Hi guys.. I had my local dealership "order" me a Prius Three Seaglass Pearl w th Solar Sunroof last month. I discussed pricing with them (330/mo approx.. I know it's a mistake to discuss monthly payments, but that is really what I'm interested in now as I'm not on salary for the time being) but didn't sign anything. I had them make copies of their paperwork and put $500 down. They didn't provide any information on the down payment, whether it is nonreturnable or not. Anyhow, they said 8 weeks. I planned for it to be here in September, but low and behold they got it right before the end of July. Convenient. They called me today, telling me that I MUST buy it tomorrow as it is the last day of the month and they won't meet their quota if I buy it next month. For gods sake... No mention of whether it's a decent time for me. My mom is on my trade in so she has to be there to sign it over as well. Not to mention, I'm a first time buyer who hates dealing with car dealerships and salesmen. I'm concerned that I can't negotiate a better price from what I have down now. With taxes added, and the dealership fees, my monthly payments are going to be more and they know I have a set monthly payment in my budget. Right now they have the price $26954 written down, $4300 for my trade in 2004 Honda civic (with 79k miles on it). 341/mo. I feel like they're being overly pushy with me, and I hate it- I want to be pushy back. I should be having my dad or my bfs dad around. I have a feeling the dealership is going to continue to tell me sob stories and I'm just going to end up walking. Any advice? I just want my car with no scamming involved. Did I mention the salesman forced his interior option over mine? And added floormats and a cargo net ("oh it's just like $15 more for the cargo net..") without asking me?
deposit should be refundable. ask for it back and walk. do it right the next time. live and learn, hey mom! you're daughter needs some good advice. all the best.
Hopefully you walked. Never let them bully you into things you don't want. Their quota is not your problem. If they really want the sale, they'll do it your way. Always keep the purchase, the trade-in, and the financing as separate deals. If you combine them, they will muddy the picture until you don't know what you're getting. Also, next time get your financing pre-approved through your local bank or credit union -- even if you need a co-signer. And never buy a car that's not exactly as you want it.
As others have said, just chalk this up as a learning experience & walk away if u can get the deposit back as it sounds like they are trying to take advantage & pressure u into making a deal. Also, never go on a monthly payment but go by a lowest negotiated price & figure the payment off of that. You would maximize your trade-in car by selling yourself as a 04 Honda Civic w/ 74k miles is a very in demand used car that can easily be sold for more by u or someone u trust. Finally, go to a dealership w/someone who u trust & who has experience in negotiating w/ the dealers because even though u have a set payment in mind, u need someone more experienced on your side so u don't make the same mistake. G/L
Thanks everyone! All in all, I did get the Prius. I loooove the car. The dealer, not so much. The bottom deal was 20,900 (after deposit, taxes, trade in - they upped the price on the civic, thankfully). Had the dad "talk" with the dealer on the phone to scare him. Went in to sign one last paper (forgot my old title!) and the dealer had forgotten to give me my extra key fob. The he continued to beg me to give him excellent survey scores LOL. yeaahh... Didn't explain to me my 2 yr Toyota care, etc. was too focused on himself. Good thing I've done that research myself. They didn't even bribe me for an extended warranty. We were there way beyond closing and everyone was tired. But hey, it's a learning experience had to start off with some kind of bang.
Glad it worked out OK. Next time will be better. Enjoy your new ride. You certainly picked the right color!
