This is my first post to this group. I have been reading along for a few weeks now and I think you all are a great source of knowledge and information. I want to get your advice on how to continue my ordering process. A brief history: I placed an order with a buying service which works with my credit union on May 3, 2004. I want a Super White Prius with package #9. I live in Southern California. I made the assumption that this would be the best way to go because I thought the buying service would have a relationship with several dealers. The buying service is going to charge me $1000 over MSRP for their services. This gouging did not seem right, but I had hoped that it would gain me some advantage as far as waiting time. I put down a $250 deposit which is fully refundable. I was told that I should expect to get my car in late October, early November. I received my HSD keychain about a month ago. Yesterday, I called the one dealer with whom the order was placed and I was told that "you are way down the list". I mentioned the late October date and she laughed and said "we are just getting to the orders from December 2003" and "there is no way you will be getting a car in 2004". This particular dealer receives 1-4 new prii a month. I am very dissapointed to say the least. I decided to place a call to one of the largest Toyota dealers in So Cal, Longo Toyota, to get an idea of their order practices. I spoke with a helpful salesman who told me that they would definitly have a car for me within 7 months. That would put my delivery in January- February 2005. I will have to put down a $500 fully refundable deposit. My questions are, should I place an order with Longo? Should I cancel the order with the buying service? Should I continue with both orders? I value the opinions of this group and look forward to any advice that you wish to share with me. TIA Pete Damski Simi Valley, CA
Personally, I'd go with the option of putting a deposit down on both, especially if you can afford to and they're refundable. At the very least, it's "savings" at one of the dealerships toward your deposit. I personally had 3 deposits at 3 different dealerships. Make sure your dealers are saying what you want to pay, and also note to them if you're at all flexible on color or possibly packages. I was flexible on color, but not package 9, and that seemed to be a decent help. Best of luck to you and your wait!! Trust me, the car is worth it! -m.
I am posting this only because it's a white #9 you're after, but our local Catholic school fundraiser has a raffle with a Super White #9 plus $10,000 as a prize option. I don't know if you're a gambling man or not, but if interested you can get info by going to http://www.bishopbaraga.com/BBIndex.html and click on Grand Raffle. I have a Salsa Red, but I love the white and I'm in the process of trying to make deals with people to trade with me if they win. :wink:
I can only sing the praises of Dianne in at Carson Toyota. You might have to wait a while, but any info she gives you is truthful and upfront. (as you can see by my signature, I'm quite fond of her)
