factory add ons vs dealer installed

My understanding, after purchasing several Toyotas over the years, is that the items you mention are NOT factory installed items but rather are installed at the port if they are on the window sticker, or by the dealer if they are not. All those items are available for purchase separately from any Toyota dealer.

 

Why are they "telling you" this? Trying for more money somehow?

 

I would think Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price should include factory installs. All that's out the window now though; it's Wild West days of dealership market. At least they should have the decency to avoid BS, just say "we're charging you an extra grand because we can".

I would stick with the 08 if possible, at least till this nonsense subsides.

 

At least not use this dealer.

 

These items are NOT factory installed; I purchased almost the same items from the dealer as 'PARTS', and they installed them when they came in. Did they have them when I picked up the car from the dealer? NO! Did they have them on the date they were promised? NO! I had to go back and wait for 2 hours 2 days after the scheduled date they would be there (a full week after the car was picked up) to have them installed. There was a bit of upcharge for the installation, but I knew that from the onset. I knew how much they were on the website. But I will never go back to that dealer I bought the car for any service!

 

As far as quality is concerned, the factory installed items are the best as far as workmanship. second is those installed by the distributor, the ones installed by the dealer are most likely to vary in quality of workmanship.

Those items installed after the factory are usually high profit margin accessories with which the seller can discount to the buyer as incentives.

When I bought my 2012 Prius v in Feb 2012, the dealer was firm with the factory sticker price but gave me everything installed by Southeast Toyota for free.

The market has changed so much, however, in the last three years due to component shortages.

 

i had the dealer install all weather floor mats, the workmanship was excellent

 

Did they charge you for half hour of labor at the shop standard rate?

 

Take it they didn't just throw them over the carpet mats then.