Have my deposit down on a red IV, having second thoughts on the dealer

I had a deposit with one dealer, but bought my car elsewhere - the dealer with the deposit credited my credit card within hours of my asking. It was no big deal. If you're not comfortable doing business with someone or you find the car you want at another dealership, don't hesitate to ask for the refundable deposit back and expect a prompt refund.

Good Luck!!

 

I put a deposit down almost a year before I got my 2010 IV in June. The entire year the dealer told me if I didn't want the car, I'd get the deposit back. But I did want the car. The dealer did clearly indicate that if I didn't want the car there was line behind me. But since i had put the deposit down first i was first in line. Amazingly, I got the exact model i wanted - a IV in Black, dark grey leather, nav and bluetooth

 

If you were originally interested in a V, you may want to reconsider if your only reason for disliking it was because of the ride quality, the V's are EXTREMELY sensitive to tire pressures, and more than likely, their demo V's tire pressures were never lowered from those used to transport it from the Port to their facility. I would encourage you to return to a dealership (any dealership with a V), take along a handy pocket Digital Tire Gauge, check those pressures to assertain that they are between 33psi to 36psi Front, and 32psi to 35psi Rear, and I think you'll find a totally different vehicle!

The Low Profile tires have significantly less air volume than those of the 15"s, and any increase in pressures markedly decrease ride quality.

Take another test drive in a V with lower pressures, and then make a final decision on which model you prefer.

And, like others, I had deposits down at three dealerships, and had NO difficulty getting returns from the two that the car was NOT purchased from.

David (aka Blind Guy)

 

You need to feel comfortable with the dealer you are buying your car from. If you have a "bad feeling", there is probably a reason for it and you should find a dealer you can trust. ALL dealers will do the "hard sell" and try to get you to purchase the extended warranty, prepaid maintenance, etc, but if the one you are working with makes you feel uncomfortable, you need walk away.

As far as options and delivery time, we got our IV last Saturday through the USAA buyers program ($900 below invoice) and it was worth the 8 week wait. The first thing I did when we got it home was put some Enkei RS-M 17" wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires on it. That was a night and day change to the way the Prius drives! The lower profile tires make the car feel a lot more stable (not jiggling like a bowl of Jello) and a lot more fun to drive (the new rims look fantastic, too). I know that is just personal taste, but it was important to us. We like the NAV system too. It is polite and offers lane assistance when needed. Subjectively, it is different from our old Garmin. Not better, or worse, just different.

The gadget we like most on the IV is the solar panel / ventilation system. It actually keeps the inside of the car very near ambient temperature on those days in the mid 90s (instead of opening the car door and feeling like you just opened the oven door instead).

Bottom line: buy the car YOU want from a dealer YOU trust. Good hunting!

 

Hi there. I can't find the Amex car buying program online. Do you have a website?
Thanks

 

Southern Yankee,

I'm having a similar problem because I am in the Gulf States Toyota region.

I've put $500 down for a red IV with a solar package. The problem? None of the 'rocket scientists' at GST thought anyone would want a solar package in Texas, so NONE of the dealers have one, have one coming in, or can give me a firm date as to when I would get mine even thought it is on a "preference" list.

Poor customer service.....

I would like to know if that American Express offer works out; I get offers from them all the time to renew my closed AE account.

Keep us posted....

Joe

 

I gave up on GST long ago, if you somehow get in touch with them let um know the 21 st century has begun - good luck !

 

If you don't care about Nav then a III may be better. I bought mine thinking I would run to the aftermarket shop and get it put in as I always have leather. I called the same guys the dealer use and skipped the middle man...for $1,200 to $1,600 you can add it (high end is heated seat) and have a better grade of leather. I decided to hold off for a year and for once not care if it gets "a tad" dirty. Then I will change out next year. Good luck on your search!