What are these items?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pvsurfer @ Dec 9 2006, 03:14 PM) [snapback]359883[/snapback]</div>

Dealer holdback is just the dealer profit. I don't think it's the entire profit they make on a sale, but it's definitely part of the dealer profit. It's usually 2 or 3% of the sticker.

I'm surprised they called this out; I thought most dealers don't want you to know much about this sort of inner workings of their business.

You can find out about such things by cruising the Edmund's website (that's where I learned about dealer holdbacks). Or just Google the phrase...

BTW: Every day a car is on the lot costs the dealer something (inventory cost) which is why dealers like to move cars as fast as possible. This chews into their holdback, so a car that's been around a while might get flipped for a real good deal (dealer cutting the losses). Unfortunately, I doubt this applies to Prii, even now...

Some of the other things seem self-explanatory, and others I have no clue about.

 

OK most of this stuff is bend over and assume the position. You know what happens next! I would find another dealer or tell them to stuff it.

 

The rear bumper applique is a clear plastic overlay on the top of the rear bumper. It prevents scratches from loading/unloading the cargo area.

It isn't exactly clear; on my 2006, the word "Prius" is visible in the overlay. It's sort of like those old art pieces people made with computer printers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pvsurfer @ Dec 9 2006, 03:14 PM) [snapback]359883[/snapback]</div>

The Preffered Accessory Package is a number of minor items which the dealer had put in the car at port, or which the port authority put on. Most of them are minor, might include floor mats other items which should be standard with the vehicle.

Rear Bumper Applique is as described above. Not necessary, but high profit for the dealer. Can't be more than $5 in materials and manufacturing costs to make it.

TDA...????

Dealer holdback: This is the bend over area. If it is on the sticker, refuse to pay it. It is like them saying, here is some extra profit I'm making on this sale, I'm honest enough to tell you how much I'm making extra above the profit built in to Toyota's MSRP.

Wholesale Financial Res: Again, sounds like another bend over.

If you are dealing with this dealer, have them remove at least the dealer holdback and the Wholesale financial stuff or you walk. Paying for actual stuff that is installed in the vehicle is one thing, but all these mystery charges which add no value to the vehicle is total BS. Remember, no vehicle is worth more than MSRP and dealer margin is built into MSRP by Toyota.

 

TDA = Toyota Dealer Advertising Fee I believe

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pvsurfer @ Dec 9 2006, 06:14 PM) [snapback]359883[/snapback]</div>

My guess is TDA is an advertizing charge. My dealer gave me a card for 15% off accessories after the sale. You may want to talk to the Parts or Service Dept. to determine what offers they will send. The following link contains information I found to be very useful. Unfortunately your dealer looks like one I would walk (if not run) away from. I figure you won't be able to get a good deal if you have to haggle the price DOWN to MSRP.

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/car2.htm

 

Similar stuff is typically on the sticker for any new car. It's presented as something non-negotiable to help convince you to quietly fork it over. But of course everything is negotiable. See the Consumer Reports website for useful advice on how to avoid getting reamed this way.

 

Wholesale Financial Res is a definite bend over. I was told that it's just a little extra vaseline in case you don't lease through them or arrange financing through them and they can't extort you there, they still will get paid a nice Christmas tip for doing nothing!