1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Anyone been to a "New Toyota owners event?"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by DustimusPrime, Feb 15, 2012.

  1. DustimusPrime

    DustimusPrime New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2011
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    Seatac, Wa
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hey everyone. First time Toyota owner, I just bought a 2009 Prius from a local Toyota dealership. While I was signing the papers they gave me a flyer for a new owners event at the dealership that is happening today. I am assuming that this is a "add on sales" sort of thing where they will be telling my how important it is that I go back to their dealership for repairs and what not. They did mention prizes and I was wondering if anyone knew if it was worth it to go to these things. Anyone have any experience here? Thanks!
     
  2. oldasdust

    oldasdust Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2011
    356
    47
    0
    Location:
    illinois
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    You got it sales pitch to come back to the dealership for all parts and service. I went and took the free cleaning kit. Several other car dealership do the same. I always go and take the gifts.
     
  3. DustimusPrime

    DustimusPrime New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2011
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    Seatac, Wa
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Do they last a long time or are they relatively short? What's in the cleaning kit?
     
  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,798
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I don't think this is a corporate Toyota strategy. I think some dealerships do this, some do not.

    Go if you want to go. Don't if you don't. Call and ask how long they normally last. I'm assuming they don't lock you in, and you are free to leave at any time.

    Saturn Dealerships used to do this. I thought it was a good marketing strategy. They'ed give you a sales pitch on keeping up with maintenance, maybe show you some basics about tire changing and checking the oil, air pressure. I thought it was a good way for the dealerships to try to initiate a longer term service relationship.

    You could probably miss it, and it wouldn't significantly impact your life or car ownership experience in any meaningful way.

    Depends on how desperate for entertainment and or how clueless you might be about some rudimentary things about your vehicle.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,907
    38,356
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    We took our dealership up on it. There was a slide show on the wonders of Toyota, introduction to service staff, some give-aways, a demo oil change, and a light buffet style dinner. Didn't really learn anything, but was sorta interesting, and kept us off the street ;)
     
  6. Sabby

    Sabby Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2011
    295
    127
    0
    Location:
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The dealer provided a certificate for a free oil change in the future for each customer that participated. It is to be used after the free Toyota maintenance is completed. Not a bad deal!!

    There were other door prizes as well
     
  7. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    4,003
    944
    118
    Location:
    Los Angeles Foothills
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I went for the free Oil Change coupon, got a sandwich, Coke, and a info talk about the joys of having your car serviced at the dealership!
    Worth the free oil change!
     
  8. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Free dinner (probably pizza and/or sandwiches)
    Free coupon worth $x (enough for an oil change or good at Parts Dept.)
    Door prizes (hat, keychain, toy car)

    Chance to talk to some Service Dept people & check out the place.

    Chance to share wisdom with other Prius owners (mention site).

    Worth going to if convenient enough.
     
  9. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
    6,974
    3,211
    1
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Model:
    N/A
    It was terrible I tell you, terrible. Several fights broke out and a couple of people were killed. I'll never go back.
     
    1 person likes this.
  10. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    4,003
    944
    118
    Location:
    Los Angeles Foothills
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I have always heard Joisey was a tough state.....you win!
     
  11. SteveK1

    SteveK1 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2012
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I went to one this week that was really worth going to for me. I ended up winning a television!
     
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,798
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Wow! I'd go if worthwhile prizes were offered. The Saturn one I attended with my Dad was just some crummy hotdogs, chips, a pop, and a few talks/demonstrations on basic auto stuff. Along with the implied threat that not keeping up with maintenance and/or going anyplace other than the dealership would result in the instant destruction of your vehicle and cancellation of the warranty.

    Nobody took home a television.
     
  13. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2005
    893
    28
    0
    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I went solely because they give you coupons for free oil changes and you have a chance of winning other prizes. Sometimes it's also a good time for some QA about your car. As an added bonus, Longo Toyota also did a live airbag deployment demo (airbag module was in a cage and they pressed a button to deploy it). It was loud...and scary, but cool to experience.

    But yes, it's mainly to tell you about their awesome service dept... still worth to go.
     
  14. ataylorracing

    ataylorracing ataylorracing

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2012
    171
    29
    5
    Location:
    Fishers, IN
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You talked me into going!!!!!
    :laser::peep::faint:
     
  15. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
    6,974
    3,211
    1
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Model:
    N/A
    Well, the stripper was a little overboard, but only a little.