Illinois dealers - can anyone recommend???

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(carolbrady @ Aug 20 2007, 05:28 PM) [snapback]499393[/snapback]</div>

I shopped all of the dealers within 200 miles of me and I only found ONE that was reasonable via email and the phone. I have a car to trade in and he offered quite a bit more for it on trade plus a discount off of msrp.


I have decided to wait on the 08's. He is supposed to call when he gets info.


Bob Hecht
Dan Hecht Chevrolet and Toyota
Effingham Il. 62401

Toll free: 1800-342-1892
Web page www.danhecht.com
E-mails. [email protected]

If you talk to him, tell him a guy from Southern Illinois gave you his name.

I assume you are aware of the $1000 rebate from the Illinois State Treasurer???

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(carolbrady @ Aug 20 2007, 05:28 PM) [snapback]499393[/snapback]</div>

I bought mine at Fox Lake Toyota and had a great experience. I did pay MSRP but that seems to be the going rate right now. I emailed several dealers and I found Fox Lake Toyota's responses to be the most friendly, low pressure. My salesman's name was Curt Hermann and he really knows the car.

 

i've been looking around in the chicagoland area as well.

i think with the state rebate (if you want to call it that) of $1000 in effect the dealers are not moving below MSRP. the other factor (which is everywhere but for some reason applies more so here) is that the federal tax credit expires at the end of september. you couple these two together along with supply/demand and you have dealers that are going to hold strong.

it really seems strange to me. why by a limited selection of 2007 when a full selection of 2008 is just around the corner. both are going to be at MSRP, the only thing you give up is the $700+ federal tax credit. if you look at any other cars you'd expect a $1500 price swing between end of year and the next year version.

the one thing i find strange with the $1000 state rebate is that it requires you to finance the car. What happens if you pay it off early? do they get a prorated portion back? What if i want to pay cash ... i don't believe i can get the rebate.

I emailed a dealer in SF and got a quote for 2007 with package #6 for $25900. That's about $1500 better than i could do in chicago. it's almost worth it to take a morning friday flight and drive the darn prius back to chicago by sunday.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DrTivoL @ Aug 28 2007, 10:19 PM) [snapback]503586[/snapback]</div>

Actually the $1000 rebate program in IL is great. I just purchased a Honda Civic hybrid (don't bash) and went with the rebate program. I got details on it and you have to finance it. But, it could be any amount. Just as long as your finance it. You can pay it off early and the only rule that you have to go by is keep the loan open for 60 days before you can pay it off. But, like I said you can finance only $500. It doesn't matter. They cut you a check right on the spot with the people that are in the program. You can use that money to go towards the car or do whatever you want. I went with a credit union since they had the lowest interest rate.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DrTivoL @ Aug 28 2007, 10:19 PM) [snapback]503586[/snapback]</div>

I think the main factor in not moving from MSRP is that there are no more cars available. I don't believe any more orders are being taken for 2007s, and I know dealers are making lists for 2008s.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DrTivoL @ Aug 28 2007, 10:19 PM) [snapback]503586[/snapback]</div>

As far as I can tell, the $1,000 rebate is managed along the lines of other agricultural rebate programs. This is being handled in the Treasurer's office by the same people who manage green farming programs.

You are correct that the rebate is available only if you finance your purchase after July 15, 2007. There is no minimum amount of the car loan. I took a $5,000 loan, but only after making certain there would be no penalty for paying it off early. The loan I received is a simple interest loan with no prepayment penalty (I checked with the bank in advance on the question of prepayment). I did it all by mail, so I didn't receive my check until nearly two weeks after I purchased my Prius. It is a nice discount and partially makes up for the reduced federal tax credit.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(exbauer @ Aug 28 2007, 11:17 PM) [snapback]503614[/snapback]</div>

I asked and was told there were no restrictions so that I could pay off the entire amount at any time. I looked at the info on the State Treasurer's web page before I bought the car, but I didn't see this limitation. I'll check again, just to be sure. If you know the source of the 60-day rule, please let me know!

Of course, a significant limitation is that the loan has to be through one of the "approved" banks. There are fewer than two dozen State-wide and only a couple in the Chicago metro area.

 

thanks for all the rebate info. It does sound pretty cool. I wonder how close we are to the $2mill cap and will there be somebody that thinks they are going to get it that will be shut out. In reading all the literature they do indicate they could possibly extend it based on funds (or something to that effect).

I tried contacting Grossinger Toyota the other day via email and mentioned the Chicago Prius Group, but haven't heard a response.

Does anyone know if the 2008 sticker will show the pricing with the manufacture reduction similar to the 2007s. I certainly hope not. In calling around and talking to various dealers either via phone or email, they have been using this as a reason they are at MSRP. Things like, "we're already giving you a $2000 discount ...".

 

If you want to pay cash, take a secured loan for $1000 on the purchase and ask the $1000 rebate go straight to the loan account then pay the interest when the principal is paid, it will only be a few cents.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DrTivoL @ Aug 31 2007, 01:27 AM) [snapback]504756[/snapback]</div>

I can't imagine it will last very long. It is available only for the first 2,000 applicants.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DrTivoL @ Aug 31 2007, 01:27 AM) [snapback]504756[/snapback]</div>

I was told by several dealers that the econosavings (whatever the current program is called) will not last for the remainder of 2007, much less be extended into 2008. Although 2008 prices are not going up by very much, you'll have to wait a long time before supply catches up with demand and prices drop. If you're looking seriously, I'd consider pricing a car by email in Cal. and buying a one-way Southwest ticket to go pick it up!

 

I would also like to mention I had a good experience at Grossinger North Toyota with Kevin Fernquist. I felt I got a great deal and he's a good guy!
Previously, I couldn't even get anyone in the Chicagoland area to even wait on me when I walked into a dealer or act like they were remotely interested in trying to sell me a Prius!! Had no luck with email inquiries, either. So, yeah, as Tony mentioned below, try Kevin at Grossinger!

Suzanne King

 

We were wheeled and dealed at Grossinger, walked away from a vehicle ON THE LOT, and wound up at Classic Toyota in Waukegan that sold us a #3 for $1000 under msrp. Grossinger tried to get $1700 over msrp for the same vehicle (I got them down to $300 under before walking away). I think at least 4 different folks tried to give me the full court press.

Classic had one coming in and offered me the $1000 discount without negotiation.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(carolbrady @ Sep 24 2007, 10:33 AM) [snapback]516858[/snapback]</div>

Thanks guys I will keep dealing on Priuses. Right now have
a few Camry Hybrids if anybody knows someone.
$100 finders fee.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(elcorazon @ Sep 5 2007, 03:49 PM) [snapback]507472[/snapback]</div>

Sorry wish I could of met up with you I would of done the deal
for $500 over invoice. Not over sticker or that crazyness.
All you have to do is mention Priuschat or CPG.
Sorry.....................Kevin

 

Nevermind.....

 

It's been more than a year and we are still "waiting" for compensation from Grossinger.

They immediately recognized their error and promised a replacement car and other things, but in the end, they never delivered anything but lies.

We got nothing but ripped off.

Service department is bad too. Slow, rude service attendants insisting upon costly unneeded extras. Overfilled the oil.

Stay away, far away, from Grossinger.

:angry:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kenoarto @ Oct 23 2007, 11:32 PM) [snapback]529535[/snapback]</div>

Wow ripped off and lies

 

Who would have thunk it at a car yard from a car salesman?

 

Sonny @ St. Charles Toyota sells for $1000 under MSRP. Do a little homework first.