Newbie looking for deposit advice

[DetPrius]

So my 88 CRX Si finally died after 20.5 years and almost 400,000 miles and I need a new car. As much as I like Hondas, I believe Toyota is way ahead in hybrid technology. I now need 4 seats and don't want to go backwards on MPG (CRX did 42 on long freeway trips) so I've decided to get a 2010 Prius. I saw a thread not too long ago about putting down multiple deposits and now I can't find it. Can someone point me to it if you can find it? Is it a good idea to put down 2-3 refundable deposits at different dealers? They are all taking deposits around me and I don't to wait any longer to get in line.

I've been lurking a while and want to THANK EVERYONE for the great resource here. I hope to be around a while!

[Jabber]

I think this is the thread you are looking for:

http://priuschat.com/forums/2010-toy...alerships.html

which model are you looking for?

[DetPrius]

Probably a II and the Blue Ribbon Metallic would probably be my first choice although I'd probably take gray or silver.

Yes, that was the thread I was looking for and I'll check it out. I believe you're a dealer from reading your posts. Do you have any comments on multiple deposits?

[Jabber]

I posted in that thread.

[Lafferty]

How exactly should a deposit go down? Is there a written agreement, or do you just send the dealer your debit/credit card number?

If I order a specific package/color/accessories, do they order it from Japan, or try and find something similar at port? Thanks.

[fred garvin]

i placed a $1000 refundable deposit by credit card over the phone and it was confirmed by email. the charge went through on my card.

the emails clearly state a pre-order $500 discount off msrp on my IV with solar nav.

i understand that if they decided to dick me around i wouldn't have much leverage, other than the emails and their craig's list adverts, and without a more traditional document and/or possession off the lot, it comes down to trust and follow-through

i also am on another, more local "list" but without deposits as the second dealer doesn't appear to be taking them. i also doubt they will be discounting at all, and may be plussing

[lefat1]

i got my prius in 11/07 when they were the hottest item out there and gas was near $4/gal...i called dealers everyday and chkd their websites, saw an 08 touring w/ pkg 6 as i wanted on local dealer website, that they didnt know they had, must have just come in, salesman went to lot to verify, called me back and drove it home that night..deposits are worthless. he had deposits, but i had the advantage of time on my side, ie:right place right time..my advise, hang out in the dealers website and call your salesman everyday. make sure you know more than him as you will find you probably do..

[Sandy]

Just start making calls and see if any slots are open

[ggood]

Originally Posted by Lafferty

How exactly should a deposit go down? Is there a written agreement, or do you just send the dealer your debit/credit card number?

If I order a specific package/color/accessories, do they order it from Japan, or try and find something similar at port? Thanks.

1. You wan a written agreement (or at least an e-mail) that it is refundable at anytime, for any reason. Many dealers just take a check and stick it in the file, without ever cashing it.
2. You can't really order any Toyota. The dealer just hopes to get the right car in its allocations, or trades cars with another dealer. If possible, its best to identify a specific car already showing up in the system. May be a little early for that at the moment.

[bruceha_2000]

Originally Posted by lefat1

i got my prius in 11/07 when they were the hottest item out there and gas was near $4/gal...i called dealers everyday and chkd their websites, saw an 08 touring w/ pkg 6 as i wanted on local dealer website, that they didnt know they had, must have just come in, salesman went to lot to verify, called me back and drove it home that night..deposits are worthless. he had deposits, but i had the advantage of time on my side, ie:right place right time..my advise, hang out in the dealers website and call your salesman everyday. make sure you know more than him as you will find you probably do..

Sounds like a dealer to avoid, big time. They have no morality or commitment to their customers.