Put 2 more deposits today - experiences

I personally had a very bad experience with Victor from City Toyota. Over email he said he would give a price and delivery time that was amazing. He ended his email with "I guarantee it". This was way before they were even out. When I went in to put down a deposit, he flat out refused to offer the price he gave in email. First he tried to hint that I had to pay more if I wanted it delivered when he said it would be in the email. When I called him on his backing away, he actually said that whatever he wrote was just to get me in there and he didn't intend to honor it.

Others have had okay experiences at City Toyota but I'd stay away from Victor and definitely not trust anything he says.

 

I personally wouldn't do business with any dealer requiring a deposit. They aren't exposing themselves to any risk if you back out since there's a line of people behind you who would buy it in a heartbeat. The deposit requirement is determined by the dealer and not by Toyota.

Since you're in the Bay Area, I strongly recommend Concord Toyota, where I bought mine. The demand isn't as great out this way, or at least in February the list wasn't as long. Their Internet fleet team is great, no BS, and easy to deal with. They charge MSRP with no markup. I told them I didn't care about the color and I went from #67 to #1 just like that. I had my car in three days after I ordered it. Sure, it was just dumb luck, but the fleet manager made some calls, did some swaps, and ended up with an available car. I got the Driftwood, which I personally don't mind at all, #9 package was the only hard requirement.

I can't believe a dealer would try to tell you your deposit is non-refundable. Seven months of holding on to your $1000 is ridiculous. I know you want the car badly, but you're not exactly in a negotiating position any more....

 

I personally wouldn't do business with any dealer requiring a deposit. They aren't exposing themselves to any risk if you back out since there's a line of people behind you who would buy it in a heartbeat. The deposit requirement is determined by the dealer and not by Toyota.

Since you're in the Bay Area, I strongly recommend Concord Toyota, where I bought mine. The demand isn't as great out this way, or at least in February the list wasn't as long. Their Internet fleet team is great, no BS, and easy to deal with. They charge MSRP with no markup. I told them I didn't care about the color and I went from #67 to #1 just like that. I had my car in three days after I ordered it. Sure, it was just dumb luck, but the fleet manager made some calls, did some swaps, and ended up with an available car. I got the Driftwood, which I personally don't mind at all, #9 package was the only hard requirement.

I can't believe a dealer would try to tell you your deposit is non-refundable. Seven months of holding on to your $1000 is ridiculous. I know you want the car badly, but you're not exactly in a negotiating position any more....

 

I personally wouldn't do business with any dealer requiring a deposit. They aren't exposing themselves to any risk if you back out since there's a line of people behind you who would buy it in a heartbeat. The deposit requirement is determined by the dealer and not by Toyota.

Since you're in the Bay Area, I strongly recommend Concord Toyota, where I bought mine. The demand isn't as great out this way, or at least in February the list wasn't as long. Their Internet fleet team is great, no BS, and easy to deal with. They charge MSRP with no markup. I told them I didn't care about the color and I went from #67 to #1 just like that. I had my car in three days after I ordered it. Sure, it was just dumb luck, but the fleet manager made some calls, did some swaps, and ended up with an available car. I got the Driftwood, which I personally don't mind at all, #9 package was the only hard requirement.

I can't believe a dealer would try to tell you your deposit is non-refundable. Seven months of holding on to your $1000 is ridiculous. I know you want the car badly, but you're not exactly in a negotiating position any more....