Disappointed in dealer fraud....mad at myself I guess

Deb you are too trusting, it isn't over until their check clears.

 

So true

Deb

 

I understand that the dealer has to make a profit, so I don’t expect to get the same amount for a trade in, as I could get selling it myself, or to pay dealer cost for a car, but what this dealer did to you was definitely bordering on fraud, if not actual fraud. It sounds like your doing the right things so far, but keep the pressure on, don’t let that refund date go by without seeing a check. I was also glad to see you contacted Toyota; they certainly don’t want their dealers giving them a black eye. Keep them informed on how this resolves, they have a vested interest in your satisfaction and can be an excellent ally in these kinds of disputes. I hope this works out in your favor.

 

Congratulations! Like Deb said, set your calendar alarm for 6 weeks and if it hasn't shown up start calling the dealer for updates. When my friend went through it, the insurance company sent the money to the dealer then the dealer had to cut one of their own checks, so it took about 7 weeks. Don't forget to check out the other dealers for the genuine Toyota Platinum warranty - it'll be easier to buy it with the cash in hand from this policy.

Probably because there's WAY more money to be had on the dealer's paint sealant package, which basically comes in a bottle and is applied by the minimum wage guys in the Delivery Prep department. The port-installed 3M Paint Protection Film is in another league altogether but doesn't lend itself to markup since it's already printed on the factory sticker.[/quote]

You're welcome. Good to hear when stories like these turn out well.

As an aside, I went looking at Cs today (still not decided, considering the Camry Hybrid as well). This particular dealer had only one in stock (a C2) but they had added a $3995 "Market Adjustment" so the net sticker price for this C2 was almost $27,000

 

I'd tear them a new one!

 

I don't think that's the case. I think the dealer can sell it for whatever the market will bear.

 

Toyota's extended warranty doesn't cover the hybrid parts either because they are already covered for at least 8 years/100,000 miles. Extended warranties extend the warranty on the regular stuff.

Is a Toyota warranty listed on your invoice? Either way, if you can't get the dealer to cancel & refund your money then file a complaint with your state or county consumer affairs office.

 

Apparently the warranty was financed with the car. The holder of the loan gets the refund & applies it to the loan.

I'd hold on to the customer satisfaction surveys until this is settled, i.e. until you are satisfied.

 

Not true; Toyota's extended warranty DOES list hybrid parts. Download the brochure from the link I posted earlier and there's a whole Hybrid section that lists more stuff than the Prius warranty guide. Here's the list from the 2011 Prius Warranty Guide:

•Battery control module (battery voltage sensor); Hybrid battery; Hybrid control module (power management control module); Inverter with converter

Plus under the Federal emission warranty, the following hybrid parts are listed:

Battery control module (battery voltage sensor); Battery thermistor; Generator; Hybrid battery; Hybrid control module (power management control module); Inverter with converter; Motor; System main relay and battery current sensor

Here's what is listed as covered under the Hybrid section of the Platinum VSA:

Actuator Assembly Shift Control; Battery Computer Assembly; Battery Current Sensor; Circuit Breaker Sensor; Combination Meter Assembly; Combination Meter Computer; Computer Engine Control ; Hybrid Vehicle Battery Blower Assembly; Hybrid Vehicle Battery Blower Motor Control; Hybrid Vehicle Battery Thermistor; Hybrid Vehicle Control Computer; Hybrid Vehicle Generator Assembly; Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly; Hybrid Vehicle Transaxle Assembly; Inverter Assembly with Converter; Main Switch Assembly; Power Source Control Computer Assembly; Power Steering Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Assembly; Power Steering Gear Assembly; Shift Lever Position Sensor; Skid Control Computer Assembly; Steering Column Assembly; Transmission Control Module; Transmission Input Damper Assembly

Also, the VSA can extend the coverage past 100,000 miles to 125,000 miles.

 

They can at least where I live (AZ).
Some dealerships here in AZ last year were selling 2011 Prii for 2500-5000 over sticker due to the shortage because of the earthquake in Japan.
I went to one and the first thing that came out of the salesman's mouth was "We are selling these new Prii for 5k over sticker. If I am still interested he will show me the car. I told him I'm not paying over 5k and pretty much the conversation was over after him telling me why they are selling over sticker.

