So, wanting to see a 2010 for myself, I went to the closest dealer who shall remain nameless, (whose initials are: Poway Toyota, in Poway, CA) I parked my '07 touring #6 and walked up to the office where 1 black IV with Nav was parked under the overhang. I was set upon by a salesman while 3 others looked on as I opened the door, the trunk and looked at the lines. He asked me if I would be trading and what year it was and I said I was just looking right now. I walked around to the passenger side and saw a sticker saying "Vehicle Availability Fee" for (you'll never guess) $3875.00. I told him that that kind of markup was just unacceptable to me. He replied that they expected the cars to be in short supply. I said 'Good luck with that', and walked very briskly out. Just thougtht I'd share.
When I bought my 2009 Pkg 5 from Toyota Sunnyvale, the salesman I dealt with (Tommy Chung) told me that each dealer's allocation was given if and only if they sold out of the Gen II's. As a result, I'm sure many dealers took losses on the leftover 2009's to get the 2010 allocation. Looks like they're trying to make up for it by adding these "Vehicle Availability Fee" and "Market Adjustment Fees". I agree that they will have little success getting people to pay these extra fees.
They "expect" you to believe that line of BS. In reality, they won't be in short supply - for long. Good on you for walking out. I praised my dealer for not engaging in such tactics. They actually dislike that other stores in my area do as they seem to feel it hurts sales overall for the region.
They should just call it an "Anal Lubrication Fee", b/c you're getting screwed one way or another. Unbelievable what these guys will do. All they can see is short term gain without a moments thought about long term customer business.
Car dealerships are some of the most mismanaged outfits on the planet. What they are saying when the pad the prices is, "We car more about the money we make than the deal you get. In fact, we could care less about customers." Self-serving they are indeed. I have said it before and owners should write this down. "It is far easier to replace a car than a customer." Dealer’s allocation is based on their sales so if they want more cars they will have to sell more cars. Walking you out the door cost them in more ways than you know. Dan
The gas price is approaching $3 again in CA. The stealers are sensing there will be another rush to buy the Prius again. With economical conditions now, it is not going to happen.
I would have asked the guy if he was going to do something obsene to me for the $3,875 before I left just to see his reaction LOL
I was quite vocal and obnoxious last June (oh the nationwide shortage*?!) in Fremont Toyota after walking up to an 08 pack 2 Prius ... 'with heated leather seats and sunroof!' (not from Toyota) and ... 'paint and underbody protection!!' for the asking price of only .... $40,000 !!!!! If only I had a picture of that window sticker
Yep, they're right. I had practically given up on buying an '10 before Rick referred me to his dealer.
YEAAAA so I tried talking to someone at Poway to see if they'd sell me a Prius II w/ fewer options than the one Mossy Toyota was gonna give me (I have a deposit there, but they're giving me a car that's +$1000 due to port-installed options). This was last week before they got their first car, and before they decided whether there would be a markup. The guy said that they weren't taking any preorders... it's first-come, first-serve. So I told him to call me if there's any chance they could get me a better deal. Hasn't called, so when I saw your post, I knew why. I think I see a pattern w/ the dealerships that do markups--most of them didn't take preorders. All the dealerships that I talked to that did preorders said they'd keep to MSRP... BUT that came w/ strings attached: port-installed options. Still, better to pay the extra for the options and GET options I paid for. I wouldn't pay extra for some "availability fee" or "marketing fee" or "market adjustment."
I live real close to Poway Toyota...did business there once in 2004 on an Avalon, never again unless the deal is just screamin. I got my 2008 Package 2 in March 2008 with 7 miles on her for $19,947 from Bob Baker in Lemon Grove...
Yes, I experienced the same thing. I think they're hoping that you'll make an decision based upon pure emotion by creating some type of buyer frenzy.
They must have plenty of people that are paying these fees or they wouldn't be putting that up on the windshield.
all the more reason why if you find a good dealer, stick with them. my 3rd Pri from same dealer, 4th car... 8th car purchased by my immediate family
Thanks for the tip! My first impression at Mossy was that the guys there are really chill. A bit too chill. They didn't seem like they worried if I wanted to buy the car or not. But I guess that's kinda good... they're not pushy at all. Hmm, I haven't met anyone named Chino there yet. Someone named Nick from the internet dept has been taking care of my order. I checked the Costco deals, and it seems like the Prius isn't on the list. :/ My impressions of other dealerships in SD: -Toyota San Diego tried to sell me their 2009 instead. I knew this meant that they wanted to sell me what THEY wanted to sell me, not what I wanted to buy. -Bob Baker Toyota called me and asked me questions over the phone as if taking a survey but didn't really care and never got back to me. -Carlsbad guys seemed nice enough except a bit pushy. Didn't go back. In the end, I went w/ Mossy because they're close to where I live, and they gave me the best impression.
