Dealing in WA

It must have gone up recently, as it was not on Costco's schedule when I ordered almost three weeks ago. Original color combination is not yet available in this region, so I opted for 2nd choice over the weekend, and should have it next week.

But yes, some are getting below MSRP. Mine is slightly below, another has mentioned the same discount at the same dealership, and a few others have done a bit better.

So far, I am aware of no hints of any shortage here before the July 31 tax boost. Two dealers have mentioned very good allocations for this month. But Jabber's comments about declining allocations in July and August, in a different region, should caution buyers to not cut the tax deadline too tight.

 

ugg mike isnt in until thurs..ill try him then.

 

Just got off the phone with Costco, and they referred me to Doxon in Auburn, although I had other choices, including Seattle and Olympia. I believe he said they were still negotiating final pricing with Bremerton. I've also sent queries to dealers in Bellingham and Burien, via my insurance company, USAA. Just wondering how your out-the-door pricing compared with advertised pricing. Were there a lot of add-ons, like documentation, advertising, etc? The Costco guy said he had no idea how much the dealers added on, or whether it was uniform (and I think it isn't).

Update: Wilson Motors in Bellingham is quoting MSRP as their "discounted" price.

 

We ended up ordering a car from Bob Bridge Toyota in Renton. We really liked the salesman, Ron Lewis. Absolutely no pressure. He even suggested that if we could find the car we wanted at another dealership, to call them immediately and place a deposit. We almost did that, but the other dealer would not hold the car until Cash for Clunkers is activated, around July 23 (crossing fingers). Ron had no problem with that stipulation, and will keep the car on the lot for us for a couple of weeks. The car (Pkg III) should arrive in Renton in about a week.

Ron said that regardless of which dealer we went to, to ask them for the VIN. If the dealer couldn't produce the VIN, then be suspicious. They're not on the hook to deliver a vehicle by July 31, the tax-free cutoff. Another dealer told me we didn't actually have to take possession of the vehicle by July 31 for the tax exemption, but this seems dubious.

BTW, Olympia said they could only come down about $100 on a pkg II car, which we'd originally looked for--not enough profit margin. We're happy with the way this is all working out.

 

I'm jealous on the Cash For Clunkers bit. My old car was too efficient to qualify. But at least I saved a lot of fuel dollars over the years.

Having met Ron Lewis at Bob Bridge Toyota during my pre-buying research in late winter, I must second the recommendation. He was the only salesman I met then, (among about seven guys at five dealerships), who was worth maintaining contact. As the actual purchase approached, his price was far better than the high pressure guys at my two nearest dealers.

I ended buying at Rodland in Everett, due to a slightly lower price, much closer and more convenient location for me, and another sales group that treated me almost as well. Ron probably would have matched the price, but Renton just isn't convenient for me, and no one on PC at that time was admitting to a price that would have overcome that location difference.

 

Renton isn't the most convenient location, but it works. I didn't visit Everett. It came down to who could actually produce a car in the time available, seemed ethical, and would honor the Cash for Clunkers stipulation. The unfortunate thing about the Clunkers deal is that we turn in a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, while friends with much worse--and much older--vehicles keep driving them as ours goes to the crusher. Clunkers give us about $1500 more than trade-in value. How do you like your 2010 vs the gen II car? We're going to be a two-Prius family now!

 

i would recommend Toyota of Olympia. i bought my 3 Pri's from there. first two at MSRP (when literally no one was selling them at MSRP) the last one was on Priority Purchase Program so pricing other than ad-ons was beyond their control...add ons were floor mats and dealer prep which was $50.

i am glad (and very surprised) to see the new Pri's going under MSRP. i guess the latest unemployment figures hitting a 26 year high has had an impact

 

You are likely closer to Renton than to Everett, so no need to apologize for not visiting Everett.

This is my first car purchase since hybrids entered the market. The Gen-II driving position did not suit me well, and the upcoming 2010 had enough improvements to be worth waiting for.

 

i dont get why people settle for things they don't want or what's on the lot. you are spending a lot of money on a product, you should get exactly what you want.