1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

When should I pay?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by fojae, Oct 9, 2007.

  1. fojae

    fojae New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2007
    12
    0
    0
    I recently put a deposit on a 2008 silver package #2. The car came in to New York today and the salesperson was able to give me a vin#. He says the car should arrive at the dealer (Boston) in about 2 weeks. He asked me to come in tomorrow and do the final paperwork and pay for the car (I will not be financing, will use a bank check). This seems a little early to me, although I have never bought a new car before.

    When should I pay?

    Should I wait until the car has arrived at the dealer? Should I drive the exact car with the matching vin # before I pay?

    Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
     
  2. Dahgu

    Dahgu New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2007
    32
    0
    0
    Speaking from recent experience, you should be able to hold that car through delivery with your existing deposit. If the dealership is gets cranky about it, then chances are they're doing so to meet some deadlines or monthly sales goals.

    For example, I ordered a '08 six weeks ago and it made it through trans-Pacific shipping, re-route from NM to Colorado, and train to Denver with a $1000 deposit (refundable even). Once the car was at the dealership, I confirmed the model, options, took it for a drive, etc. Once I confirmed that it was indeed the car I wanted, I did the paperwork, but did not sign the "letter of credit" from my bank until they completed dealer prep, additional goodies, as well as other things. The dealer was able to hold the "letter of credit", but it was meaningless to them until the car was finished.

    I've done car purchases this way for years with many different dealers and have never had trouble. In fact, they like the easy-pay method when I handle the finance piece outside of their processes.

    Don't give them any signed paperwork until that car is in front of you and it's exactly what you ordered. It can get messy otherwise I would think.

    Good luck, and keep us posted!
     
  3. mgipe

    mgipe New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2007
    50
    0
    0
    Pay after you have inspected the car and it is ready for you to take home.
     
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    18,058
    3,075
    7
    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Normally you pay when you pick up the car.

    Tom
     
  5. Neicy

    Neicy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    834
    19
    0
    Location:
    Wakefield, MA.
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    And what is the name of the dealer that wants you to pay for it two weeks in advance sight unseen? Please share with us locals.
     
  6. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2005
    15,232
    1,563
    0
    Location:
    off into the sunset
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    There's no way I'd pay in full for a car I hadn't seen yet. Trade the cheque for the keys only after you're sure it's what you ordered. Car dealers are notoriously shifty, and this sounds like a highly questionable move on their part.
     
  7. grimpy

    grimpy New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2007
    7
    0
    0
    I agree with the above comments. The salesdroid I dealt with said that he didn't get paid until I paid for the car. Sounds like your salesperson just wants an early pay-day.
     
  8. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2004
    15,140
    611
    0
    Location:
    South Puget Sound, WA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    Persona
    it is normal to require a deposit upfront and in some cases a rather large one at that. but i have never heard of paying for a car or signing paperwork other than a promise to buy before delivery.

    looking at the time of year, i think it has to do with closing the books early on MY2007
     
  9. fojae

    fojae New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2007
    12
    0
    0
    Thanks everyone, this helps a lot!
     
  10. makar

    makar Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2007
    26
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fojae @ Oct 9 2007, 03:28 PM) [snapback]523235[/snapback]</div>
    I just picked up my 08 Prius, and my deposit held it. I did not pay until I picked it up.

    Do NOT pay for a car you haven't seen.