Millenium Silver, Package #6 + toys, 21 May 2005, Hoover, AL

Date Ordered: May 21, 2005
Dealer Ordered From (Incl. City/State): Hoover Toyota (Hoover, AL)
Timeframe given for delivery: 1 to 3 months
Color: Millenium Silver Metallic
Option Package: #6
Your # on Dealer's Waiting List: Did not provide

The big day was today when my wife and I made the trip down from Huntsville to Hoover Toyota (southern Birmingham, AL) to order my Prius. The lucky dealer was not only getting my business today, but my wife's as well as she custom ordered herself a Radiant Red Tacoma X-Cab Pre-Runner.

I would have purchased the vehicle in North Alabama (i.e. Huntsville/Decatur/Guntersville) where we live, however, I was surprised that the enthusiasm of the dealers up here to help us was surprisingly lacking. After learning that Hoover Toyota was one of the bigger Toyota dealerships in the region, as well as having plenty of competition in the Birmingham area with other Toyota dealers, I took a chance and made a call a couple of weeks ago to receive some information. The dealer I spoke to was genuinely friendly and most helpful regarding my questions and went out of his way to follow up days later with additional insight to my questions he thought would be helpful. That did it for me as my wife and I committed to driving an hour and 40 minutes away to see what he could do for both of us.

We came overprepared to convey the message that we knew what we wanted, we knew what we didn't want and we knew exactly how much we wanted to pay for both vehicles. After pulling out our custom vehicle sheets from the PDF printout at the buyatoyota.com website, and politely but firmly letting him know that his efforts to provide us a fair deal on both vehicles would not only be appreciated but make our final decision much easier (i.e. no haggling), he impressed us by answering our questions and even questioned the common sense of some of the vehicle accessories we were considering (some that we later decided we didn't need ... when's the last time a dealer talked YOU out of accessories?). In the end, I knew that my Prius was going to be MSRP and accepted that going in, however, I hoped that he would give my wife a more than reasonable deal on the Tacoma. Much to my surprise, he gave us an excellent deal and we accepted hands down. Perhaps dealers don't get the opportunity to make two sales with one couple very often? In any event, he made out well, we made out well and now the waiting game has begun. My wife's truck should be ready in a month or less and I was told that the chances of seeing my Prius would be anywhere from one to three months given that I chose the #6 package (as well as other toys such as the rear bumper protector, splashguards, window tint, carbon fiber appearance dash and carpet/trunk mats).

I'll report when it arrives and, in the mean time, join the litany of waiting with the other patient folks around here.

Peace!

 

Update ...

I spoke with my dealer/sales consultant yesterday and he gave me the wonderful news that a Millenium Silver #6 was allocated to Hoover Toyota and, after it receives customization at port, will be available on or around the 25th of this month. Turns out I was #1 on the waiting list for a silver #6 after all!

The best news is that my wife, who until recently was dogging me that she'd be living the life in her new Tacoma while I waited, found out that her customized Tacoma PreRunner slipped in the production schedule and won't be available until early July!

The last laugh IS sweet!

 

Re: Millenium Silver, Package #6 + toys, 21 May 2005, Hoover

Update #2:

I talked with my sales consultant yesterday who informed me that my Prius was on the truck yesterday and headed to the Birmingham, AL area with an ETA at Hoover Toyota some time this morning. I'm anxiously waiting for a phone call here at the office from him saying that it has arrived and that they're prepping it up for me to take possession tomorrow (or Sunday at the absolute latest).

All the loan and insurance paperwork is done (ended up going with USAA which included free GAP insurance) so all that's left is get through today and make the hour and a half trip south to pick up the new baby.

The heart is beating faster and faster!

Peace!

 

Re: Millenium Silver, Package #6 + toys, 21 May 2005, Hoover

Final update:

The wait is over ... the deed is done! The Silver #6 is finally home and what a pleasure to drive! Given the 95 degree heat we had today, resulting in having to use the air in the car, the 110 mile drive home yielded me a 43.7 MPG average while driving the speed limits; I expect better results over time! I really believe this vehicle will cure me of my "lead-foot" disease as the ride home was theraputic to the max!

In all, the wait was just a shade over a month and well worth it. I give Hoover Toyota full marks for spectacular service and support throughout the process. Sales consultant Garry Tatum was super to my wife and I and strongly recommend him to anyone visiting this Toyota dealer.

To all still waiting in limbo, brace yourself for a slice of heaven when your day finally arrives!

Peace!

 

Thank you!

Unfortunately, yes, I did and had no reservation expressing my displeasure at having to do so. At the same token, as I understand it, the binding arbitration settles my grievances with Hoover Toyota regarding any misrepresentation during the sale and acquisition process. I made sure to inspect the vehicle thoroughly, test drove it and verified that everything I had asked for on the vehicle was, in fact, there. Furthermore, the "out the door" total cost of the vehicle they quoted me a month ago was dead on. Finally, I was not pressured into taking on any additional items such as extended warranty or maintenance plans (probably because they made their fair quota with our two-vehicle purchase ... my wife will be receiving her Tacoma later this week). Based on the shop's excellent representation, and the fact that any vehicle issues I might have are covered under warranty for the next 36 months/36K miles, I decided to forego making an issue out of it and signed since I could no longer afford to defer taking possession of it since my 1993 Chevy Beretta GT and its 180K miles is literally on its last wheels!

I don't know if this helps, or reveals my "trust them 'til they prove they can no longer be trusted" naivity, but the bottom line is that an entirely new driving experience for me was born yesterday and the rewards so far have been worth the hassle of "selling my soul" ... so to speak.

I really don't know if anyone has skated clear of signing that binding arbitration. I would be most interested in finding out if it is, in fact, possible to do so. I don't know how many folks visit this area of the board so it might be worth asking that in the main forum and I'd be happy to copy and paste my thoughts above to get it rolling if that would help.

Funny how we didn't even consider Scottsboro ... only Huntsville, Decatur and Boaz. Although from Union Grove to Hoover is an hour and forty minute drive, the whole experience was worth it and the Rocket City (where I work) will now have one more Prius traveling up and down S. Memorial Pkwy. and I-565 to Wall-Triana every day.

Peace and I truly hope things will work out for you either at Scottsboro or wherever you end up making your purchse.