Order Deposits

I was on several lists before I got my Prius at the first of January. Some dealers required deposits. When I asked to confirm it was refundable one salesman said that Toyota does not allow non-refundable deposits. Take that as you will, I guess.

I found that the dealerships that had my deposit responded more quickly to my requests for status. Ironically, I ended up getting my Prius from one of the dealers that didn't have a deposit!

I got my all of my deposits back within a few days. One of the salesmen was on vacation for two weeks, but the dealership was monitoring his e-mail, and they sent me the refund without me having to call and work it out with someone else. That was a pleasant surprise.

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I put down a deposit as well, but I signed a contract (which said it was non-refundable) and paid using a credit card.

When I got a car from another dealer, I skipped the salesmen and went right to the Finance guy at the dealership and politely requested a refund. I had a list of arguments ready but they simply had me sign a contact release and credited my card on the spot.

First, I can't imagine a dealership taking a deposit without a contract. And I also can't imagine a reputable dealership withholding a deposit on a non-custom car that they can sell in a minute. I would *demand* my money back. You can do a lot more damage to a dealer's reputation than it's worth their while. I would politely suggest this to them. Mention the internet and sites like here and GreenHybrid.

If they refuse and you used a credit card then you should contest the charge. If you used a check then you should go to your state's better business. But I bet it won't come to that.

Good luck!

 

Sorry, I don't remember. But, all were very assertive that the deposit was refundable, and I had absolutely no problem getting any back.
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The last time I looked at the Toyota color sheet, the Magnetic Gray had been moved from spring to Jan 2007. On the Toyota site to build your car, it is not listed for the 06 Prius.

 

I put down $500 at Tonkin in East Portland that got me a small piece of paper that indicated it was refundable. However, I drove the car off the lot and didn't ever have to see if i could get my money back. I'd think if you were really worried and had put it on your credit card, you'd have 30 days to tell the bank to reverse the charge if it became an issue. I only had to wait for 8 weeks to get my '06, tho.

 

Data point:

I have a *refundable* Visa deposit down for mine. Only at one dealer.