I thought Sunroof was available with 1225

Based on what I saw, I concur with you, however, I am starting to see some signs at my local dealers that they are already grasping too hard on these new Prii... Example today, I called the nearest Toyota dealer, and inquired as to what I would be required to buy from the dealer with the Prius, and they are telling me that not a single 2010 will be sold without rustproofing, fabric / leather protection, and other 'environmental' additions being added to the car. He said that they do this instead of adding a premium on top of MSRP. When I told him that I would not consider buying from a dealer who 'forces' this on their clients, he told me that I had better try shopping in Canada, because a toyota memo stated that this would be madatory in the US for the 2010 Prius.

(After getting his name, I dropped him like a hot potato.) Did anyone hear anything like this from a desperate salesperson?

 

If any dealer forces you to take bogus add ons, I would hope you are smart enough to say no and tell the world about this dealer. Also look for a different car and stop rewarding shady tactics. If they keep this up, word will get out and they will be out of business as quickly as possible. Also, please print the name of the dealer so others don't get conned.

 

I do not mind replying with the name of the dealership, if one of the admins suggests that I do so. Otherwise, I would not hesitate. (I know on some other blogs, that is frowned upon, as the poster could make up something about their competition, and just cause harm for no good reason.) While that is certainly not the case here, I am hesitant to release the names of the accused, without agreement of the admin(s).

 

According to the early information released to us by Toyota, the solar roof/moon roof package is available with 1225 and 1227.

Tom

 

Everyone needs to remember that the different wholesale distribution regions in the U.S. can elect not to bring in particular model and option combinations to their region. If that is true in your region for the combo you want, you should check outside your region.

There is of course no nationwide Toyota policy on rustproofing, etc., although there are sometimes regional add-on policies (gives the wholesaler/distributor a chance to make a little extra). More often, rustproofing and other stuff not listed in the national schedules are dealer BS add-ons. In my experience, it is usually possible to avoid regional or dealer add-ons if you are insistent and/or order a car that has not yet reached the distributor or the dealer lot.

As has already been mentioned several times in other threads, there may be a short term shortage while inventory is built up. IMHO, after that 2 month period is over, price gouging and forced add-ons should not be an issue in the current down market (for gas prices and car buying).

 

Or . . . you could purchase in another region. Find out what region(s) will be selling the 1225 with sunroof (moonroof!), and then order your car at one of those dealerships.

 

A very friendly dealer may work out an exchange for you, but I doubt they would do it without having you pick up the costs for the transportation (one way, if not both ways).

The best bet is to work it out with the out-of-region dealer by internet/telephone. Make arrangements for a one-way ticket (Southwest is best for this) for the magic day, and then complete the purchase and drive home.

Chances are good you'll have some difficulties in registration, but I think the (out-of-region) dealer could help you out on this one.

I'm not speaking from experience on this, but I have heard of it happening -- there are posts on PC about it.

 

This was actually Lombard Toyota, which unfortunately has always seemed a bit shady to me. A few months ago, prior to my learning about the 2010s, I considered buying a new 09' from them, but they kept steering us into their used 09' demos, which were selling for more than sticker. Addionally, if you keep an eye on their current online inventory, they often have have used prii with 20-60k miles selling between $25k and $33k, which likely explains not only their desire to push used ones, but also their pimary motivations are not keeping return clients.

I will avoid them like the plague, which is unfortunate, as they are only a few minutes away from home. Although once I own the 2010, May try their service, if only due to convienience.

Does anyone have a suggestion. in the greater Chicago area for a good, reputable dealer? Ideally, I would like someone knowlegeable on prius, but given a choice, would prefer ethical/honest over product knowledge.

 

Have you tried Naperville? I have no direct experience with them, but I've heard of others who've been pleased with their service.

 

Hello Rebel,

I wanted to clarify some things going on here. Yes I am the local dealer. No, I am not trying to squeeze extra money out of any of my customers. My philosophy in sales has given me a very good lifestyle without regrets. I am never one of the sales people that run and hide when a customer comes back in to see them simply because I know they were happy dealing with me. I know we spoke on the phone a bit ago but I also wanted to post this here so that others in the CATD distribution area were aware as well.

There is an ordering conflict with the Solar Roof with option codes EJ & NV. Model 1225 in our region have specified option codes of either FE & EJ or FE & NV. The model 1227 has 3 configurations of FE, FE & NV, or FE & SR. In this region the only model currently available with the SR option code is the 1227. Not even the 1229 is available with it.
I look forward to talking with you further about pricing when the time comes. Do not hold the dealer to this but if the retail pricing becomes too much for your budget, I will do my best to work with you on this so long as it is reasonable. Have a great night.

 

I have been shopping for about six months and really like Orland Toyota on 159th in Orland Park and like one particular salesman named John. Last name I think starts with an H. He is about 45 to 50 years old nice gentleman very professional and not a hard sale.

 

If you would like to know the model and option packages generally available, please review this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/2010-toyota-prius/58321-2010-prius-models-option-packages.html

We know you can't get a 1229 with sunroof. We know why. We've known this over a month. We also know that the 1225 is available with sunroof, but perhaps not in your region. I do not know, maybe visit this board more and learn a bit more about what you are selling.

Check back on April 22 for pricing. It will probably be posted here first.

 

Thank you so much for the attempted slap in the face Mirak. I have reviewed that post numerous times and visit this board often. Me stating the packages and ordering conflicts was directed solely at the people on this board from the CENTRAL ATLANTIC TOYOTA area and was clearly stated in the message. This was also confirmed by Rebel when he called Toyota himself. Please read the entire thread before trying to make me look like I am a clueless car salesman only in it for the money.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

 

Shortly before we bought our '08 /Pkg #3 last August, I was told very much the same by a local dealer / sales rep. I wasn't about to pay that extra $1000 without looking into it a bit more. Within a week, via the internet, I located a dealership within 60 miles of here that assured me that such a "package" - with them - was ONLY an option. If buying through them, I would ONLY have to sit through a brief explanation of the "protection plan" - that's what they called what you describe above - and then make a decision.

It truly WAS a brief explanation - about three minutes - and when I said "not interested" they moved right ahead with the paperwork.

In short: you probably WON'T need to go to into Canada. Andy Mohr Toyota in Avon, IN - where we bought ours ... about five miles west of the "loop" going around Indianapolis - may be a bit farther than you're willing to go, but I'm confident you'll be able to find SOME dealership that won't try to "force" you into taking such a "protection plan" ....