Devestating experience at the dealer/ done with Toyota?!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sms92 @ May 12 2006, 11:02 PM) [snapback]254537[/snapback]</div>

Excellent comment... With the Kanban system of JIT production there is no reason toyota cannot sell direct in the U.S. market. Except that dealers would have to restructure.

 

I think the issue Toyota has had with the Prius, their various North American sales divisions and of course the sales creatures on the showroom floors is pretty simple. They didn't define the rules of engagement regarding the sales of a vehicle that was in limited production prior to delievering them to dealers.

Aside from Gulf States and South East regions, Toyota basically runs the remaining NA sales regions. Corporate in Japan could have laid down the law and given the NA divisions a take it or leave it proposition with regard to how this vehicle was to be allocated and sold.

I suppose it would have gone something like this:

• No deposits are taken. The car is popular enough that should a buyer walk away from a dealer, another buyer will come along. There is no lost money or any extra flooring cost with a vehicle that doesn't sit on the lot very long after its arrival.
• Orders are placed by a dealership to the regional sales office. The regional office will then keep track of all orders making sure that specific colors and packages are delievered to dealers with customers who are waiting.
• There are no side stickers or markups beyond MSRP. If a dealer wants to deal below MSRP, more power to them, but nobody gets prefferential treatment becasue they are crazy enough to pay money in addition to the MSRP. Toyota has determined the amount of profit a dealer is going to get off the car, end of story.
• Packages and color combinations that are not on order by anyone in a region will go to the lot to be sold. No customer will be told that what is coming in off the car carrier is what they get. Somebody will buy the white package 1 eventually, and probably sooner rather than later.
• Dealers will place orders onto a central computer system in the presence of the buyers. Buyers will be given a printout of the confirmed order and the contact information for the dealer they are working with, the sales manager of the dealership they are working through and at least two contacts at the Toyota regional office they may contact if they are not satisfied with the progress of their order.
• In additon, any party who is contacted by a buyer and does not return the call withing a 24 hour period during the regular business week will cost the dealer or Toytoa $500 off the price of the vehicle as compensation for lack of attention to a waiting customer. This would be incentive to take care of the customer or risk loosing profit on the vehicle.

Sure, this is pretty harsh, but it would have been just one of numerous conditions that would have improved the buying experience for everyone.

 

Dealing with most car dealerships is an unpleasant nigthmare--it's like horse trading. They are only out to make as much money off of you and the deal as possible-- just keep that in mind. I didn't particularly care for the dealership where I ended up getting my Prius, however, I love the car and that's all that matters. Today I went to the dealership and cancelled my 'Extended Warranty' (which was offered through a third party, not Toyota) as well as a 'Road Hazard/Tire/Wheel' Warranty that I purchased and feel are not worth the money after educating myself after the fact and reading various forums here on the website. Feels good to know I'll be getting a check from the dealership soon.

You have to be firm with these people and not act as if you are a pushover, otherwise they'll give you the run-around and a bunch of backtalk. Be pushy and I am sure you'll get your Prius soon.

 

Joy,
I am glad that your firend got her car. Let us know when the happy event arrives for you!!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jclay1965 @ May 23 2006, 11:09 PM) [snapback]260085[/snapback]</div>

I always bear in mind that car dealers are the modern day version of horse traders. And their lack of ethics, honesty, etc., etc. are celebrated in many stories that end up in tar and feathers! :lol:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ Jun 18 2006, 01:37 AM) [snapback]272953[/snapback]</div>

Maybe it's the fact that I also own 3 cats and a Prius that makes me empathize with you, but I am delighted to read the happy ending to this otherwise heartrending thread.

I am a bit suspicious that it wasn't just your letter to the GM that turned him into such a gummy bear. More likely, he heard from Toyota in no uncertain terms. I recall a similar experience many years ago, with a Chevy dealer that promised something not normally available. (That should always make you suspicious.) After many unfulfilled promises to make it happen, I wrote to GM (the corporation in Detroit) and they reamed him good.

Now enjoy the fruits of your suffering. Good luck and lots of fun in your Prius. And keep us posted on your experience with the car and the dealer.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeromep @ May 23 2006, 12:14 AM) [snapback]259608[/snapback]</div>

Okay, somebody give this person a job at Toyota now please. Very well thought out. Nice job.

 

I agree with Jeromep. Such measures will keep those "bad apple" dealers from ruining Toyota's (and associated dealer's) reputations which also hurts the Prius and hyrbid reputation.

For some reason no one wants the upper packages. I had a choice to take the top package on the lot or wait 6 mo in a waiting list for lesser packages. We decided to just take the two on the lot.

Your story is why I hate when I have to go buy a new car. I will hope to have our two priuses/prii for many many years. I will only get something new if they manage to double the MPG after 6 years (our break even point).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(joy @ May 9 2006, 01:24 PM) [snapback]252260[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tadashi @ Jun 18 2006, 09:19 AM) [snapback]273016[/snapback]</div>