Four yrs ago I wanted to trade in an Acura MDX on either a Toyota Highlander or Lexus RX330. Hit the Toyota dealer first. Nobody came out to talk. Went inside - seemed pretty junky, and nobody approached us at all. Went down the street to the Lexus dealer. Nice surroundings, sedate attention, and we bought with very little interaction from the manager or finance dept. Fast forward to a month ago. Traded in the Lexus for a Prius, and di it all through Autoland, so I never had to go to a dealership. After i pulled off those stupid plastic wheel covers, I went to the local Toyota parts dept to order the center caps. My God, it looked like a run-down Pep Boys. There's no question in my mind the the build quality is the only thing that keeps the brand alive.
I will echo others here and say I had a smashing experience at Sunnyvale Toyota and Greg. Best car buying experience I have ever had and I love my Prius.
Update : picked up my clunker and check today - they broke the lighted visor in my clunker and it was missing its cure little subaru emblem. Called around and found one dealer who had a three and some fours coming off the truck. He couldn't find a three but said he would sharpen his pen for me on a four is I drove out to see him (1:45 drive). Of course when I got there they only had a loaded four and no deal - they finally said that they would agree to not add the tinting and side moldings to the already loaded price. In the end it was very painful (I hate the standard numerous people trying to give me the same story jerk me around with the price) But after walking out then back in to have the shred my paperwork they did finally agree to drop the additions and give me 300 dollars off sticker. Then they snuck in some weird theft protection - I'll have to check my sticker price closely to make sure they didn't double charge. But to their credit after too many disasters they completed the deal. I am now an owner of a nice but boring white colored prius IV with all sorts of expensive this and thats. I'll have to learn more about it tomorrow as I couldn't wait for the customer service lesson - I was already 2 hrs late for my daughter's 9th birthday - thank goodness for her big sister getting dinner together etc. I do really like the car and am sure once I figure out all the stuff I'll like it even better. Guess I'll have to change my name now.... Thanks to all you Prius chatters for your suggestions and advice.
So you already took delivery and you were able to do a clunker deal? Good thing, the program is ending on Monday. Congratulations! I know it's been quite an ordeal. But you're going to love this car so much, you'll forget about it in no time. And don't think of it as "boring white," think of it as Blizzard Pearl... (Another up-cost you didn't really want, oh well.) Enjoy your new Prius.. I know I do!!
FWIW, I think a lot of us got the car that was available, not exactly what we wanted due the clunker thing, but you'll get over it, I did.
Here is another recommendation for Greg siverston at Sunnyvale Toyota. I called him based on the recommendations here and he made it easy. I got on a waiting list and he called a week later with my car. No problems.
If you're looking for another dealer don't go to Walnut Creek toyota...had some crooked dealings with them, Elk Grove Toyota has been good so far though
If you have late payments or missed a payment, of course they can withdraw from your bank if you had it setup or repo your car.
Sunnyvale is the best. I got mine there too. NO BS. just pick your car and color..paid the $500 deposit. They will tell you a time frame for the car to arrive, usually in about a month.
Call Toyota Sunnyvale and ask for Tom Ormesher. He sells all packages, all models under MSRP, guaranteed. And he has a huge selection!
and in so cal And, if you are anywhere within flying (LAX, Orange County) or driving distance to LA area, why not reach me? I can often find unusual or hard to find cars ... but I do prefer the easy ones! I am also under MSRP for most (not II's though) and I am also handling credit unions, Costco, and the like. Dianne
