Newbie - 1st post seeking thoughts

This is why in the past when looking at Toyota in the past, I've ended up with Honda or another brand. The Toyota dealer hassle/experience has always been second rate.

 

It's tough when you loose a sales person you like.

It's only a "stealership" if the buyer allows them to be. They have a right to try and make as much money as possible, and we as consumers have a right to walk out (as I have been known to do).

I really enjoy dealing the the salespeople. It's fun to beat them at their own game. It's really easy - I usually simply email the internet sales manager of all the local dealerships being upfront and telling them I am seeking pricing from all the local dealers and am willing to come in within 24 hours and purchase when I find the best price. I also request a price through Costco, which I use as a starting point. Virtually no hassle.

When I purchased my Honda, they tried to add the "standard Honda accessory package for $900". I said no, that I only wanted a couple of those items, and they accommodated and found me a new car coming in and only added the items I wanted. Easy peasey.

 

So everyone is a victim? Interesting. Didn't realize someone held these people against their will at gun point in the dealership and forced them to sign the contract they didn't want to sign.

And when we say they are prey'd upon, do we mean like they get rounded up in black vans in the dark of night and brought to the dealership and tortured until they relent and buy?

There are plenty of services to help people be less of the poor victims assaulted by every day life. I have mentioned Costco as an example several times. People are responsible for themselves and can take care of themselves. They don't need us to label them victims for everything in life.

 

Did you stay and allow them to "abuse" you? Or did you act like a consumer and simply walk out and go to a different dealership?

Women can walk out of the dealership just as easily as men.

 

Of course they do. They are specially trained dealers that have to go through Costco training and certification. You can only deal with the Costco certified sales people as Costco wants to try and ensure as great a sales experience as possible.

If the dealer does not consistently provide a great experience, they loose the lucrative Costco edge. I know as I've used Costco several times to purchase. The first time I tried, I had a poor experience with the Costco Salesperson. I called Costco, they sent in an undercover secret shopper, confirmed my issue, and revoked that salesperson Costco accreditation. That was a serious loss in income for that sales person as that dealer does over 75 Costco sales a month.

ETA: You can change trim and even car model completely from what you put on your request form. I have done it twice. It's a very easy pain-free process. I'm not saying it's the best or only way, but that it goes against people crying victim at the dealerships

 

100% agree. Sometimes spending a bit more for a great experience/relationship is absolutely worth it. The best price is not always the best VALUE.