Stressed

Hi all. I just got back from the Toyota dealership, and omg was I given a hard sell. I told the first 2 people I talked to that I was info-gathering, not buying, and they were cool with that. Then a third guy grabs me omw to my car (currently a 2007 Altima Hybrid) and spent the next 2 hours trying to get me to leave in a Prius.

I have every intention of buying a 2011 Prius (if I didn't want one I wouldn't have spent so much time there, obviously), probably the base model with a few extras. I finally had to resort to calling my wife to get me out of there, lol. He even told me that if I didn't buy right now, that the he'd have to split the commision with the first 2 guys I talked to, which means he'd get $37.50 for all his work with me. Granted, I learned a lot from him, but dang I hate being pressured like that.

He also said that due to rising gas prices and the tragic earthquake in Japan, I might not be able to get a Prius at all if I wait much longer. I had planned to purchase in April, but that actually makes sense to me. Unless he is using the earthquake to add more pressure, which would be pretty low class. I'm all confused right now. So... many... options...

Anyway, sorry for the ramble - I aim to join the Prius family, just wanted to share my experience today.

 

Maybe the other guy was a dealer too, and they are just adding the quake to a list of tactics. I hope not.

There are several dealers here in Vegas, but I am a bit reluctant to visit another one just yet. I signed up with whypaysticker.com, and also with USAA's auto search, so I will see what happens with that. I have purchased 3 cars in my life (drove a Ford Escort for 15 years, lol), and each time I left feeling vaguely...soiled. I'm excited about owning a Prius, and I want to do better this time. I've never put so much effort into researching a purchase, that's for sure.

Thanks for listening.

 

Thanks all, I still don't know quite what I'm going to do, but I am fairly sure I will not be going back to that dealer unless they turn out to be the best deal. While I was there I saw a black Prius that just kinda clicked for me, so...Oh, and the sales manager actually came up to me twice while I was there to try to find out what I needed (I needed time, so he didn't stay long, lol). His name was Rocky (very fitting, too) - maybe I should just call him.

Actually, we never got that far. The sticker was $25K and the guy said he would throw in leather seat covers, floor mats, and some other stuff I forget. I told him I wanted a $350/month payment, at which he grunted. I also have to trade in my current car (worth $14K, owe $19K), making things more interesting. As for final price out the door, I don't know. I have really good credit, so, I don't know, maybe that will help - maybe the offers will come in from my internet searches on Monday.

I'm encouraged to know that people have done this entirely online with success, so I will keep at it. I checked out the website for Carson - they have what I want, but if would have to be an awefully good deal for me to drive there. We'll see.

 

Ok, I can see the temporary reduction in oil demand. I can also see the ADD media forgetting all about the Middle East for a while. So basically when they tell me there are going to be no more shipments of Prius', and gas is gonna be $5, I need to take it for what it is - yet another pressure tactic. Geez. Yeah, gonna check a different dealer.

 

You mean the $25k sticker price, my $350/mo limit, or my trade in?

 

Gotcha, I appreciate that. My experience at the dealer made me think maybe I should look at a used Prius (2009-10), but it seems like the pricing on them is more or less the same as a brand new one. I looked at a 2007, which was quite a bit cheaper, but I like the new style better. My dad always said (and recently reiterated lol) never buy a new car since its value drops like 20% as soon as you drive it away, but if the price is similar, I might as well buy new. Right? If I do it will be my 1st ever.

I so much want a 2011, and that in itself is worth a certain amount, too, I suppose.

 

Sorry to quote myself, it's from my OP. Since I am still not sure what I will, I was wondering if anyone knows if this is true? Does a sales guy make so little? He said if I bought then and there he's get $75.

I know pay varies, but can anyone guess if this is an exageration? I want to know, you see, because if he is not only guilt tripping me, but lying to me as well, then I won't feel obligated to call him tomorrow to say I won't be there. I just won't be there.