Am I being a chump just for just going on one list?

I too, am just on one list (Wilder Auto Center) in Port Angles, Wa. I've
been on the list since Nov 15th. A few weeks ago I was offered a different
color, same pkg, but turned it down as we are #1 on the list. Got a call
last Friday saying that we are on the allocation list and it should be here
in a couple of weeks.

 

I gotta be direct and honest here with you, and everyone. If I wanted a Prius BADLY and did not care where I got it from or how much I'd have to pay, I'd go on many lists as long as no deposit was required. :> If I wanted to wait and buy it from Dianne at Carson (me) and bide my time while they are ramping up production, and show a little faith and loyalty, then I'd be on my list! It depends on your personal agenda.

Di

 

I'm sticking with one order, through the broker I'm using; I feel that, if he's doing the best he can to get me the best deal he can, then I (at the least) shouldn't be putting in other orders without telling him.

We have discussed the situation where, through word of mouth or whatever, I hear about a Prius that's available; in that case, I'll turn the info over to him and let him see if he can swing it.

One important note: From what's being said on several threads, it sounds like Toyota is beginning to make efforts to track down multiple orders and consolidate them into one. I don't blame them -- these multiple orders must play havoc on trying to plan on what colors/packages to manufacture.

 

It all depends on how you feel - if you don't like your dealer, or think they're not working for you in your best interests, then by all means try others. I personally put deposits down at 3 places, and it was a good move for me - not only did I get my car quicker from another dealer, but the third dealer who was one of the two who didn't get the car to me was extremely curteous and friendly, and went out of their way to make me feel like an important customer. Next time, instead of going blind to any dealer around, I'm going straight to them because I appreciate their work.

However - and especially since Dianne is your dealer - if you have a dealer who's bending over backwards for you and busts their behind to get the info out to their customers via emails, posting on forums, and any way possible - then stick it out with them if you can. If your current car is on it's last leg, or there's a situation where you need it immediately, just be honest with your dealer upfront.

From what I've seen of Dianne on here alone, she's hands down the hardest working dealer I've come across in my experiences of carbuying.

-m.

 

I'm more along the line of Dianne' post. I don't want a Prius at any price, I've found one dealer who I'm happy with and I'm more than happy to wait for the car that I want from someone who's actually spent time trying to help me. I haven't waited as long as some people on here (Jan 5th) and thankfully my current vehicle is in pretty good shape (only 16 mpg though).

 

When you place an order at a dealer, does Toyota actually schedule and build a car to your exact specs (color and option package)? If not, how do you get the exact car you want?

 

Eventually, you would get the car that you want, but demand is still so high that Toyota is just building them as quickly as they can and shipping them off. No custom orders. The quicker you want it, the more flexible you have to be with multiple dealers.

 

Jay- I believe the answer to that is "No".

I put down one deposit at the highest volumn (for Prii that is) dealer around and waited for months for my car. Overall I feel the wait was justified for such a remarkable car. :mrgreen:

If I was within a few hundred miles of Carson, though, I'd buy from Di as she impresses the heck out of me

Peace

 

Hi Danny! Well, thanks for accepting my request to be one! I adore the community here. :>

 

Your dealer takes your name and # and waits for the cars he gets first and then tries to match it to the list in order. They do not ever place orders for this car. If you get EXACTLY what you wanted, then you are so lucky! :>

 

What I'd do if I were you is stay on Dianne's list and wait for her to call you. She seems very loyal and trustowrhty, if you are on her list you're in good shape.

BUT, then I would start calling every dealer around on a regular basis and ask what they have. Decide how far you are willing to travel to pick it up and call that far away. There are stories here of people flying to the dealer and spending 2 days driving home. Ask yourself how bad you want one and what are you willing to do to get it?

The Toyota site used to let you search dealer inventory, if you can do that then do it religiously. Every day or every few days.

I was able to get mine within a week with just a 90 mile drive. I did it by searching inventory every day, and when one showed up I was on the phone immediately. As it wasn't an exact match for anyone on their list, and tey hadn't been able to reach anyone on the list to see if they would take it, I got it.

It takes work and luck.

Good luck.
Fred

 

I got lucky. I called all the dealers from Richmond to Washington asking about their expected wait. Mechanicsville Toyota gave no info, but took my name and number. A couple weeks later, I get a call saying they had one coming in (silver #9, what we wanted) and first one to arrive with deposit gets it. Flying trip down I-95, 2 weeks, and we had it. 5000 miles later, no regrets and know folks with theirs on order much longer than initial call.

Highly recommended dealership.

Scott H.

 

I am on numerous lists

I assume everyone else is as well

It's for this reason that I think the demand might be overstated

Whenever I get my car, I will have to "pass" on all future dealers that call me with a car. THere is no way I'm going to call 60 dealers to take me off their call lists.

Chris