good" Dealer................

06-09-2007, 09:50 AM	#18
traydragen Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 31 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Whitespider, I feel so lucky now. I wanted the exact same package as you and same color as you (I did not know that the package 5 in Mag. Grey was soo difficult to come by??) and I just singed the paperwork on it yesterday (they gave me the VIN # and everything so I know it is legit and it should be in by the 20th of June). They told me they were the only dealership in all of the southeast that is getting the Mag. Grey in Package 5 coming to them and I was the one who got it (I'm not sure is they were shooting me crap but who knows), but this has been a long and tedious process. I know it's hard to be patient but it will come...Good Luck.

06-09-2007, 12:14 PM	#20
GoEco Red Prii Rule Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 94 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	whitespider, I'd question why is it taking all of them so long to get the car to you? If carsdirect's dealer has it, why so long before delivery? I'm just wondering if they're not setting you up for the same thing you just dealt with. Did you try the websites of all the local dealers? I have found great pricing going through the Internet Sales' groups and they will tell you what they have on the lot. I hope it all works out for you!