Hi everyone! Great to be here, the community seems very warm and welcoming. Now, Let's get to it: I went to Toyota in Glendale today and test drove the car all of you have and the car that I want! (Prius II) I went in to explore and tickle my curiosity, and left disappointed but excitedly determined. Prior to my visit I went ahead and applied for a New Vehicle Loan through my credit union (still pending). And I was swayed to take a visit to the dealership because of the tent event going on. The Sales man didn't sound like he knew much about the product he was selling me, nor was he very helpful. He just was very pushy and excited that I was entertaining his bad sales techniques. He implied that my income was too low (I work part time as a Recreation Assistant for the City of Los Angeles), but was encouraging to run my credit "if I would agree to go ahead and buy the car TODAY under the 2.9% APR?!" So is he not telling me something? I walked away because he was not helpful and was telling me that it was going to be up around 27,000 for the base model!!! I'm super psyched but very disappointed, i feel teased. Went home to find a Prius forum, better dealers, sales reps (like Dianne who I've read good things about from Manhattan Beach) and here I am now. Thanks for listening. Needed to Vent. My quest continues..
Correct decision. There is a difference between a great car and pushy sales tactics. "I'll run your credit if you agree to buy the car today!" Um, no. There are planty of Prii out there looking for a good home. Buy one from someone who will help you, not swindle you.
Obviously I don't know if the dealer would have tried to get $27k from any person he encountered, but people with risky financial profiles are in general going to pay more, because they have less bargaining power. OP, I think your best bet is to wait for the CU loan to be approved, and then you can bargain like anybody else. If the CU declines your loan, consider taking a deep breath on your desire, save a year or two for a down payment, and wait for a juicy used Prius deal to come your way. And of course, all Prius fans are welcome here, whether driving, shopping, or learning about the car we all find terribly interesting. A bit of financial advice: it is a smart idea to have a good idea of the credit score *before* asking for a loan.
Look under the dealership/sales section forum at the bottom of the main page. Look for Dianne Whitmire, she is a friend of the website and many many people here have purchased cars from her and have had a wonderful experience in doing so. She is showing Prius package II's for under 23,000. Manhattan Beach Toyota http://priuschat.com/forums/dealers...-july-7-thru-august-2-lease-buy-specials.html
Don't forget to consider a good used Prius from a reputable dealer. You may get more bang for your buck and a better chance of getting a loan.
Ugh, I hate that, but it is all too common. I know salesmen make a commision, and that it is the greater part of their jobs to sell cars and get them off the lot. But pre-agreement to buy an automobile while you are still looking and evaluating and even before they have run credit? BS. Sure he is going to imply that The Prius is "Too nice" a car for your income level, but I guarantee had you agreed to buy immediately? He would of ran the credit or supposedly run the credit and then came back with that amazing good news that due to the sales event and available credit he COULD get you into that Prius. Just sign on the dotted line... My advice, YOU don't have to be nice. Find a better dealer, a better salesman and/or get a pre-approval so you are dealing with simply paying cash and getting the best deal. It took me a long time to buy my latest automobile and part of it is I enjoy the research and process, BUT a big part of why I took a year, was I HATE dealing with most salesmen and dealerships. Automobiles I like, Dealerships and the whole sales process? Usually I hate.
Don't borrow money to buy a new car. Save it all up first or buy used. See Consumer Reports website or their April issue (in any library) for useful car buying advice.
The Electric Me thanks! Needed to hear that You guys are right. I should take my time. And I can explore a used Prius as well
IMO visit the lot to check out the car & get a test drive. Build a car at www.aaa.com & get up to 3 dealer quotes. Most salespeople don't know their product. Most of the time their ignorance is amusing. There are lots of cars sitting on lots of lots. Don't be in a rush. Deals have been good for months & I believe they will continue. 2010's haven't been flying off the lots. Do you expect the 2011's will start flying off the lots in September/October?
Check out http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/61492-2010-prices-paid-details.html to see what other people are paying for. In the thread are also tips on how to bargain to the lowest possible price. Then check out http://priuschat.com/forums/dealers...-july-7-thru-august-2-lease-buy-specials.html http://priuschat.com/forums/dealers...ugust-allocation-inventory-updated-daily.html and talk to Dianne.
