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Manually upgrading to a different "Package"????

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by psycsnacha, Jun 11, 2008.

  1. psycsnacha

    psycsnacha New Member

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    Hello and thank you for any input that you may be able to offer.

    Concern:
    I purchased a 2008 Prius under the premise that it was a Package 3 model. This is what I was told repeatedly at the dealership. Upon driving off the lot, I personally noticed that the vehicle was in fact a Package 1 model. When I brought the issue up, I was told that the dealership never had a Package 3 and that due to high demand, it would be impossible to get one.

    Question:
    1. I contacted the company's customer service line with my concern and they are fortunately being very helpful. The concern is, I was told by the dealer that due to the way the interior electronics are configured, it would be impossible to install the package 3 stock stereo system (with bluetooth capability), anti theft system, and backup camera into my model; features which come with a Package 3 vehicle. Is this true??? I am very frustrated because I was willing to wait on the 3 month waiting list for the components I wanted, now I am stuck.
    2. Would installing a 3rd party Backup camera, security system, and radio/bluetooth system void any of my warranty?

    Any advice or insight provided would be very much appreciated.

    THanks
     
    #1 psycsnacha, Jun 11, 2008
  2. Skwyre7

    Skwyre7 What's the catch?

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    1) Honestly, I think it would be not worthwhile to upgrade, if it's even possible.
    2) You can install an aftermarket camera, security system, etc. without worry of voiding the warranty. This would likely be your best option. I would still raise hell at the dealership for selling you the "wrong" car.
     
    #2 Skwyre7, Jun 11, 2008
  3. KayakerNC

    KayakerNC Member

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    Trust, but verify.
    The window sticker or your own inspection didn't give you a clue? Why would you even :violin:accept delivery of the car, if it wasn't what you wanted?
     
    #3 KayakerNC, Jun 11, 2008
  4. psycsnacha

    psycsnacha New Member

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    No delivery, I went to the dealership, purchased, and drove off the lot.

    After spending 8 hours in the dealership (down payment and paper work done), finding out via visual inspection afterwards, living in the NYC area where this vehicle cannot be found on any lot in addition to the fact that ordering a vehicle doesn't guarantee that you'd get it (dealerships initiate pricing wars/auctions among all on their waiting lists), needless to say, I needed time to think and simply drove home.
     
    #4 psycsnacha, Jun 11, 2008
  5. psycsnacha

    psycsnacha New Member

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    sarcasm not necessary btw, thanks.
     
    #5 psycsnacha, Jun 11, 2008
  6. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    If a third party installation causes an issue, Toyota will argue your warranty is void for that component/system in question.

    correct me if I'm wrong, but that's how I understand it.
    --call the Toyota warranty department for clarification and double check your warenty paperwork.

    secondly, isn't there a buyers remorse, or some sort of # of days rule when you can return the product if unsatisfied, or mislead, etc.?


    Keep us posted on the resolution.
    GL
     
    #6 chrisspaulding, Jun 11, 2008
  7. lefat1

    lefat1 Fat Member

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    no sarcasm here but i have to agree whole heartedly with kayacker. i walked every sq inch of mine b4 delivery, while the business manager wrote up the contract. didnt take me 8 hours there either
     
    #7 lefat1, Jun 11, 2008
  8. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Re: Manualing upgrading to a different "Package"????

    You must act quickly to return the car for a full refund, the buyer's remorse period expires after only a few days. It may already be too late. Call the state attorney general's office. *Don't* rely on what the dealer says!
     
    #8 richard schumacher, Jun 11, 2008
  9. alanh

    alanh Active Member

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    Despite common belief, there is no general "buyer's remorse" law. Once you sign the contract, it's yours.

    However, you may have a leg to stand on if the car is not as described by the dealer. Does the contract say anywhere what package it was?

    The best you could hope for is cancellation of the deal and giving up the car. The packages are not dealer-installable.

    You could get the equivalent in aftermarket packages, though I don't know if an aftermarket security system will work with the Prius. Damage to the car caused by aftermarket devices is not covered by warranty, but by law they can't deny a warranty claim simply because you have something Toyota didn't sell you.
     
    #9 alanh, Jun 11, 2008
  10. QuelleFromage

    QuelleFromage New Member

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    Did the contract you signed say package 1 or package 3?
    Did you PAY for a package 1 or for a package 3?

    If you paid for a #1 then take the extra money and have the dealer put in Bluetooth and maybe the camera (not sure if that is doable). Unfortunately putting the package 3 stereo in won't work, but you can do something else aftermarket.

    I bought a package 2 and had the other things I wanted (leather, satellite radio, and Bluetooth) put in by the dealer.

    I don't blame you for bolting off the lot w/ your car without a full exam because they are hard to get....but you must have read the contract you signed?
     
    #10 QuelleFromage, Jun 14, 2008
  11. Tdoff1

    Tdoff1 New Member

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    Hell, they are in such high demand, sit outside the dealership and sell it to the next wanna be Prius owner.....can probably even make money ;)

    My base is fine with me, I can turn around and see what is behind me with no problem.....
     
    #11 Tdoff1, Jun 14, 2008
  12. psycsnacha

    psycsnacha New Member

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    Thanks for the suggestions everyone. The resolution is as follows:

    The customer experience people were extremely cooperative given that in the nyc area, the car is not readily available, and that it cannot be easily 'updated.'

    They offered to install a navigational system for free. When I went to the dealership today to have it installed, what-do-you-know, there was a pkg. 3 on the lot.

    They essentially swapped the cars with me paying a difference of 1500 bucks. Mind you, the original was a pkg one, used car with 11,000 miles on it (the price was 29,000; that's what they're going for up here), and my new one is a pkg 3, brand new.

    The only grievance now is the color (blue instead of black) but the perfectionist in me had to just let it be, given the fact that in the nyc metro area, most dealerships I called were throwing people on the waiting list (3-4 month wait).
     
    #12 psycsnacha, Jun 16, 2008
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