 

OK, so the most the extended warranty will give is an additional 25000 miles in a non-CARB state. In a CARB state the extended warranty will expire first. I don't see the traction battery listed.

 

Just go see the movie "Fargo".

 

Not true for the Prius c. I looked at the 2012 Prius c warranty booklet and it's definitely different from the 2011 Prius (Liftback) booklet I saw. The Prius c's Hybrid Battery is only covered for 8 years/100,000 miles in CARB states as well; the "long" term CARB warranty on selected Prius c HSD components is 7 years/70,000 miles, meaning the standard Toyota hybrid warranty is longer than the CARB warranty and the Platinum VSA extends that significantly.

This is where things get interesting - how did CARB classify the Prius c? That classification would probably explain things somewhat, because the Chevy Volt isn't required to offer the 10/150,000 CARB warranty on its battery either.

 

It's so disappointing to find unscrupulous dealers selling such great cars. Currently, my Toyota dealership was great with the sale; terrible with service:

Been in twice and the unnatentive service writer NEVER asks: so, is there anything else? They don't care and when you do mention a problem, they argue with you.

Now, there's a recall on my Prius V5 and the writer could explain not word one on what it was - he fumbled and stuttered and finally googled it!

When I said the emergency brake needs adjusting, he got exasperated as he'd already printed the paper work for the 10,000 mile inspection (e.g. ask the customer "if there's anything else needing attention with the vehicle." He half listened as I explained how the brake no longer held the car in neutral and he appeared confused at the concept of a parking brake adj. He finally offered that "people never really use them anyway." What, are you kidding - then why does Toyota put them on their vehicles? What a rude, irresponsible answer, not to mention ignorant.

Service departments, no matter the make of vehicle have never ceased to amaze me of their cavalier and uncaring attitude toward their customer. Shouldn't be this way but in my experience of over 12 cars, it's the rule not the exception.

 

I'd have to stand up for my last three vehicle service departments, Ford and Toyota. They've been great. Both seem to have been remade and very customer oriented. Typically service departments are profit centers for dealerships and they do a lot to keep and get customers.

 

most all dealers will try and do this, when it comes to finalizing the deal, I slow down and read everything, also they are supposed to explain everything also, if I feel they are giving me any crap I will get up and walk, lets face it, there are no shortage of Toyota dealers,and they know that..do what it takes to keep them honest or else they Will screw you.

 

Funny enough I just signed for my C3 a few days ago and am waiting for it to be delivered. The dealer tried to sneak in both a non Toyota extended warranty and some sort of buyers protection plan. They made it sound like both were not optional even though I insisted that I did not want them. It took four tries of the salesman asking me if there was anything I thought I could use in any of the warranty packages available and me telling him I wasn't interested for him to stop.

The first thing I would suggest when shopping for anything like this would be to go to several dealers and get quotes, you should also ask them for information on their warranty programs so that you can know what to expect from them when they are trying to sneak something in. Bringing a quote from a dealer in a nearby city cut my monthly payments down by over 50 bucks with the exact same financing terms and I was ready for the sneaky warranty and accessory additions.

Don't forget that dealerships often make more money off the extended warranties and accessories included with the vehicle. It's not the salesman's fault that their job and income relies on them making those sales, it's best if you know what to look for before you even enter the building.

 

WHAT THE HELL??? I bought a C3 in March, ya' know like a week or 2 after the car was released, and only spent $23K.

 

I unfortunately find Toyota dealers more than others pulling stuff like this. Even worse, there are a lot of people hell bent on buying Toyotas that will severely overpay for them. Heck, I've had a Toyota salesman with a straight face try to sell me a used 1 year old Camry for more than a comparable new one. When they wouldn't budge on the price of the used Camry, I called them on it; he shrugged and said someone else will come in and pay their price for it. Two days later, someone did.

I won't even mention the $900 dealer paperwork fee they wouldn't budge on.