Blue : #9 : 3/11/04 : Augusta, Maine

Date Ordered: 3/11/04
Dealer Ordered From (Incl. City/State): Charlie's Toyota, Augusta, Maine
Timeframe given for delivery: 4-6 weeks
Color: Blue or Green
Option Package: #9
Your # on Dealer's Waiting List: #2, there was one person ahead of me.

I called around the Portland area and I would have been ~25 on the waiting list. 80 miles (about 1 hour) from where I live, the Toyota dealership said that I was #2. So I put down my $500.

Here is the dealership's story:
The dealership has the option to preference 2 cars every 15 days (first of the month and mid-month). Therefore he will be able to preference my car mid-March and then it should take 4 weeks to appear.

This seems very optimistic, given all the stories I read and have heard from other dealers. So I'll wait and see what happens.

Howie

 

I just got off the phone with the salesman. They said that their preference is 2 Toyotas, total (Prius included)! Then I asked, are there any other orders for Toyotas that you have to fill. He said no. I then asked, if my cars was going to be preferenced, being that I'm #2 on the list. He stated, "I hope so." I'll check back with him in a couple of days.

 

After reading other posts on this forum, I didn't feel completely comfortable with "I hope so." from the sales person. I called the dealership back, later in the day, and spoke with the sales manager.

Here's his story:
1. The dealership gets an "allocation" of Toyota cars (all kinds) twice a month.
2. The dealership gets to "preference" (tell Totoya what they want in their allocation) one day before Toyota sends them their allocation.
3. Traditionally, this dealership has received one Prius per "allocation", but not always the one they have preferenced.
4. A few weeks later Toyota delivers the allocation to the dealership.

Side note: Then I asked about the keychain thing (trying to sound naive). The sales manager said, "Oh yeah, I've got to put you in the computer. I'm going to do that just as soon as we get off the phone." Being "in the computer" makes me feel better, but I have no idea what that really means?!?

 

Just got off the phone with my sales-person. They say I'm next in line for a Prius. They seem to think I might get one during the mid-month allocation. We'll wait and see.

Howie

 

I just received the "confirmation of purchasing the Prius" letter with the $300 price increase notification. It looks as though my order is on track. Time will tell.

I received the infamous keychain, a couple of days later, with a card that states, "Your New Prius Request Is Confirmed". Does this make me feel good? Yes.... However, it is still a waiting game.


Howie

 

I got the call today!!

They have allocated a Driftwood #9 out of the "manager allocation pool" for me. Apparently, they did not get a Prius from their regular Toyota allocation, but there is a small pool of prii for regional managers to allocate at their discretion to dealerships.

I am very pleased with the 2 1/2 month wait. I had a feeling the 4-6 week wait I was quoted would not be a reality.

 

Dealer called today with the VIN. Everything seems to be going fine!

 

Picked up our new Prius yesterday! It only took 2 1/2 months. Calling around was worth it and we only had to drive 1 hour to pick it up.

Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions and camaraderie,
Howie