A little help?

Go to Toyota.com and go to the dealer locator. Do a search for all of the Toyota dealerships within 250 miles of your zip code (the largest area it lets you search). Print it out, and start calling, making notes next to each dealership you call.

Ask - "I wanted to know what packages and colors of Priuses you have in stock."

Then ask - "Are you charging a premium or forcing any add-ons?"

You will quickly get a "short list" of dealerships not charging over MSRP. These are the ones to go visit or put your name on a waiting list over the phone. Do not give ANY MONEY for a deposit until you have in writing that they will not charge over MSRP.

Then you will discover that about half of the dealerships on your short list have lied to you about not charging over MSRP just to get you in the door. Cross those off your list.

You'll then be left with a short list of dealerships that are the real deal. Put your name on the waiting list at one of more of those dealerships. The larger the dealership, the faster you'll get your car.

Hope that helps!

 

What is this? Is it an extended warranty?

 

Yep. Pretty darn expensive oil change.

So, you are paying a few hundred over MSRP. If it is worth it to you, then be happy and enjoy a great car!

 

Good for you! Post some pics next week!

 

Is it any wonder we hate buying cars from dealers. I am one of the lucky ones didn't have to go through a dealer.

 

Ouch, that's why I could never buy a Toyota when I lived in the Southeast or Gulf States Toyota regions. I couldn't stomach getting stuck for an extra $2 grand or more they tack on at the distributor...so I went far out of their region to purchase my first Toyota and second. If you are in either of those two regions and want to save money, try the midwest dealers instead.

 

Texas is in Gulf States region too, unfortunately...and the Texas dealers couldn't get diddly for package availability or price any time I looked. We never even got into bargaining range the differences were so large.

Don't feel sick about it. I paid MSRP for the Prius and have never had to do that for a vehicle before. I could feel sick about it or accept that it was the way the market was and was a relatively good deal. When buying things I've found it best not to try to wring every last dollar out of a deal. If it is too high for my blood I just walk away rather than stress about it. If I buy it and someone gets it a little cheaper, good for them.

 

Which is all of course a scam. Undercoating protection is already included at the factory as it is required by law in this country. The interior protection, if they actually applied it rather than just saying they did is actually 3M scotchguard which you can buy for a few dollars at any auto parts store. There is no paint protection you can apply that will last more than a few months. If it did, it would mean the factory clearcoat was defective and wasn't doing it's job.

If the car has not hit the port yet, then this option has not been applied and you should request the dealer remove the option before it is applied.

$699 is a lot of money to pay for one oil change.