Dealership games

[Jimmre]

First, thank you for being such an awesome site!! The information here is incredible!

My wife and I started looking at purchasing a Prius. I'm 6'5" and she's 5'4" so we know not every vehicle will work for us. We were pleasantly surprised when the 2010 model worked ( the Gen II not so much). We started talking with a salesman about our situation and decided to leave and talk about what we need and do some research.

I noticed 2 days later that a 2010 Prius with ~8,000 miles was listed in the used inventory for $23,033. This was ideal, because we needed a third generation in order for me to fit, but I though it would be some time before they started showing up. My hope was that it was a III or minimal optioned IV. I called and learned it was a II. I mentioned my surprise that a new II on their site listed as $22,950 and the used one was more expensive. With some stammering it was explained that because the demand is so high for the new cars that they won't go down in price, but because he could go down some on the used they listed at that price.

So, they listed above the price of a new car. I was kind of confused but setup an appointment to go look at it. The more I've been thinking about this the angrier I've become. I finally sent an e-mail cancelling the appointment and letting them know what I thought of such a pricing plan. I also mentioned that there were several dealerships within a short distance that would be more than happy to do business with us.

Did I overreact here? It's just that my wife and I really really hate the games that they play when you go to buy a car. Anyways, I hate for my first post to be whiny and complaining, but I just needed to vent I guess.

[stevemcelroy]

Like it or not, but haggling is part of the game. I think that you are within your rights not to choose to play, but if it is a car that you really are interested in you really only are hurting yourself.

I'd recommend calling the salesperson that you spoke with and telling them that you may have overreacted - then ask the dealership to quote you a realistic price - if they do and you like it then you can look at it further, if not all you have wasted is a few minutes on the phone.

[bedrock8x]

Go buy the new one at MSRP. Why waste your time to haggle and make your blood pressure boiled over.

[Ophbalance]

Hah... when we were looking at buying a Prius a few months back, the dealership in Durham had 07/08 models with 49k miles listed at.... 22,900 out the door. I said to the sales drone, "you can buy a '10 NEW for 24-25!". He never really did have a come back other than, "that's where the market puts the prices". Mmm...kay. So, I bought an 05 for 16,500 with 32k miles (package BC/6... whatever, the highest package) from a closer dealer instead .

[DBaum]

When we bought our 09 Prius II ( had a 4 month wait to get it ) they had a used 08 II for sale for more then the 09 we bought. We felt the same way you did but but we didn't need a new car right away so the wait was fine.

[richard schumacher]

Save yourself bother and annoyance. Buy cars by phone, email, and fax. Tell as many dealers as you like what you want and have them send you in writing their best out-the-door price. Then go with the dealer you like best, or ask that one to meet the best offer. The only reasons to visit a dealer are for a test drive, signing the purchase agreement and taking delivery.

[tumbleweed]

No you did not overreact, they owe you an apology for trying to hoodwink you into paying more for a used car than a new one would cost. Buy from somewhere else but be careful where ever you go because most of them try the same kind of sleazy tactics. Try the internet as posted above, or check out a car buying program such as Costo has.

[Jimmre]

Thanks for all the feedback. I received an e-mail today that says there was problem with the "software" that they use that caused it to inadvertently be high. The original MSRP is $22,915 and they are listing it for $21,900. I waited several hours and the website still shows $23,033.

The next problem is what does a used 2010 go for? There isn't any info out there that I can find? I'm making a new post in the Gen III main forum to ask for help!!

[Rhino]

The price is so close to the new price, you might as well buy new. There may be a reason for the return other than the owner changed his mind or lost his job. They are only cutting 1K after 8K miles?

Or if you really want to save money, get a 2009.

[Jimmre]

Originally Posted by Rhino

The price is so close to the new price, you might as well buy new. There may be a reason for the return other than the owner changed his mind or lost his job. They are only cutting 1K after 8K miles?

Or if you really want to save money, get a 2009.

Thanks for replying!! She was upgrading from a II to a IV so traded it in.

The problem with the 2009 is that it doesn't have the adjustable seatting like the 2010 does. The manager sent me another e-mail:

I will just tell you that I gave XXname hereXX $20400.00 in trade for this Prius, added for the Toyota certification fee and paid for her service ticket which is why she was in here in the first place. At 20,933.00, the profit is non existent which when taking care of a previous customer happens from time to time. If you chose not to take advantage of the Certification then there is a 450.00 discount that I could do

So, with 11,000 miles the absolute best I could hope for looks like $21,000 ($1,915 off of MSRP). To me that almost screams just buy the new one. As (and if) things slow down I'd imagine it won't be unheard of for new ones to sell for this price.